Cold Heart (1)

When I strolled down the stone path, the soft glow of flowers illuminated my way. The delicate lantern-like flowers, unique to the city of Alexandria, flickered with vibrant hues, casting a mesmerizing spell over the street. The scent of a mother's cooking wafted through the air, and the soft laughter and playful banter of a small family could be heard. This quite walk on the sleepless alley soothed my heart, bit at the same time it left a gaping hole in my mind.

In the past, did I enjoy this warmth too along with Milli and my beloved?

"Wa-wait, Master Arthur, d-don't walk too fast," I said to Arthur who walk slightly in front of me.

Arthur sighed, "Just Arthur is fine. Even though Lady Megistus is still suspicious about you, to me, you are my friend's savior. That is enough to convince me you're innocent... even if your background is ridiculous."

"O-Okay, Artie," I said with an awkward smile but Arthur quickly replied, "Just Arthur is okay." O-okay, seemed he hated being called something sweet like Artie.

As we walked side by side, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful Arthur eyes were. His calm demeanor left an elegant allure with it. Thread he walk, the way he speak, he was very considerate and respectful toward me even though I was in probation. He was so captivating, but... I couldn't shake the familiar feeling I had with him. But it isn't possible, right? I mean, I live on earth and the last time I descended probably thousand years ago.

But it didn't hurt it ask, if only there wasn't that grim silence between us. Breaking the ice, I coughed and said, "U-umm, about the Cream Order that Lady mentioned... Well, I can see that Alexandria is a prosperous city, yet, I can't understand why such a small organization caused worry to Lady Megistus?" I asked.

Arthur looked at me confused, "Small...? Hmm, you did kick their ass, but I think you're underestimating The Order too much, Princess" He stopped at an intersection and made sure the road was safe for us to pass.

"I'm just lucky they let their guard down. If they fought me seriously, the outcome might be different," I replied, feeling fidgetty at how courteous Arthur was. Geez, you can't just be nice to every girl you met or you'll give them weird idea, you know!

But then a sharp sound surprised me when a cart sped up on the street. Yikes, how could a cart move that fast without being pulled by horses? Did they construct a magic engine and put it there? Damn, that was scary.

Arthur lend his hand to me and said, "Hold on me, Princess. The street is dangerous these days."

H-huh? Did he just casually told me to hold his hand? Wait, that's--

Suddenly, Arthur took my hand in surprise. When his fingers intertwined with mine, I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. Why, though? Did he concerned about me, or this was just his redemption from throwing me into jail?

As we walked, I felt like the noise and chaos of the city melted away, and it was just us, holding hands and walking down the street. I stole glances at him, admiring the way his hair fell across his forehead and the way his eyes look around, protecting me from the danger of the world. Bu then, suddenly, I saw a glimpse of a young prince glanced at me. He gently smiled and said,

"Princess Cellia, I only wish for this dream not over so soon."

...!

The illusion shattered as soon as we reached the other side. Panicked, I pulled my hand suddenly, realising how shaken it was. Was that a piece of my memory? Then who is that prince? Who is Cellia?

"Oh, I'm sorry. You hate it right, when a stranger touch you," Arthur apologise awkwardly, "You see, I used to escort a troublesome Princess, so, It becomes a habit for me," he continued.

Arthur voice brought me back to reality, but seeing his apologetic face, I felt pang in my heart. I quickly waved my hand, "N-No, no, no! It took me by a surprise. That's all," I said then bowed earnestly, "Thank you for being a gentleman, Master Arthur," I continued.

Grrroowwllll. ...! O-Oh, really, right now? Oh, my stomach monster, can you please pick the right time to come out?

"Ah, yes, you haven't eaten anything these past three days," Arthur said.

I nodded hiding how embarrassed I was.

Arthur sighed and let a slight smile, "Wait here. I'll get you something good."

I sat on an iron bench beside the riverbed while Arthur went to buy food for me. There were other people and Daemon strolling their way, chatting playfully with their partners on their way home. But despite the relaxing atmosphere, when they glanced at me I could the disdain on their face.

One of them said, "Look, that mark. A Greyhound. That means, she's with The Order. Why is she here?"

Her partner answered, "Ah, it was Lady Megistus's idea. She thinks that Aobana Curse was enough to control those damned Cultist. I heard that once they have proven themselves innocent, our Lady will lift the curse and set them free. Wishful thinking, isn't it?"

The girl clearly annoyed, "Pardoned after everything they've done? Tch, Our Lady is too kind! I would rather see them dead than walk among us." Both of them then bolt their way out of the riverbed, away from me.

U-uh, now I understand why Arthur went to buy food for me. If a random passerby treated me like that, how about in a restaurant? I might get attacked if I'm not careful enough. Yet, I found it puzzling. Normally, you'd get hurt hearing someone say that to you, right? But I feel nothing.

I look at my hand and muttered, "Bearer of All Sin. I guess, I'm used to it. The Devil who was cursed to be hated and killed to save the world."

Suddenly, I smell something good approaching me. It was Arthur with a box full of food. But Arthur's face was etched with a stern expression, his jade eyes filled with worries.

"Are you okay?" Arthur kindly asked.

I smiled wryly. What was I thinking. My heart didn't froze enough to not notice Arthur's kindness. . Perhaps, I could be more honest with him in this cold unforgiving world.

"Don't worry, I'm used to it. N-now, just, let me a bite, please," I said with a watery mouth.

Happily accepting the food, I smiled, "Yey, thank you!" I said before enjoying the fried chicken Arthur bought for me. Oh my, this chicken is so good! Exquisite! Marvelous!

"More!" I cheerfully asked Arthur who had not finished his first chicken yet.

"Really? That was fast," he replied and gave me a whole box of chicken. It didn't take a while before the box was almost empty. Arthur look at me surprised. But then seeing how satisfied I was, he only sighed and gazed toward the tree of light.

"You eat happily for someone on probation," Arthur said.

"Yup, if you live long enough you realized no one ever knew what fate might throw at us. This could be our last meal, you know? Always enjoy the moment!" I replied while taking another bite of the chicken.

"Hey, I'm not treating you. You will pay for that chicken, you hear me," Arthur grunted.

"What a pinch-purse," I licked my finger before continuing, "So, I noticed everyone looking at me with disgust. But Arthur, I don't understand. Why did people hate The Order so much?

Arthur was surprised and crossed his arm, thinking, "Kiara did say you have a curious case of Amnesia. But I didn't think it was this bad. Hmm, how should I begin..." he wondered for a while before taking a deep breath,

"... At the conclusion of the great war 100 years ago, Humanity won the war against Daemon. However, to avoid inciting another uprising, Hero Eclair raised her voice for coexistence in prosperity between the two races. She succeeded in persuading the two races to sign a treaty. As the symbol of it, Alexandria was created... as the first city to show the world that humans and Daemon could coexist peacefully."

Hero Eclair, huh? It sounded like a woman's name. But I reckon the previous hero that fought me before Milli was a man. Hmm, it could be just a culture gap.

I replied, reciting the common sense I retained, "That's too good to be true. Humans and Daemon waged war against each other for years. There must be someone who didn't agree with the treaty, right?"

Arthur nodded, "Exactly, that's why not long after the treaty, a group of Imperialist who proffited from war, known as the Order of Truth, or The White Order, refused to accept the treaty. Throughout the century, they consistently fomented unrest, posing a constant threat to the fragile truce that had been established."

"So, if Alexandria is still standing mighty, could it be The White Order failed?"

"Fortunately, yes. But a decade ago, they almost succeeded. It was one of the greatest tragedies in history, orchestrated by The White Order. A story of one Daemon that killed 20 innocent women to create the wonder drug, Mutterbeweisen."

My eyes widened as I gasped, "… Eh? Wonder drug? Do you mean something that can cure anything? That's crazy! If you can make that wonder drug, you could be the richest man in the world. With that much money... how much-fried chicken they could buy? A lifetime worth?"

Arthur squinted his eyes, "... Not everything about food, Princess. "

But then my stomach growled again. I giggled awkwardly, "Hehe, well, food problems are the root of all malice."

"S-Seriously? Again?" Arthur face-palmed himself.

"Well, I'm hungry... but I'm also interested in the story. Can you tell me more while we eat? Hehehe, it feels like reading a good novel while eating good food."

"Is this like some games to you?" Arthur said while pointing at the Aobana Curse, "Alrigth, fine. Hah, why our Lady always asked me to look after handful Princesses? What do you want next?"

I smiled, "Meat!"