Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 26 - Banquet Part 1

His eyes skimmed through her meticulously braided hair rolled up to a bun, her long slender neck, her narrow shoulders and slim waist, accentuated by her flowing silk dress.

"The lady standing behind you is?"

"Excuse me for the late introduction. She's my daughter, Maximillian."

The Duke of Croix urged her to step forward. Only then the girl who was constantly looking at the floor, raised her head. Riftan felt a strange quiver run down his spine. Her big and gray eyes like a winter's lake have now an unfamiliar sadness in them. Riftan frowned, curious to why she was wearing such a dark expression. The moment she laid her eyes on him, a clear look of curiosity flash in her eyes. Riftan's whole body stiffened in shock. She was not afraid anymore. She still had a dark tint in her eyes, but the fear that she has display earlier was gone. However, she still looked uncomfortable being in front of both of them.

"It's an honor to meet you, miss. My name is Evan Triden."

The commander held out one hand and gave her a soft, reassuring smile. The girl hesitantly reached out and placed her hand against his. The man then politely bowed and kissed the back of her hand.

"This young man standing beside me is my subordinate, Riftan Calypse."

He introduced her to Riftan, who was standing so stiffly. Both of them acted like it was the first time they were being introduced. Maximillian did not seem to have the words to acknowledge the fact that they have been previously introduce. Riftan in the other hand, did not want to say anything that make the situation more uncomfortable for her than what it was at the moment.

"...It's a pleasure to meet you."

"P...p-pleasure to meet you."

Her gaze turned downwards, and she murmured in a trembling voice. Her voice was so soft that it would have been difficult to understand her words without paying it full attention. Riftan was drawing in an unimaginable dejection. He wondered to himself if he was expecting her to smile at him or probable acknowledge him.... Or maybe blush and be mesmerized by his physic.... Or just blush in the same way she did when Leon looked at her earlier.

The Duke Croix's voice suddenly resounded as he was being devoured by the emptiness he felt.

"Child, you look pale. Are you still not feeling well?"

The girl's back hunched and then she slowly nodded her head. A soft sigh escaped from the duke's lips.

"Now that you have finished greeting the guests, you may go back to your room so you can rest."

The girl glanced once at Riftan and Triden, then bowed, turning slowly to leave.

At the precise moment Princes Agnes approached the group of people with a bright smile while looking at Maximillian

"Maximillian, you promise you will accompany me tonight for the banquet! Do you really feel that sick? You will be fine just a minute ago. Please stay a little longer"

The duke, who was staring at her with an anxious look, casted a dry smile towards the Princess.

"I apologize for the rudeness. She's a reserved child, so she doesn't feel comfortable in noisy places like gatherings."

Agnes turned again to Maximilian who seems to be feel better at the present of Princes Agnes.

"Please?!"

The duke of Croix at loss of words at the insistence of the Princess look at Maximillian

"Child, if you promised Princess Agnes to accompany. I believe you need endure a little and stay with her."