whispers of destiny || (clive rosfield x reader)

ch. 2

Three weeks had passed, and for each of those days, you eagerly awaited Clive's arrival at the shop. A smile would spread across your face whenever you saw him and Hilde approaching. What started as small talk gradually evolved into meaningful conversations between the two of you, while Hilde would complete her purchases or browse the neighboring vendor's wares, never taking her eyes off Clive.

"Forgive me, Milord, but I must fetch a few items from the neighboring shop," Hilde informed Clive.

"That's alright, Hilde. I shall wait here for your return," he replied.

Hilde gazed at him intently.

"....I will not wander," he reassured her.

With a soft sigh, Hilde smiled.

"Alright, Milord. I shall waste no time," she concluded and walked towards the other shop.

Your mother approached you and Clive, holding a wooden object in her hand. It was a second wooden stool, identical to the one you usually sat upon. She placed it next to you.

"Please, my lord," your mother said, bowing to Clive.

"Thank you," he smiled.

"It is no trouble at all, my lord. Y/N, your assistance for the day is at an end," your mother said, winking at you as she walked away.

You blushed, turning your head away from both your mother and Clive.

"Y/N..."

You turned towards Clive, giving him your undivided attention.

"My father says that I'll finally be venturing out of the gates with him tomorrow," he said.

"Really?"

"Yes. I will finally get to see what lies beyond. Father says we are going to Mann's Hill."

You smiled faintly. "I've never journeyed to Mann's Hill, but my mother has told me tales of the beautiful snow daisies that grow only there. I've always wondered what they look like," you shared.

"If I see them, you will be the first to know. I also hope to find some low-poly grapes. They seem to disappear quickly in the castle for making wine, but my brother and I both enjoy them as they are," he told you.

Low-poly grapes? Those were the first fruits to sell out in your shop every time they were stocked. Clive was right—they were delicious. But they had to be harvested at the right moment, when a swarm of soul stingers wasn't attacking them. Hmm...

"Milord...", you begin.

"Please," he interrupted. "Just Clive is alright."

"...Clive, please take care on your journey. As I've mentioned before, many dangerous creatures lurk outside the gates, and you must proceed with caution," you concluded.

"Indeed", he replies.

Clive chuckled, breaking the seriousness of the moment. "But you know, Y/N, I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness about venturing outside the castle walls. It's like stepping into a whole new world."

You smiled warmly at his candidness. "I can imagine. Exploring the unknown can be both thrilling and a little frightening. But I have faith that you'll handle it with grace as long as you're careful."

"I appreciate your confidence in me," Clive replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "By the way, have you ever been on any adventures of your own with your mother?"

You chuckled softly, shaking your head. "Oh, nothing as grand as embarking on a journey much beyond the gates. But every day here at the marketplace is an adventure in its own way. You never know who you'll meet or what stories they'll bring."