Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
SOLENE couldn't utter a single word as she entered the enormous headquarters of the Golden Dawn with William that night. It was built like a palace on top of a hill with a wide ground in front. Solene felt like a royalty for the first time in her life. But at the same time, it felt wrong. It was like she didn't belong here.
William ordered something to his companion Shiren, who was this scary, stern looking guy. As expected, he was a noble and obviously Solene’s senior, so she made sure to greet him with respect. Which left William and her alone, exploring the corridors of the headquarters.
Solene walked slower than the captain, deliberately falling behind. Somehow, she couldn't walk by his side. For her eyes, William was too superior—like the stars in the sky. He was hard to reach. Even so, Solene watched him, grateful in every second that passed.
“Can you walk a bit faster, Solene?” He said, catching her off guard.
“O-Okay!” She said, moving to his side—not too close, not too far. “Wait, you remember my name?”
William didn't respond for a second. “I have a rather great memory.” He answered.
Solene’s heart skipped a beat. So William did remember her!
She didn't know where they were going, but she should take this chance to thank him!
“Lord William, thank you for recruiting me in your squad. I'm very grateful. Really! Words can't describe how happy I am right now! Jeez, I thought I was a goner earlier! I was about to leave, see? I'm not expecting you to raise your hand. After all, I lost the sparring match. Plus, I'm a peasant so they must be so shocked.” She said, fiddling with her fingers.
Golden Dawn, along with the Silver Eagles, were the squads known for only recruiting nobles amongst their ranks. That was why it was a surprise indeed for everyone that William—out of the nine captains—raised his hand for a mere peasant from a mere village.
“I also recruited a person from Hage Village before you. Since he was the first peasant in my squad, everyone was shocked. I'm sure they underestimated him, mocked him, and despised him. Why would I recruit a peasant like him?” He looked at Solene. “Because I sense the potential in him. I can see that he will grow far greater than he was before. His magic will become stronger, climbing up the ranks and now, he’s currently the vice captain of this squad.”
Solene’s eyes shimmered. So there was someone like her here! A peasant in the same situation as her! And he was the vice captain? He must be so strong then. Could she be like him too?
“Wow, that's amazing! I want to be strong like him too!” She beamed.
“I see you've changed in the past six months. What have you been doing?” He asked.
“Oh! I trained my butt off every day! See, I'm a hunter, so I basically live in the forest! I trained in using my magic and honed my abilities!” She realized her language use, covering her mouth. “I'm so sorry for my improper use of words!”
