08.1 ▌The Guardian Knights

                                    

                                          
Year 3988, 12th Day of the 8th Moon
 Ember Isle, Fliamma Kingdom, Continent of Humana


NO ONE could describe how ecstatic Elise was while she spent the rest of her time at the Medicine Chamber. Even Hadrien couldn't talk to her properly and left her alone.
The last time she came here, she didn't have the time to appreciate the place that should be called haven. She was contented staying at the library and the least of her expectation was to come back here since it was definitely a private space as the only way inside was to enter Hadrien's room first.
Her eyes were brimming with excitement as she carefully inspected everything in her sight. Plants that were just mere pictures to her previously were all within her reach. She was able to recall a single one of them — having a photographic memory that made her remember things at one glance — but, it was a different experience to see and touch it directly.
No exhaustion or drowsiness came to her as hours passed by, even the sense of time completely left her awareness.
"Elise, you're still here?"
She turned to see Hadrien standing in the doorway. He was rubbing his eyes as he let out a yawn. Paired with a loose linen shirt and messy hair, it was a morning look that could make any girl's heart skip a beat.
However, Elise was too absorbed in her own world and simply gave a nod. Hadrien peacefully left as she continued to pound more herbs.
Several minutes later, she finally combined everything and rushed outside.
"Look! I—"
"Ah!"
Hadrien's shout made her footsteps stop in an instant. Smooth pale skin welcomed her view. His body was lithe and skinny as expected from a son of a rich family.
'Quite different from Aricson with his toned muscles.' As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she quickly shook her head and wanted to mentally slap herself.
"Miss..." a man's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Yes?"
"The young lord hasn't finished dressing up yet, Miss. Please give us some privacy," the man said, who she just noticed standing beside Hadrien.
He was wearing the same uniform as the other helpers with an all-black suit paired with a maroon tie and red buttons. The servant had a youthful countenance but this time, she doubted herself since there was no telling what their true age was.
For the most time she stayed here, Gerald was the only old-looking person she saw. If she did the math based on their age, he was probably a few hundred years old.
"Miss?"
"Oh, sorry. What did you say?"
"Please kindly leave us for a moment." The man gave a side glance to Hadrien who had a towel covering his body, his eyes trained on the floor but his ears were as crimson as his hair.
"I'm sorry. Please go to the Medicine Chamber once you're done," she stated and quickly ran back to the other room.


A KNOCK resounded a couple of minutes later. Elise hurriedly opened the door.
"I'm so—"
"You're here! Come!" She did not wait for him to finish as she dragged him to the working table.
She had been anticipating his arrival and she only grew excited the more she waited.