Chapter 21: The Winter Festival in Moniyan Empire [3]
Lesley
I'm still at the rampart with Granger, sitting above, we stopped playing the violin a while ago and we decided to gaze at the stars, none of us talked. Looking down, there I saw the crowd getting louder with the smile plastered on their faces.
I glanced at him, and he was staring at the illuminated sky, with lots of stars that shines above. I don'twant to feel awkward, so I tried to have a conversation with him, "You know what, I feel happy when I heard you played beautifully," I said as I looked down, and flatly smiled.
His crimson eyes were shining in the dark, he gave me a cold look, "No one has ever heard me played like this, not even my parents." Then I noticed his gloomy vibe, and sadness was visible in his eyes. I looked down, "I-I'm sorry," I mumbled.
He then took a deep breath, "Don't be, Miss Vance. My parents died when I was young," He said in a deep voice, and looked down.
"Oh, but how...?" I asked as I took a glance at him, "They were killed... by the demons," I can sense the sadness in his voice. The thought of his parents getting killed by the demons... was really sad, and sorrowful. Poor Granger, my deepest sympathy to you, dear.
I moved closer to him and patted his back, he gave me his usual cold stare, and I beamed at him.
"Oh," It's all I can say, I found his backstory relatable, but my parents were assassinated. I took a deep breath and gazed at the night sky, "I learned to play violin when they sent me to Monastery of Light, and to be a demon hunter, is my choice." He said as he cocked his head to the left.
"By the way, Fanny told me your parents were assassinated by the rival family, right?" I froze and looked at him wide-eyed.
"I-I still don't know the reason why they did that to my family, in my biological family, I was the only one left. Then, the Vance family adopted me, but years passed by, they got assassinated by their rival family." I said as I felt my voice crack, and my throat getting dry, as my memories were flashing back in my mind. I shook my head to get off the thoughts that would make me feel sad.
"Miss Vance, looks like we both have scars from the past, eh? History repeats itself," Said Granger, which made me chuckle light-heartedly, "Yeah," I answered as I held the violin closer to my chest and took a deep breath.
"By the way, how's your little brother?" He asked. Oh, yeah... I almost forgot about Harley, my little brother, and a troublemaker.
I wonder what he's doing right now?
"I sent him to Magic Academy, for good," I answered as I looked down and let out a heavy sigh and yawned, as I feel sleepy right now. But my ears rang and my eyes widen as I heard someone yell really loud!
"LET'S GO!"
As I looked down to see who yelled, it was none other than Fanny! She was walking along with Princess Silvanna, Prince Aurelius, Guinevere, Gusion and his brothers, and the other chevaliers. They're walking past the castle gates, heading to the village. I can't see Miya and Estes, maybe they stayed inside the palace.
Then, an idea came into my mind, this is gonna be so great!
I softly poked his arm with my elbow, "Let's go join them," I said as I flashed a smile at him, he slowly shook his head and said, "No, I'm not coming."
I pouted and furrowed my eyebrows, "Come on, don't be such a killjoy! You'll die without experiencing crazy things in life!"I said as I tugged his jacket and dragged him upwards which made him flinch a little and looked at me wide-eyed, "W-What are you doing, Miss Vance?" His voice was a bit tense, and he was still surprised because of what I did just now.
"Dragging you, whether you like it or not, you're coming with me," I said and grinned at him, as I dragged him towards the spiral staircase, I hastily ran down from the stairs while I'm still dragging him.
As we reached the snowy ground, I heard Granger sigh in defeat, "Okay, Miss Vance. I'll come with you, just... stop dragging me," He said in a monotonous voice, as I glanced at him, I let go of his hand and I almost flinched as I saw him blushing, he looked down which covered the half of his face, but his reddish ears were visible which I found it really cute.
I kept myself from squealing as I raised my fist in the air, "Yes!" I hissed, as I gazed and beamed at him, and as for Granger, he was still looking at me with his cold stare.
As we reached the village, "Let's lookout for Fanny," I said, as we're roaming around the village, he then nodded and followed me. As we kept roaming, we reached the village's plaza, there I saw an orange-haired woman, holding a bowl of food!
She screamed happily, her familiar voice, it was Fanny! Fanny stood at the top of the long dining table, and there I saw Nana serving some macaroons for the villagers and Harith was assisting her. Alucard stood in front of the dining table with a table napkin tied on his neck!
"LESLEY! GRANGER! COME JOIN US!"
We turned around to see who it was, and to our surprise, it was Princess Silvanna with chocolate icing on her face! She then giggled as she was helping Nana serve some macaroons for the villagers.
"Miss Vance! Chevalier Granger! Come with us!" Someone yelled behind us, as I turned around to see who it was, it's Prince Aurelius. I beamed at him, and he did the same. I snorted as I saw some chocolate icing above his upper lip that made him look like a childish kid who loves eating chocolates and other dairy products.
Looks like they're having fun, huh. I couldn't help but giggle at them, "We will!" I said as I mindlessly dragged Granger to Prince Aurelius, and this emo guy flinched again as I dragged him.
"MISS VANCE, I SAID NO DRAGGING!"
-
"Looks like we're gonna have a feast again, huh," I said as I stood erect beside Princess Silvanna, who was now supervising for the upcoming grand public feast!
Now we're watching them prepare the feast, I glanced at Granger as his gaze was on the people who were making a few preparations for the feast. I softly poked his shoulders, "Let's help them," I whispered in his ear.
He then gave me a look, "No need, Miss Vance. They're almost finished," He whispered back as he shove his hair, fixing it. I nodded and remained standing beside him.
Then I saw Princess Silvanna went to the long, rectangular dining table, "About time," Princess Silvanna whispered. Then she motioned us to come with her, we followed her to the table and sat on a stool made out of varnished wood. There was Alucard, who was sitting on a stool further from us, pouting. Guess he's not in a mood for something, huh.
As we sat on the stool, Nana was now finished serving macaroons, then she went to Harith and beamed at him, and Harith smiled back at her. I chuckled at their cuteness.
They could make a perfect pair, though.
There I saw Guinevere and Gusion, sitting at the corner of the table, while Grayson and Giovanni were sitting beside him. Tigreal sat beside his sister, Fanny... and looks like he's waiting for the food impatiently.
Then the grilled chicken, pork, and a piece of chocolate cake were served in front of us, although a while ago, I feel full because of the lasagna with its triple cheese. But now, I felt like I'm starving, as I found myself out drooling over the food!
I quickly hid my face and wiped it from my mouth in embarrassment. As Fanny stood up from the table, "Are you guys ready?!" She yelled while she spoke through the megaphone.
"YES!" We all said in unison, except for Granger who remained silent, sitting beside me. Then I almost flinched when someone held my shoulder! I looked at the right side only to find out that it was Prince Aurelius! "Hi, Miss Vance!" He happily greeted and beamed at me, I chuckled as I gazed at him and smiled back, "Hello, Aurelius," I greeted back and he then sat beside me.
"May I sit beside you?" He asked with a smile on his face, I then nodded and giggled, "Sure! You're already sitting on a stool." I said as I playfully poked his torso which made him giggle, "You can't tickle me, Miss Vance." Said Prince Aurelius as he laughed light-heartedly!
"Well then, I'll keep finding where your soft spot is," I joked as I grinned at him. I froze as I saw him flustered and looked away.
Huh? What did I do?
"A-Are you okay?" I asked him as I caught his gaze, he then looked at me and laughed awkwardly, "Yes, Miss Vance. I'm fine." He said as he cleared his throat and smiled at me. I then chuckled as I saw Princess Silvanna raise her fork and stand up from the stool,
"LET THE FEAST BEGIN!"
The princess exclaimed as we all started to eat! Everyone yelled happily as they ate, Tigreal took the grilled chicken leg and eat it like a predator devouring its prey! The same goes for Fanny as she hungrily ate the cake. Alucard was eating only macaroons, Harith and Nana were sharing meals which I found really sweet! Princess Silvanna was eating gracefully, and also Prince Aurelius was eating with a smile on his face.
As I glanced at Granger, he's not yet eating... he was staring at the food in front of him, "Hey, you should eat now." I said as I looked at him with a hint of worry in my eyes. Then he snapped and blinked for a few times and gazed at me, "I'm full now, Miss Vance." He said as his expression remains the same.
I poked his cheek and grinned at him, "Looks like you're on a diet, huh." I teased as I let out a chuckle.
He then closed his eyes emphatically, "I'm not a picky eater, Miss Vance. I'm just... full." He said in a monotonous voice as he gazed at the people eating happily.
"You sure? Looks like you're still looking for more to eat," I said as I pouted at him, he then furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head.
I shove the icing from the cake with my index finger and point it near his cheeks, "Are you gonna eat? Or else I'll swipe my finger with icing on your face," I grinned at him and I laughed evilly.
"Miss Vance, this is not a good ide-"
I cut him off by swiping my finger on his cheek with chocolate icing! I snorted and tried to hold myself back from laughing! He was clearly shocked because of what I've done just now, he looked at me with a priceless look on his face. "Oops, my bad." I said as I averted my gaze and whistled like nothing happened.
His stare turned into a glare which made me chuckle nervously...
Looks like I need to retreat.
But what made me surprised as he let out a half-suppressed laugh which made my jaw drop,
"Two can play at that game, Miss Vance."
My eyes widen as he stared at me as if he's gonna do something which I don't like! I was about to stand up from the stool as he quickly tugged me by my coat and locked me in his arms, strangling me lightly!
I couldn't help but feel nervous, what the hell is he gonna do to me? Then, from the corner of my eyes, I saw he shoved an icing from his cake using his palm! I tried to break free from him but... dang! He's too strong!
As I expected, he raised his palm and quickly shove the icing on my face, and it's now covered in chocolate! Argh!
I tried to break free from him again, trying to divert his attention from me, "Look, there's a bat on your head!" I exclaimed as I pointed above his head, but still, he was strangling me.
Think Lesley, think!
I squeezed my brain just to think of some of the crazy ideas that would possibly work and make him caught off guard just to break free from him.
Bingo! I think I know just the
way!
I whispered something, "Hey, Mister Rousseau..." I paused and continued.
He gazed at me, even though half of his face was covered by his collar, I can tell that he's smirking at me.
"I wanna know what you taste like." As I whispered the last sentence, he froze... his eyes widened, and looked at me in disbelief. His jaw dropped and his grip was loosened!
Now's my chance!
I broke free from him by grabbing his arm and spreading it really wide, I quickly stood up from the stool, still holding his arms which made everyone stop eating and their gaze landed on us wide-eyed! We looked at them with a hint of awkwardness in our eyes, as I realized what we did just now.
I nervously chuckled, I was about to sit down on the chair when Fanny took the grilled pork and shove it on Tigreal's face which made everyone laugh!
"FANNY! YOU-"
Then someone threw macaroons at Tigreal which made the crowd laugh harder. Tigreal looked at someone who threw only to find out that it was Alucard snorting with laughter!
"Ah, I see you want to play, huh..." Said Tigreal as he stood up from the stool and took the remaining grilled pork and chicken, and he started to throw them at everyone surrounding him!
Everyone was shocked and they all did the same! Like we were having an awesome food war! Nana threw macaroons at Harith, and Harith did the same! Guinevere was shoving some icing on Gusion's face, while Gusion, was letting Guinevere do that. Grayson and Giovanni chuckled as they watched the crowd throwing some food!
A flying grilled chicken, grilled pork, even a slice of cake in the air! They'll laugh every time the food landed directly on anyone's face! Prince Aurelius was laughing with chocolate icing on his whole face! Princess Silvanna was giggling while she was throwing the macarons at them, "Oh, no I won't let you!" Princess Silvanna exclaimed as she let out an evil laugh.
Giggle, and laughter filled the village's square, I laughed at their faces covered with grease and icings! I glanced at Granger and I saw his eyes were smiling which made me froze and stare at him.
He noticed that I was staring at him, "Miss Vance, staring is rude." He said as he cocked his head to the right.
I pouted, "Says the man who was always giving me a cold stare," I said as I playfully poked his cheeks.
"Says the woman who wanted to know what I taste like."
I froze, and looked at him wide-eyed. I was speechless and dumbfounded at his words. I felt my cheeks were heating up and my face was blushing harder! "S-Stop, you idiot!" I exclaimed as I hid my face covered with icing behind my hair.
I heard him chuckle, "Just kidding, Miss Vance... here, a napkin, wipe it from your face." He said as he handed me the napkin, I accepted the napkin he gave, "Thanks," I muttered, as I wiped the icing from my face.
After I wiped the icing off of my face, my eyes roamed around the plaza, the atmosphere, was very lively. I smiled as I saw all of them were enjoying the feast.
-
The crowd, was now peaceful, the feast was now finished, and now... they're dancing in a slow rhythm. Fanny is at the dancefloor, dancing in a random beat that made her look funny. Guinevere was swaying along with Gusion, and looks like they're talking about something. Giovanni and Grayson decided to go home since they feel tired and bid goodbye to us. Miya and Estes came after the feast and they decided to join the dance party, there I saw Alucard, looking at them with a different expression. I stood in front of them, watching then dancing.
I noticed someone standing beside me...
It's Prince Aurelius.
"Miss Vance, let's dance!" The prince happily said as he lend his hand in front of me, "Will you dance with me, Miss Vance?" He said as he kneeled in front of me, I chuckled and accepted it. I was happy with him, being friendly.
As we went to the dancefloor, "I-I'm not that good at dancing," I stuttered as I looked down, he then chuckled and said, "Don't worry, just... go with the flow, Miss Vance," He said, then I slowly nodded.
We started to dance at a slow pace, at first, I felt awkward, then seconds passed... I feel like I'm enjoying this! I giggled and say sorry every time I stepped on his foot accidentally. Prince Aurelius might be laughing mentally because of my clumsiness.
After we danced, I went back to where I was, "Thanks for the dance, Aurelius. It was fun," I beamed at him, he then chuckled and said, "No problem, Miss Vance. I'll go fetch my sister, she must be tired," He said, then he left.
I was about to turn around when I noticed someone beside me,
It was Granger.
He was gazing at me, with the look in his eyes that I couldn't understand, "Are you okay?" I asked, then he lazily nodded, without saying a word.
Maybe he wanted to dance too, huh.
I lightly tugged his jacket, "Let's dance," I said as I beamed at him, he quickly shook his head, "I don't dance, and I don't know how to dance," He replied, I then pouted and took a deep breath, "Dancing is for everyone, so... come on!" I dragged him to the dancefloor which made him froze and at the same time, embarrassed.
"Trust me with this, please," I said as I gave him a pleading look, he then sighed in defeat and nodded. I laughed light-heartedly,
"Will you dance with me, Mister Rousseau?" I asked him with a smile on his face as I lend my hand in front of him. He was hesitating at first, then seconds passed, he slowly reached out of my hand. I quickly interlock my fingers in his as I dragged him to the center of the dancefloor which made him shocked.
"Don't worry, follow my lead," I said as I started to sway slowly, embarrassed filled his face, "Come on," I said as I chuckled at him. He took a deep breath and nodded.
What made me surprised was... he held me by my shoulder, and his other hand was down my waist, I held his nape...
And we started dancing, together.
The rhythm was really slow, I can feel my heart racing, and my hands were trembling, "I can feel you trembling, Miss Vance," He calmly said, as we swayed along with the rhythm. "It's my first time dancing with somebody," He said, as I gazed at him, his crimson eyes were pierced in mine.
"Never knew you can dance gracefully," He complimented as he stifled a chuckle, "Not really," I said.
"You're really one of a kind, Miss Vance," I blushed and averted my gaze from him. What does he mean that I'm one of a kind?
I was about to speak when the music ended, he broke free and looked at me with his smiling eyes, "Thank you for the dance, Miss Vance. There's somewhere I have to be. I shall leave, goodbye, Miss Vance." He then left me dumbfounded at the dancefloor, everyone started cleaning the mess we all made, and some of them went home.
The prince and the princess went back to the palace, along with Fanny, Tigreal, Miya, Alucard, Harith, Nana, Gusion, and Guinevere. I was about to go back when I heard the bush rustling as I thought someone was there.
Who could that be?
I turned around and I saw a silhouette of someone hiding behind the tree, I took my rifle from my holster and decided to follow it.
As I kept following the shadow I found myself standing at the small, beautiful lake, shining, and illuminated by the bright night sky. My eyes widen as I saw how fascinating this place is!
"H-How beautiful," I muttered. I froze, as someone spoke behind me,
"I couldn't agree more," I froze on my spot and I found myself breathing heavily. That voice, was familiar.
That British accent.
I slowly turned around to find out who it was, and to my surprise...
It was George.
My eyes widen, as I looked at him with disbelief. I felt my tears were falling down from my eyes, as I mindlessly dropped my rifle on the ground, I ran to his spot and hugged him real tight!
Gord! It's been years since I last saw him, I thought that I would never see him again...
My face was soaked with tears, I heard him chuckle, and his voice got deeper. He held my chin and looked at him teary-eyed, "I-I missed y-you," I mumbled as I buried my face on his chest and continued crying.
I felt him patting my back and let out a hearty laugh, "Miss Vance, don't worry, I'm still alive and breathing." He said as he held me closer to him, hugging me back.
"I-I thought that I would n-never see you again," I said as I slowly wiped the tears from my face. "Let me guess, my brothers told you about me getting exiled from the family, huh." He said and he let out a chuckle. I nodded and my face was still buried on his chest.
"By the way, I saw you dance earlier with someone, you're a pretty good dancer. Perhaps, would you let me ask you for a dance...?" He said as he pushed me away from him a little, he lend his hand in front of me, "Will you dance with me, Miss Vance?" He asked then he lend his hand in front of me.
I gazed at his emerald eyes, he's gotten more handsome than before... I smiled, and I gladly accepted it as I reached out for his hand, "Sure, George."
Then we started to dance, but the rhythm was slower, I held his back like hugging him. "I missed you so much," I mumbled. He then chuckled, "I missed you too, Miss Vance, it's been years since we last saw each other." He said as he held my head, caressing it.
I felt drowsy as we're dancing together, he noticed that I feel sleepy so he stopped dancing and helped me sit on the grass. I can feel my eyes were shutting down as I leaned my head on his shoulder, "May I ask, what's the reason... why you betrayed the tradition, just because of me?" I asked as I yawned.
He rested his arm on my shoulder, "You'll find out soon, Miss Vance. I enjoyed the dance, it was pleasing. Thank you," He said and chuckled, "No, I should be the one thanking you, that you showed up, I thought that I would never see you again." I said as I felt myself sinking.
"I'm here, and I will always be here for you, Miss Vance." He said.
Then my eyes were completely shut, fell into a dreamless sleep.
Third Person
As George knew that Lesley fell asleep on his shoulder, "Looks like someone's knocked off," George mumbled to himself and giggled. He carried Lesley in a bridal style as he stood up from the grass.
He was about to bring her back to her home when he felt someone pointing a gun at him.
He chuckled light-heartedly,
"Oh, well. If it isn't Granger Rousseau, it's been years, my friend." He said, while not looking back at him. Then Granger spoke,
"It's been years, George Paxley,"
-
Sooo, this chapter was kinda long and sorry for being a cliffhanger-
Just kidding. ฅ'ω'ฅ
-
"How are you? You've gotten more handsome," Said George as he chuckled, Granger then put his pistol back at his holster, "I'm fine,"
"Good thing you still remembered what I told you," Said George as he beamed at him. He then handed Lesley to Granger, "She's quite heavy, isn't it?" Said George, as Granger carried her in a bridal style.
"Nah, not at all." Grange shrugged as he gave him a cold stare, "Ah, typical Rousseau." George chuckled and grinned at him.
"Take care of her while I'm gone, okay?" George said, "Hmmm," Granger nodded, then George suddenly disappeared into thin air.
Granger decided to carry her back to the palace, in Fanny's room, everyone was asleep. Except for the Vagrant Poet, carrying the sleeping woman who happens to be Lesley. He's always amazed at how beautiful she was, "She really is beautiful," Granger mumbled to himself.
-
Yey! I finished that chapter today, thanks for the support! But I feel that I messed up, xD.
By the way, how's the chapter so far? Votes and comments were highly appreciated, thanks a lot!
Keep safe, and lots of love!♡
-Rhealyne