"Have you ever tried the local foods of Rielta?"
According to the cultural book I've read... Being near the imperial border, their dishes are influenced by the neighboring country, specializing in fried foods and frozen desserts which differ from the usual soups and meat the average Rosenlian likes.
"I haven't."
Blondie chuckled and lightly tapped Leila with his feet, making her halt, "I knew it." He got down and explained, "Archen has a delicate stomach, he can't eat heavy and oily foods, that's why the kitchen caters to his taste. It's all the emperor's fault."
I got down as well, then I looked at Sorin who was staring at his unused hand. "Don't talk shit about his majesty."
"Geez, even you?"
"...Wait. Did you just call the duke by his name?"
"Huh? What? Oh, that's a nice place!"
Well, at least this one changed the subject and not just outright ignored me.
We walked into the restaurant Blondie pointed at, the aroma was mouthwatering. We found a seat, and Blondie ordered a bunch of food by himself.
I held up my middle finger. "Not asking for my opinion?"
He held up two. "You don't even know what they taste like. How can you have an opinion?"
Damn, I can't refute that.
There's chicken, beef, and pork but I don't know what 'Yeruin', 'Virta', 'Urain' etc is.
When the food arrived, Blondie told me it's history, pushing the plates to my side. It instantly became crowded in my space whilst his side was desolate, only having one bowl of shaved ice with honey, milk, and corn.
"Eat."
Blondie glowed, his whole being radiated 'praise me energy'. I squinted my eyes at which he smiled in response, his teal eyes shaped into a crescent.
Is this a fetish knight's development?
This one... I can understand. But, Len? I didn't think that was the reason he stared daggers at me while I was eating. I've only met him once and he was an outstanding person with virtue.
Ah... Sienna, don't assume bad things about another person.
To conclude something despite the scarce information is not the behavior of a researcher.
Rosenlian knights' and their fetish.
Current observation:
Knight A. Sorin – Should have one.
Knight B Len – N/A.
I hummed and nodded. I held the fork and knife, choosing the dish right in front of me, I cut it into small pieces. It was Virta meat preserved in salt and ice for a month, seasoned with herbs then steamed.
I sniffed, its aroma was similar to oregano and lemongrass. I put it in my mouth.
Woah, what's this? It melts in my mouth!
I gobbled down the plate of Virta meat and other dishes whilst Blondie slowly ate his dessert.
After finishing, I sat straight, not forgetting to wipe my mouth with a handkerchief. Although the fullness was quite painful, I held it in. We strolled the streets for a while.
Blondie offered me a black ball the size of a marble.
"What is it?"
"Candy."
I pushed his hand back, refusing, "No, thanks. I don't like sweet–hmm," before I could finish my sentence, he shoved the candy in my mouth. "You bastard! Oh... Wait..."
It's bitter with a bit of citrus taste.
I like it!
"You want more?" I nodded vigorously then he snickered. With a weird glint in his eyes, he said, "Beg for it."
My face darkened and I showed him my clenched fist, "Do you wanna die?"
"I was just kidding, geez." Blondie then threw a small pouch at me. I opened it and it was full of bitter candy. "When you feel bad, take it. Aching, bruise, nausea... Whatever it is, it can help relieve the pain. It doesn't have side effects so you can also eat it whenever you want to."
"There's such a thing?" I squinted my eyes, "What's the uptake? What do you want?"
"What I want...?" Blondie stared at me with meaningful eyes, "How about... You call me brother?"
Fuck? Another fetish?
I took ten steps away from him, hugging myself, "You... Why do you want me to call you that?"
"???" His eyes widened, and he anxiously flapped his arms, "What are you thinking about?!" His face was full of disgust. "Fucking... Ugh, I wanna die. That's not what I meant."
"Then why would you ask me that?!"
"Well..." Blondie looked down, he rubbed the back of his neck, "I... Haven't seen my sister for 2 years now."
...
Don't look so miserable.
I sighed. I said while waving the pouch, "I'll call you that when the supply runs out."
"Opportunistic brat."
***
Money? Check. Vitamin syrup I made? Check. Clothes? Check. My medicine? Check. The jar of candy? Check.
Okay, let's do this!
Ahem, what am I doing you ask?
I'm sneaking out of course!
Since my illness has been alleviated to some extent, I decided to go out and visit the kids again. For the past 3 days, I've been gathering stuff slowly and learning how to go out. Luckily, the library area is isolated, there are no knights that guard here and it's close to the magic wall, also, Leila seemed to be kept outside and not in the duchy's stable.
I changed into more suitable clothing for horse riding, a white shirt, black pants, and navy-blue coat. The bag was on my back while I held a map.
"Okay..."
I felt out the brick wall. This should be it...
Swish.
When the door opened, I quickly hid myself on the side and then carefully peeked out. Leila was eating grass by the cabin, there was no Blondie too. I slowly approached and looked inside the cabin using the window.
"Phew... No Blondie in too."
Leila rubbed her head at mine, and I petted her, "Hi~ Remember me? I fed you yesterday~ Let this sister ride you, okay?" I took out a bribe and offered it, to which she neighed in response, happily eating the fruit.
I adjusted her saddle while she ate and when she finished, I climbed up. I imitated Blondie who would rub Leila's ears when wanting to ride, unlike other horses, she seems to like having her ears rubbed.
I directed her to the terrain, and we rode off.
Thank you, Blondie who's currently helping Mr. Butler handle leadership matters. I'll bring Leila back before midnight.
Unexpectedly, the 1-hour and a half journey didn't take a toll on me too much, perhaps because I ate the bitter candy before and midway through the journey. More unexpectedly, when I arrived at the X on the map, I saw Len helping Remy ride a black horse.
I got off Leila, held her reigns, and got closer to them, "Did I arrive at the wrong time? Are you leaving for something?"
Len shook his head, "No, we're just going to forage in the forest. Hmmm..." He crossed his arms whilst his head moved like a metronome, "Do you want to come with us?"
Ah, he was shy.
"Sure!" I looked at lil-red-eyes who was smiling at me, "let Ray ride on 'my' horse."
"That would be great."
***
When we arrived halfway up the forest mountain, we got off the horses and walked. The two children started picking up what they thought were edible, I also looked around and helped the kids while Len stood guard for wild animals.
"Ah... Remy, you can't put that in the basket, it's poisonous."
The 6-year-old girl's expression immediately dimmed. "But... But... I want this!" She said, tightly gripping the crimson mushroom, the rims of her eyes starting to water.
"It's poisonous... So you can't eat it. Why do you want it?"
"Uh... Red."
"How about this? Since most red mushrooms are poisonous, how about we search for red flowers instead?"
"No! I want this!"
I grabbed a stick and drew flowers on the ground. "Doesn't this look prettier? Unlike that mushroom, these flowers can be eaten, displayed, and preserved." I reached out to take the mushroom. Remy looked at the flower drawing and reluctantly gave me the mushroom.
"Good girl. How about you help Ray first then we can search for flowers at the apex?"
"Okay..."
I stood up and wiped my dirty hands on the cloak's ends. "You draw quite well." The sudden deep voice made me jump in fright.
"..."
Somehow, I could hear the crows caw.
"Sorry... I was surprised..."
"Hmmm."
"Do you like drawing, Len?"
"No. I'm not good at it."
"Oh, come on. That's what humble artists say! Why don't you try?" I crouched down and grabbed the stick I threw in surprise and offered it to him.
He crouched down as well and took the stick from me. He turned to me after poking the ground a few times, he asked in a pleading voice, "Do I have to?"
BAHHAHAHHAHA! HOW CUTE!
I smiled at him and acted coquettishly, "I'm curious."
"..." Len looked away and started drawing on the ground. Every stroke was careful and elegant so...
Why is it so crooked?
Compared to my intricately drawn flowers which were a reflection of my brilliance and talent, Len's was... To say it kindly, misshapen.
Is that still a flower?
I don't think I drew that ugly when I was 3.
I patted his back and comforted him, "Len... You're a nice person."
The stick in his hand immediately crumbled, he stood up and erased his drawings with his foot. He gently grabbed my arm. "Forget it. I'll show you something pretty."
"Remy, Ray, follow me."
***
With the scenery before me, I felt my breath hitched.
The sun-lit cloudless sky looked especially serene. Grass spread throughout the vast cliff, bushes surrounded the edges, and a lone majestic tree stood.
The tree's body was curved but thick. Its branches were full of emerald leaves, ruby berries, and cream flowers.
The smell of grass wafted through the air as the gentle breeze blew, the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds took me back to my childhood.
Mother was a painter who loved to travel across the world and capture enchanting landscapes and sceneries. Oftentimes, she would bring me with her, and on rare occasions when that cheater didn't have work, he would come along with us.
Her most famous painting 'Jade Valley', was a painting she made when her husband spontaneously decided to hike.
It was fun.
My thoughts were interrupted by Len's pleasant laugh, he stood in front of me. "It's compensation for letting you see such a nightmare."
Obviously, Len's face was covered, yet he looked so dazzling that it made my heart jolt.
My whole body shook and I felt a strange sensation.
For the first time in years, I wanted to paint.
I want to ingrain this scenery, this feeling in my brain and heart. I dare not forget.
To be continued.