Lv. 14 - Warmth

"What's happening here?" As far as his eyes could see, Arka could only see how beautiful and cheerful a park was, filled with shady trees, food stands, and picnic rugs scattered everywhere. Then the hordes of little feet running around with laughter that warms the area, and also the elderly are seen chatting with each other with big smiles etched on their faces.

"Kids? Old people? What's going on in this park? Is there some kind of event? Then what's the purpose of Cecil taking me here–"

"You're wondering why I brought you here?" Cecil said suddenly, stopping Arka's thoughts.

"You're wondering why I brought you here?" said Cecil suddenly, stopping Arka's wondering thoughts.

"Hah… you read what's in my head."

A small chuckle came from Cecil when she found out that her guess was right, then she turned from Arka's side towards right in front of him and said, "No special reason, I just wanted to come here with you. Then, what do you think of the atmosphere here?"

"I guess… I'm at a loss as to how to explain it myself– but, it's so comforting to see how they can smile and laugh so freely like that." Arka took a few steps forward, returning to how he and Cecil were next to each other.

Cecil didn't expect Arka's answer at all, a look of surprise was evident on her face. But soon a faint smile was painted showing how relieved it was that inviting Arka was not the wrong choice. Standing at Arka's side Cecil couldn't turn her attention to Arka's hand, and something started to pop into her head. "Can I?" But she canceled it like something was holding her back.

"Arka, how about we join them?"

"Sure."

….

Back to the time at the cafe where Arka worked.

"Cecil?!"

"Umm… hi~" Cecil replied with a slow wave.

Taking a few things into account and ending with the boss' approval, Arka now ended up sitting opposite a girl who was enjoying a piece of strawberry cake.

"Hmm, how long has it been… maybe it's only been a few weeks we haven't seen each other," said Arka, who started the chat in the silence between them.

"Sorry to bother you in the middle of work."

"Not really, after all, it's time for my break… by the way, what do you need with me?"

"So… I heard Papa gave you the Viviam device."

"Yup, I'm so grateful for that. I wouldn't even have thought of getting that thing on the same day it was released."

"That's why I'm here, all this time all the gifts you've received have come from my parents, and I... I also want to repay you, as Cecilia, not someone else."

"Hey, that's not necessary. Putting your parents' gifts aside, don't you remember that time when you were willing to accompany and take care of me for a few weeks? For me, that's more than enough in return."

"B-but…."

"There's no need to feel indebted or anything. You know, not everything can be repaid materially, sometimes even a small deed is enough in return. As you meet me in person and chat like this, I really appreciate all of this."

"But-"

Arka's serious gaze and the index finger that was directed to his lips made Cecil fall silent. "Shhhhhhhh... it's fine."

In the end, Cecil couldn't help but sigh, she realized that this conversation would not end if she continued to insist. And then for a moment, the two continued with a casual chat about their daily life. Until suddenly out of nowhere Cecil started an unusual sentence.

"Arka, have you ever felt lonely?"

Arka widened his eyes for a moment, it was really unexpected but he tried to face it calmly.

"Maybe almost all my life I've always felt that way."

"Then, how about now?"

"I don't know, people say having no purpose in life is one of the causes of loneliness, maybe that's what I'm going through. And now, I'm just trying to do my best to live in this cruel world."

Arka's words hit Cecil hard like an unexpected gust of wind, and it seemed to have enlightened him on something.

"Trying to do the best huh…," Cecil mumbled. "Arka, do you have free time tomorrow?"

"Huh?

…..

Back again with Arka in the present time. Cecil who was suddenly called by someone made her have to leave Arka alone, even though he wasn't really alone, Arka was still confused about what to do with the group of small children that surrounded him.

"Is Big Brother Miss Cecil's girlfriend?"

"No, we're just friends."

"Brother, how can I be as tall as you?"

"Exercise, eat healthy food, and get enough sleep, then your height will quickly reach its maximum."

"Brother, do your eyes hurt? Why are they so red?"

"Hahaha… no sweetie, my eyes has always been like this."

Arka calmly tried to answer their questions one by one, but it was endless and there were still many questions that kept flooding in. Seeing their gazes sparkling with curiosity Arka couldn't bear to just leave them, and seeing in the distance Cecil was still looking busy, he decided to serve them all.

"All right, maybe if we move to a place that's a little more comfortable for all of us, I'll answer your questions one by one."

"Yeah!"

"Uray!"

"Over there! The place there is very comfy!"

"Okey, okey, you guys lead the way."

…..

"All right, the guests and benefactors' invitations have been taken care of. Then, what about the guest stars? Sorry if Auntie told you yesterday suddenly, have you confirmed it– Cecil!"

"Ah! Yes? As for the guest stars, I've already finished taking care of it."

"Cecil, what's wrong with you? You seem to be thinking about a lot of things, is the task I've assigned you too difficult?"

"No, no, there's no problem with the part of the task that you gave."

"Huh… then what's the matter with you today? What's keeping you from focusing?" When the aunt followed Cecil's gaze, someone immediately became the focus of her attention. "Ahh… is he your savior prince that your parents talked about?"

"W-what prince? H-his name is Arka, Arka Fidelis," Cecil answered nervously

"Ahh… right, right, Arka, hmm… quite handsome, about 190 cm tall or maybe more, good posture, looks like he's a sports guy, kids are close to him, Cecil isn't he a jackpot? So, how is your relationship with him now?"

Seeing how her niece reacted, she couldn't help but sigh, all she got was Cecil with a flustered expression and a flushed face.

"Seriously? You still haven't done anything with him?"

"Aunt Nana! That's too soon, and we haven't known each other for that long either. I admit that I'm quite interested to him, but I'm still not sure about these feelings I have, and I don't want to sound pushy either!"

"Hah~ Cecil, you're so naive. You know that a man like him is quite rare, and you wouldn't know how many hunters out there are already after him. Just look at it now as an example, how many young girls do you think here are locked eyes on him?"

At that moment Cecil realized that if she didn't make a move, she could lose at any time. But, does it have anything to do with Cecil?

"It's all up to him, whoever he chooses only he will know. Alright, now let's get back to this event, we still have a lot of things to take care of, Auntie."

"Cecil, you really haven't changed, have you," Berliana muttered with a worried expression. "Yeah, we'd better get this whole job done."

….

It all started from those days when things started to go haywire...

When a husband and wife who are in control of the Athala family die in an unexpected incident, that's when the family enters into a period of chaos.

It's not that I'm sad to see my parents die, from the start they didn't leave any good impression on me, and I'm sure all my brothers would think the same way too.

Berliana Athala, that's my name, as the youngest of five siblings, I could only step aside when my four older brothers tried to knock each other down for the position of head of the family.

Stepping aside didn't mean I didn't want to interfere, the fact was I was still a high schooler at the time. Even if I interfere, what can I do with my condition?

The only normal person in my eyes at that time was the eldest, Raka Athala. His initial intention was only to be a spectator and not want to interfere, but when he found out that his beloved wife and daughter were in trouble, he certainly would not be silent.

Struggling with his wife made him inevitably have to set aside his daughter to be safe from all threats. So, seeing my condition at that time Raka tried to take advantage of my side to protect his daughter, Cecilia.

He gave me an agreement that he would protect me on one condition, I had to help take care of Cecil. Of course, I accept it, even if I have to bear the burden, at least my life will be safe under his protection.

Then Cecil, my initial impression of her was just a quiet seven-year-old girl. However, I didn't expect that my guess would be much different.

Being in a family situation at that time, I wouldn't be surprised if Cecil was forced to understand the situation and try to understand everything, and to be honest in my eyes that wasn't normal. When kids her age play and explore things with joy, Cecil must be forced to kill her ego and immerse herself in learning and other pressures.

After two years of living together, somehow we were able to become closer, I could see how she could be more relaxed when we were together, and yes, our family conflict was still unresolved at that time.

In a short time, everything began to be resolved, Raka managed to take his position, and I started my college life. But something suddenly happened, for whatever reason Raka and his family decided to go to Japan.

It was quite sudden and I had to part with Cecil too. It's quite tough, but we can get through it. From every news I got Cecil was happy to be there, she also started to make new friends and had a brighter life.

Until one day, Raka began to rarely give news, and suddenly I had to become a temporary substitute for the head of the family. At that time I was just following orders and waiting for their return. Then suddenly they came back. Of course, I'm happy because I can finally be free from the burden of the head of the family, but one thing leaves me speechless.

Cecil, she returned to her old self, no, to be more precise Cecil's condition worsened. Expressionless, emotionless, not a word came out of him when we met. It's as if... he becomes an empty shell and forgets everything.

….

"Aunt Nana!"

"Ah! Yes?!"

"Hmph! Auntie blamed me for daydreaming, and now, Auntie is also daydreaming."

"Sorry, sorry, how's your part?"

"My work is done, and Arka sent a message that the kids wanted me to go to their place, so Cecil asked permission to leave."

"Alright, thanks for your help, Cecil."

"Then see you, Aunt Nana!" Cecil left with a wave.

"Arka Fidelis, Fidelis… hmm… maybe just my imagination."

….

Seeing how Arka was surrounded by children having fun together, Cecil stopped for a moment enjoying the atmosphere around them, even subconsciously making a curve on her lips.

When her gaze fell on Arka, Berliana's words started to ring in her head, "...how many young girls do you think here are locked eyes on him?"

Cecil was well aware of that, but she still kept wondering how she should act? Does she really have that feeling towards Ark? Would Arka look back at her if she tried? Cecil was afraid, she was afraid that this would only ruin the relationship between her and Arka.

"Cecil! Why are you standing there?!"

Arka's voice brought Cecil out of his thoughts, she could also see how the attention of the children was heading towards her.

"Woah! Miss Cecil is here!"

"Miss Cecilia!"

"Miss Cecil, Miss Cecil, Big Brother Arka is great! He knows so many things!"

"Yeah, yeah, he can even make a lot of things out of paper," said one of the kids while showing some origami creations.

"Big brother Arka also taught us how to make it."

Seeing their little feet running around happily, Cecil was instantly distracted from her other thoughts and easily put a gentle smile on her face.

"You all didn't cause any trouble to Arka, did you?"

"Of course not!"

"We've been good kids today."

"We're definitely not going to cause any trouble."

"My, my, all of you are indeed good and smart children."

"Don't worry, they're not causing any trouble at all." Arka who was suddenly near them made Cecil stunned again, then her attention was also directed to how Arka patted the children.

"I– Oh yeah kids, have you asked Arka to try the food at the nearby stands? Wouldn't it be a shame if he was already here but didn't get a chance to try it?"

"Ahhh!"

"We forgot!!"

"We were so engrossed that we forgot about it."

"Alright everyone, we'll get all the best food for Big Brother Arka and Miss Cecil. Get ready to split up, north, west, and east, let's start!"

A small cheer from them could be heard rumbling all around, Arka who saw it couldn't help but chuckle, and Cecil still kept her calm smile.

"They are really energetic."

"Yup, they are. You know Arka, I'm quite surprised that you can be that intimate with children."

"Well, it's nothing. Put that aside, I heard it from the kids about how your family ran this charity event. Your family is really amazing, aren't they."

"Yes, and I'm proud of it. Even though it only happens once a year, seeing how this event can bring smiles to everyone, I'm glad I could be a part of it."

"Hmm… I see that's good for you."

"Yeah...."

"By the way, who was the woman you were with earlier?"

"Oh, she is..."