Chapter 55 Outing with the Duke (Part 4)

"I'm glad that you're happy. Anyway, do you have something else to do?"

"Hmm... no? I think I don't have something to do in particular."

"Then why won't we go to a park for a change of atmosphere?"

"Oh! That would be great!" Her eyes shone in excitement and couldn't help but jump with fist clenched.

Aillenne never thought that the idea of going to a park with a friend would be this exciting. Oh my! It's the famous duke who's accompanying me! Park. As far as she can remember, there is no park near the place where the orphanage is situated. All it had were plantation of goods, a market place and the children were transported by trucks to work for another area everyday. They may move from one place to another, but they can't see the way to their workplace as it were all covered with metal plates. And park? It's one thing I most wanted to go even in my previous world.

'I only knew how the parks looked like from the books that can be found in the shelves of the orphanage. Though the color is just black and white, but at least I know what to expect.'

The carriage stopped by the entrance of the park. The young duke and Aillenne went down by the front of the entrance. The gatekeeper politely greeted the two and they went inside to find a suitable place.

They walked along the long pathway with flat stones lining the way. The trees that were treeless stood majestically. The leaves that were late to fall down the ground alleviated the atmosphere of the park.

"Ahhh...such relaxing atmosphere."

"Yes. I'm glad you liked it."

"Of course I would. It's my first time going here!"

Damien smiled at her reaction.

"Would you like to come here with me again?"

"With Nick? Oh! Of course, I would love to!"

"I hope I was treated immediately of my mana abnormalities so that we've met and spent time together much longer."

"It's okay, Nick. As long as we've met again and enjoyed each other's company."

"It's great that you've enjoyed. I wish everyday were like this." Damien said as his ears burned red. These small talks were sweeter than honey. Damien already know how kind and nice Aillenne is, but being directed with her kind attitude, it just melt his heart

"Oh, there! There's a lot of fish!"

Aillenne's eyes widened upon seeing a colorful school of fish by the river. It reminded her of the times when she was with Mia, catching fish for their dinner when the director would go out for gambling leaving the children with nothing to eat. Ahhh...such good times.

"They were so colorful, Nick. So lovely."

"You're more lovely though."

"Psh. Don't kid me..."

"I'm not. Anyway, would you like to see it? We could rent a boat over there to take us to the part where many fishes lived." Damien pointed where the boats were stationed.

"Really?! Oh, please do that! I'm so excited."

Aillenne was overwhelmed and completely forgot of her noble image. However, in the face of new experience, she can't help but feel excited.

Damien smiled and went to the booth. He was so happy that he could have Aillenne all for himself for today, and he's going to give his best in choosing the most beautiful boat to ride on.

Aillenne who was left alone with her knight escorts who were hiding in a distance, was then approached by a girl much younger than Aillenne and her hand held a basket much bigger than her hands. The knights moved instinctively and arrived near the scene almost drawing out their sword. However they can't moved further as with a wave, she dismissed the knights again and comforted the startled child.

"It's okay. So what does this cute child want from me?"

"Si-sister, would you like some? They are only 1 copper each." The girl said handing out a peculiar flower with shiny dusts around the petals. The flower looked so weird but enchanting. One flower had the combination of red, blue and black, then the others were mixture of white, yellow and blue, all of varying colors but harmonious with each other. Aillenne was taken aback by the sudden

appearance of the flowers but at the same time curious.

"What flower is this?"

"I don't know what it's called but my sister makes them."

"Oh? Your sister? How did she make it?"

"It's a secret. Hehe." The child grinned and twirled the flower in front of Aillenne as if exhibiting it's beauty in front of the most beautiful character.

"Hmmm...then I'll buy the flower and the information for one gold. How does it sound?"

Gasp! The child's eye widened. One... one gold! One gold is enough to sustain the family needs for six months! Mother can finally have medicine and pay her medical expenses. My sister would be able to get more stones for her projects.

The price of a simple secret is so big and absurd. The previously wide eyes shone in eagerness. She clenched and unclenched her palms in excitement.

"Th-then... Thank you... but I think it's too much."

"It's not. However if what you'll say is nonsense then pay me back for one gold and silver coin."

"Oh no! My sister is not doing nonsense! She's actually using magic stones to alter the features of the plant!"

Magic stones. Yes. Of course, if the world had dragons, monsters, swordmaster and wizards among others, then mana and magic stones should surely exist. But how did her sister use such material? If a plant could grow up beautiful like this, then---!

"Hmmm...I understand. She just used magic stone to the plant right?"

"Yes. Then the next morning the garden will be in full bloom of flowers. The the colors, scent and size also differs... uh... sister, can I have the money now? I think, I need to go."

The child paled when Damien approached them. She hurriedly took the money then left without looking back, leaving Aillenne who were thinking ahead of her future plans.

"Let's go."

Damien watched Aillenne smiling brightly while holding the flower.

'Did she like it so much? I know that she likes flowers and grows them so well that even the maids and servants of all the Winston Marquisate knew that she can grow such beautiful plants. Well in this case, the flower has a look that isn't like any other.' Damien admitted then smiled at her bright appearance.

However, contrary to his thoughts, the sound of coins clinking with each other filled her mind. 'I have to make moves as soon as possible and make use of this idea right away. Surely that one gold isn't enough for such information.'

'Who'se that girl anyway? I hope I can have her sister.'

"Aillenne...let's go?"

"Yes."

Damien carefully took her hand and escorted her to the boat. They traverse the waters and took their time together talking and laughing leisurely with each other. They would sometimes look at the fishes swimming near the boat. The river bank flowers and reeds caught Aillenne's attention. Surely, I'll make sure to implement what I'm thinking. I wish the gods would help and look down generously at me.

May they support my character decision.

***

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