“Ahem, ahem!”
Cedric and the others cleared their throats awkwardly, exchanging glances as they witnessed the passionate scene unfolding before them. Their curiosity was piqued by the identity of the girl Ethan was kissing so fervently.
From their point of view, they could only see Aria’s graceful yet elegant back, her white combat dress adorned with black streaks accentuating her curves.
The sight drew the attention of everyone around, from the elderly to hunters of various age groups, who stared with a mix of surprise and amusement..
“Haha..What a pair of lovebirds?”
“This brought me my old memories.”
“Young people surely knows how to enjoy themselves!”
The battlefield, once filled with tension and bloodshed, now held a moment of unexpected tenderness, making it all the more striking against the backdrop of the recent carnage.
“So romantic!” a girl muttered, her eyes shining.
The difference between the fierce hunter they had seen moments ago and the tender moment now playing out left them intrigued and a little envious.
For a brief moment, the weight of the battles they had fought seemed to lift, replaced by the simple wonder of young love.
After what felt like an eternity, Ethan and Aria finally withdrew from their kiss, their lips glistening with a shared warmth. Aria’s gaze met Ethan’s, and the redness that had spread across her neck became more pronounced.
Yet, there was no trace of regret in her eyes; instead, the moment was etched into her memory as something she would cherish forever.
Ethan, on the other hand, scratched his head, a bit embarrassed as he realized the intimacy of what had just happened. His initial worry was whether Aria might be upset, but when he looked at her, he saw only happiness. Her blushing face and those captivating emerald eyes told the truth—she was in love.
Ethan’s heartbeat quickened, overwhelmed by the raw emotion of tenderness he felt toward her. He found himself captivated by her side profile, but when she noticed his gaze, Aria quickly looked away, her composure breaking in a rare moment of panic.
Although both of them hadn’t told each others their feelings, it just a matter of time. For now, a mutual understanding passed between them.
Marcus, all alone, looked at the scene sorrowfully, remembering his past with a heavy heart.
“Wow! So beautiful!” Yona, typically the calm and composed one, couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. She marveled at Aria’s beauty and maturity, noticing the difference between herself, still a girl in many ways, and Aria, who was clearly more of a woman in every aspect.
“Hm.. But, why does she look so familiar?”
Gradually, she began to find Aria increasingly familiar, noting a striking resemblance to someone from her past. This resemblance stirred a flood of long-forgotten memories, rekindling emotions she had nearly buried.
Cedric, who had been standing nearby, hurried over and clasped Ethan’s shoulder with a grin. “Ethan, you’re such a player. You told us you didn’t have a girlfriend, and now here you are, openly displaying your affection!” he teased, his voice filled with playful disbelief.
Ethan could only chuckle at Cedric’s playful comment.
“Let me see who’s going to be my sister-in-law,” Cedric said with a grin as he stepped to the side, trying to catch a glimpse of the woman Ethan had just kissed. But as soon as his eyes landed on Aria’s face, all the color drained from his own.
“Si-Sister Aria…?” Cedric stammered, his eyes wide with shock.
Aria’s eyes narrowed slightly as she recognized the voice. “Oh, little Ced… I didn’t expect to see you here. You’re also fighting alongside everyone? What a surprise!” she responded, her tone warm yet teasing, as if she had known him for a long time.
Cedric, who was indeed shorter than both Aria and Ethan, mostly due to his younger age, stood there, momentarily speechless. He knew Aria from his past, but seeing her now, in this context, caught him completely off guard.
She was a frequent visitor of his house from his childhood. She mostly came to visit their house, because of the reason—she was his big brother’s childhood friend, and dungeon partner. She used to called him as ‘little Ced’ from the beginning. He also knew about her noble background and unparalleled talent.
So, the intimate connection between her and Ethan, a commoner was mind blowing to him.
Exasperated, Cedric finally found his voice, “Sister Aria, what are you doing here? And… how do you know Ethan?” The questions flowed out, his mind racing to make sense of what he’d just witnessed.
Aria looked at Ethan and answered calmly, “Yep, Just a few days ago.” The details were not provided, but he understood their intimacy was real.
“How can a noblewoman from a renowned family get so close to a commoner like Ethan?” Cedric wondered, his amazement evident. Not that he had any prejudice against commoners—his whole family was of common origins, after all.
But the situation between Ethan and Aria was far from the norm.
Ethan watched their interaction with intrigue.
He understood that there was a big seniority problems here.
Meanwhile, Yona, who had been quietly observing, finally recognised who she was—her savior.
“E-Excuse me? Are you really Lady Aria from the Silvermoon Clan? No, you must be,” Yona stammered, her voice filled with both awe and uncertainty. She paused before continuing, “Actually, I’ve heard your name a lot. I am honored to meet your ladyship.”
Yona’s respectful tone hinted at something more, a personal connection or circumstance yet to be revealed. Her demeanor was noticeably different, more respectful than the others had seen before.
“Aria, let me introduce you. This is Yona, and over there is Marcus. They are both members of our party and our friends,” Ethan said, glancing at Marcus, who appeared disinterested.
Aria’s expression softened as she smiled at Yona. “There’s no need for such formality, Yona. You’re Ethan’s friend, so my friend as well.”
Yona nodded, but the respect in her eyes remained, as if she knew something about Aria that the others did not.
Yona’s mind drifted back to a stormy night at their poor village, 3 or 4 years ago. It was a night that was unforgettable.
At that time, during a fierce beast rampage, her family had been in grave danger, their lives hanging by a thread. It was Aria, like a valiant heroine, who had come to their rescue, fighting off the beasts with unmatched skill and bravery at the age of 16. She was most likely was on an adventure near Yona’s village.. Of course she was protected by a few clan elders, which was set up by her father.
The sight of Aria’s heroism and the relief she brought was something Yona and her family could never hope to repay.
From that moment on, Yona made a solemn promise to herself: she would become strong and serve Lady Aria’s family for three generations, dedicating her life to honoring the debt of gratitude she felt.
Yona, overcome with emotion and gratitude, knelt before Aria with a loud THUD.
“Lady Aria, I humbly request to please let me serve you as my master. I will do anything you ask,” she declared with unwavering resolve.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Hehe, typical shameless author
