7th Dawn - A New Friend

After holding down the mercenary, people shower me with all kinds of praises.

Though I'm grateful for such feedbacks and commendation, I don't think I deserve something extravagant in exchange. I only did what anyone would do at that situation, after all.

I also got to take revenge on the stunt those men pulled off earlier, so the sentiment is really not needed. I might've been a little too caught up in the heat of the moment as well, and I didn't mean to turn myself into some kind of a spectacle.

"I really can't accept this, Miss. Helping others is a normal thing to do, after all."

"No, please, accept them! I can't thank you enough for what you've done."

The female customer whom the thief attempted to steal from is now offering me a sack of luxurious jewels.

It just happened that she's from a rich family all along. Then again, with how she looks and carries herself, her upbringing and orientation is as clear as day.

This charming lady, probably the same age as me, has silky purple hair tied into low pigtails and lovely dove grey irises. She's currently wearing a casual walking suit composed of a sumptuous, incarnation pink crinolette dress filled with frills and laces, and shiny, black kitten heels.

Her insistence is quite troubling me, though.

I may be short in money a couple of weeks ago, but Madeline and Ruben have been very generous to me so I only returned the favor by ensuring the customers' safety. I already earned enough for my daily necessities at this point, and I don't think I can wear such exquisite accessories.

But then, I think it'll be rude if I refuse any further than this. She also seems to be genuinely offering it, so I can't help but think of other ways to fit the bill.

Then , mulling over for a few seconds longer, I soon come up with something.

"Rather than these, can I just ask to be friends with you? My name is Lillian, by the way."

At this, she only blinks at me in surprise.

I then almost want to take it back since it just came out of nowhere. This is what I used to do back in my hometown, though.

I'd usually befriend someone when we find ourselves having a hard time to pay each other back for something good we did. It's probably different here in Ellicht, and considering the fact that she's from a wealthy household, I honestly think I might've offended her somehow.

"You're an odd one, Lillian. I can't believe you'll refuse that. Anyway, I'm Felicity! I hope to get along with you from now on," she enthused out of nowhere while I only returned a flabbergasted reaction.

Both Felicity and her name are very pretty.

She seems to be an easygoing and congenial person as well. Though we're probably living in two separate worlds, especially with her social status and all, she still treats me amicably.

Her smile reminds me of cheery blossoms and springs, always sunny and heartwarming. The soft and gentle expressions she musters make me feel all giddy inside either.

Meeting her today made me realize that I've been longing for a friend like her ever since I came here in Ellicht.

Felicity eventually left with her companions after our exchange, but not without promising to visit again. I just mirrored her eagerness when she said that, probably because I am certainly looking forward to it. My elated state didn't last too long, though.

Two siblings in particular just have to meddle in and ruin my mood.

When evening falls, Ruben tells Madeline about the robbery incident earlier, exaggerating my heroic act all the while. I'm cleaning up the place with the others when the two suddenly burst out in laughter in the middle of their conversation.

"Pfft…! Lily's really weird! I can't believe she did it again!" Madeline exclaimed in evident amusement, her whole frame shaking with mirth.

"She took him down all by herself. You can't find a girl like that everyday. No, I bet she's the only one in this city," Ruben remarked meaningfully, which finally made me turn around and stomp towards them in miff.

"Is that a compliment or what?"

I join their discussion as I feel like I'm being mocked at the moment, but the siblings only guffaw at my face before continuing their farce. I then frown at them in annoyance, crossing my arms and huffing indignantly.

While Ruben's testimony is hyperbolic, Madeline's reaction is a bit over the top. For some reason, these two have developed a new kind of hobby ever since we got all chummy together, which is mostly about poking fun on me whenever they please.

"I noticed this, Lily. The way you like dressing up like boys do, your boisterous personality, and even your fighting prowess…! Pfft...! Just tell us already. You sure you're not a tomboy?"

I then narrow my eyes at Madeline, visibly appalled and dismayed.

I can't believe she'll come up with that impression just because I'm a bit different from girls my age.

Not wanting to have this kind of reputation, I then start reasoning with them by explaining my upbringing and carefree attitude back in my hometown. Though people there did call me rowdy and blithesome, I still appear cute and feminine in one way or another.

"I can be girly too, you know!" I bolted out, clearly mortified.

"Only when you're sitting still and doing nothing…" Madeline teased to which I only pouted in reply.

"Don't take that to heart, Lily. Everyone has their own charms," Ruben commented, though he doesn't really sound very convincing.

That evening, I retire to my bed earlier than usual due to exhaustion.

As I say goodnight, I also bid farewell to my dignity as a lady who simply wishes to be called and seen as cute and lovely.

Come to think of it, compared to someone like Felicity, I feel like calling quits already. If she's the very definition of grace and elegance, I probably have no room to further any retaliation.

Days later, Felicity returned to the diner just like she promised.

This time, she's in her work attire, which includes a one-button royal blue jacket over a white frilly high-collared blouse, a black ankle-length skirt with a flat front and a bloated back, a feathered top-hat, and navy stilettos.

I almost gape in awe and wonder upon seeing her in that uniform. She looks like a porcelain doll dressed in an opulent clothing. Even some of the other customers look her way when I guide her to a table and serve her orders.

"Felicity is still an apprentice, right?" I asked to which she nodded in reply.

"Yes, I work near the plaza. Speaking of which, aren't you an apprentice too?"

"Well… I'm in hiatus or something. I still don't know where I should apply."

Felicity's stare then turns enigmatic. She seems to be deep in thought all of the sudden.

"Why don't I take you to my workshop then? Maybe you'll like it!"

Startled at her sudden suggestion, I only gawk at her and flail my hands around. I can't possibly trouble her with such things. Having her as a regular customer in this diner is already enough.

"B-But…!"

"As thanks for the other day, I'll help you find an apprenticeship. If my current workplace is no good, I'll just show you around the town square. You have to see the world if you want to find where you really want to be, you know!"

Though hesitant, I agree with what Felicity said.

Since I've been staying inside the restaurant for a while now, I didn't get the chance to tour around, and I only visited the plaza so far. I've been cooping up in this new comfort zone of mine, which is probably the reason why I still can't come up with an answer. She also looks quite eager to return the favour, so I eventually accept her invitation.

Then, with that, Felicity takes me to her workshop on my next day-off.

I'm also intrigued since she looks more like a professional than an apprentice in her uniform. It might be a very interesting occupation, considering that the workshops around the plaza are mostly inhabited by the middle class.

Little did I know that it would have me gaping in astonishment.