Outing II

"Emelia," Elliot called her name, leaving her stunned for a second. She didn't know how nice it was for her name to be called. "W-what is it?" Emelia stuttered, avoiding meeting his eyes. The way she acted made Elliot want to laugh, but he held it in. Her actions were too adorable not to be laughed at. "Aren't you going to take my hand?" He asked as he looked down at his pleading hands, asking for her to take them.

Of course, Emelia didn't know whether to take it because it would look as if they were actual lovers. Elliot titled his head slightly while his eyes kept calling for her to take his hand already. "I will," Emelia muttered as she took his hand but didn't expect him to intertwine his fingers with hers. She didn't know what face she was making, but she could, her face burning up, and her heart fluttered.

"W-what are you doing?" She asked him as she tried removing her hands from his tight grip. While walking, he turned his head, looking at her, and answered cheekily, "Holding your hand." She didn't know what to do about him, but she ended up surrendering. Just for today, then tomorrow, everything will be back to normal.

The bustling streets were covered with laughter and welcoming responses from the vendors. Everything looked so new to Emelia to the point her eyes stop looking at food stalls. Elliot noticing the short glances Emelia made and had an idea in mind. He pulled Emelia towards one of the stalls and was greeted by a kind female vendor.

"What a lovely couple you are," A female vendor said. While Emelia was about to say a word but then Elliot stopped her and thanked the female vendor. "Here, have some strawberry glazed with sugar. Trust me, it won't betray you," The female vendor gave Emelia a wink. Elliot brought out some copper coins to the female vendor, who then refused, "It's my treat. Go and enjoy the festival."

"Thank you very much," Elliot thanked her with a smile and gently pulled Emelia back on the street. Emelia, in her other hand, was holding a stick with a strawberry candy. She looked at it with utmost curiosity as it was her first time seeing one. "What do you call this?" She muttered to herself out loud, thinking Elliot wouldn't hear her due to the crowd.

"It's called strawberry candy. You should try it. It's delicious," Elliot said as he took a huge bite of the candy. "It's dipped with sugar. That's why it's shining," He added, which he didn't have to since Emelia knew what it was.

Emelia took a small bite from it, and before she realized it, she gobbled everything with three bites. Her eyes were sparkling, which Elliot had not expected it to, but her face still remained the same. Elliot learned one more thing about Emelia. When there's something new she wants to try, her eyes start to sparkle. It felt good seeing her being happy. Though Elliot wished Emelia would say a word to him if she wanted to try something. But this is what Elliot likes about her.

Before Emelia knew it, her eyes went to another food, and this time she could smell something delicious from it. While the vendor was promoting, a small line was formed. "Do you want to try it?" Elliot asked, but then, seeing the small line, Emelia shook her head and continued to walk forward.

Elliot turned his head for a short moment feeling bothered as he felt someone watching them. The moment this happened, he signaled a finger to Alan, who had been watching from behind to capture whoever it was. But it wasn't just Elliot who noticed it, but Emelia felt it too.

Though Elliot made this clear to Alan earlier, they should not be interrupted at all. Alan couldn't help but go against his orders. While wearing a black hood to cover his uniform, Alan whispered something to Elliot, who couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"Is Ayfara here?" Elliot asked Alan, who nodded his head. "Call for her, and she already knows what to do," Elliot said as he wore a black cloak that Air gave him. Emelia didn't question any further, but she felt something. She couldn't explain it to herself, but the feeling was heavy. She couldn't understand why she was feeling disappointed and wanted more.

"I'm sorry we're going to have to cut this short. Some matters had to come in," Elliot had a saddened expression. "I'll pay you back later," He said before they departed. "His Imperial Majesty looks disappointed," Ayfara said, appearing out of nowhere. "It must be tough to be a great ruler," Emelia muttered.

"Since this has come, what else does this princess want to do?" Ayfara asked, leaving Emelia to think about what she wanted to do. But no matter how hard she tried to think of something there, nothing came into her mind. "Nothing? Then shall I bring you to one of His Imperial Majesty's hideout?" Ayfara sounded serious, which made Emelia think, is it alright to be there?

"No, it's alright. I think it's better to go back to the palace."

"I noticed something but does Miss Emelia not like going out?" Ayfara asked.

"I simply don't like crowded places. But once in a while, it's nice to be out here," Emelia answered as she wore her hood. She could have worn her hood earlier, but then Elliot kept pulling her hood down. He just wanted to see her face than talk to a shady-looking person.

Though it was supposed to be a date between Emelia and Elliot, it had to be cut short. But at the same time, it was time for things to start again.