True Beginning I

After almost a week since Clement departed, Eric would finally be taking his turn.

Everyone is gathered around the entrance of the castle at the moment, anticipating the approaching escorts. Along with Eric, Seraphine watches from the side. Helios serves as the first to greet the retainers from the palace.

With that, they have a little more time to bid each other farewells once again.

"Seraphine, will you really be alright...?" he asked with a downcast gaze.

"You will be on your own from now on - in an unfamiliar place even. No matter how many times you tell me not to, I can't help but worry for you."

"You should worry more about yourself, you know..." she said with a sigh before settling with giving him a smile.

"I'll be alright, Eric. I'm tougher than how I look."

"But I can't even see you. How would I know?"

At his uncalled-for attempt in humor, she finds herself speechless and blinking at him several times.

When he realized that what he said may have come out humorous even though he didn't intend it to, he blushed in embarrassment. The way she remains silent only makes it more awkward, making him fidget for a bit in chagrin. But after seeing how flushed his cheeks have become and how bashful he's acting, she can't possibly continue to keep quiet.

And right then, Seraphine bursts out in a fit of giggles.

Taken aback by her sudden display of mirth, Eric ends up falling in silence this time. He can't help but be drawn to how melodious her laughter is. It's like a dewdrop from heaven with how angelic it is. From the first second he heard it, he knew it's already recorded in his mind.

"It's the first time I've heard you laugh like that..." Eric chimed in again, reaching out his hand and stroking her cheek in a feather-light touch.

"I wish I've had more time to listen to it."

Seraphine wasn't expecting that - not his flattering words nor his sweet gesture.

She then ceases her round of giggles after she catches sight of how bittersweet his smile is - he really has grown fond of her. Again, she is reminded that she should not be getting close to anyone like this. She did not mean to get this comfortable around him either, but since it was him, she could not keep herself from being so.

After all, Eric is one of a kind in all of her three lifetimes - not because she believes that he has not been affected by her power as a succubus, but because he has not left her side this whole time.

'Even when my life was in danger, he did not turn his back on me - he even rescued me. He also did not want to separate from me even after learning how difficult it was to be with me. Not once did he complain when we're struggling back in the streets. He was only there, enjoying my company and making the most of his freedom.'

However, all Seraphine wants for Eric is to find his happiness beyond the darkness he is trapped in. He deserves more than someone who may have only earned his favor and good will by some dark magic. So, it's alright if he forgets about her over the course of time - she even hopes he does.

"Farewell, Seraphine. Thank you for everything you've done for me..." Eric told Seraphine for the last time, smiling ever so gratefully all the while.

"I'll see you again when I've fulfilled my promise."