The Sudden Encounter (2)

Along the roadway stood a gilded carriage with a golden lion seal. Emperor Ian Callis and the Commander of the Knights, Sir Helden Rustichello, went inside. Outside, the two knights were left to guard the carriage.

"Go on, report," Ian ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Commander Helden answered. "Upon inspecting Viscount Hofmann, we found out that he runs a slave auction. The slaves are commonly children, and there are also magic weapons that are illegal in our Empire. According to our source, the auction will start on the last day of the month."

Ian gritted his teeth out of anger. "That Viscount Hoffman dares to host an auction. Helden, make sure to track down all his activities before the auction. We need to capture that disgusting rat."

"At your command, Your Majesty," Helden responded.

"Then, if there is nothing left, I'll get going. Brielle is waiting for me." Ian left the carriage hurriedly. It was visible on his face the excitement of meeting the child.

"Oh, Brielle...that cute kid. Is that the same child that gave you the meat?" the knight asked as he followed Ian.

"Yes," he replied. He giggled as he remembered the time the child offered him some meat.

"Your Majesty, you take an interest in that kid," Helden noticed.

"Indeed. I had the impression that I had known her for a long time. Meeting her was somewhat warm and nostalgic."

***

Entering Teres Maximo, we were greeted by a gentleman dressed elegantly. Inside, there was luxurious furniture, shining rock-crystal hanging in the ceiling, and shelves stocked with magical bottles. Also, swords and weapons were displayed on the wall. Many humans of the high ranking were busy viewing the products.

"My Lord and My Lady, allow me to guide you to our VIP room," the gentleman said.

We followed him till we arrived in the VIP room. The VIP room was simple yet sophisticated. We took a seat in a big chair that appeared to be shared by three individuals.

"I will get the healing potion for Lady injury. Please excuse me," he said and exited himself.

When we were just the two of us, I exclaimed, "Papa, everywhere is so shiny!"

Papa simply smiled at me. He took the cloak off my head and fixed my messy hair. I continued to be mesmerized by the room.

Creak!

The door opened. Sir Ian was standing there, holding a blue bottle, and beside him were the blue-haired knight and the gentleman a while ago. He walked towards us and said, "I'm back, Brielle."

"Tsk," Papa grumbled.

"Let me see your wounds. I'll apply the medicine," Sir Ian said.

"Your Ma— I mean Your Grace, let me do that instead of you," the man offered.

"Are you trying to order me?" he asked in a low voice. The man shivered and didn't dare to talk back. Sir Ian sounded angry. Why was he angry? The man only offered help.

"Don't mind him, Brielle. Sir Ian will apply the medicine gently," Sir Ian said with a smile. He removed the bandages that Papa put on my feet. Sir Ian poured a small amount of medicine into my wounds, and it magically healed!

"Wow!" I burst with amazement. All the people in the room laughed as they heard me. Ugh! So embarrassing!

Without a notice, Papa raised his voice, asking, "How did you get this?" Papa was holding my arm where a bruise was located. It must have been that time when the man tried to take me. At that time, the man held my arm so tight causing it to leave a bruise.

"Tell me, who is it?" Papa snapped.

"It was the man in the alley, but everything is alright now, Papa," I explained.

"Can you tell me his name or perhaps his appearance? Sir Ian will talk to him," Sir Ian asked calmly. I nodded my head and described the man's appearance. Subsequently, Sir Ian instructed Sir Knight to track down the man. Is it just me, or did it look like something bad might happen to that man? Perhaps it was just my imagination, but there was a murderous aura behind Sir Ian's smile. Hmm... never mind.

The treatment went on. From the bottle, the water flowed to my arm. Little by little, the bruise disappeared. "The treatment is done! You did well, Brielle," Sir Ian congratulated.

I looked at my feet again, even the slightest evidence of wounds was not visible. Human medicine was surprisingly effective! "There are no wounds Papa." I stood on my feet and began to jump to show that it doesn't hurt anymore.

"Yeah, that's great." Papa patted my head. Then, he stood up and lifted me in his arms.

"We need to go now," Papa said to Sir Ian. "Here, take it. I do not like to owe you anything." Papa threw something, and Sir Ian caught it effortlessly. When he looked at it, he gave a surprised look for a moment then put it in his pocket.

"Before you go," Sir Ian got the box that the man was holding, "Take it, Brielle. I picked it, and surely it will suit you."

I looked at Papa, asking if I could receive the gift. Papa nodded his head as a sign of yes. I took the box and opened it. I was shocked to see what was inside: it was a pair of shoes. The shoes that I only see in boutiques at the festival. It had a blue color on the surface and a white ribbon on the toe tip.

"Do you like it? "Sir Ian asked.

"Yes! I like it very much. Thank you, Sir Ian." I smiled happily while fitting the shoes. Papa helped me in wearing it. Woah! It was exactly my size! After wearing the shoes, Papa insisted that we need to go home. We got out of the Teres Maximo.

The sun was about to set. We need to go home before our way becomes dark. "We will go now, Sir Ian and Sir Knight," I said, waving my hand.

"Goodbye, Brielle," they answered in chorus.

Sir Ian kneeled to be the same height as me, and said, "Let's meet again, Brielle. Next time, we will eat cakes and chocolates." Sir Ian's voice was sad. I felt the same. In a short moment, I became comfortable with him. It was unfortunate thinking it would be our last meeting. It was almost late, so Papa held my hand. For the last time, I bid goodbye to them. After that, Papa and I turned our backs to walk our way back home.

The snow continued to fall together, with the sun sinking to the blushing orange sky. From healing Aunt Fio to meeting Sir Ian for the second time, this day was full of twists and turns. How strange; all of those things were new to me, yet I feel accustomed to it.

The sweet winter breeze whistled to my ears,

All the bright colors made the twilight heaven a canvas;

Our footsteps left traces on the snowy path.

The little snowflakes gently touched the ground.

One snowflake,

Two snowflakes,

Three snowflakes.

Just like that, my first snowfall of the year fell to an end.