Loyalty

Noelle was surprised to see Alara speaking to her and couldn't fathom that Princess Alara was actually engaging in conversation with her.

"Why choose to talk to me?" Despite harboring some resentment towards Alara, Noelle's curiosity drove her to question why Alara specifically chose to engage with her. Surely Alara must have heard the rumors circulating about her, right?

Alara responded with a serene smile, "Is it not natural to speak with those under my care?" Noelle was struck by the soothing timbre of Alara's voice, feeling as though she was a feather drifting weightlessly whenever she heard Alara speak so gently.

Noelle found herself perplexed by her inability to harbor any animosity towards Alara. She acknowledged that her supposed resentment stemmed from not having met Alara, coupled with a tinge of jealousy fueled by her brother Nozel's evident care for the princess.

Having met Alara in person, Noelle found herself discarding all her previous negative impressions. What particularly appealed to her was Alara's respectful treatment—unlike others, Alara didn't mock her but treated her with equality, something Noelle hadn't experienced from many others.

"I'm aware you've heard rumors about my struggles with magic control. What makes you continue this conversation?" Noelle's skepticism lingered; she couldn't easily place her trust in someone new. Testing Alara's character seemed essential before allowing herself to fully trust her.

Alara chuckled softly, her demeanor reassuring. "Noelle, there's no need to be wary. I've heard much about you, but your struggles with magic control don't change a thing for me." Her smile conveyed warmth and understanding.

"Why risk tarnishing your reputation by speaking to me?" Noelle questioned, her tone tinged with doubt.

Alara arched an eyebrow before offering a soft smile. "Noelle, don't let the opinions of others weigh too heavily on you. Your life, your decisions. While others may offer choices, the path you choose remains entirely yours."

"You didn't answer my question."

"I don't need to..." Alara settled into the chair beside Noelle. "But if you insist on an answer, here it is: I saw something truly special within your heart."

"My heart?" Noelle widened her eyes in surprise. Just what did Alara see in her?

Pointing at Noelle's chest, Alara continued, "Right here, in your heart. I see your unwavering determination to improve, and moreover... your inherent kindness."

"What nonsense are you speaking? Kindness, to peasants?" Noelle scoffed dismissively.

Alara chuckled softly. "I witnessed you feeding a little girl on the street. Isn't that an act of kindness?" Noelle was taken aback by Alara's revelation.

Seeing potential in Noelle as a future knight, Alara instructed someone to keep a close eye on her, recognizing her capabilities and character as fitting for such a role. This revelation left Noelle both surprised and intrigued by Alara's perspective on her.

"Ho... How?" 

"I have my ways of knowing." Alara giggled playfully. "A little secret of mine, you could say."

"What's your real intention with me?" Noelle's irritation began to surface. She couldn't afford her actions being uncovered by her brother, risking damage to the Silva family's reputation.

Despite Noelle's apparent arrogance and disdain for peasants, it was merely a façade she adopted to shield herself from further belittlement. She feared that assisting peasants would invite additional insults toward herself and her family, adding to the humiliation she already endured as a perceived useless member of the Silva household.

"I have an offer for you. A life-altering proposition." Her smile conveyed sincerity as she locked eyes with Noelle.

"A life-altering proposition? What exactly is it?" Noelle regarded her with curiosity, intrigued by the statement.

"Become my knight, Noelle." Noelle widened her eyes when she heard what Alara said. The princess of the kingdom was asking her to become her personal knight!

Noelle was taken aback by Alara's request. The idea of being offered a knight's role was beyond unexpected. She never imagined anyone would believe in her potential for improvement. While deeply touched that someone acknowledged her efforts and understood her, her inherent distrust prevented her from fully embracing the offer. Doubt clouded her mind—what if this was merely a prank orchestrated by Alara to humiliate her? What if it was all a charade to toy with her emotions? She couldn't afford to take that risk. Trusting someone wasn't something she could do easily.

Standing up, Alara extended her hand with a gentle smile, conveying a welcoming gesture as if to express that Noelle would be genuinely welcomed as her knight.

"Noelle, I assure you, my offer is sincere, not a jest. Please take some time to consider it. Rest assured, with my support, I can arrange for skilled mages to aid in honing your magical prowess. Together, we can ascend to a position of dominance within the kingdom, ensuring that no one dares belittle you again. You'll command not just respect but admiration from all. I promise to provide you with everything you need for this journey."

When Alara spoke, her tone conveyed a sense of unwavering commitment, and her eyes displayed a genuine earnestness. "I understand your reservations, but I'm earnest in my intent. I see your potential, Noelle, and I believe in your capability. Joining forces, we can alter the narrative surrounding, ensuring that your strengths shine while silencing any doubts cast upon you. I'm here to support you, to ensure your success and happiness."

Noelle's eyes widened in awe. A realm free from belittlement, a stage where her abilities would shine, and where admiration would replace mockery—it was the haven she yearned for, the aspiration that lingered in her heart. She found herself desiring it immensely, a dream she had long nurtured. Should she extend her trust to Alara, just this once? Should she gamble on this opportunity, risking the trajectory of her future?

Noelle found herself at a crossroads, uncertain yet oddly detached from the outcome. If Alara's offer proved to be a jest, she was already familiar with rejection—what difference would it make? But if it held truth, she contemplated, her life would undoubtedly take a drastic turn. The weight of potential change hovered in the balance, prompting her to embrace a certain indifference to the uncertainty ahead.

Noelle's mind teetered on the brink of decision, wavering between skepticism and the glimmer of hope that Alara's offer might be sincere. As if guided by an invisible force, she rose from her seat, the movement catching the attention of the surrounding chatterers. Their conversations petered out into an intrigued hush, eyes drawn to the unexpected spectacle unfolding before them.

With a mix of resolve and uncertainty, Noelle knelt before Princess Alara, her action a statement that echoed through the sudden silence. The sight of her, head slightly bowed in a display of deference, added a surreal tension to the atmosphere. The onlookers watched in muted curiosity, their curiosity piqued by this unexpected display of reverence from someone known for her distant demeanor.

Noelle's voice rang out with a blend of determination and gratitude, breaking the stillness that had enveloped the room. Her words, uttered with a resolute tone, held an air of solemn commitment.

"Princess Alara, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity you've bestowed upon me. I wholeheartedly accept your offer to serve as your knight. I pledge to wield my magic in defense of your safety and to shield you from any harm that may come your way. As your knight, my sole purpose will be devoted to your protection and well-being. My life's path from this moment forward will revolve around serving you, and you alone. I vow to fulfill your needs and wishes, even if it demands sacrificing my own life in the process!"

Her words reverberated throughout the area, causing everyone in attendance to quiet down in shock at the seriousness and unwavering commitment of her promise. Everyone who witnessed Noelle's unexpected show of allegiance was deeply affected by her steadfast loyalty, which stood in stark contrast to her normally reserved demeanor.

With a deliberate, solemn gesture, Noelle extended her hand, gently placing it atop Alara's hand, as if sealing an unspoken pact. The touch, laden with a profound sense of commitment, served as a physical affirmation of her vow. It was a quiet yet powerful moment, solidifying the bond between Noelle and Alara in front of the watching eyes, marking the beginning of a newfound alliance.