’Hmm, Luke is only eighteen this year and that means he has a huge potential to be a great swordsman. With his strength, I think even though he’s starting later than his peers, he is talented enough to train as a knight. I wonder if the Third Young Master will be interested in getting an additional squire, or maybe Luke should apply to be a knight of the House of Ahren. It will be a huge waste for Luke to remain a commoner doing odd jobs. I bet if he wears the same clothes as the Third Young Master, he can pass off as a knight, even a noble himself.
’His looks and his body, they make me wonder if maybe one of his ancestors were nobles...’
"Orian," Luke called out to the dazed woman.
"Ah, Luke. Right, the reason I’m here—"
Before she could say more, he held her hand and dragged her away. "Do not come to the servant quarters at night. Whatever you want to tell me, tell me in the morning."
As she let him drag her, realization hit her. ’So this was the reason Luke insisted on sending me back to Ken’s home instead of sharing rooms with me. Being a man, he knows men better.’
"I can’t wait for the morning, Luke, since I will be leaving tomorrow."
Luke stopped walking as if his legs froze. Wordlessy, he looked at Oriana.
She continued to explain, "Tomorrow morning, I will be leaving the Ahrens for the palace. I have been selected as a royal servant."
Luke let go of her hand, his expression unreadable.
"In a few days, Master Cenric will arrive in Karlin. I will do my best to meet him as fast as possible, but I’m expecting that I will have to stay at least a week or two in the royal palace. After he teaches me what I need to learn, we can go back home."
Once again, her words about returning home pleased him. Luke already earned enough from his daily wages to feed his family until the end of winter. There was no need for him to stay until the construction was finished. Even if he were to leave today, the Ahrens could easily find another to replace him.
After his experiences for the past weeks, Luke wanted nothing more than to return to Wimark, where he and Oriana would continue living their simple peaceful lives surrounded by their loved ones.
"Alright. I wish you luck."
"Thank you, Luke."
He silently observed that smiling face, especially the way her beautiful eyes lit up as she spoke in excitement. His heart fluttered once more.
"Go back to your quarters and sleep early," Luke said and she nodded.
"Good night, Luke."
"Hmm," was all he said in response, and he watched her retreating back till she disappeared from his sight.
’I am only feeling these strange urges because we are away from home. Once we return to the village, everything will go back to the way they were before. I will stop feeling this way about him...I’m sure of it...’
Oriana returned to her room and began to pack her stuff. She would be smuggling prohibited items in the palace—a banned herb and a sharp weapon—and could only pray in her heart that they would not be discovered. The stalk of black nightshade was bundled heavily and placed in between her clothes. As for the dagger, she needed it in her sleep, but she planned to hide it in her uniform tomorrow rather than putting it in her bag.
After making sure to pack everything, she thought of washing her hair.
’How about I have my last luxury bath tonight? In the palace, I won’t get to do it. Since I’m a newcomer, I will probably be sharing quarters with other servants.’
Happily, she began preparations for another luxurious bath. None of the resident servants within the second guest mansion was awake and she was able to enjoy a soak for a long time.
’The most difficult challenge of entering the palace has been overcome. Starting tomorrow, I only need to patiently wait to hear news about the ’physician coming from Abetha’, and then I can finally go back home to Grandpa.’
—--
The next morning, two carriages were prepared for the servants, one for men and another for women. Of course, Oriana sat in the carriage for men.
The entire time, Oriana waited for Luke to bid her farewell, but after waiting till the last minute, she did not see his tall form.
A little upset, she looked out of the window of the carriage when it started moving. To her surprise, she spotted Luke standing under a tree in the distance.
’Hah, does he think it’s unmanly to see me off? Look at him coming but being shy.’
She waved at him but Luke didn’t wave back. It was not unexpected as he never did such gestures. He simply continued to look at her smiling face with his hands tucked into the pockets of his pants.
’What is that gaze? Is he unhappy that I am going to the palace or is he showing worry for me? That frigid face of his makes it so hard to understand his thoughts. But no matter what, I can’t deny he is the best guy I have ever come across in my life.’
The carriages traveled through the city roads in the direction of the palace.
From Ahren’s, Oriana had always seen the top of the palace domes but they were far away to be seen clearly. While standing by the window of her room, she always wondered how that faraway palace must be and what kind of people lived there.
Her grandpa hated the royals and nobles and never liked to talk about anyone of those kinds. All he told her was to remember one thing, ’Stay away from them and never concern yourself with the royals of this kingdom.’
She didn’t even know about the royal family of this kingdom and when she grew up, she was so busy and away from any city to ever wonder about the Royals. She felt like she was not even interested to know about.
But now she was going to see it for real and closely.
’Other than meeting Master Cenric, I will also get to know why grandpa hates the Royals to even get angry at their mention.’
’Are they wolves in the clothes of sheeps?’