Bond

Morning came by peacefully.

Surrounded by blooming flowers of Marigold, Shaltea sat on an ornate gazebo situated in the midst of her estate's garden. Although it was comparably small against the vastness of her palace garden back in Russia, the flowers there were much more bright and fragrant. She couldn't help but watch as they sway in the breeze, delighted just from the mere transient sight of that view.

Suddenly, the sound of someone clearing his throat resounded towards her ear. Glancing back to the person seated in front of her, she tucked a few strands of her hair and smiled apologetically.

"...Yes, it's alright." Shaltea replied as she gingerly took her ornamental tea cup with one hand, and its paired saucer with the other. "I do not mind how you've spoken to me before. In fact, I appreciate it."

Breathing in the smell of citrus and flowers that came from the tea in her possession, her expression shifted softly as soon as she took a gentle sip. Somehow, it was the final thing that made her enthusiasm complete for the morning. Breakfast had already been fulfilling, and idling in a place of sheer beauty was the remaining piece that could refresh her mentality.

"No one had ever expressed their concerns for me. No one, except for you..." 

Twenty years. For the past twenty years, all she received from her family were countless training and harsh education. No one paid any heed to her hard work. No one recognized her potential. No one was there to encourage her, to inspire her, and motivate her to go on. All that was there in her life are the orders of the family that restricted her of what she really desires. She was a polished bird that showered off all the lavish things in the world, at the cost of her freedom, of being caged and fluttering no more.

Like a panorama of images that moved side by side, memories of her childhood resurfaced. Her bloodied hands reaching for the light beyond the darkness, countless of hands creeping in to her skin, an endless scorching pain that spread behind her back, and her screams muted for being drowned, and falling into an abyss--

"I am your Servant." Shaltea's eyes instantly snapped towards Gilgamesh, who was scrutinizing his own drink in deep thought. "And as the one who will solely aid you on your quest, my utmost priority rests upon your well-being. To protect you, and keep you safe... that is my task, the peak of my purpose for serving you."

Shaltea released her grip from the cup and placed both hands on top of her lap, caressing one another to provide some comfort so as to ease her subtle trembling. "I know..." 

The images still imprinted upon her mind, she looked down to the side and added a bit more quietly. "...That's why I feel at ease."

Once those memories returned to the depths of her mind, Shaltea suspired and watched the flowers again. Golden petals gleamed radiantly under the morning sun, giving the place a rather vivid atmosphere. She couldn't even enjoy such a moment back at the palace, only able to gaze upon those flowers from afar whilst forbidden to even have a single touch.

What a trifling thing for her to miss for 20 years.

"Vow to me that you shall never do that repugnant ritual ever again."

Shaltea dropped her musings and returned her Servant's steadfast gaze. Crimson eyes shone with clear sincerity, that she couldn't help but receive a sudden wistful feeling deep within her heart. Unconsciously, her hand rose and placed itself onto her chest. Faint sensation of heartbeats were felt by her fingertips, one racing tenderly out of an unknown cause.

'I wonder...'

Something seemed out of place. She couldn't recall anything past from her childhood, but sudden waves of euphoric nostalgia surrounded her being. Knowing nothing of its nature, she couldn't help but perceive it as a mere error within her part. Shaking it off, she went back to the matters at hand and focused on the other.

"I won't." 

Extending her hand and closing her fist with only her pinky sticking out, Shaltea smiled reassuringly towards him.

"I promise."

Gilgamesh only blinked at her gesture, his face visible of confusion from the way she just spoke. And then, as if his mind was struck with the lightning of realization, his entire frame froze momentarily.

"...What are you doing?"

Shaltea's refined brow rose from his question. Was it not obvious enough? She was clearly presenting a simple gesture of promise, so why was he reacting as if he had found a familiar ghost beside him?

"Oh, do you not know this?"

Finally escaping the trance that he was reduced to, Gilgamesh swiftly crossed his arms and looked away with an air of feigned disbelief. "Do you really think so lowly of me, foolish woman? Of course I understood what it is clearly for! As if I am oblivious enough to not know how it is done..."

Lifting his muscled arms and imitating her gesture, he tapped the tip of her pinkies with his own and hastily settled back to his seat, a proud expression crossing his face. Dumbfounded by his unexpected move, Shaltea was dazed at first, before being able to stifle an entertained laugh. 

"Pfft..."

"Oi, what is there to laugh about? You dare insult me?!"

"No, I could never. This..." Shaltea nodded to their raised hands and stifled another chuckle, much to his annoyance. It was just a simple thing, really. However, she didn't know that his actions could also bring her a dash of amusement. Halting her reaction from continuing further, so as to avoid pissing off the King himself completely, she steadied her hand for the second time and spoke calmly. "It's supposed to be like this."

After reaching out and curling her pinky around his, she proceeded to move both of their hands up and down. For one of them, it was a slow and transient moment. He couldn't help but fix his gaze towards their joined connection, a passing image of a distant memory distorting his mind for a second.

"A maid of mine taught me this when I was young. They're supposed to end up like a tied up knot. That way, it would symbolize an unbreakable promise." Settling back to her seat, Shaltea picked up her tea cup and took another sip. "Now, my vow is permanent. I promise that I will never put myself in danger on purpose." 

Gilgamesh stared at his hand, clasping and unclasping it for a few moments. Meanwhile, Shaltea cleared her throat and chuckled at her strange display of childishness. Where that came from, was beyond her knowledge. The King didn't really seem fazed about it, and thus, she could only sigh in relief.

"Anyway, my mana is already fully recovered. However, I do not seek my opponents of my own accord. The best choice is to wait and see how much they'll dwindle in numbers. And if ever such a situation takes place like yesterday's events..."

Gilgamesh' eyes flickered towards her, as she gazed upon him with respect and trust. "I believe you'll save me, right?"

Shaltea knew very well that whatever happens, he'll always remain beside her. Although his opinion of serving her is still vague, as of that moment, Shaltea felt no fear of the incoming days. For she was already prepared for the future that fate will bestow upon her.

"I shall keep you safe, and eradicate those who stand in your way."

She smiled after hearing such a dedicated response. Touching the seal that was practically embedded unto her hand, she recounted her doubts and erased them out of her mind. Indeed, she had nothing else to worry about. 

For even if she is destined to die, the future will remain as it is, and her hardships will soon bear the fruits of her labor.

"Alright, I've decided..." After closing her eyes and taking a breath, Shaltea stood up and looked at her wristwatch. It was still too early in the morning to become productive. However, anything can happen within the span of any hours. It'll be a waste of opportunity if she doesn't spend it as she desires, especially now that she is free from the eyes of those who had guided her. "Since I had displayed a shameful disposition in front of a noble king, such as you, how about I repay you back?"

In response, Gilgamesh tilted his head to the side in a way she now knew as one that clearly depicts a reaction to a stupid, obvious jest. "What will you pay me with, when I have all the treasures of the entire world upon my possession?"

Shaltea could only shook her head out of helplessness from the current situation.

"No, what I pertain to is a gesture of forgiveness and apology." Taking a few steps towards him, she held her hand out and spoke furthermore in a lighthearted tone. "And what I meant, is that... how about I show you what our world has to offer?"

The cold wind of early morning passed by the garden, surrounding them in the warmth of the rising sun, and the ever-so-fragrant scent of the tended grasses, trees, and Marigold. Shining among those beautiful things was the King of Heroes' countenance, who had given her a carefree smirk in return for her offer.

"By all means, grant me your best."