In a more discreet part of Artasia, along a riverbank. The walkway, which was made of grass was neatly trimmed. The rushing sound of the river was constant and calming, capable of washing away the worries of anyone. The only source of light here was the bright moon which hovered above.
Two figures were slowly walking on this riverbank. One was a boy with above-average heights. His features were fine and leaning heavily to the masculine side. His black seemed to blend in with the shadows of his surroundings while his bright purple eyes lit up brightly giving a striking appearance. His clothes were incredibly neat and well-tailored. With one glance, one could tell that his poplin shirt was carefully ironed to every fold. The same could be said about his classical cut trousers and well-shined loafers.
The other was no one else but the monarch of the Elven Kingdom herself. No words were needed to describe her mature beauty. Her gentle green eyes, her luscious blonde hair, her voluptuous body. A simple white dress may be too simple for some, but it was perfect for her. It served as a blank canvas for her beauty to be maximally appreciated.
"This is the first time we're together at night," Saryll lightly said.
"There is a first time for everything."
"That is too true. I'm here to meet you for that."
"To start seeing each other at night more?"
"No, silly," She laughed and lightly punched Earl's arm. "You know what I mean."
They both knew that she was here in regards to Alea's confession. However, Earl being Earl, could not hold back throwing quips and baits at his woman of the hour.
"I won't know exactly unless you say. Deep in my heart, I wish you were here to spend more time with me."
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"I'm a big-hearted man."
"You are a greedy man."
"Yes, that is why I'm never giving up on you."
They stopped walking. Coincidentally, the moonlight seemed to shine down the brightest here.
"It's impossible," She shut him down as usual before asking out of curiosity. "What do you find appealing about me anyway?"
"Is that even a question? Everything. Everything about you appeals to me and you are also one of the people who has given me everything. Without you, I would not be standing here." He told her earnestly.
"Earl..."
"Teaching me Spirit Magic is surface level. What you've done is so much more. Coming into the Elven Kingdom alone as a child, you've made my childhood by being with me. Hearing my troubles, easing my heart, and helping me conquer challenges."
In the river, their reflection was clear as a mirror. Earl wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Their eyes meeting in the reflection.
At this moment, the moment felt right. Charm Magic flowed like electric currents between the two of them. Earl has sworn to not use Charm Magic for purposes like this but if it was for Saryll... There was no need to keep his cards hidden.
Staring deeply into her emerald green eyes, her breath turned hot as he leaned forward. Bit by bit, their lips came closer and closer until-
"...We can't." Saryll placed a hand in between their lips at the last moment.
"I see." Earl smiled sadly.
"Our relationship can be many things, Earl. But this is the one thing that it cannot be. I don't see you-"
"You say that with such a womanly look on your face."
Yes, even in the dark, Saryll's thoroughly blushed face could be seen clearly. Her breaths were hot, her pupils were dilated, and her lips were moist. She quickly glanced around and froze the moment she saw the state of her face in the reflection of the water.
"Please..."
"There is no way things will end here, Teacher. Saryll. Not when you are like this."
Despite her refusals, she stayed within his reach. His arms were still wrapped around her supple body and she stayed in this zone with no intentions of stepping away. The reason for this was very simple. Earl was special to her.
Other than her blood and child, Alea. Earl was the only one who she felt truly responsible for. His progress, his current state, the joys they shared together through the years. They were all things she felt responsible for.
Did she truly love Abelis? These questions begin to pop up. Abelis was her assigned guard since childhood. Her only male companion in her younger years and one who would risk his life for her and their child. Against Earl, who was truly the more special one?
"Did you think I was harmless? I take opportunities when they are available. Please... take me a little seriously." He told her without breaking eye contact. This was his resolve.
She did not look away. When he was speaking, her eyes were trembling slightly but it was as if something clicked inside her at this moment. Everything turned calm and peaceful for her. She whispered, "...Just a little bit..."
It was unknown what she was referring to but such words were enough for Earl. He held onto her closer, feeling the soft sensation of her buns pressing against his chest for the first time. Before today, they've never been this physically close.