Limerence

Ardor

 Ardor (n.)

- enthusiasm or passion.

After the revelation that has taken place, the two friends have comfortably settled in a pleasant conversation. William forgetting the guilt and shame while basking in the comfort of the girl's presence. It was safe to say that he missed the sense of comfort (Name) was able to bring him all these years. However there was still a question that irked in his mind,

"Did you come all the way here just for that matter?" Even if he disliked that he rarely saw his dear friend, there were limited things as to what he can do about it. Not that he can say something, his work is a bit hectic too.

(Name) grinned cheekily, "How about you read that letter I sent you now?"

William looked at her, confused. He didn't see the need to read the letter when you're already in front of him. The girl was unfazed by his questioning stare, so he decided to honor his friend's request. (Name) has always been a bit bizarre when they were children, he supposed that she had maintained that trait up until today. 

He opened the special drawer that holds (Name)'s letters, he separated her letters from his work ones so he doesn't have to rummage through dozens of papers when he wants to re-read hers. Why would he need  to re-read her letters, you ask? Well, it was a secret pastime of his that he does after a long day at work. He compares it as to someone coming home after a tiring day.

He found the letter and closed his drawer, he could feel (Name)'s excitement as he opened it. William was conflicted on why she was behaving in such a way when he was just tearing the envelope. The letter started off with the usual 'Dearest William,' but as he continued to progress, he began to understand why (Name) was so excited.

His slightly widened eyes looked up to her enthusiastic ones, "You're joining the Magic Knights?"

"Yes! Specifically, your Squad, Captain Vangeance," She teased, quite ecstatic.

William repeatedly looked from the letter and to the girl, and sure enough there were no signs of a prank or any falsehood. Her letter, or rather her father's, stated that he was now letting her join the Knights in one condition. She must be under William's squad since he already knows the young Captain and expects him to look after her.

Before he met Julius, his friend would go on and on how amazing the Magic Knights were, risking their lives to protect the villagers and the entire Kingdom. She also went on that she wanted be just like that, to protect. That's why she was deeply saddened when his father forbade her to join.

Her father wasn't born a noble, in fact, he was left by his parents and was barely surviving when a Lord offered to take him in. The Lord wasn't blessed with any heirs but (Name)'s father took care of him like he was his own father. It wasn't much of a surprise when the Lord decided to leave him all his fortune after his passing.

He was unlucky when it came to his love life, too. His wife was a charming woman who passed away shortly after (Name) was born. That's why he protected his daughter with all his might. Even when she despised him after he forbade her to join, her father did not bend to her wishes.

Though, William knew that even if he was a strict man, he loved her very much. When he met him the first time (Name) invited William to their home, there wasn't an ounce of disgust in his eyes. He greeted William like he would any other lord. William respected him ten-fold after that.

"What made Lord (Last Name) come to this?" William wondered out loud, he thought that he would keep (Name) under his watch at all cost.

The girl giggled, "Again, the rumors say you're a hero now, William. Father surely has caught wind of what happened, with you as the star of the story. He thinks that you have what it takes to not let me die, or else."

William swallowed thickly. He remembered (Name) squeaked out her first 'I love you' to him. It was just his luck that the Lord of the house just got home and heard her confession. Lord (Last Name) invited William into his office, stating that they needed to have a man to man talk. William was nine years old when that happened.

Although William was now given immense pressure, he was happy for her. He enjoyed watching her eyes sparkle in anticipation. He knew that even if she was in danger, there was no need to come swooping her to safety. He knows that she could handle herself just fine.

That saying, he would still look after her from time to time. She may be strong, but she's also stubborn. That must have been the primary reason as to why her father did not allow her at first. She will never put herself first, and that is what worries him the greatest. But that is what training is for anyways,  

The Captain put on his dazzling smile, "Welcome to the Golden Dawn, (First Name) (Last Name). I hope that you'd do your best to protect the Kingdom and its people."

(Name) stood up and saluted, "I will do whatever it takes to be of service, Captain Vangeance."

And he knew that she would keep her promise. His chest swelled with pride, "Being a Knight looks good on you, (Name)."

The girl smirked, "Is it really me being a Knight that looks good, or is it me being at the mercy of your orders, Captain?"

Trust (Name) to have the audacity to flirt with William when he had just appointed her as a Magic Knight. Her passion for her Captain might be greater than of her desire to serve the Kingdom. He was sure that her father would come for his head one of these days.

He hid his warm face on his hands, "(Name), please."

The said girl just giggled.