Honestly, yesterday was SO fun! I never imagined hanging out with friends would be such a fun experience. The crisp, soft early-morning daylight slips through the windows. The red envelope was lying on my desk, and I noticed it every time. I swear it gives the chills running down my spine. To be honest, it seems to have a strange, menacing aura surrounding it.
It's been a while since then, and I am the dining table. It seems this time, my oldest sister wasn't even in the mansion, and Gale minds his own business. A golden stack of fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup sits at the center; it includes fresh fruits with a slight coating of powdered sugar. This breakfast was glowing with brightness, something like out of a dream. Off topic, but I did remember that, since the original duke's daughter had done misdeeds, the family pretty much hated her. I think in this timeline, she hasn't done anything, so that's a good thing. My goal is to build a good relationship within my family.
I muster my courage to walk up to Gale, although it was EXTREMELY awkward between us. I figure that since he is here, why not ask to hang out if he has nothing to do at least. I tap him on the shoulder, feeling tense.
Gale questions, "Do you have something to tell me?"
Looking down, "Uh, so would you like to hang out with me in the town?" Trying to hide my face, since I was clearly dying from this cringy situation, help!!!!!!!!!
A small sense of happiness warms me. He answers that he would be able to go on an outing with me tomorrow. He mentions that today he had an important meeting with the others in the only elite magic tower. I lowkey forgot that he was even a magician, and yeah, magicians do exist in this world! I'm pretty sure he was one of the top roles, and he was known to be a well-performing magician. Don't get me wrong, he is amazing, but I really look up to Luna. I feel like something about Luna almost clicks, but instantly fades away.
The next day, I woke up earlier than expected, considering how I normally struggle to even open my eyes. This is a sign that I am feeling excitement. After getting ready, I am heading my way to the entrance of the mansion. Sometimes I find it really shocking that I live inside such a HUGE place; my jaw drops every single time.
"You're early," he says, glancing at me.
"Well, yeah, I didn't want to be late this time," I reply awkwardly as I fidget with the fluffy, soft keychain attached to my handbag.
I follow him towards the carriage, and he gracefully lends me a hand. Yep, the atmosphere was SO quiet, literally crying right now. The carriage wheels begin to move, the soft sound of the wheels rolling against the road filling the silence. I grip onto my keychain tightly. I glance towards the window, as the scenery passes by, I try to think about how I can start a conversation.
"So, do you come to town often?" I ask to break the silence.
"Not particularly, often I am busy at the magic tower or resting at home," he replies.
In a louder manner, I say, "Well, today will be different!"
He briefly glances at me, "I suppose it will."
The moment I step out of the carriage, I'm hit with the lively atmosphere of people offering bargains at the vendors, people chatting, and the freshly baked goods filling the air.
My eyes twinkle, I mumble "woahh!"
I tightly grab onto Gale's arm, and like a flash of lightning. We were sitting in a fancy, yet vintage cafe. The ceilings were high, and the walls is a hint of light pink, with ornate trims. I couldn't help but feel extremely happy! The ordered goods arrive one by one! The desserts look straight out of the menu! We were already at a great start, and I let him know, "Shall we begin eating?"
I didn't realise how much I enjoyed the desserts, my stomach feels full. We had a light conversation; it was still heading somewhere. The question is, where else can we go? I'm pretty sure Gale is fine to be out before sunrise, and there was still a lot of time until sunrise.
"Gale, is there anywhere in particular you want to go to?"
"Uhm, should we go over and check out the fortune-telling stall?" He points directly at it.
I smiled and said, "Sure."
This actually could be interesting. As we approached the stall, it had a curtain. Suddenly, it opens, and the woman sitting inside says, "Welcome." I glance at Gale as he asks how much it would cost; she asks for 2 golden coins. We follow her instructions, so we both sit on the chairs in front of the stall. The woman reaches for my hands, her hands were as cold as ice. My heart was beating fast.
She says in a haunting manner, "I can tell you've been feeling uneasy lately."
I thought to myself, not really.
She speaks once again, "And perhaps received anything strange."
I laugh nervously, my hands were trembling slightly at the thought of the red envelope.
We were already leaving in the carriage, Gale could tell I was shaken by the fortune teller. While we were in the carriage, Gale questioned me if I was okay. Obviously, I am shaken, but I didn't want him to worry about me, so I made sure to appear okay. Her lasting words, "Be careful," is lingering in my mind...