To Love A Villain-Chapter 36: A cute little guest

>>Amber (Corvina)

I ducked down.

With my heart hammering in my chest, I took to the ground, into the anonymity of the crowd, desperate to escape the sight of him.

Oh, I hope he didn't see me!! Why is he even here? Why would the master of the magic tower leave for an expedition? I grabbed my head in despair as I felt anxious.

Every fiber of my being screamed for me to flee, to disappear into the labyrinth of winding alleys and shadowed corners. I didn't think I would see Hael again!

Our eyes met... NO! They didn't. I was standing in a heavy crowd! He was simply looking out the window, there's no way possible for him to see me!

I nodded to myself. I was desperately trying to console myself. That's right. Remain calm. It's all in my head. I'm free now, he didn't see me.

Even though I told myself that I didn't stand up, I chose to crawl out of the crowd even though his carriage had long left.

Carefully, I wove my way through the throngs of people, my movements deliberate and cautious. I avoided eye contact, keeping my head down as I slipped through the gaps in the crowd like a shadow, my heart racing with each step.

Only after I came out from the back of the crowd did I stand up and look back. Since the carriages had left, the people had started moving around and the crowd began to disperse.

It's okay. I glanced at the road while I kept going. The road was now filled with people. I'm alright, I looked ahead, I'm okay.

It was frustrating that I couldn't run but I did what I could and caught a little bit of speed.

The sounds of the bustling square faded into the background as I navigated the maze of streets. I didn't stop till the time I was far away from the main road.

"Oh, God!" I stood up and leaned against the wall in the narrow alleyway

I thought I was done for! I thought he saw me! My heart was still drumming against my chest.

I glanced over my shoulder. There was no one there, no one following me, no one even coming in my direction. Every person was busy doing their own thing.

I let out a sigh of relief.

See? I'm fine. I started making my way back. It wasn't a few minutes later that I noticed something strange,

Hmmm? I caught something from the corner of my eye, something that seemed to shine.

I turned around to see what it was- WOW!

A silver butterfly flitting gracefully through the air, its delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight, and by God, it was a majestic delicate being.

But,

Silver butterflies were said to be harbingers of magic, omens of both beauty and danger. What is one doing here? Obviously, I didn't have the answer.

I should ignore it, let it do its thing.

I continued walking. But as I continued on my way, the butterfly remained steadfast in its pursuit, a silent sentinel that followed me with unwavering determination.

Hmm??? Is this tiny pretty thing following me?

I quickened my pace, eager to reach my cafe, but no matter how fast I walked, the silver butterfly matched my every stride, its ethereal form dancing just out of reach.

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Is it really following me? But why would it do that?

Finally, as I reached the threshold of my cafe, I paused, turned around and raised my finger to let it sit on it.

"Come here," I whispered and raised my hand higher. For a moment, it looked like it was coming to sit down on my finger, but-

"Ah!" I watched it change its course and go another way.

Oh... It flew away... It was such a pretty little thing.

But a silver butterfly huh??? At this part of the town? Poor thing must be lost but why did it come here after me? Weird, there's no greenery here or anyone with magic strong enough to have summoned it.

I turned around and went into the cafe, "Cory, I'm back!!"

"Hey! Amber, what's up!?" The place had started to fill up

"Amber! How are you!"

"Amber, where did you go?"

I let out a soft chuckle as I awkwardly walked towards the counter, "I just went to get some things from the market," I placed the things on the table behind the counter, "I'm doing good, how are you?" And then I sat down on the counter stool. With my foot like 'that', I can't afford to stand for a long time.

I looked around the lively place. People were chattering and enjoying their meals, it brought a sense of peace to me.

Then I recalled seeing Hael. An anxious feeling slid through the corners of my heart and I sighed

The crowd there was talking about how the people from the Holy temple were unable to control the miasma and it keeps spreading. The king had no other choice but to ask the mages for their help. I guess it sort of makes sense because there's only one person who is working as the saint and has holy power while there are many mages.

But to think Hael went there too...

Just how bad is the problem? Two years ago, Illaris, who had awoken as the saint, went on an expedition with Prince Lyal to get rid of the miasma. And it worked, she was able to eradicate it with her holy powers, but it came back.

Why?

What is happening? Holy power should completely destroy anything dark. Why would it come back?

The door opened and the bell jingled, snapping me out of my thoughts

!!!

I stood up, placing my hands on the counter to support myself as I leaned outwards, "Welcome! Oh," I noticed a kid entering the cafe.

He was looking around but the moment I greeted him, his eyes traveled to me, and a surprised look overcame his face. Wait. Is this kid a girl or a boy?

From the clothes it looks like a boy but with that face she looks so adorable. Pale skin and pinkish cheeks. Black hair, black eyes but the kid had a strong vibe.

I looked around. The others were busy, so I decided to guide the kid myself, "Come!" I gestured to him to come to the counter, "Are you here alone? Come sit,"

"..." He didn't say anything but walked over

I smiled at him, "Sit down," I gestured to the stools on the other side of the counter. He took a look at the stool, then looked at me, who was pointing at it with her palm, and then he sat down, "It's my first time seeing you here." He was a very pretty boy and looked about twelve, "What's your name? Are you here with your parents?"

He averted his gaze without answering.

"..."

No, I think he had no plans of answering me. He was leisurely looking around the place while purposely ignoring my question.

He had short jet black hair and black eyes. Wearing a commoners shirt and short, he looked just like an ordinary boy

But

Why does this kid look so familiar?

I don't think I've seen him anywhere... In the market maybe? I can't really recall, I don't remember any of the shops I visit having a kid like that.

He turned to look at me, "How long have you been working here?"

Is he curious because it's his first time here?

"It's been more than a year." I answered,

"Did you start this place?"

"Yes," I smiled, "I designed the place too."

"I see..." He seemed to get lost in thought, "Why?" He asked

"Why?" It was a strange thing to ask, "Because I wanted a cafe," I answered anyway, "Do you like Apple juice?"

"..." He thought about it, "Sure,"

"Alright, I'll get you some." I turned around and took a few steps towards the wooden drum on the shelf by the wall. I started pouring some juice for him in the steel glass and glanced back at him.

He was staring at me and I smiled back at him. Once the glass was filled up, I brought it back to the counter and handed him the glass. He took it without a word but kept staring at me. At first I found it cute, then it got a little concerning

"Is there something you want to ask me?" I sat down on the stool, "You've been staring at me,"

"Yes," He nodded, "You look like someone."

!!!

It gave me a bad feeling. I don't know why, but it just did.

"I look like someone? Who?"

"This lady I used to know," He said, "A lady who had black hair."

"Oh, I see." An anxiety swirled in me, "But I have brown hair, how did you confuse us? I mean, if you confused us, that is,"

He sipped his juice, "Well, it's pretty simple." He smiled, "You've dyed your hair."

!!!!