Sorry for the terrible delay. I'm losing words. My thoughts are disconnected. I'm experiencing quarter life crisis and in the process of finding my groove and will to live back. I might release some short stories here and there but the chapter update for the ongoing stories might take a little longer. This chapter is not my best. Sorry if this does not live up with the other chapters. The same with my recent stories. Sorry. I'll try my best in the future. Thank you for the support. Thank you for understanding.
(my cat is my emotional support companion)
(i'll always love LuluC)
Chapter 12
"One, two, one, two, one, two, and twirl."
The echoes of leather against wood resonate in the Ball Room as Ceci teaches the children how to dance waltz. Rolo had accidentally stepped on her shoes four times in a row and Nunnally had been having a giddy dizzy spell everytime they spin. It was the late Lady Anne who taught Ceci of the basics of the dance which she herself, didn't master at once. After all, Lady Anne was a poor teacher back then. Lady Anne who turned their dance lessons into child's play - every step was accompanied by silly laughter - until Ceci's mother intervened to properly teach her daughter the right ways to sway with the rhythm. Ah, Lady Anne who was the light of the estate, the joy of her people, the treasure of the viscount. Are you watching right now, Madame? Ceci is teaching your children now just as how you taught her when she was younger.
"I'm sorry, Miss Ceci!" Rolo gasps as his foot stomps on hers again.
Ceci shakes her head. "Do not worry. I'm alright. Now, just focus on the music and let your body and feet speak its language."
From the other side of the room, a giggle resounds from Nunnally's lips. Ceci peeks and sees how the child is standing on her place while holding her head.
"I'm dizzy, Mr. Lamperouge!" she announces in between chuckles.
"That's because you spun too fast." Hands on his hips, Mr. Lamperouge entertains the child's dramatics with a glimmer of enjoyment sparkling in his eyes.
Ceci holds Rolo's hand and directs them towards the other pair. "We can take a break for now. We cannot have little Nunnally lose her head from too much spinning."
Rolo raises his hand. "Oh, I have an idea, Miss Ceci."
"Go on."
"Can you and Mr. Lamperouge show us the dance together?"
Beside him, Nunnally eagerly nods which unfortunately only worsens her condition. "He's right, Miss Ceci. Will you dance with Mr. Lamperouge?"
Ceci can only glance at the man beside her who instantly bows his head and offers his hand.
"May the respectable governess of the house grant me this dance?" Mr. Lamperouge asks.
Ceci signals at the pianist before accepting the man's hand. As soon as the first notes of the music fills the room, their feet take their first steps harmoniously, each one is of surety and precise beat.
"Watch where we place our feet and how they respond to each other," she lectures. "Be light on your feet as if you're stepping on the water's surface."
"If our steps are heavy, we will drown," Nunnally recites.
"Right. And if you do that while dancing, you might miss a beat or injure your ankle."
"Are there going to be many people in papa's party?" Rolo inquires. "Do we have to dance with all of them?"
"There will be a lot. You don't have to dance with everyone. Dance when and with whom you are comfortable with. Never forget your manners."
"We won't, Miss Ceci."
"Well, do I also have to dance with everyone, Miss Ceci?"
Looking up, Ceci is greeted with her partner's playful gaze. "I believe that you are capable enough to determine who you would want to dance with, although, courtesy and manners shall play a role while you mingle with others. Remember, the viscount's visitors are no ordinary people. And that is 'Miss Corabelle' for you, Mr. Lamperouge."
Mr. Lamperouge only chuckles at her litany of reminders which leaves Ceci frowning. Without any warning, her feet are off the ground, a pair of wide hands grasping her small waist. The governess lets out a surprised squeak as she is lifted into the air while Mr. Lamperouge does a 180° turn. The unexpected action caused her to tighten her grip on his shoulders, almost crushing his bones.
"That is not part of the dance!" she gasps as soon as she's on the ground again, her heart pounding.
Mr. Lamperouge laughs. "That is to erase the serious look on your face. I was just jesting. Really, Miss Corabelle, you should loosen up."
"Can we do that, too?" the twins ask.
Mr. Lamperouge winks at her before attending to the children and indulging their request. Unbeknownst to Ceci, a small smile is painted on her lips as she watches the trio have fun. The music was changed to something livelier, the atmosphere seemingly brighter. The scene reminds her of those times when she and Shirley would happily dance with their father while imagining there was music playing in the background.
Mr. Fenette would lift them up, higher than what Mr. Lamperouge did earlier, as if they were sea gulls soaring in the air. These pretend parties of theirs were a product of little Ceci's stories of the celebrations happening in the Britannia Estate and Shirley's request to relive the events.
"Come, Miss Corabelle. Don't miss out on the fun."
Ceci stares at Mr. Lamperouge's outstretched hand, glances up at those twinkling violet eyes, and with her own starry ones, she puts her hand over his and is pulled into the universe of flying children and singing feet.
The repair of the Fenette Shop's sign board is meticulously coming to an end. As it turned out, Lelouch had proposed to engrave the letters on wood for a more lasting quality which Shirley gladly accepted. So now, after Lelouch's several visits, they finally arrived at the stage of painting the sign board. Huddled over the piece of wood, Gino carefully traces each dip and curve with the color of ebony.
"What do you think? The shop will give you a fair part of the profit in respect of your design and of course, you will be credited," asks Gino.
Sweat dangerously trickles on Lelouch forehead but before a droplet lands on the wet surface, the man was able to wipe it with his white handkerchief.
"How much?"
"Shirley agreed on a quarter of the total profit from your designed products."
"A quarter? How about a third? You said that several customers have inquired and were interested in my design. And I am certain that you wouldn't sell it at a low cost, correct?"
"That might be..." Too much, Gino wants to say. But he cannot risk Lelouch from backing out of the negotiation now that when Shirley displayed Lelouch's customized knife at the center of the shop, a lot of people began asking if it was for sale. Many were enchanted by the design, a lot were willing to buy it at a price more than they expected. And Shirley had seen this as an opportunity to increase the sales of the shop at rapid phase. Not only townspeople were the ones who're interested, but noblemen alike.
Do they have more of the design, they asked. Can they customize one for them, too, they said.
In the week that the knife was on display, they received more than a hundred of queries and the Fenette Shop is a fool if it wouldn't grab this rare opportunity.
So here is Gino, with his bright smile and even brighter personality, tasked to conversed with Lelouch about regularly supplying designs for the shop to produce.
But a third of the profit? That would be too much of a cut in Gino's opinion. After all, they have workers to pay and materials to purchase. Most importantly, the main purpose of this venture is to add on the Fenette's savings - a help for Ceci's plan, and his and Shirley's wedding.
"... negotiated," Gino thoughtfully ends.
"Hmm," hums Lelouch while painting the letter "e". "It's not that I am greedy about the money, but having my design get produced to hundreds of products, for it to possibly reach even the farthest island from this town, to outlive you and me, I think I deserve more than just a quarter. It's the legacy of this shop that would be remembered not mine."
"I understand. This is business after all. I'll tell Shirley about your proposal."
"Speaking of proposals, so how's the wedding preparation going on? I guess that it is where most of the earnings are intended to."
Ever the perceptive Lelouch. "That and other equally important matter. We are currently in the process of addition and deduction. Listing the things we need and removing those that aren't essential to the ceremony."
"Have you told Miss Fenette's older sister?" Frowning, Lelouch wipes the drop of black that accidentally fell out of the engraving with his thumb.
Gino hands him a rug, rescuing the latter's hand from more careless smearing. "We haven't," he answers.
"May I ask why?"
"As I've told you before. She has other matters to worry."
Lelouch turns to him and raises a skeptical brow. "More important than her sister's wedding? Come to think of it, I haven't seen her around here. She doesn't help with the shop?"
"That's because she doesn't live here. Her work requires her to stay away from her family." Gino contemplates on mentioning Ceci's name in their conversation but immediately disregards the thought upon remembering that his friend lives near the estate and the danger of Lelouch slipping the secret to Ceci is too plausible to risk. "The Fenette Sisters have their own way of handling the circumstances presented to them. Despite being away from each other, they are each other's strength and encouragement to overcome any hurdle infront of them."
"You're scary when you are serious," Lelouch grins. "I was just curious."
Gino scrunches his nose with nothing to reply. For a while they silently work side-by-side on painting the sign board in the shop's yard. The familiar hum of everyday life surrounding them gives Gino a peaceful atmosphere that is both comforting and energizing for him. He never thinks of leaving their little town. From his great-great-great grandfather, the Weinbergs have resided in this part of England where everyone knows everybody, where even the sunset feels like the sunrise.
Popular for their sparkling hair and even more sparkling personality, the Weinbergs have always been the life of the party with optimism coloring their eyes. And his bright personality was what led him to Shirley.
They were ten back then, young and naive. He just went back from fishing with his father and decided to have some fresh air when he found her by the meadow sulking as she picked flowers from the ground. He remembered getting charmed by her freckles. They were very much prominent back then than now and she hated it. Still hates it, but a hate that is out of routine not of anguish.
"Why do you have stars on your face?" he asked, completely surprising the unaware girl.
"Stars?" Shirley repeated.
Gino gestured around her face and said, "Stars or perhaps, they are stardust. I can't remember my teacher's lesson well but don't tell my father."
Shirley, on the other hand, had covered the lower part of her face and without any warning, kicked Gino's leg then left.
Gino is very much fond of that memory. He didn't run after her but stood on his ground and thought that she was indeed a star, she exploded.
"Anyway, I have a few more questions." The sudden seriousness in Lelouch's voice piques Gino's interest. "How did you know..."
He waits.
"... that Miss Fenette is the one you wanted to marry?"
"I just know."
The other man stares at him, obviously confused by his vague answer.
Gino lets out a light chuckle. "It's something that is hard to explain. Because you just feel it. And if you do, you'll know."
"What about the other ladies?"
"There are no other ladies. It has always been Shirley."
"But what if you find someone else that will make you feel differently? More intense than what you feel for Miss Fenette. A feeling that you never knew existed and will make you do stupid things? Someone who'll make you realize that the earth can open up anytime beneath you but it will be alright as long as you're together?"
Huh, such passionate questions coming from Lelouch. Putting his brush down, Gino sits on the ground and mulls over his companion's queries. "Are we talking in the context of having a present lover yet meeting someone else who, I suppose, can make you feel more than what your lover can do?"
Lelouch nods.
Gino hums. "Well, the man should break it off with his lady. It will truly be unfair of him to keep her by his side when his heart is already owned by someone else."
"But the man is confused. Because what if what he feels for the other woman is just something flitting, something that will pass eventually. There will be no one he can return to."
"Why does he need someone to return to at once? He can use that solitary time to gather his thoughts and determine what he really wanted. Keeping his lover and pinning for the other woman will only be unfair for both of the ladies and such a foolish thing to do of the man." When Lelouch remains silent, Gino playfully slaps the former's back earning him a glare. Gino laughs. "Are you, by any chance, trapped in such pitiful situation?"
Lelouch shakes his head. "It is a friend of mine," is his short answer.
Feeling merciful, Gino doesn't tease his rumpled companion any further yet his mind remains skeptic. After all, the fact that Lelouch asked those questions implies that he is truly bothered by the situation. Giving a final piece of wisdom, or rather, giving the wisest words he can think of at the moment, Gino rests his arms on his knees and stares at the almost finished sign board.
"Nonetheless, it is not the number of lips you've kissed that will define a man but how many genuine and loving kisses you've shared with a woman."
Ceci is never a woman who lavishes on expensive and extravagant things as soon as she receives her keep from being the estate's governess. Instead, only a quarter of her money remains in her drawer while the rest are going to be sent to her sister. After all, she's in no need of such riches since all of her necessities are well provided by the estate. Might as well have her savings in a place that she knows is safe and in the hands of her most trusted people.
But now, not only she is going to send away her earnings, she will also distribute letters of advertisement to the party's guests along with the invitations.
It is a move too risky and something that will put her on the viscount's bad side if he ever finds out about it. So with special instructions written, she advertised the Fenette's silverware stealthily to the nobles and commoners alike.
That afternoon, Ceci, together with the Britannia twins and Mr. Lamperouge, heads to the city to have their dresses made for the upcoming party.
In the tailor shop, Nunnally, with her undying ball of energy, specifically mentions wanting to have a pink dress with yellow and blue flowers embroidered on the skirt. Meanwhile, Rolo opts on a simple dress shirt and baby blue coat paired with a pair of dark blue shorts. A blue bow will rest in between the collar of his shirt.
A party is something that is not done quite often in the mansion, but when the viscount decided to hold one, he made sure that it would be one of those remembered and awed by. So if ever that time arrives, new attires with the most expensive fabrics and detailed designs are made for the twins unintentionally making them the center of the party.
"Is it really alright with the viscount to pay for my attire? Is it really alright for me to come to the party?" Mr. Lamperouge whispers to Ceci, both of them sitting beside each other after having their measurements collected.
"It was the viscount's instructions," she answers while watching Rolo stand so stiffly before the seamstress and so to avoid Mr. Lamperouge's looming presence next to her.
"I wouldn't know anyone there." She hears the pout in his voice and she can't help but to smile inwardly.
"As long you show proper etiquette and courtesy, you have nothing to worry about."
"Ah, perhaps, it's time for me to show up during your etiquette lessons from now on. Say, Miss Corabelle, are you willing to teach a humble novice like me?"
At this, she looks at him coyly feigning innocence. "But I only accept students who can sit properly on their seats and do not put their feet on top of tables."
Clearing his throat, Mr. Lamperouge fixes the lapels of his coat and sits with his back straight as a stick. "I think I can pass that," he answers with a playful smile of his own.
For a while, Ceci forgets that they aren't the only people inside the room and she is pleasantly distracted by the man's clear amethyst eyes. Mesmerized, enchanted by those pools of violet, she stares at them looking for their deepest pits. It's like looking into two deep wells which bottoms are dark and unfathomable. At this distance, she notes how his eyes are slightly darker than the viscount's. The color of elegance, of royalty. While the shade of the Britannia's eyes are that of sweet lavenders, Mr. Lamperouge's exudes elitism which could easily be mistaken as unnecessary pride.
"Amazing," the man, who is also staring at her, utters in bewilderment.
"Hm?"
"You carry the sun on your face. Gold? Butter? Canary?" He leans closer as he squints. "Perhaps, dandelion. Those eyes are a painter's dream."
"Then, yours?" she whispers.
"We're all done, Miss Corabelle. Please expect the clothes to be delivered next week."
Ceci turns her attention to the seamstress who has the twins by her sides. Nunnally and Rolo quickly sit between her and Mr. Lamperouge who is left staring at her. She can feel his burning gaze at the side of her face like a small rock trapped inside her shoe yet she chooses to ignore it for what she had said earlier was so out of her character, so out of her comfort zone.
Good gracious, did they just have a flirtatious conversation?
The seamstress words fall out of inattentive ears as Ceci tries hard to conceal the warmth that's engulfing her cheeks. She tries hard to stop herself from touching and covering her cheeks infront of everybody.
As if in a daze, they are suddenly out of the shop without Ceci's notice. Mr. Lamperouge and her walk around the plaza holding the twins between them.
"Are we going home now?" asks Rolo.
"We sho - " The boy's hopeful stare stops Ceci from finishing her sentence. Instead, she goes on to contemplate how this is one of those rare times the twins get to wander outside the mansion without the viscount's presence. After all, they don't have any problem with transportation since the carriage is waiting for them nearby. "We can look around for a while. Where do you want to go?"
Of course, they went to a toy store where the twins ooh and aah at everything they lay their eyes on. Rolo is immediately captured by a toy train display while Nunnally instantly runs to the doll section.
"Please be careful!" Ceci calls after them.
"We will!"
"Miss Corabelle! It's nice to see you and the young masters back here!"
Behind the counter is the shop's young apprentice who always welcomes and assists the little Britannias. Mr. Maldini is a familiar friendly face whose heart stays like a child's and brings comfort to the shops young customers.
"It's nice to see you, too, Mr. Maldini. How have you been? How's the business so far?"
"I'm quite fine, Miss Corabelle. The shop's been busy recently after the new doll house model came out last week." Ceci follows his finger and finds a large Victorian style doll house – with height that reaches her waist she estimated – at the center display of the shop. And beside it is a gushing Nunnally who is listening intently to the staff's explanation.
"It is priced quite expensively since it came from France but we already received more than a hundred of orders and counting. The duke alone ordered ten of it in different colors," Mr. Maldini says while shaking his head in disbelief.
"France? It must be of great quality then."
"And the details are impressive, too."
She is startled by the deep voice that came from behind her. Scrambling for words, Ceci quickly apologizes for failing to introduce her companion to the apprentice earlier.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Mr. Maldini, let me introduce Mr. Lamprouge, a guest of the viscount. Mr. Lamperouge, this is Mr. Maldini, the owner's apprentice."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Maldini."
"My pleasure to meet one of the viscount's guests, Mr. Lamperouge. Feel free to check our items. Do you have a younger sister? A younger brother? You might find the perfect gift for them here."
Mr. Lamperouge clears his throat while Ceci focuses on the wall behind the counter.
"I'll do that," the man reluctantly answers.
"Perfect! Oh, welcome Miss Alstreim, Miss Nu! What can I do for you?"
A shy head of blooming cherry blossoms together with a woman of long silky silver hair enter the shop. Standing on her place, Ceci lifts her chin as the taller woman approaches the counter. Miss Alstreim, the child of spring, immediately perks up as soon as her eyes landed on Ceci.
"Good day, Miss Corabelle! Are you with Nunnally and Rolo today?"
Excitement is such a natural feeling a children possesses, correct? Something that is almost innate to them, a feeling of elation that makes them a ball of uncontrollable but adorable energy. Yes, yes, being excited is like the children's second skin. It brings Ceci delight everytime she sees the twins excited about something. They glow, they sparkle as they talk about it in tangled stumbling words.
That is what Miss Alstreim's face wears today but it is soon gone as her governess speaks. Or more appropriately, reprimands.
"Lower your voice, Miss Alstreim. That is not the way of a proper lady."
Cheeks red, Miss Alstreim bows her head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Miss Nu."
"You never learn, don't you? We've been through courtesies and etiquette for a while now yet as soon as you're outside, you turn into a wild boar. Do you really want me to tell your father about this?"
Ceci's left eye twitches.
"Please don't tell papa, Miss Nu."
"Then listen and do what I say. Why can't you be as easy as your older siblings? Look at them, they're smart, principled..."
Ceci clenches both of her fists.
"And well-mannered. If you'll just be one good girl."
There's a silent agreement among governesses, a unanimous respect towards each other that one shouldn't challenge the way another governess takes care of her ward. It is a decided statement that was never written nor said but is followed by women of this job. It's comparable to that of how parents raise their children.
Yet there are certain times that Ceci wishes to break that tradition. Times like now, times whenever she encounters Miss Villeta Nu, the strict disciplinarian of the Alstreim Household.
Surely there is a thick line that separates being a responsible guardian who altruistically thinks of her ward's wellbeing from being just plain cruel to a child.
Miss Nu is an older governess. One who had taken care of two older children before little Anya. Her ways are already tested with how her former wards turned out to be respectable young adults. But still... It isn't right to treat Miss Alstreim harshly in public for being excited to see her friends.
Gathering her skirt, Ceci steps forward and starts to talk, "Miss Nu, why - "
"Well, why must a lovely lady wrinkled her forehead about such trivial matters?"
Both women look up at Mr. Lamperouge who has a charming smile on his face. Surprised by the sudden interruption, Ceci watches as he enchants Miss Nu with his flattering words.
"Pardon? And who are you?" says Miss Nu.
Mr. Lamperouge tips his imaginary hat. "My name's Lelouch Lamperouge, ma'am. Why wear a frown on your face when you can be the loveliest lady when you smile?"
Suddenly conscious, Miss Nu touches her cheeks as she completely forgets her anger and her ward. Ceci frowns.
"Y-You are spouting lies, mister," Miss Nu says shyly.
"Me? I only utter truths. And I know how to look at faces critically for I am a painter."
Over the older woman's hair, his eyes meet Ceci's. He winks at her while Miss Nu has her head bowed.
Turning to her right, Ceci grabs Miss Alstreim's small hand and shows her a kind smile. "Would you like to go to Nunnally and Rolo?"
Little Anya worriedly peeks at her blushing governess before answering Ceci. "Can I?"
"Of course, dear. Come."
It is not so much, but at least, in this moment, little Anya will be spared from her caretaker's careless words.
"You were such a charmer."
"Was I? I thought I was saving that little girl from that woman."
The day is almost coming to an end. The sun is low painting the sky with pink, orange and blue. The twins are contently walking ahead of them hand-in-hand while marveling on the busy streets of the Capital.
It is funny how just a few weeks before, Lelouch was nothing but a stranger with no map to navigate the place but now, he is familiar to almost all of the alleys and secret passages like a cat who guards its territory thanks to Gino's guidance.
There, right at the corner is the pub he'd rather forget because of the bitter and embarrassing memory he had acquired there. On their left, they are about to pass the narrow alley which leads to Mr. Wilkins' Shoe Store.
Two blocks from where they are is the theater hall which never runs out of people. Once, Lelouch was curious about the play it was showing but immediately disregarded the idea of buying a ticket after seeing its expensive price.
"Miss Nu can be unbearable... sometimes." The last word was spoken in such a low tone that Lelouch glances down at the governess and finds her frowning at nothing.
"You don't like her?"
"Well," Miss Corabelle scrunches her nose which is an expression he doesn't expect to see her do (and which is too adorable and youthful) that he has to clench his fists behind his back. "She has a different way in raising children which was already proven to be effective. But every child is different from the other and you cannot use the same method and expect them to react similarly." She sighs. "Especially with a child like Miss Alstreim. She is softer than Nunnally. More shy and quiet. The only time that I see her truly enjoying herself is when she is with her playmates."
"You were angry earlier."
"And how could you say that?"
Pointing at his eyes, Lelouch smirks. "As I've said before, nothing escapes my notice."
The governess scoffs good-naturedly. "Oh, I thought that was just to appease Miss Nu's doubts... Rolo, don't pull at Nunnally's hand too hard. "
"And I've also said earlier that I only utter truths."
Miss Corabelle shows him a little smile that brightens her face and he almost trip while walking. "That's impossible. No man could live his life without lying twice."
He does not retort.
Instead, he thinks of how he has been living with the Britannias because of his lies - lies necessary to get their sympathy and affection so as to make his mission easier to fulfill. However, guilt recently begins crawling in his mind like a pest slyly invading a garden of roses. He had admitted it, he is happy with how the way things are progressing between him and the twins, between him and Miss Corabelle regardless whether he is a legitimate son or not. The relationship growing among them is something he had never experienced in his hometown. Definitely not with his mother and even the time he spends with Gino is much more enjoyable and relaxed than those that he had with Luciano. In fact, the inheritance is now the last thing in his mind.
What he fears now is for this little bubble of sunshine to burst. Lies, lies and lies accumulate them continuously and it will fill the bubble until it explodes.
So he had decided to make the first step to make amends with the God of Truth and that is to write a letter.
To Kallen.
Of apologies and honesty.
Of regret and humility.
A letter that will be stripped of lies and false promises.
For the biggest sin he had already committed is to pursue his feelings towards Miss Corabelle while sending Kallen fake romance letters just to appease her fear.
After that conversation with Gino, he realized the hurt he will cause his lover if she ever finds out about his actions. Kallen, dear Kallen who is always strong and firm, he cannot bear to see those blue eyes to be filled with hurt because of a man who does not deserve her.
And afterwhich, if he somehow comes out of that predicament barely bruised; will he formally court Miss Corabelle?
He doesn't know.
Hell, he doesn't even know what he is doing right now exchanging words that causes the butterflies in his stomach flutter.
Lately, he is just acting on instinct, on the direction where his heart is beating which always leads to her.
"Perhaps, dandelion. Those eyes are a painter's dream."
"Then, yours?"
Oh, Miss Corabelle, you don't know how many times he had dreamed of you at night.
He stops on his track and watches her back while she walks away from him. Then he wanders his gaze around the crowded street and returns it back to her. It's funny how he can easily recognize her among the sea of people now. Unknowingly, he had memorized her mannerisms and posture that even with several people separating them apart, he will spot her narrow shoulders, the smooth slope of her neck, her ever proper posture, and of course her emerald tresses that are perpetually tucked in a tight tail.
And it isn't because he is a painter who wears a critical eye.
"Miss Corabelle!" he calls.
She turns around. "Yes?"
"You didn't wait for me!"
She chuckles. "Are you making me choose between you and the children?"
Lelouch looks beyond her and at the twins who are eagerly waiting for him, too. He shakes his head helplessly. A fool, that is what he is. "Well, that would be an obvious defeat."
She's here. She actually made it here.
Far from the heat of the southern England, away from the confinements of her little village, Kallen is finally here.
In the Capital.
Where everything seems larger and wider.
Where everyone seems fancier and louder.
With only a luggage in tow, Kallen Stadtfeld stands open-mouthed at the center of the plaza completely overwhelmed by the bright lights surrounding the place.
"Move!"
Heavy hooves almost knock her off of her feet as a fast carriage rushes behind her. Startled, the young woman ungracefully jumps out of its way bumping onto an unknown man who smells like cigarettes.
"Careful, young lady."
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
She wanders around the place aimlessly, taken aback by the restless energy and invading sounds until she finds a cheap inn where she would stay for three days.
Three days, that's how long she would be staying in this unknown land with strangers and their charging carriages.
Three days, that's how long she needed to find Lelouch in this vast land and see how he is doing.
Three days, that's how long her heart needs to appease her worries and doubts that had been keeping her up late at night.
She just needs to see him and then she will leave.
That is, if she still wanted to leave after seeing him.