A Plead Of Affection

ENNÉA

Days after that incident, the Noble did not send any replies until I received another letter as I was resting after finishing a day of paperwork, "My Lady, a letter has arrived," Foivi was carrying a tray as she handed me the tray, "Thank you,"

--

Ylury,

Dearest Lady Eva Maria Del Mar Rabellino,

Greetings! I suppose you are well after days of resting. Forgive me if you did not hear of me for days. Upon going back home, I realized I needed to give you time to rest and think.

I apologize if I brought you to worry, I arrived safe and well at my abode. I hope your Father has not realized that I was with you at that time. This day, I finished my work early. May I pick you up?

I have plans to show up in front of you again and show you around my Household. It would be my greatest delight to be with you for the day. I shall pick you up by the end of the day.

Sincerely,

Noble Nikolaos Alexios Schleswig.

--

I heaved a sigh as I placed the letter down; he has been busy ever since the incident and told me to rest. It seems like he is now finally showing up. "Foivi," I called her name, "Would it be fine for me to go to the Noble's House?" Immediately, her shocked expression was the first to show up.

"What do you mean?" Her jaw dropped, "The Noble will be picking me up later. He plans to show me around his residence and eat after,"

"There seems to be a lot on your mind, My Lady. However, you must stop geeting involved with the Noble Schleswig. Please bear it well that you are Lady Eva Maria Del Mar Rabellino," She lowered her head, "I will still meet the Noble, this will be the last time,"

I do not know what I would do; it was always on my mind. The Noble only be confused because of what happened that night. In truth, it is not because he loves me. I should not make a big deal of this thing.

"Forgive me, My Lady. I know that I sam overstepping my bounds, however, seeing you like this-" She stopped herself from furthering saying the statement, "Just this once,"

Both of us might look like a perfect picture pair. The debonair Noble, Nikolaos Alexios Schleswig, and Noble Andrianos Lorou of the House Rabellino's daughter, Eva Maria Del Mar Rabellino. It sounds good to the public image.

As I was relaxing on the veranda, I soon saw a carriage and Alexios getting out. As our eyes met, he halted and showed me a smile that looked unbothered. It looks I have no way to escape the man anymore.

I then shook my head, taking me back into the right state of my mind. The Master-Servant will, of course, greet the Noble, and if that happens, he will surely tell Father about our encounter. "I'll go down," I mumbled, pacing towards the front, "My Lady!" I could hear calling my name out loud behind my back.

"It has been a while since I last saw you, Noble Schleswig," I lowered my head in time for the Master-Servant to appear, "To what do I owe this pleasure, Noble Schleswig?" The men bowed at each other, with Alexios nodding slightly.

"I am picking out Lady Rabellino for our affair this afternoon," He calmly responded, "Would it be fine to take the Lady out?" I looked at the Master-Servant as he assessed the man.

"If the Lady has finished her work then it would be fine, however, if not I am very displeased to tell you that you cannot take the Lady out," He returned, "I have finished my work, Thalis," I assured him.

"I am aware that you are, My Lady. Even so, I have no heard that you and the Noble are affiliated with each other, to add to it, the Noble has not given a proper statement about his-" Before he could finish, I cut him off, "We will just talk about prior things that needs to be addressed, I shall tell Father about this personally. For now, I shall get going. It's rude to make a Noble wait," I vaguely lowered my head and went out.

"Let us go," Alexios instructed as soon as we got into the carriage, "You didn't have to say that to the Master-Servant because of me. Are you sure that I didn't interrupt your schedule for the day?" I shook my head.

"No, that old man just likes to stall time and disrupt my day, just because he is Father's most trusted men doesn't mean that he has the right to defame me," I snickered, "I am fine, for now,"

I must appear strong even in front. I should not lower my guard nor slack off even for a bit. As the ride continued with no one speaking, the Noble started a conversation, "I bought you a present," He showed me a box, revealing a beautiful necklace, "This is a gift for accepting my invitation,"

I feel stone, "Shouldn't I be the one to bring you a gift? I came with you emptyhanded. I am the guest here," I complained, "No, it's my fault for pouncing this upon you, please accept my token of gratitude," The man turned slightly and wore the necklace around my nape.

This man seems to be friendly around that it almost feels as if you are taking him for granted, "I should return the favor one day," I replied; the man then had his face glowing, "Why?" I questioned.

"I already have something in mind. To tell you the truth, I gave you this not only for my gratitude but because I had a motive," Alexios averted his gaze, "You should always reward people who did a good deed," I fell stunned with his statement.

"Are you implying that you want me to reward you?" He nodded and showed me an innocent smile, "What will be my prize?"