After leaving the restaurant, aing our escorts, we walked through the streets, admiring each of the stores and street stalls.

  The atmosphere in the ter of the capital was vibrant. Many people were walking briskly by our side, with smiles and a strange aura of joy—a perfect trast to the festive atmosphere that was beginning to form iy. Blue and white ribbons, and arbeta flowers1 Arbeta, or Wiar is a flower that blooms in the coldest months of the year, filling the ndscape with its heavenly beauty and unparalleled charm. Its growth habit is characterized by a ground pnt with leaves that unfurl low, revealing a slewig that rises majestically toward the sky. From this twig sprout hundreds of small flowers in shades of blue, light blue, and some subspecies in bluish violet and dark purple, f a spectacle of color that dazzles those who have the privilege of beholding it.The Wiar is a symbol of purity and grace, evoking the image of a celestial figure that illumihe night sky with its radia represents the hope and renewal that e with the arrival of the winter season, as well as the timeless beauty that endures despite adversity. It is the representative flower of the White Lady., representing the White Lady, were hung on the facades of buildings and in flower pots on street stalls. It was a tradition to receive the blessings of the Pilr of the Seasons and the in of all the winds in her passage through the world, which she covered with her white mantle.

  Street food stalls offered their unique seasonal foods. The cheerful and lively sounds, added to the light trot of the Ekus'2 The Eku is a majestic bipedal bird that evokes the image of speed and elegan motion. With an average height of 2 meters; alphas reag 4 meters, these slender animals stand out for their muscur legs, which allow them to reach impressive speeds of up to 300 km/h and maneuver with an agility that rivals that of any horse.Covered with feathers of various colors and with varied designs, the Eku are true visual spectacles. Their plumage present a wide range of hues, from vibrant reds and yellows to more subtle shades of blue and green. Although they have wings, these are more decorative than funal and are rarely used for anything, although it is known that they glide for short periods of time despite their siderable weight, which reach up to 180 kg. legs pulling the carriages that advahrough the streets, turhe pto a ter of lively activity that would soon bee one of the rgest festivals in the empire.

  And then there was us. Two young noble girls, walking side by side, admiring the bright colors that embellished the capital. My arm is entwined with Nisire's, and my heart is pounding with excitement.

  Very few times in my life, I had the luxury of walking the streets of the capital without my parents nearby, so this day; this date, had bee something I would keep in my memory for a lifetime. Walking with someone I love, admire and respect was a dream e true.

  This day became one of those rare moments when I could throw away my mask and be me. And all thanks to h, who had inspired me with ce.

  Nisire and I were chatting about how beautiful the capital had bee with all the preparations for the festival when I noticed a store I had once goo with Maki. A jewelry store with quite a good reputation.

  This might be a good opportunity to give Nisire something special. I might as well take advantage of it and buy h a birthday present.

  I pointed out the pce to Nisire and, nodding in response, she escorted me to that pce. We told the escorts to stay outside a in with our respective maids.

  Lestain Jewelry and Goldsmithing. It is one of the most famous and exclusive i of jewelry and preetalwork, even making exclusive works for the imperial family. Some of our jewelry had been ordered from this establishment, so I kheir work quite well.

  "Wele, Lady Sarka Baelian, and to her panion. It is a pleasure to have you with us today. My name is Raelia, and I am charged with fulfilling your requests. What I do for you today?"

  A Valven girl, with short blonde hair, greeted us with a bow. She wore a full suit, which made her look quite manly, but also, atuated her feminine curves. Her silver eyes indicated her joy at weling us as ers, they sparkled with anticipation as she waited for our response.

  "I’m showing the capital to my friend Nisire Burmont, daughter of t Burmont, and I think it would be very o have a good memory of this day. What you reend?"

  Nisire gave me a surprised look. Her expression told me that she hadn't expected me to io present her with a gift. She seemed quite happy about it, though.

  "I see. Then I'll bring our best products. You take a seat here. Hilia, y something to drink for our ers?"

  Raelia poie leather sofa a few steps away from her, then called one of the maids standing to the side as she moved ihe ba. The girl, Hilia, moved immediately, bringing with her a tray with cups and a teapot.

  We took a seat on the couch just a few steps at the side of the shop, our maidservants moved quickly to help Hilia and began p us both some tea, then positiohemselves behind the sofa.

  "Then, My Lady." Nisire began, giving me a curious look. "Is this some sort of pn?"

  "Pn?"

  "You're not going to tell me we just happeo walk in here, are you?"

  "It certainly wasn't by ce, although I had no iion of going in at first." I replied calmly as I sipped at my tea. A refreshing sweet taste with a hint of mint. This pce serves pretty impressive teas.

  "So, did we really go in just because it seemed like a good idea?" Nisire asked with a slight frown.

  "Yes. Is something wrong, don't you like this pce?"

  "No, it's not that My Lady. It's just that..." She stopped mid-sentence. But before I could urge her to tihe clerk girl returned with other workers, bringing with her some beautifully adorned boxes, which taihe jewelry I had requested.

  "Young Lady Sarka, here are my top reendations." Raelia stopped in front of us, bringing with her the first produd pg it in full view of both of us. "These are earrings made of silver with bae gemstones. We have several different designs, but this is my reendation."

  The Valven took a beautiful pair of earrings and pced them on a small cushion that the maid, Hilia, had left oable.

  They were quite beautiful. It had a bae stone, of a bright e color, at the top held by "cws" made of polished silver. Uhis, there iece molded in a diamond shape, from which came two wings made of the same polished silver. At the end, a rger gem, held by 4 silver cws. A rather elegant design that gave off a rather fierce feeling.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]On Nisire; who already radiated a gentlemanly aura, they would look perfect. Her dark skin would make them stand out even more. But for some reason, I felt that this was not the ideal. Raelia seemed to notid switched to others, showing us a different design.

  "This is one of the most popur. Lately, it has bee fashionable for young dies to wear asymmetrical earrings, and this design has been one of the most requested."

  Another pair ced in front of us. The first was a fairly simple earring, with 2 stones in it, a small one oop and the rger one otom held by four cws. The sed one was the same, but with a gem of the same size as the sed one, but just below it. It was a very simple design, but I could uand why it opur.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]Normally, symmetry in jewelry worn in pairs is especially important, but in these earrings, it worked very well. It was quite an inal aiful design. However, it was not what I was looking for either.

  Nisire, oher hand, looked a little lost. I suspected it was because she didn't have muowledge about jewelry.

  "They are certainly very beautiful. But I believe this is not what I'm looking for."

  I turned down the earrings, making an effort to sound as polite as possible. Raelia did not seem offended and only my words. She picked up the dispyed earrings returhem to their box and immediately asked for the one.

  We spent a long time looking at different types of jewelry, from pendants, bracelets, rings, as, earrings, bs, hair rings, and head s; which surprisingly worked even with the Neriaendrils. We saw many different ones, with different types of vibrantly cems, even mana gems, but none were right for Nisire. Until Raelia showed us the brooches.

  "It's been difficult, but I think the one will be exactly what the dy is looking for." From the box, the Valven pulled out an incredibly beautiful golden brooch. Just having id my eyes on it had pletely captivated me. "This is almost a one-of-a-kind item from our store. Our master jeweler, Fal Maerian, a Hortan from the eastern nds, was the one who desig, fed it, and embedded the gems with his own skilled hands. It is made of an alloy of gold and diarenta. The gems used are marine grachites."

  Raelia carefully pced the broo front of us. Nisire, who had so far failed to keep up with our versation, seemed extremely ied in this brooch.

  The body of the brooch was a dull gold, with aremely intricate design. In its ter; mimig a flower, it had several grachite gems. A tral one and 6 more elongated ones, as petals that surrou. At the top and bottom, 2 gems simir in size to the tral one, and 2 rger ones on each side of the brooch. The brightness of the grachites seemed to ge between blue and sea green, h the pce from which it was obtained.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]Both Nisire and I had fallen pletely in love with such a masterpiece. I looked at the Neriane and saw the sparkle in her eyes. She wa, but I could tell she didn't wao realize that, although she failed terribly at that.

  Taking advantage of the fact that Nisire seemed focused on the brooch, I turned my gaze to h, seeking advice. She smiled brightly and gave me a nod as if she noticed my gaze.

  Questions arose in my mind. How e she always knows when I'm watg her? Did she know what I was thinking and gave me the go-ahead, or was I just overthinking it?

  I kept silent for a long time, doubtful. I didn't quite know what I should do. But, as my savior, h ged her posture. She csped her hands together in front of her and, with a serious expression; the same one she wears whenever she gives me advice, she nodded again.

  Again, I felt that she uood what I was going through and that I was asking her for advice. And she answered me. How was she able to...?

  "Ah. So it was that." I thought, realizing what was going on. I smiled and whispered, loud enough so that only she could hear me.

  "Thank you, my h."

  She smiled and nodded, beautifully as always.

  How was she able to realize all this? She had told me in the carriage.

  ?I have been by your side for almost 12 years now. I have seen the best and the worst of you, so I safely say that no one in this world knows you better than I do.?

  That was an absolute truth. I don't know how she's able to tell when I look at her, but that's not what's important, what's important is that she always knows exactly what I need without needing to utter a single word. That's what makes her so stunning.

  With a smile on my face, I returned my attention to the brooch, then to Nisire's flicted face, and finally to the Valven, and made my decision.

  "Raelia, this is exactly what I was looking for. Nisire, do you want to try it on?" The girl immediately gave me an incredulous look. Her eyes were wide open. She opened her mouth to say something but remained silent. She then looked to her maid, whed her shoulders with a wry smile. Nisire looked betrayed for a sed, then closed her eyes, as she deeply reflected on something.

  Seeming to have e to a decision, she opened her eyes slowly, keeping a serious expression. I could tell she nning to reject me, so I anticipated before she could utter a word.

  "Nisire, if you refuse this, I'm really going to get angry. You're not allowed to reject my goodwill."

  The Neriane seemed speechless at my statement. She began to analyze my expression, looking to see if I meant it. She must have realized that I was being pletely serious and sequently gave me a small smile in response.

  "I uand, My Lady. Then I will gdly accept it. Thank you."

  I nodded with a smile and then offered again if she wao try it on, this time accepting without a problem. Nisire stood to the side, as I approached carrying the brooch. I pced it just above her cleavage, where her cape would hook over. One more reason to admire that part of her body.

  …

  Not as if I was always looking at that specific pce.

  "How does it look?"

  "Exactly as I imagi. It looks great on you, Nisire."

  That was my ho opinion. She stood out, and the grachites matched her beautiful blue eyes perfectly.

  Nisire responded with a smile and looked to the side. She was blushing. A rarely seen feminine expression, but endearing and I found it quite adorable.

  "I guess it's time for me to piething out for you."

  "Oh, no, you don't have to..."

  "My Lady. If you don't accept, it will be me who will be angry." She said, putting on a mischievous grin, knowing that if she used my very words, I would not be able to refuse her.

  I sigh at my defeat. I couldn't do anything but let her do what she wanted. In the end, it was something that had to happen, after all, we went in to buy something to orate this day, and it would be a waste if I didn't get something too. And, of course, it would feel much more special if she were the oo piething out for me.

  Although it was difficult, Nisire tried her best to find something that would fit me, whided up being a cute pendant. It was made of gold and silver, with 2 blue gems in the middle and 2 green drop-shaped gems on the sides. You might think it was too simple, but it suited my tastes so well that I was genuinely impressed. Nisire was very serious about choosing it, easily and quickly discarding eae that Raelia preseo her until this one appeared.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]"They are not as pretty as your eyes, but they go very well with them." Nisire said, as she indicated that she wao put it on me.

  I immediately gathered my hair and, in an instant, it was gently put on my neck. I could feel the touch of her hands on my skin, just a light touch, but that brought a shiver throughout my body. I felt my cheeks warm and throbbing in my chest. Nisire came close to my ear, making me shiver from the breath I felt as she spoke to me.

  "How is it, My Lady, is it to your liking?"

  "Y-yes, it is. T-thank you, Nisire."

  "It is my pleasure, My Lady."

  Nisire stepped back, givio my flutteri that kept pounding my chest loudly. I had to take a deep breath to calm myself after that ued, but pleasant approach.

  "Lady Sarka, Lady Nisire, may we begin the proceedings?"

  "O-of course. h, go ahead." I ordered h, who had always taken care of this sort of thing. She gave me a bow and replied in her soft voice.

  "Yes, young dy."

  "Aria, you too" Nisire ordered, indig to her maid to do the same. She replied in kind and stood o h.

  "Hilia, would you?"

  "Right away."

  The three of them left to finalize the purchase dots, which is when I took my ce.

  "Raelia, do you accept orders, do you not?"

  "Indeed, My Lady, do you have any ideas in mind?"

  "Yes, look. I need a Clugag for a Bismoriand."

  Raelia looked surprised for a moment, then, as if she saw h with the other maids, had realized something, she smiled at me before answering.

  "I see. Do you already have a design in mind, Lady Sarka?"

  I nodded and asked her for pen and paper, and gave her a quick sketch of what I wanted. Fortunately, she got it perfectly. She took the drawing and immediately put it in her pocket after giving it a closer look.

  " you have it ready in 1 week?" I asked expetly. h's birthday would be in two weeks, and I wao have it ready by then.

  "Of course. You e pick it up in 5 days."

  "Five days? That fast?" I asked impressed. I khey were fast with their work, but I didn't expect it to be that fast.

  "Efficy is our priority, Lady Sarka," Raelia replied with a professional smile. I could tell what a high standard they were w at here.

  “I see that. Well, you send it to my home when it's ready?"

  "Absolutely, would you like us to it upon delivery?"

  "Yes... no, wait. No, don't. you pce it in a simir box?" I poio the same box they used for the jewelry she had been showing us.

  Raelia seemed to think for a moment, then nodded, affirmatively.

  "Then do it, please. I think it would be ideal that way."

  "Uood, Lady Sarka." Raelia gave a bow, and in that same instant, h, Aria, and Hilia returned with us.

  "That will be all for now." I said, as we parted and I linked arms with Nisire, ready to retire. I felt fortable that way, I couldn't describe it differently. Having e to this pce today, and deg that I should throw away the mask, might have been one of my best decisions in a long time.

  "Of course. The doors of our business will always be open to your family Lady Sarka, and also to you Lady Nisire." Raelia gave a perfect bow towards both of us, keeping her expression professional and her smile perfect.

  "I will keep that in mind. It was a rewarding experience, and I learned a lot from this visit. I will most definitely return when I need your services." Nisire praised. I nodded along with her, agreeing.

  "It's a pleasure to hear those words. Thank you so much."

  We both oward the Valven girl ahe pce, with our maids behind us and our escorts f around us.

  The experie the jewelry store had certainly been rewarding. Nisire was now wearing something I had given her as a heartfelt gift, knowing it matched her perfectly, and noearing something that, I knew, she had takeime to choose. Something that she felt matched me as well.

  I did not doubt that this day had gone well. Too well.

  I g even tighter to her arm, feeling both happy and nervous. I felt like I could float through the sky. But also, there was a small feeling inside me that pulled me down to the ground. The realization that the pce we were going to was the most important pce of the day.

  I couldn't deny that I was harb a lot of doubts. I was afraid. But, also, thanks to h's advid what had just happened, I found myself much more determihan before.

  "It has been quite an enrig experience." Nisire said. Something I could pletely agree with.

  "It was fun watg you struggle to uand what we were saying." I joked, remembering her fused expressions as Raelia expined each different piece of jewelry and the names of the gems.

  "I must say I'm not well versed in that field. I never had muterest in accessories and the like."

  "..."

  I was about to reply that it ity, as that sort of thing seemed to suit her, but before I could say it, she took back her words.

  "But I think I've gained a new fasation with it today." Nisire tilted her head to meet my gaze.

  Her eyes had a sparkle ihat fasated me. It reminded me of the first time I used water magic. The refle of the light from the sky sisters against that beautiful shade of blue, her soft, dark skin that brought out the color even more, her lips... I wanted, I desired, I hose lips.

  We stopped and stayed in that position for what seemed like ay. I... I wao kiss her. I felt the flush on my cheeks and my heart beating faster and faster. My body was demandio do it, to go over to her and do it.

  I don't know what she was thinking, but I could feel her hand csp mine, increasirength a little. We both swallowed at the same time, and I could see, for the first time since I've known her, a nervous expression on her face. She gasped, before looking away from me and clearihroat.

  "I-I'm sorry, My Lady. I, uh... where are we headed now?"

  "Huh? Oh! It's..." I snapped out of my stupor at that instant and started looking bad forth dowreet. Fortunately, there weren't many people where we were standing. I would have died of embarrassment if people were looking at us at that moment.

  I tried to get my bearings, but the pce seemed unfamiliar to me. I closed my eyes and took a moment to take a deep breath and calm down, something I needed as my mind was in chaos preventing me from thinking clearly.

  A couple of breaths ter, I was able to calm down and finally get my orientation. There were still some stores, but smaller, less cssy buildings were starting to e into vieere ing out of the shopping district, more specifically on the east side. Near where we were was a small square from where you could go towards the lower nobility district.

  Our destination was further north, a ponly referred to as "Gana's hand". A huge garden where families, couples, students, and so on, sometimes frequent to spend some quality time together, or to worship the Pilr of Nature ah.

  "My Lady? Are we...?"

  "Oh, no, no. I just, o relocate." I replied in a bit of a panic. Luckily, I was able the pce well enough to point a ba the road; which we did immediately, walking in the right dire.

  Normally, as nobles, we would take a carriage to reach our destination, but my family had taught me that walking was ofteer, especially when you want to spend time with someone; acc to Maki, or when you simply want to stroll and clear your mind. Opulen itself is not bad, but sometimes it's better to be simple.

  The road helped a lot to calm me down, clearing my mind and just enjoying going along with Nisire. The same seemed to happen with her, because now she seemed much more curious about the pces we saw along the route, asking questions frequently.

  We had left the area embellished by the seasonal decorations and had arrived at the district where our objective was located.

  The pce had far fewer buildings, opting for a freer and more uncluttered look. There were more trees, small parks with a few people around enjoying their day, and some gardens, made and maintained by unal groups whose sole purpose was to teach the younger ohe importance of keeping nature alive. The children of Gana; those who worship only her, were in charge of teag anyone who wahe principles of the Pilr to which they are devoted.

  We passed by one of these groups, listening to some of the sermons.

  "Young promises of our future, listen to the wise words of our Pilr, Mother of the world and all that grows in it. Her essence lives in every leaf that sways in the wind, iree that gives us shade, every bush that blooms, and every animal that sings its love for the great Mother.

  Listen carefully, young ones, for her teags are simple yet profound. She reminds us that we are her guardians, whose responsibility it is to care for and preserve all life; small and rge, and to maintain the beauty of all that surrounds us.

  Just as she nurtures the world with love, we must protect it with our effort and dedication. Every small act is an to the Pilr Gana, a small stohat builds a future that you, your children, and your children's children will be able to enjoy to the fullest.

  Every step you take has an impa the world. Your as reverberate in the delicate fabric of life. Be aware of this and hold in your hearts the words of Mother Nature, "Out of harmony, wholeness is born."

  May these words be engraved in your hearts for the rest of the road you travel, always remembering this precious gift, to guide your paths and lead you to eternal bance. May the love of the great mother be with you always."

  The priest who gave the speech was an old man of advanced age, with a long white beard and kind eyes. He spoke passioo the people, maintaining a bright, cheerful smile. He watched us both ast his group as he spoke and gave us a slight nod of his head. We responded with a slight bow and, as he finished his speech, we resumed our walk.

  "It is always o see Gana's children at this open-air preag. All those I have e to know are just like that nian. Kind smiles, eyes full of light and life, and an endless passion for g for nature."

  "Is that so? This is my first time seeing one."

  "Really? You're the first person I've met who's never entered one of them before." I said in surprise.

  "Yes. In Lachea there are not too many Pilr cults. The few you find are the cult of Alika, Pilr of Life and Light, Edelgard, Pilr of Fire and War, Hari, Pilr of Hunting as, Ei, Pilr of Honor and Brotherhood, and Fleven, Pilr of tracts and Trade. Cults that thrive in a p charge of mediating with the northern bordernds. There's a cathedral to the Moddess, but that's something no city be without."

  I nodded in uanding. sidering that that region has other priorities, especially focused on warfare and shipping supplies, is expected that those branches will spread further aer.

  Sinisire is going to be living around here from now on, it would be good to teach her several things. So, I held on to her arm a little tighter as I began to rete to her.

  "In the capital, you almost always find one or two preachers spreading Gana's wisdom, and it is always, alleasant to listen to them, for at all times they impart their words with the utmost respect. They ry to impose anything on you, but they do exhort those who listen to them to at least do the minimum to maintain the beauty that the mother had given us. The vast majority of the branches have a headquarters here in the capital, but not all are as deeply rooted or have many followers."

  Alika, who rules over life, is necessary in every city, town, or settlement, as her childrehe ones who impart healing magid use alchemy to spread medie throughout the regions. And Seara, Pilr of wisdom, knowledge, and magic. As with Alika, she is hough only in rger cities, since her childrehe ones who lead and tea the academies and uies.

  Time seemed to fly as I talked to Nisire about all this. When I finally realized, we were already right at the entrao our destination.

  FivesZeta