𝕳𝖔𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖘𝖘 - (Ranboo)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑

The festivities continued with Venus not in sight, a royal family who had arrived when she did was taking the spotlight, more specifically this boy who had a flashy waistcoat. Eissen and Lethe had long since left the party, starting to feel unwell when looking at the time and thinking of what their siblings and parents may think when the time comes of their return. So Hertha was left enjoying herself with Ranboo, the only boy she seemed to actively want to talk to. They had snuck away from the festivities and spent the rest of their time bonding in the library, where no one was giving stares or disturbing them.

Hertha truly did enjoy the ball. It was the first proper party she had been to where she wasn't constantly doing chores. And to her fortune, no one asked her about her job, or where her uniform was. Talking to Ranboo opened her eyes, and during their bonding, she felt like she had known him for more than just a few hours, they had learnt so much. It was always like that when meeting someone new, there were always new things to learn. Hertha worried that if they spoke after, there wouldn't be the same spark and conversation would quickly run dry. It wasn't like Hertha to be so socially conscious but she supposed it couldn't be helped. But she wanted to continue talking to Ranboo regardless. She found herself growing attached to the boy. Thinking about him while he was right there.

Hertha didn't believe in love at first sight; not at all. But maybe she should. She wasn't sure what else she would call the sudden fireworks and lightning which startled her every time she thought of him, and he sat right in front of her, talking about music he enjoyed. Then she realised she was talking to a guest. And the guests were temporary, "say... Ranboo... are you leaving after this? Or are you staying in the village for the night and leaving tomorrow?" Hertha asked shyly. Ranboo, who was talking about his interest in string instruments, looked up suddenly and processed the question.

"I haven't really thought about that... I guess I'll just leave. Go home. I mean, I'd love to stay, Hertha, you're amazing to talk to and you're realms of interesting. I just don't want to hurt you." He excused anxiously and looked down, she didn't respond, she only waited for him to continue, "it's just that... I have a bit of dirt on me... and there's this one guy who's been following me because of it. I think he's after me because I know someone he knows? Yeah... I don't leave much because of it, I'm safer in my abode. The last thing I want is for you to get involved and get hurt because of it. I know it sounds really weird, you don't have to look at me like that," he narrowed his eyes at her confused and doubtful expression for a moment, "but seriously, the guy's a complete psycho and he probably knows I'm here right now. That's creepy! I don't want to put us all in danger. He might use you as blackmail! But I'd have loved to stay otherwise." He cracked his fingers while Hertha nodded slowly.

"Why are you acting like a con artist? You're fine! I doubt we'll get involved, we only just met. No one uses an acquaintance as live bait. I'd argue it's worse back home where he could be waiting for you to return. Please stay! I'm being selfish but... please?" She asked and clasped her hands together in an act to show she was devoted to her way of thinking.

"None of that flowed comfortably." Ranboo chuckled and pointed out, she only scoffed and crossed her arms, looking away. "Alright! I'm sorry. I'll stay for the morning. You can show me around the village, I'll meet all of your friends. Then I'll go home before noon. Let's make it count, okay?" He asked and raised one of his mismatched eyebrows.

"Of course." She stuck out a pinky finger with glee and the two pinky promised on it. "You're very cute... sorry... maybe you should start going to the inn you'd like to stay at. They'll be pretty empty right now and if you choose one closer to the town centre, you might still find a free room! I should probably get back to being a hostess, but I enjoyed this time together, Ranboo. I'd love to do it again!" She smiled and stood up with him, they both made their way to the hall and she waved him goodbye as he left the castle, not before talking to an old blond man, who had black wings and wore a bucket hat. Hertha paid no mind and tended to the party some more, before she went back to Venus's room.