In the days that followed, you beca increasingly proactive. Not only did you assist with paperwork, but you also volunteered to recruit Chrysos Heirs from various regions. Each ti you returned, you brought good news.
"Aya, I've convinced three Chrysos Heirs, and they plan to visit Ohema!"
"Aya, the tribes from the eastern city-states are willing to provide support for the Journey of Chasing the Fla!"
The more you called her "Aya," the more natural and intimate your tone beca. And Aglaea found that she really liked hearing you call her that.
One afternoon, Tribbie and her two companions ca to visit.
"Orion-kun!" Tribbie happily rushed over. "Long ti no see!"
"It has been a long ti indeed." You gently stroked her head.
"What have you been busy with lately?" Trianne asked curiously.
"I've been helping Aya prepare for the Journey of Chasing the Fla."
"Really? That's wonderful!" Trinnon said softly. "With Orion-kun's help, Aya will surely be much more relaxed."
You smiled, then your expression suddenly grew a little dim. "Actually... I just want to keep myself busy. That way, I won't keep thinking about..." You didn't finish, but everyone knew who you were thinking of.
Tribbie held your hand. "Orion-kun, are you still thinking about Fei'er?"
You nodded, your eyes a little red. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so fragile... I still haven't moved on after so long."
"That's not fragile at all!" Trianne said earnestly. "It's perfectly normal to miss soone!"
"Moreover," Trinnon added, "being able to love so deeply is a very precious quality."
Watching your vulnerable appearance in front of Tribbie and her companions, Aglaea's heart softened a few more degrees. She walked over and gently patted your shoulder. It was a silent comfort, yet it was worth a thousand words.
At 115 years old, after a few more days, you proactively offered to help out at the Weaving Workshop.
"I see you've been very busy lately. Is there anything I can do?"
Aglaea was surprised, but she still agreed. You helped her organize threads, categorize fabrics, and do simple tasks. Around noon, after a busy morning, you leaned back in a soft chair by the window and unknowingly fell asleep. The sunlight spilled onto your face, making you look exceptionally peaceful.
Aglaea put down her work and quietly walked to your side. She couldn't resist reaching out, wanting to drape a garnt over you. Just as her hand was about to touch you—
"Fei'er..." You murmured in your dream. "Don't go..."
Aglaea's hand froze in mid-air. Even in your dream, she was still on your mind. A bitter feeling welled up in her heart. Why? Why could Cipher receive all of your love? And she...
She abruptly pulled back her hand and turned to leave. At dinner, Aglaea seed a little distracted.
"Aya, are you alright?" You asked with concern.
"It's nothing." She forced a smile.
At 120 years old, in the following years, you gradually beca proficient in the Weaving Workshop's business. You started chatting with the female custors, helping with sales, and occasionally even assisting them in choosing fabrics.
"Miss, this blue silk would suit your complexion very well."
"Really?" The young noblewoman smiled shyly, sizing you up and down. "I didn't expect the Weaving Workshop to have such a handso shop assistant."
"You flatter ." You smiled politely.
"I'm telling the truth." She boldly leaned closer. "A handso man like you should be a servant in my ho, not selling fabric here."
As she spoke, she reached out to caress the silk, taking the opportunity to grasp your hand holding the fabric.
"It feels so good..." She said aningfully, her thumb gently stroking the back of your hand. "I an, the texture of this fabric."
"Then would you like this piece?" You tried to pull your hand away.
"Of course." But she held on tighter. "However, could you please cut it for yourself? I think... it would fit better."
Just then—
"Miss."
Aglaea's cold voice rang out; she had appeared behind you two at so point. "This fabric is not for sale."
The noblewoman was stunned. "But he just said..."
"I said, it's not for sale." Aglaea stated unequivocally. Only then did the young woman recognize who was in front of her; her face paled, and she hastily released your hand. "If there's nothing else, please leave." The noblewoman dared not stay any longer; after a hasty bow, she practically fled the Weaving Workshop.
"Aya?" You looked at her in confusion. "Why did you say it's not for sale? This isn't just ordinary..."
"If I say it's not for sale, then it's not for sale," she interrupted you. "Don't have physical contact with custors so casually in the future."
"But she was the one who initiated..."
"Enough," Aglaea turned and walked away. "You continue your work."
Aglaea returned to the inner room, closed the door forcefully, and leaned against it, taking deep breaths. She was angry. Angry at that frivolous woman, angry at your obtuseness, and even more angry at herself. What right did she have to be angry? You weren't anything to her. But... but why did seeing that woman touch your hand make her so furious? Why did she have an impulse to cut off that hand with a Golden Thread?
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