𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕊𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕤𝕤 | 𝙸𝚓𝚎𝚔𝚒𝚎𝚕 𝙰𝚕𝚙𝚑𝚎𝚞𝚜

05

When I awoke and opened my eyes, I hoped that I'd see Elyse's face. However, disappointment quickly rose up in me when I was met by none other than the ceiling of my room.

I slowly sat up and realized that she probably sent me to sleep again. I sighed as I examined my room before clutching on my bed sheets. I couldn't understand why she would always put me into sleep and not give me a proper goodbye.

My vision blurred as I thought if I was just a nuisance to her. So much that she had to put me into sleep and leave as quickly as possible.

"Elyse.." I called out as I let the tears fall down my cheeks.

When suddenly, a glow appeared on my bottom left which made me glance at the direction and widened my eyes. My mouth parted as I saw a silver and thin ring wrapped around my ring finger.

I pulled my left hand up to my face to examine the beautiful ring once more. I was mesmerized by how beautiful it was crafted, I realized that it stores mana around it. I clutched it to my chest as I felt her warmth.

What did the ring mean? I could tell that it was her who made this. A smile crept on my face as an image of her appeared in my mind. I wasn't a nuisance after all.

"What's on your mind, my lady..?" I muttered underneath my breath.

All I could do is cherish the ring that she gave to me as I wondered about her real intentions and plans. I couldn't grasp the situation I'm in.

A few days had passed, and I was going to leave for Arlanta. Yet no sight of the saintess had ever crossed the view. Will she visit me before I leave? That thought remained in my mind as more following days passed by.

I had met the princess in those following days. I've also had countless nights when I always read Jennette bed time stories so she could calm down and sleep.

Today was the remaining night I have and tomorrow, I'll be leaving for Arlanta. I was upset because Elyse had not visited me once. Did I upset her in a way? I couldn't figure out the reasons for her absences.

I'm now outside of the manor, I decided to take a stroll outside to go and visit my secret garden.

When I arrived at my destination, everything around the garden glowed. I widened my eyes at the sight of the flowers glowing so beautifully under the darkness of the sky.

My attention averted to the person who was standing at the center of the garden. I didn't need to question the identity of the person. I quickly made my way and reached my hand out towards her.

"Lady Elyse..!" I called out happily to her child form.

"Ijekiel." Her voice sounded like melodies as she turned around to me and flashed me the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

I almost stumbled as I ran towards her. I didn't care, I let my embarrassment wash away to the breeze. I felt too delighted to see the person that had been constantly in my mind for days.

Once I reached her, everything slowed around us. The flowers rose up as I grabbed her hand and gently pulled her towards me. I wrapped my arms around her waist and buried my face on the crook of her neck.

"Refrain yourself from putting me into sleep as a way to bid farewell.. I beg of you..." I whispered as I held her tightly.

I heard her giggle before I felt her arms sliding down around my body. I feel so warm, so happy that she's now here beside me. I couldn't contain myself, I lost my composure.

"Why are you still awake, Ijekiel?" She questioned as she rubbed my back in circles.

"I beg your pardon, my lady, but you knew that I'd still be awake and take a stroll in my secret garden.. If you weren't aware, I wouldn't have found you here..." I heard her chuckle once again.

"Affirmative.. I see you've been waiting for my arrival?"

I nodded as I tightened my hold around her, afraid she'd leave or put me into sleep then leave me without saying goodbye again. I heard her hum before she started pulling away from me. I acted on my reflex and tightened my hold around her.

"I'm not going to leave or make you sleep, Ijekiel.." She whispered as I squinted my eyes.

"Promise..?"

"I promise."

And with that, I slowly let her go. But of course, I held her hands as a way to try and keep her from leaving. She realized my intentions and giggled at me. I quickly felt sad, it was probably visible on my face since she suddenly became alert.

A sad smile appeared across her beautiful face before she sat down on the field, I followed what she did and sat down in front of her.

I didn't realize the tears that were flowing down my cheeks until she cupped my cheek with her hand and wiped away the droplets using her thumb. I rubbed my face on her hold before I laid down and rested my head on her lap.

"May I ask what I did wrong for you to put me into slumber every time you leave?"

I felt embarrassed since I was weeping. I felt so weak. I have never even cried in front of my father like this. My lady surprises me by how she was able to make me certain things I've never done.

"Ijekiel.. I'm not who you think I am. You're also just a child, you're not fully aware of what you're saying."

Her words were painful to my chest. I stared up at her and tried to identify the expression that was written across her pretty face. I couldn't understand it.. her expression and her words.

However, I can understand the part where she said that I was just a child and not fully aware of my words.

"I beg your pardon, Lady Elyse. However, everything that I've said to you is nothing but true." I whispered as I stared onto her beautiful eyes.

"You're still a child, Ijekiel." That, again. I couldn't help but feel sad.

"If I was an adult already, my lady. Would you keep on being persistent with your words?"

Her breath hitched at what I said. I could see the fear in her eyes. What was she most desperately afraid of? Why is she acting like this? I couldn't understand her. I couldn't.

Because I only know that she's Elyse, the saintess. Nothing more. I should unravel some information about her identity once I arrive at Arlanta. I will search for the reason why you are so afraid. I hope that I'm not the one who triggers your fear.

"I might be a saintess but I'm no saint, Ijekiel.."

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard her voice crack. I widened my eyes when I saw the tears that were prickling down her soft cheeks. I felt her tears drop down on my face.

"My lady..!" I quickly sat up and cupped her face.

"I'm not a good person, Ijekiel. How can you propose to someone whose hands are already dirty?" She sobbed as I wiped her tears, I was crying with her.

"You're certainly not a bad person.. I've yet to know more about you, my lady. However, the time we spent together showed me that you're kind.." She sobbed as she placed her hands on mine.

"If you just knew what I'd done..!"

I leaned closer to her which made her stop her sentence. Her breath hitched at how close our faces were, I smiled sadly. I pressed my lips on her forehead before I wrapped my arms around her.

"Then, please.. do tell me. Let me share your burden. I might be a child and don't have the knowledge to give you the help you need.. But I can listen.. Please.." I whispered as I caressed her head.

"I'll tell you someday.. but if you still want my hand when that 'someday' comes..." She whispered as she started to calm down from her cries.

"As you wish, my lady. I can guarantee that I won't and will never change my mind and wait for that someday.." She nodded in response.

"Wait for me, please.."

That's what I should tell you..

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