1 Absentmindedness
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In the heart of the Dragon Peaks, where mountains caressed the sky and the wind murmured many secrets, Mae Reinhart felt the breeze sweep past her, tousling her hair and sending a shiver down her spine.
The ground beneath her feet was uneven, rocks unstable as she edged closer to the tip. Her dress clung, a stark contrast to the wind's playful dance. With each step, the ground crumbled beneath her.
Her tattered clothes fluttered in the air, and with resolve, she slowly took a step forward.
Once there, she looked around, and the view was nothing short of gorgeous.
_Wow..._ Her voice trailed off, filled with wonder.
"The blue sky..."
She reached her hand into the sky, almost as if she wanted to grab the sky with her hand.
_"This world... A world where I exist... and a world where I don't... Which one will be better?"_ Her thoughts swirled like leaves in the wind, uncertainty echoing in her mind. Suddenly, a small rock tumbled down the slope, its clattering descent a harsh interruption. Mae instinctively stepped back, hands clutching her dress, heart pounding in her chest
With a deep breath she closed her eyes, hesitating for a heartbeat before slowly lifting one leg into the open air, wind roaring in her ears as she slowly whispered
_"...I'm sorry, father."_
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The grandeur of the royal palace was on full display as the exhibition showcasing relics and treasures from the kingdom's illustrious history dazzled the visitors. Shining jewels, detailed and beautiful paintings, and centuries-old artifacts adorned the vast hall.
Each piece whispered stories of a bygone era, a testament to the opulence of the Heraklean Kingdom, which was the richest in the continent.
There were bunches of people standing around each item, holding wine glasses and sipping, conversing with hushed whispers, admiring the exhibit and just having a grand old time.
Just by looking at their dresses, one could tell that this party was a part of the high society that lives in the kingdom.
Just then, a horse-drawn carriage pulled up to the main entrance of the royal palace, as onlookers were just coming in and out in scattered droves, and the synchronized clacking of horse hooves drew everyone's attention.
When the door opened, a stunning young woman stepped out, donned in a breathtaking red gown adorned with gold accents. The rich crimson fabric hugged her frame gracefully, embellished with intricate gold embroidery that depicted vines and flowers.
"My, my, look at how you've grown up, Mae!" a familiar voice called out, prompting Mae to spin around to identify the speaker.
Mae Reinhart blinked, her memory working to place the voice and the face. After a moment, recognition dawned, and she exclaimed with genuine surprise, "Lady Elara?"
Mae and Elara hadn't crossed paths in years. They had shared a close childhood, but as they grew older, life had driven them apart.
Elara rushed up to Mae, offering a warm and heartfelt hug. "Just how long has it been? Six years? You're nineteen now, right?" she inquired, the warmth of her voice contrasting with Mae's subdued demeanor.
Mae replied with a simple "Yeah..." Her response hung in the air, creating an awkward silence. Mae's gaze wandered toward the entrance of the exhibit, leaving Elara unsure of how to proceed. Her strained smile indicated her eagerness to reignite the conversation.
Mae returned the smile and continued to walk toward the grand, open doors of the royal palace.
Elara, not one to be easily discouraged, caught up to Mae. Her voice brimming with energy, she probed, "So, any plans for marriage, or perhaps someone you're interested in courting?"
Mae's eyes drifted to the exhibits as she spoke, her voice soft and contemplative. "Yeah... I think there was..."
As they entered the magnificent exhibit hall, their surroundings seemed to swallow them in grandeur, causing even Elara's voice to momentarily falter. Both were awestruck by the opulent array of art pieces and historical relics on display.
"This is amazing," Elara whispered to Mae, who nodded in agreement, her eyes darting from one exhibit to another as they strolled through the vast space.
They approached a particular vase, meticulously crafted and adorned with a plaque that read "Cursed Ebonheart Urn." Mae's curiosity was piqued by the fact that it wasn't sealed, allowing anyone to touch it.
Elara couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Why would they allow anyone to touch it?"
Mae leaned in, her gaze fixed on the tiny urn, small enough to rest in the palm of her hand. Elara continued, "Could it be that leaving it unsealed signifies the kingdom's faith in its safety?"
This curious conversation held their attention for a moment, but Mae's indifference remained palpable.
The discussion of the urn's history and the kingdom's faith in its safety was cut short as Mae's gaze shifted to a man in a red and white suit, engaging with a group of women.
Elara's excitement was evident as she whispered into Mae's ear, "Oh my God, look at that man!" Mae, however, appeared uninterested, her gaze casually drifting in the man's direction.
"Hello there, ladies!" A sudden, jovial voice burst into their conversation, startling Mae so much that she clutched Elara's hand tightly. The man that they were watching had noticed them and started to walk in their direction.
As the man approached, Mae's heart raced, and the atmosphere seemed to grow heavy with his presence. His steps were confident, each one echoing through the chamber like the measured approach of a predator.
Elara, who had been initially taken aback by the man's presence, shot Mae a reassuring look, silently conveying, "I've got this."
The man, dressed impeccably in a red and white suit, offered a polite bow. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Elara, Miss Mae Reinhart. I am Lord Harrington."
"Is this your first time attending such an event at the royal palace?" Elara inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest.
Lord Harrington replied, "Indeed, it is. I've heard so much about the grandeur of these exhibitions, but experiencing it in person is truly remarkable."
As the conversation flowed smoothly, Lord Harrington turned his attention to Mae. With a charming smile, he extended his hand, asking, "Miss Mae Reinhart, would you do me the honor of sharing a dance later in the evening?"
Mae was just spaced out at this point, staring into nothingness.
There was an awkward moment between the three of them as Elara quickly realized Mae was spacing out.
She squeezed Mae's hand which she was holding tightly, and that seemed to bring her back from her trance.
"Mae, you should be a little bit more present in the situation, you know," Elara said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Elara then tapped Mae's shoulder, and as she turned to answer her, Mae's eyes caught sight of someone.
As they admired a particularly striking painting, Elara tapped Mae's shoulder, prompting her to turn. Just as Mae's gaze shifted, her breath momentarily caught in her throat. There, amidst the crowd, stood a handsome man dressed in a tailored black and gold suit.
The man exuded an air of confidence and sophistication, and everything about him in terms of looks, was just perfect for Mae. The man's piercing blue eyes scanned the room with a very diffused and cold gaze to them.
There was something about this man that Mae couldn't take her eyes off of him.
"Who is he?" Mae asked, pointing a finger to that man.
