Affection

Edgar's power reveal from yesterday just made me too happy.

Too happy that I have to share it with everyone.

This morning I told the guards and maids about it. Julean, my personal maid, said that she already knew about it and laughed at my silliness.

I even invited Arden for a tea party in the garden.

"It was the biggest bird I had ever seen! Now I know where Edgar had that giant feather for father's birthday when I'm five,"

"Is that so," Arden chuckled.

I blushed when I realized that I've been rambling too much about myself. But I was just so happy. And I treated Arden like my closest friend. We've been through a lot, and ever since the accident, we've gotten much closer.

And I always go to him when there's something I wanted to share.

"Sorry, it must be tiring for you to listen to my rambling,"

"Not at all. I love it when you share a lot of things with me, Ezra,"

Ugh, he's too kind!

I don't deserve a generous friend like him.

And I feel bad that I kept inviting him to this house even though he's busy at his house. He's only thirteen and he has to manage the household with his mother. I also heard he won't be going to school because father is compensating his family for life, he doesn't need school to get a job. He just have to take care of his family now.

Father said that's Arden's payment from saving my life.

"You're too kind, Arden,"

"Ah," Arden seemed taken aback by my sudden compliment. "Thank you,"

"Hm? are you embarrassed?" I teased him.

Arden chuckled. "Your teasings are enjoyable,"

"Can I tease you more then?"

"Certainly,"

"Okay. Remember the day where I found you getting stuck in a bush from following a cat?"

"!"

Arden's confident expression shattered. His usually calm face turned bright red. He groaned and lowered his head until his bangs covered his eyes.

"... That's enough teasing,"

"Pfft,"

I started to laugh.

Arden looked over at me with a frown. He reached his hand over to my face and pinched my cheek softly.

"Stop it,"

"Ouch," I grinned widely. Arden sighed and let go of my cheek.

"I was only seven years old at that time...," Arden defended himself.

"Sure," I rolled my eyes playfully.

Ah, talking with Arden is relaxing.

"Chatting with you this often made me happy," Arden suddenly said that.

I blinked to his sudden remarks.

His dazzling golden iris pierced through mine. Suddenly my heart skipped a beat when I realized one thing. He looks very mature. The image of the little seven-year-old Arden is gone now. His eyes are always sharp, searching through mine.

Something about this is making me embarrassed.

"... Me too,"

I replied in a quiet tone.

"Your cheeks are red,"

"!"

Arden let out a sweet, melodious laugh as he pointed at me. I widened my eyes and started to frown.

"I-It was the heat! It's hot here!"

"Mm, it is," Arden teased. I groaned.

What's wrong with the atmosphere just now?

I felt weird for a second.

But I decided to brush it off and we finished our tea peacefully.