Chapter 173
Because I know best how Barden feels… how it feels to be in love. A love that cannot be fulfilled. Such a pity.
On the other hand, Alexcent observed Athyst. He wanted to bring up the subject of adjustnt of the contract date since Gen had suggested it can be prolonged if both parties agree to it.
It looks like she is in a good mood today, thought Alexcent. I must tell her.
Alexcent thought today was best to talk about it since Athyst looked happier. She was smiling more today.
“Ash.,” he called.
“Yes?” she said. She turned to Alexcent.
“Regarding the contract…,” he said hesitantly, “I have sothing to say.”
“The contract?”
“Yes…” Athyst felt her heart drop. Why is he ntioning it now? Did he notice that I love him? Is that why he… When it ca to love, she realized she was no different from Barden. Her chest constricted. She was worried and confused by her feelings for Alexcent and how it might complicate matters. I better say sothing before he does…
“The contract period can be—”
“Don’t worry,” interrupted Athyst.
“What?” asked Alexcent.
“I will make sure I follow the deadline,” she said, “So don’t worry about it.”
Alexcent was silent. He looked her in the eye gauging her emotions.
“Alec?” she stamred.
“Fine,” said Alexcent and strode out of her room. Athyst knew whenever he got cold and distant.
“How heartless!” she mumbled, “He didn’t need to remind of it.” Athyst felt sad and desolate. “I should make sure that he doesn’t know it in the future,” she resolved.
***
“Gen!” roared Alexcent.
“Yes, My Lord,” said Gen appearing at his side. He wondered what the matter was. The duke sounded very nacing at that mont which worried him
“Go and find out again,” ordered Alexcent.
“What?” said Gen, “My Lord.”
“Find out how to annul the contract!” shouted Alexcent. “Just figure out a way. No matter what it takes, even if it ans changing the law. Just find a way!”
Gen looked at him puzzled. Did the negotiation with Madam go badly? Gen wondered. That’s odd. From what I have seen so far, they both seed so in love with each other. Did she refuse? I really can’t understand what might have happened to anger him so.
“Understood,” he said and took his leave.
Alexcent, alone in his office, seethed in anger. Weren’t we both fond of each other? Alexcent wondered. Maybe she wasn’t! You knew it already. Alexcent recalled her in his arms at night. She had never given herself fully to him Maybe she never wanted . Maybe she only wanted for a fixed period of ti.
Alexcent slamd his fist on the table. This is driving crazy!
***
In the last few days, Athyst and Barden had beco close. One of the reasons was that he taught her swordsmanship when the other knights were on vacation, but the major reason was because she knew how he felt.
They had ford a bond from loving the sa person. They both understood the unrequited love and the pain of it, where one lived in agony to never reveal how one felt.
“Lord Barden is this okay?” asked Athyst, hefting the sword and standing in the posture he had taught her.
“Yes,” said Lord Barden, “Your posture improved every day, My Lady.”
“I think that is because you are a very good teacher,” said Athyst.
“You flatter ,” Lord Barden chuckled, “Besides, you have a better ntor than , don’t you?”
“Who? Alec?” asked Athyst.
“Yes. I heard you learnt swordsmanship from His Excellency.”
“Oh please! Alec only ever criticizes ! He thinks everyone is as good as him so when I don’t do well, he is surprised.”
“Haha, is that so?” said Lord Barden, “It is still a dream of mine to train under him. For soone as ordinary as , he is an idol, a legend.”
Ah… Why am I talking about Alec when I know how Barden feels about him? Idiot! Athyst chastised herself inwardly.
“I’m so sorry. I just…” trailed off Athyst.
“No, no, don’t be!”
“Barden,” said Athyst, “Maybe I can put in a word about you to Alec.”
“What?!”
“Would a duel be okay? If you want, of course.”
“What? No! It’s alright, really.”
Yes! Athyst thought. Maybe I can make them et like this. Even if they can’t share many things together, this much should be okay. Even when Barden rejected the help, Athyst could see him blushing a little, his eyes sparkling. Just as I thought…
It was odd that with Count Glacia, Athyst didn’t want to share anything. But she didn’t feel the sa towards Barden. Is it because I t Barden after I realized my own feelings for Alec? I am no longer bothered by comparing myself to others. Maybe that was why I am able to just see Barden for who he really is, instead of feeling angry and jealous. Perhaps that is why I want to help him. I want to help him et Alec, even for the shortest period. Barden seems like he would be content with just that.
I know what it feels like, thought Athyst, longing to et soone you love. Being content with just seeing them from a distance. I know very well how that feels. Yes, it will be good to let them get close enough for a duel.
“It’s absolutely alright,” said Athyst, “I will ask him.”
“If he declines,” said Barden, “Please don’t stress yourself out, my lady.”
“I won’t.” Athyst was touched by his concern for her. “Barden, join us for dinner today,” offered her.
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