Ivan
Stefan is the only friend Ivan ever had. His parents were fallen aristocratic, who died in a carriage accident when he was ten. The duke took him in since his father was someone he respected very much. When Stefan arrived at the dukedom, he was all gloomy and taciturn. He won't socialize with anyone, let alone talk. At first, Ivan thought that he was just an arrogant guy who was high in his pride. But as time passed on, gradually, he started to open up. After coming to know him - hey, this guy wasn't so bad after all.
After that, both of them were together, always like real brothers. As they grew up, they became each other confident. Although Stefan was terrible at swordsmanship, but he was terrific at handling the paperwork. So, the duke assigned him to the dukedom's official observers. As an assistant is does the finest work.
Unlike others, he doesn't try to flatter Ivan with pretty words. He is an honest guy who does not label people based on their status. He is genuinely a good guy and very attentive to his work, except for something he spouts nonsense occasionally, like right now.
Pushing his glasses against the bridge of his nose, Stefan states, "You know, you should change how you treat her before it's too late, buddy," speaking nonsense again.
"Do not interfere in my marriage life, Stefan. Did you get what I asked you for?" not heeding to his word, Ivan asked lazily.
Putting a bunch of papers on the table, "Here, although they are done with most of the work, the lack of mana is the biggest issue," Stefan handed some papers containing the tower's report. "And as you predicted, new monsters are showing in the forest lately. Their movements are hard to track because of the snow, and it's nearly impossible to ambush them. The local folks can't even go near the forest". Adjusting his glasses, he continues, "Things will be difficult if it remains like this. The emperor won't miss this chance to mess up the hierarchy system."
Ivan got up and sat adequately, checking those documents nonchalantly spoke, "The emperor is not the issue here. There's a bigger picture out there," putting those down, he stood up from his sit.
Putting his hand on his chin, in a thinking posture, Stefan said, "But, strangely enough, lately, all of your prediction seems always correct. How can you predict every situation so accurately?" with suspension, he said, "It's almost like you know the future," bringing his face closer to Ivan's.
Ivan pushed his face out of sight, "Get that face off of me; it's easy to guess this much if you are smart enough." A haughty smile craved on his lips, "That is if you are", he remarks playfully.
"Yeah, yeah, you smarty pants. Curse you and that damn attitude of yours," Stefan said with ignorance, "Oh, I forgot, the maid said that your woman went out a moment ago," with a crafty smile on his face, he added, "I mean Mrs. Arya Dragun."
'He can drive someone up the wall pretty well,' Ivan thought letting out a sigh.
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Arya
Although the autumn sun is slightly cool, it is still refreshing, quiet, and warm. At this time, the sunshine became gentle. As today, the sky was clear, sunlight showered the earth with its rays, and the wind was blowing but at a pace—a perfect way to go out. So she thought of going for an outing. Arya was strolling in the streets, enjoying her little outing for the day since they would leave for the north soon.
[Today's outing attire : a simple white sweetheart sleeves ruffle lace corset dress and hair tied in waterfall style.]
'There are not many days left until we head north. Once I'm there, I don't think I can have the leisure for this. So till then, let's enjoy the capital life the best we can..' she roam the streets, humming a song.
Arya visited many shops, and the last stop was the Reynard Guild. Today's outing had a particular reason. Some days ago, she received an invitation from the guild, so here she is. 'Let's end this quickly and head home.'
The bell rang as she stepped inside. Some guys glanced in her direction, but Arya chose to ignore them. Getting tangled with people like that will only increase the burden. She made her way to the reception, where the same guy, as always, welcomed her.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen; I'll have the same as usual," she says with a alluring smile.
Seeing her smiling face, the boy lowered his head, but man, anyone can see how hard he was blushing.
Arya went upstairs and knocked on the door. As she Entered the office, Arya was greeted by the guild master, Renard. Looking up, he threw a puckish smile at her; at that moment, she knew he had all the information she needed.
She couldn't wonder but thought, 'Ah.., I don't know why, but I get annoyed every time I see that smile.'
"Shall we head inside, dear customer?" he gestured like a gentleman.
"This style does not suit you," moving some inches away from him.
"How can one be so heartless? Don't belittle my sincere feeling", in a seductress voice, he acted.
'This pathetic man.. for a second, I almost punched his face.'
"Stop being so dramatic." Arya went inside near the sofa, "So, have you found him?" Sitting down, she asked without delay.
"What's the rush, dear customer?" As he sat down, he said, "Take your time. I go bundle on just to meet you," saying that he winked at me.
He snapped his fingers," Xiver, bring in some refreshments, oh, and the thing I asked for, too." Then he looked at her like a fascinating creature was sitting before him.
For a moment there, she thought she saw a tail behind him swaying in excitement. 'Great, now I'm seeing things', sigh.
"Are you not going to ask anything?", curious he asked.
Firmly, she declined, "Nope."
Soon, Xiver came in, holding an involved in his hand, and put it on the table before her. "This is what you requested, lady," handing that he left.
Arya took it and started reading the pages when Renard asked, "So what do you think? We are pretty reliable, don't you think so?" rubbing a finger under his nose.
"Um-hu," she nodded as she answered.
'it is no lie that they are the best in this field, so taking pride in themselves is a given. With this, I'm one step closer to my goal. This is great.'
Arya got up. "Well then, it was nice doing business with you", offering her hand for a shake, and he also accepted it but did not let go.
"Umm..are you going to leave for the north?" he asked.
'so he knew. Well, it's no surprise. But dragging this will only waste my time. It's better to ignore him for now. A man like him does not like getting taken advantage of. To make him even interested in me, I must play my card patiently'…"Yes," pulling her hand out, "well then, goodbye," Arya bid farewell.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"Young lady, how about this one?" the old man said as she was looking through his stuff. He was selling some antique-looking things. He gave her a silver bracelet. It looks so lovely and cute.
"How much is it?" She asked.
"You can have it. No need to pay, young one. May this bring luck to you," he said.
"No, no. How can this be? I can't just take it like that," she insists.
"Then think of it as a gift from this old fellow," saying that, he smiled.
'He is a stubborn man, I see'… "Thank you, at least have this cake. I just bought it from the shop." Arya handed him the pastry she had purchased.
"How kind of you," the old man accepted it with gratitude.
"Have a lovely day then, goodbye." Saying that, she started walking.
As Arya roamed around the city, she saw a cute-looking bookshop. It was a stylized medieval house-styled building. 'Well, It can't hurt to visit, right?'
As she entered the shop, she was stunned. Books piled up, unorganized, some even on the ground. There are many books but, of course, not as many as at the mansion.
She looked around the shop; fantasy, romance, and historical books were available there. As she stepped further, Arya was shocked seeing a person was buried under the books.
Ahhh....is he dead?
Then she heard someone's snoring; 'he was alive, thank god. That frightened me. But how can he sleep in that position?'
"Umm...you okay there?" concerned she asked. Putting a hand in the air, showing a thumb-up gesture, he replied.
"Ooo…okay. Need any help?" She asked.
"Yesh, that would be.." without letting him finish, Arya started moving the books. After moving some, he came out on his own.
"Huh, thought I was gonna die in there, hahaha; thanks for your help," he said, stroking his hair.
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