CHAPTER 48: YES MILADY [2]

The main door creaked open.

Alaric sat up straight as two figures stepped inside.

Sari closed the door behind them, but his eyes remained fixed on the other figure who walked a few steps forward and spoke in a soft, composed tone.

"You’re doing well," the figure said, pulling back their hood to reveal a striking face.

Emerald-green eyes shining brighter than the gems, looking at him, gently.

Raven-black hair cascading down her shoulders in a wave of silk.

"I was worried for nothing," she added.

Alaric paused mid-bite, blinked once, then nodded. "Yeah. I’m fine."

He returned to his food, chewing slowly, and thought.

She’s here now. Think, Alaric. Make her interested in you somehow.

Selene took a seat across from him, her smile unwavering despite the odd way he was acting.

He’s acting weird, she thought, but kept it to herself.

Sari sat beside Alaric in silence.

Alaric found himself staring at Selene, wondering how she could be so calm, so composed.

And as if reading his thoughts, she spoke again.

"I already knew about the changes in your appearance. Sari told me. And I saw it myself when I visited you while you were unconscious."

Alaric blinked, his lips parting slightly.

"Oh."

Then he looked down and resumed eating.

Selene dismissed his lack of manners with a flicker of amusement and straightened slightly in her seat.

"You already know," she began in a steady tone.

"That Sari rescued you and brought you here under my protection. As long as you remain here, you’re free to live comfortably... so long as you follow what I ask of you."

Alaric gave a small nod, still chewing his food.

He didn’t speak, just listened, eyes flicking up toward her for a second before dropping back to his plate.

She continued, "The reason I came here personally is because I need you to do something for me."

That made Alaric pause, his eyes lifted to meet hers.

"There’s a merchant operating out of the lower districts," she said. "Gavin Trost. Officially, he deals in rare imports like, textiles, spices, and ores. But unofficially..."

She leaned back slightly, her voice cooling. "I’ve received word that he’s trafficking illegal artifacts. Black market goods from beyond the border. Worse, he’s doing it under my banner, without my knowledge."

She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them.

"I want you and Sari to investigate the matter, but I don’t want this reaching the council or becoming some public scandal. I want to know how deep this goes... and if Gavin has ties to anyone else within my estate."

Alaric leaned back, finally speaking again. "You want us to spy on him?"

"I want you to observe," she said, tilting her head. "And act if necessary. You’ve proven you can handle yourself, Alaric. Consider this your first... test."

Alaric furrowed his brow, his lips parting slightly to speak, but Selene raised a hand and cut in before he could.

"You don’t have to worry too much," she said smoothly. "Sari will handle most of it. You just need to assist her... stay alert, and do your part. But—" her voice dipped a little, a playful note lacing her next words.

"If you do your job properly, I might reward you... a little."

She trailed off with a warm, almost teasing smile.

Alaric didn’t respond right away. He simply stared at her while slowly chewing his food, as if letting her words simmer in his mind.

Selene’s lips twitched faintly.

He’s really behaving oddly today... she mused, eyes narrowing slightly.

Could it be the awakening? It’s not just his appearance, his demeanor has changed too.

After a few more seconds of watching the beauty in front of him, Alaric finally gave a slow nod. "I see."

Then, after a second, he added, "When are we doing it?"

"Tomorrow night," Selene replied, folding her hands on her lap.

"I’ll have Sari fill you in on the route and the cover story."

Selene then leaned back slightly, and began outlining more details.

As she spoke, Alaric listened in silence, his expression unreadable.

After a few minutes of discussion, Selene glanced between the two.

"You both understand what I said?"

Sari gave a slight nod, and Alaric replied, "Yes, milady," before popping the last bit of food into his mouth.

He set the empty plate down on the table and leaned back with a quiet sigh, stretching his arms behind his head.

A moment later, he rose to his feet, gave a brief nod to the women, and stepped outside to tend to the garden.

As the door closed behind him, Selene turned to Sari with a thoughtful expression.

"He’s changing," she murmured. "Or at least... behaving differently."

Sari tilted her head. "I wouldn’t know, milady. I’m outside most of the time. Haven’t seen much of him up close lately."

Selene hummed in acknowledgment, then shifted the topic and moved on to a recent political matters.

Meanwhile, Alaric stood among the garden beds, watering the plants with a copper jug, its spout slightly dented but still functional.

The scent of damp earth filled the air, mingling with the faint floral notes of the late-blooming skyroses.

He hummed cheerfully as he worked.

Then, after a pause, he chuckled to himself.

"If I knew gardening was this relaxing, maybe I would’ve abandoned that whole idea of taking the throne... And just become a full-time gardener instead. Could have live peaceful life."

He smiled faintly, though the expression didn’t quite reach his eyes.

And then he continued watering, one hand steady, the other trailing gently along a blooming stalk as if committing the feel of peace to memory.

Moments passed as Alaric tended to the garden, gently watering each plant with care.

He was so absorbed in the rhythm of his work that he didn’t notice the faint sound behind him.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Soft footsteps approached.

And a familiar voice spoke behind him, teasing and smooth.

"Enjoying your new life, I guess?"

Alaric paused, his hum dying in his throat. He straightened up and turned around.

"Ah, I’m sorry, milady. I didn’t notice you."

Selene smiled, her hood draped loosely over her head. "No need to apologize. I’m just glad to see you this... relaxed."

Alaric rubbed the back of his neck with a small chuckle. "Guess I’m adjusting."

With a faint swish of her cloak, Selene drew her hood up properly. "Come. Walk with me."

He set the jug of water aside and nodded, falling into step beside her.

Together, they walked past the edge of the garden, toward the forest’s outskirts.

The area was quiet, the distant chirping of birds blending with the rustle of wind through leaves.

After a few moments of silence, Selene glanced sideways at him.

"You’ve awakened, haven’t you?" she asked. "But I’m not sensing... anything."

Alaric frowned slightly. "Honestly, I don’t feel anything special either."

She stopped walking and turned to face him fully. "Did you try to trigger anything?"

"I’ve tried," he said, brows knitting. "But nothing happens."

Then as if something clicked in his mind, he narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin in thought.

"Wait... maybe..."

Selene tilted her head curiously. "Maybe?"

Without answering, Alaric turned took two steps forward and raised both hands. Then, loudly and with great flair, he declared:

"Abrakadabra!"

...

...

...

But.

Nothing happened.

He blinked.

Then—

Pffft!

A muffled sound broke the silence. Selene’s shoulders shook.

She tried to suppress it, but failed spectacularly.

"Pfft—Ahahaha!"

"That... That only works in children’s storybooks, Alaric!" she said between peals of laughter.

His face flushed red with embarrassment. He turned away, muttering under his breath.

Selene stepped beside him, still smiling. "Don’t be so hard on yourself. Everyone fumbles here and there. You’ll find your way."

Alaric sighed and gave a sheepish nod. They continued walking quietly. Then they gone a little deeper.

...

...

Crackle!

A faint red spark flashed where they’d just stood.

And a nearby seedling trembled.

Its tender green hue deepened...

Until it turned a deep, bloodred.