26 Night End

The High Priest, with a glass of wine on his hand looks out the window from above and looked over the two persons walking side by side, just quietly looking around, and enjoying the view of the garden.

"It's really fascinating how she's just naturally attracting people. I would say, just like her mother but her identity now is a little bit complicated."

High Priest eyes shone as he stared at the lady. He smiled then took a sip from the cold glass he's holding then looked at the moon illuminating the silent place.

"Her appearance can be both His Highness downfall and the Lord's salvation. It's too early to decide, but I hope it would be just one of the two things."

There was a bit of sadness in his eyes, but smiled as he spoke,

"Oh Avyana... What have the fate done to your child."

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We're silently walking. I don't know. There's a calming feeling just walking side by side with him. No talking, just us, walking underneath the moonlight and all this peaceful surrounding. But I got to start a conversation.

"Anyways, I heard you are a lord. Should I address you as so?" I asked and looked at him. He looked at me back and just stared at me. I started to stare at him too. His dark blue and almond shaped eyes. Long curled eyelashes. His slighty pointed nose. His perfectly shaped thin lips. At this point, all I need to do is touch his face and I would forever know how his face looks with his ebony dark hair.

"You always stare at me." I was about to move my hand to touch his face. Thankfully he said something. That was so thoughtless of me. Geez. Snap out of it, Reen.

"Because you also stare back at me, My Lord. It would be rude not to return it back." I chuckled then broke free from his gaze then turned my attention to the moon. Strand of my hair was blown to my face as the wind blow. I shivered slightly before I swept my hair to the back of my ear. I forgot that it is chilly now.

But then I felt warm as a robe was draped over my shoulder. I looked at him after he lend his robe to me without saying anything as he do it.

"Call me Erden, I would prefer that." I smiled as I held on the robes to feel warm.

"Okay, Erden. Thank you for the robes." I said to him then we walked again. He's really kind, I just don't understand why he needed to remove his self from others, but I guess we have our own preferences. For the mean time, I'll be someone whom he can talk with.

"By the way, the string bag you gave me. It contains a golden ring, I think it's important so you should let Hue get it for you tomorrow." Thankfully I didn't forget it this time. I'm worried he might think that something so expect is missing. Well, maybe it doesn't sound so much for a lord, but I feel it's important.

"I took your ring, now that ring is yours to keep." I quickly looked at him. Is he kidding? Is he aware he's giving me a golden ring? I'm not even sure if that jade ring is real. This kid sure knows to waste money.

"Erden, don't be wasteful on your money. I know you are a lord, but that doesn't mean you can just give out gold to anyone." I said to him as I try my best not to be sound so naggy, like an adult would because I think he might find it weird to see a younger girl nagging at him.

"You're not anyone, Reenste. " I looked at him and blinked slowly. This is embarrassing to say even in my mind, but that made my heart skipped a beat. What the heck! Keep it still, stupid heart.

"Still.. My point is you can save up than giving---" I looked at him as he held my hand up to his lip and kissed my hand.

"I would rather have you keep it, Reenste." He said seriously looking at me. I quickly pulled my hands away and turned around. This isn't fair! I wasn't prepared for this kind of attack. I only knew I was going to meet the Emperor, then what happened is that I was rude to the Emperor. Now, I only wanted to walk, then I met this so called antisocial Lord yet he's here being a sweet talker!

"I'll be on my way... I-- it was nice meeting you." I immediately walked away and out the garden. I can feel my neck and my face warming up. This is day is officially the most embarrassing day I have in my life.

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"Master Zuo, His Majesty has retired and went to his room. I nodded and looked at the living guests. Then remembered what I heard earlier.

For that girl to receive support from three major clans. I hate to admit it, but I must reconsider her worth. I truly didn't looked at her properly. I embarrassed myself from that jerk.

"Looking so gloomy, my dear friend." I clenched my fist and look at his smiling face.

"You seems to have fun earlier, High-Priest. Are you enjoying that your favourite candidate has gathered favorable supporters?" I asked he looked at me pretending not to know what I am talking about. I really hate this expression of his.

"I am joyous because His Majesty no longer rejects the Selection. We both know how you wanted this so much ever since, right?" He said then drink some more. Is this guy drunk now?

"Hey, you're drunk. You should--" I was about to reprimand him for getting drunk when his expression turned to something I see rarely.

"But scars might open up again." He said almost lamenting.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked immediately and hold him on his shoulder to face me.

"You're smart. You can figure it out." He whispered before he passed out.

Dang it.