Heroine On Strike

On every drinking night, the knights acted as if it was an honor to take part in Ella’s journey and endless episodes continued. More extraordinary stories were shared by those knights than what Vylun heard from Eric.

“But the story that my truthful friend told me changed entirely after I joined.”

“How?” asked Ella.

“It changed regarding how beautiful, intelligent and knowledgeable his sister is.”

It wasn’t only Eric, so it wasn’t even strange to call a Knight of Constance her private knight. The sounds made while they practiced even changed when Ella came out for a walk. After she passed by, the knights even stopped to praise her beauty. Vylun had to laugh at the knights’ extreme love for Ella, even praising a 15-year-old girl’s beauty to that degree.

Eric was at the top of those fanatics.  It was to the point where if he was given a date, he would remember what Ella was wearing, what she did and everything of that sort. As such, Vylun knew what she was wearing or what she did without needing to see her.

“No way…” said Ella.

She couldn’t imagine Eric bragging about her like that to Vylun. She would have believed it if it was Evan or Ethan, but Eric was different. Ella only thought of Evan as her brother as she had never seen him.

Was that why? Ella was touched by Eric’s story. It was an unknown feeling for Ranhee, who had lost her parents when she was young and had no siblings. That unfamiliar feeling made Ella’s expression loosen. Her cheek blushed with pink, and her emerald eyes were colored with dark blue.

Seeing Ella’s genuine smile that was more beautiful than he imagined, Vylun’s heart began to race like crazy. If his dark skin was a bit lighter, his reddened face might have revealed itself to the entire party hall.

“Vylun?” asked Ella.

She recognized the change that nobody recognized. Ella, who was touched by Eric’s story, was surprised when Vylun’s temperature began to rise. His face reddened as if it would explode at any moment. For the first time since entering the dance floor, he looked away from her.

“Hmph.” He tried to cough his embarrassment away, but the heat that rose up to his face didn’t come down easily.

‘Forget that I said he’s a 21-year-old adult.’

He was actually cuter than she thought. Ella giggled at his reaction, and his face reddened more. Even after the song ended, his face didn’t calm down. Thanks to her teasing gaze, it only burned redder. Eventually, Vylun had to end the dance without being able to meet Ella’s eyes.

“Will you dance more? Or are you running away now?”

Ella teased him as they bowed to each other that signaled the end of the dance, and Vylun’s eyes finally returned to her and stayed.

“Those hyenas looking at you right now will come over you if I run away. So, you should run away with me.”

“Where to?”

Vylun offered his arm, and Ella’s pretty hand, which a lot of hard work was done to keep it pristine, laid on it. He grinned because her hand laid on his arm without hesitation, and he turned to her.

Ella couldn’t understand his grin, looked back at him with a puzzled look, and asked, “Why are you laughing?”

“I just thought I’ll be the most envied person within the Knights of Constance starting today.”

“Pardon?” questioned Ella.

“Your brother Eric was the most envied man, but just a hint of what happened at the party today will be enough to be envied by every knight.”

“What are you talking about?”

Ella scolded Vylun for speaking nonsense. Vylun laughed out loud, seemingly enjoying her scolding. It was a true “hahaha” kind of laugh that she had only read from the book, which startled her, and she laughed as well. Even such laughter fit him. The mumbling of people followed behind two of them.

“Where do you think they’re heading to?”

“It must be the garden. Isn’t that the perfect place for young couples to enjoy their time?”

“That terrace shrouded by the curtains is better for that.”

“Oh, there’s the resting room as well.”

“Good lord, countess.”

Vylun, a stereotypical knight, laughed out loud, and Ella giggled softly next to him like a flower looked so good together. That was why more people watched them move away. Vylun and Ella’s smiles faded at that sight. They wanted to get out, but rumors were going to be out of control if they did. As such, the only choice they had was to go to an open terrace.

As they got on the terrace, Ella took her hand off from Vylun due to people watching them and sat on the chair placed at the corner of the terrace. Vylun glanced toward the party and leaned on the fence of the terrace so he could be across Ella. It was disappointing that the rest area was somewhere they couldn’t rest well, but Ella brought up her energy to throw a joke at him.

“The wind is cool, and the shadow can cover your face. It’s perfect for you, Vylun.” Ella teased him for finding a spot in a dark place. Vylun felt she was shining. Her smile coming from pure joy grasped his heart.

“So, what did you mean just now? Everyone’s envied Eric, but now it will be you?”

“Do you know that you are everyone’s lady?” asked Vylun.