Main characters never die?!

Chapter Twenty One - A glimmer of hope

After a light lunch, we prepared to depart to meet Eiran's brother. Luckily, the academy where he studied was nearby, so he was able to come out to meet us after asking for permission.

The maids somehow found me a dress fit for a noble lady and helped me get ready. I won't lie, soaking in a warm bath after the days on the road was incredibly pleasant. But wearing these clothes felt strange after the pants and my scalp hurt a little after my hair was done. I've been wearing it mostly loose lately.

Dressed as I had been since I left home, I felt closer to the person I had been in my previous life, but strangely, in this fancy dress I felt more like myself. I guess I've adapted to this life. It was a bit of a bittersweet relief.

Eiran was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, staring at me like he was seeing me for the first time. Just kidding, that cliche didn't happen, although something similar crossed my mind as a possibility. But he was actually standing in front of my door, and as soon as he saw me, he offered his arm to me.

„You're very pretty like this too." He commented in the meanwhile, indicating that I'm always pretty. My lips curled up.

„You look good in these elegant clothes as well. They suit you." He wore simple black pants and boots with a white shirt, but his jacket was green which highlighted his beautiful eyes. His hair was neater, but it looked good either way. I kind of missed his simpler looks because it was... Nope, stop right there, my dirty mind.

We exited the mansion where a carriage was ready to take us to our destination. Aprudeé and Ryenne were standing in front of it, looking at us.

„Will we meet again?" Her eyes were full of hope and affection.

„Naturally." I nodded. „I will visit you and you can come to us whenever you want. You should enjoy your youth and see the world while you can. Once you become the head of the house, you will have fewer opportunity to travel." I winked at her.

I mean, she could, but she seemed like a person who had too much sense of responsibility and would find it difficult to leave her estate behind for a longer period of time. Just like my father. I don't think he has ever been on a vacation.

„I certainly will." She grinned at me. „But before that, I want to learn horse riding and swordsmanship." She looked at Eiran expectantly.

„You were never interested in that sort of thing." He glanced at her in wonder.

„Yes, but Liri looked so dashing when she protected me from that wolf, so I want to be like her." Oh, I was both surprised and flattered. I have never met anyone who wanted to be like me. I felt my face heat up.

„Yeah, I understand." He was defeated. „I'm glad you look up to the girl I love. I'll arrange teachers for you."

„Eiran!" I involuntarily yelled at him for what he said.

„I knew it!" Aprudeé looked triumphantly at Ryenne who just shrugged.

„Yes, yes, you are a very observant girl." He ruffled her hair, smiling wryly. „Don't get hurt and stay healthy." He turned to the boy. „And you take care of her and yourself. Don't let her drag you into any trouble."

„Hey." She protested and Ryenne just nodded.

We waved goodbye and got into the carriage. He sat down next to me and took my hand in his. We didn't speak during the ride, but his warmth and closeness helped me stay calm. However, after arriving at the cafe and settling down at a table, I was overcome with nervousness. I started drumming with my feet, looking around restlessly.

„Are you afraid?" He asked, gently placing his foot on mine.

„Yes, I am." I could be completely honest with him. „I'm scared to hope because I don't think I can handle the disappointment. When I met the doctor at Lianess, I had high hopes, but everything fell apart. So... „