FREEDOM

A week had passed since Fennel had been let go of the royal palace. The days were long and soothing, as they usually were in the city, making him spend most of his days so far relaxing and recovering from the burnout produced by overworking himself. At this point, he was already recovered and was thinking about what to do from now on. He didn’t have any problems when it came to income, since Anise and himself were completely supported by the kingdom after the Chrysalis Treatment had been invented. But he wasn’t comfortable with doing nothing all day, other than loaf around, take walks around the white district, and visit Laos in the library, as he had promised.

Many ideas crossed his mind as he sat in front of his desk looking out at the sunny morning scenery of the city. At first, he considered going back to the academy, but this wasn’t a realistic option, since he had fast-tracked all of his subjects. At most, he wondered if he could spend his days with his old classmates, but it would probably be uncomfortable, since he would have nothing to do.

Fennel thought about helping her mother Anise with her creative projects, but he didn’t believe to have any creative skills that could prove to be useful, so it didn’t seem to be a viable option.

He also considered asking Sally for a job inside the Salmon Café. He would probably find a way to make himself useful, and he really loved that place. The problem was, that he didn’t feel like that kind of job would fulfill him in any way, although it was probably his most realistic option so far.

Fennel went downstairs, still in his sleeping clothes, to eat his late breakfast with his mother, who was used to waking up late. She was happy of having Fennel accompanying her, but she knew this wasn’t good for him in the long run. Anise was also trying to find out if any of her old colleagues could offer and interesting job for her son, but until now she hadn’t had any luck.

In any case, she was proud of her son, who was at peace with what had happened. He made himself completely responsible of his decisions, and even though things hadn’t turned out as he wished, he didn’t have any regrets. Anise felt like she couldn’t ask for more, knowing that his actions had managed to make a substantial change inside the royal palace, even though he couldn’t be there to see those changes with his own eyes.

As they sat at their table in a bittersweet silence, they could both clearly hear a knock on their door.

“I’ll get that Fenn.” Said Anise as she stood up to go see the door.

Fennel sat down, hearing how her mother opened the door. He could hear the voice of a woman speaking to her.

“Excuse me miss. Is this Anise’s house?” She said.

“I am Anise, and this is my house, so you’re right about that.” Replied Anise jokingly. “From your uniform, I can tell you’re one of the twenty-one elite royal knights.”

“Yes miss. My name is Daila, and I was recently assigned to the capital after serving in the western islands.” She said. “It’s an honor to meet a hero of the kingdom such as yourself.”

“Please, don’t make such a big deal about it. I’m sure you must be a celebrity yourself.”

Fennel sat, listening idly, as he loafed lazily above the table. It wasn’t extremely uncommon for people from the royal palace to visit her mother, so he didn’t give it much importance, until he heard a familiar voice.

“Miss Anise. Is it really you?” Could be clearly heard coming from outside his home.

“Aelia?” Said Fennel to himself as he stood up immediately.

Fennel’s mother didn’t reply immediately, but instead called Fennel.

“Fenn? I think they’re looking for you.” She said.

Fennel quickly went to the entrance, still in his sleeping clothes, with his hair even messier that usual, and looked at Aelia throwing herself over Anise to hug her.

“Master! I can’t believe it really is you!” Said Aelia as Anise hugged her back. “I really thought I would never see you again.”

“You’ve grown a lot, Aelia. Your voice changed and you’re even taller than me now.”

“Well, I think you look just the same, Miss.” Replied Aelia, with her eyes closed.

“Please, drop the miss.”

“Yes, sorry.”

Fennel could also see Daila, a tall woman - even taller than Aelia - with saturated orange tied hair, silver eyes, and sharp facial features. She was wearing clothes similar to those of Lex or Niole, but they had their own unique characteristics, meaning that royal knights didn’t actually wear uniforms like common knights.

It was obvious that Daila didn’t know how to react to Aelia warmly hugging Anise.

“Lady Aelia… the protocols.” She said with a complicated look in her face, but ultimately allowing it.

That’s when Aelia opened her eyes and saw Fennel at the other side of the entrance hall.

“Fennel! It’s you!” She said energetically, as she let go of Anise and approached Fennel.

“Hey Aelia, if you’re here it means things worked out fine during the audience with King Lenno. Right?” Asked Fennel with a genuine smile.

“You could say that.” She responded with an energetic smile.

“Please Lady Aelia… The protocols.” Insisted Daila.

Aelia stepped aside, and allowed the royal knight to speak.

“If I may. We were sent to give some information to Fennel.” She introduced. “First of all, Lord Ataoro himself asked me to inform you that the methods for Lady Aelia’s development changed, after talking it over with the King.”

Fennel seemed to be pleased with the good news.

“She was given freedom to leave the palace after her daily training is completed, as long as she’s accompanied by a proper bodyguard.” She continued, as Aelia pointed at Daila to indicate that bodyguard was her. “She was also given a free day every week to travel throughout the city, as long as she maintains a proper rate of improvement.” Aelia also made a gesture, as if trying to communicate that that free day was today.

“That’s amazing Aelia!” Said Fennel excited, as he was really happy for her friend’s life getting such drastic improvements.

“Wait Fennel. She’s just getting started.” Interrupted Aelia with expectance to see how Fennel would react to the following news.

“I was also requested to inform you, that there was a change on Lord Ataoro’s decision.” Continued Daila. “It was determined that it couldn’t be proven that your actions put Rossmaria’s security at risk, since Aelia was already behind on her training.”

“Miss Elia really defended you in the court, Fennel.” Commented Aelia. “She stated that you proved yourself to be an outstanding researcher, and that if you hadn’t acted at all, the result would have probably been the same as the worst scenario Lord Ataoro described when he determined to terminate your bond with the palace.”

Anise was looking astonished at what Aelia had just said.

“Did Eli really do that?!” She asked in shock. “You really are something Fenn.”

“However.” Interrupted Daila. “Since you did break many rules, it was determined that only if within two years, Aelia’s growth as a guardian proved to be positive, you would be allowed to return as a royal researcher… If that is still your desire.”

Fennel was overwhelmed with all this information, however it didn’t change the fact that he would need to find something else to do for the following two years, as Aelia’s new training method was evaluated.

“That’s great-” Said Fennel before being interrupted.

“One more thing.” Stated Aelia without allowing Fennel to finish his sentence. “May I?” She said asking Daila.

“Go ahead, my Lady.”

“I also made one additional request during the audience.” She said. “Since neither I, nor knight Daila, know anything about the capital city of Rossmaria, we requested to have a guide for our team.” Continued Aelia. “Without a guide, we would be wandering aimlessly around the city… It wouldn’t be efficient at all.”

Fennel looked with surprise, understanding this probably meant something else. Anise couldn’t hide her surprise as well, at noticing what Aelia herself had achieved at the king’s court.

“Wait… Do you mean that-”

“Lord Fennel.” Said Aelia jokingly. “Would you be willing to serve by my side as a city guide?” She said with pride, only to show doubt immediately after. “I know it’s not the work you love as a researcher. So it’s fine if it doesn’t suit you. But-”

Fennel hugged Aelia tightly, ready to cry.

“Of course. It would be an honor… Aelia.” He said barely holding back his tears. “Thankyou.”

Once again Daila didn’t know what to do with the overly emotional scene, that probably had broken many of the protocols. But she didn’t do anything to stop them.

Aelia was surprised, but soon enough, she let out a friendly smile that extended from cheek to cheek, and hugged Fennel back.

“It’s great to have you back on board.” She said, as she tightened, excited for the adventures that were to come.

“Lady Aelia.” Said Daila. “I was assigned to be your bodyguard, since King Lenno determined I was probably a good match for you. But I can’t allow you to do whatever you like.”

Aelia and Fennel let go of each other, slightly embarrassed. But the awkward moment didn’t last long, as Fennel had many questions.

“So, when are we starting?”

“Right now!” Replied Aelia full of energy.

“Right now?” Asked Fennel taken aback. “Look at me, I’m barely presentable.”

“Then go change right away! I really want to go visit that Salmon Café at The Keep, and time is limited.” Playfully commanded Aelia.

“Y-Yes my lady!”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Alright Aelia!” Loudly exclaimed Fennel as he run to his room to get changed.

It wasn’t long before the newly formed team was walking away towards the keep, as Anise stood from the door of her home, looking proudly at her son and her student.

“Have fun kids.” Anise said to herself, as a nostalgic feeling filled her heart. “I’m glad the future decided to smile upon you, for now at least. As you keep yourself moving, doing what’s right, and stay flexible to whatever comes your way, I’m sure you’ll manage to build better days for yourselves and everyone else.”

Anise entered her home, closed the door and walked towards her room, which had a window that allowed her to see the three of them from higher ground.

“It’s unlikely that the city and its people will be as you wish they were though, Aelia.” She continued, talking to herself as she was already used to. “Proving to the king that this was the right choice, will probably be a challenge on its own. But for now, I hope you enjoy this new earned freedom to the fullest.”

Anise looked once more at Daila, Fennel and Aelia, as they seemed to be joking around and having fun as they kept on walking. Anise once more let out a wide, heartfelt smile.

“Have fun kids. You truly deserve it.”