I exhaled deeply, taking a break within the trees.

It's been an hour since I left Lady Aphmau and Laurance behind for New Meteli, and I thought I would be making haste.

That was until, my human body kicked in and told me to stop racing at top speed towards a place I didn't even have directions to.

I sighed, calmly sipping water I had packed inside my bag. The area was quite serene.

But there wasn't time for sitting quietly

I packed up my things, wrapping the satchel around my shoulders, hopping down the oak with ease.

"Malachi is west from here, if my compass isn't completely destroyed."

I exclaim to myself, flicking out a worn compass. The letters could barely be seen, but it faintly looked like the right direction.

"Malachi was sold to a bandit clan off the coast of New Meteli. I'll do whatever it takes to allow him to escape."

Murmuring, I started my slight jog once again in the direction of the sun.

"I'll do whatever it takes to see his smile again."

My mind blurred with thoughts of his laugh, the light airy sound that came after it. His malachite eyes closing when he told a joke. Levin, rolling his eyes, would giggle too.

My Lords..

I loved those memories, the little ones. Items without detail or reason. Small things I can see in my mind when I think it's the end.

They kept me focused, kept me sane.

Breaking out of thought I found myself sprinting towards the town. My hair waving around in all sorts of directions.

I came to an abrupt stop when I realized a cliff was just before me.

"Irene.. I need to slow down sometimes."

I awkwardly chuckled to myself, choosing the long route off the mountain instead of barreling down it.

~~~~~~~~~~

The town was bustling.

Merchants chanted their wears to everyone that passed by like advertisements.

"Fresh fruit! Get your fresh fruit right here! Best and only shop in New Meteli!"

"We got ice cream!"

"Get your armor fixed!"

Over and over as I passed by, new people kept asking me to check out their wears.

Unfortunately, I had a goal. I would politely decline and make my way across town.

I took priority on finding the largest building there was and asking for the Lord.

Usually, Lord's have the most gorgeous estate.

I gulped, reaching my end goal at a fairly long cottage with immense detail. Beautifully painted borders and crochet drapes I could see through the huge windows.

I knocked slowly, afraid anything was hanging on the door.

"Hellooo?"

A lady with burst orange hair called, the wooden door swinging open.

She was incredibly attractive. Crystal blue eyes, long hair that almost hit her feet. The metal she wore was clearly fashioned to her liking.

"Uhm.. are you Cadenza?"
"The one and only! How can I help you?"

She giggled, noticing my unnatural stature.

"Hey, you're a guard, right?"
"Y-yea."
"I was correct! You should loosen those muscles. Nothing good comes from a sore back. Now, what can I do for you?"
"I'm Lord Malachi's guard from Phoenix drop, (Y/n). I came here in regards to a bandit group that a mief'wa named Michi sold him to."
"Sold a lord?! You gotta be joking me. Thats a federal offense. Here, come inside. I have information regarding every thief guild outside the walls."

She said, allowing me in the abode.

The outer portion wasn't nearly as classy as the inside.

Outstanding potted plants covered every table, each table was a dark wood, and each floor board accompanied it with a lighter shade. The walls had many colors, mostly shades of red and green.

"Festive."

I thought to myself, watching Cadenza as she poured some tea into an ornate cup and patting the pearly white sofa next to her as she sat down.

"Good, you seem to enjoy the decor. I've spent months on it."
"It's incredible. Perhaps I can get you to decorate my home?"
"Any day, it's my hobby. But, onto more serious matters."

Her gaze darkened, changing her entire glow entirely. A map was laid out on the table, with several X's and crimson circles on it.

"All those marks are locations to bandit clans. The one's with an X have been eliminated by my army. However, few still remain in the shadows, and I have no idea how to get to them."
"I'm sure I can figure out something. Thank you Lady Cadenza."
"Oh! One more thing!"

She mentioned, setting down her mug.

"Aphmau came by earlier, she said that you would show up, so she gave me this."

Cadenza pulled a medium sized box out from her bag, handing it to me as if some sort of trophy.

Inside the present, was an emerald necklace encased in silver. It was luxurious, simple yet dainty.

"Who was this for?"

I had to ask, knowing I would never be given such an item.

"Malachi had this stowed away in his room. Aph and Laurance found it while they searched for evidence in regards to his kidnapping. It was addressed to you."
"W-what?!"

I stuttered, but took one more gaze at it and decided she was correct.

"He does love me after all.."

I muttered, clasping it around my neck. The chain clinked against my armor, falling in my shirt, I smiled wide.

"Thank you Milady. I'll be off now."
"Stay safe, and remember, I'm always here to help!!"

~~~~~~~~~~

"Okay. They should be here."

I said, glancing down at my map and up towards the shady trees and mountain.

"Found anything?"

Aph asked, leaning on my shoulder to take a glimpse at the paper.

I had found her and Laurance wandering around without a guide, they caught sight of me and waved dramatically until I caved and allowed them to help in my research.

They had dragged along the wench Michi, of whom I refused to talk to.

I was completely livid with her.

"Nope. But there's an opening in that mountain past the camp. Lady Aphmau, you and me can go in there. Laurance, stay out here and keep watch."
"Fine, only cause you're his guard."
"Fair."

I always had to haggle with him whenever it regarded having Aphmau with me, but it didn't matter as long as it got done.

"Are you ready?"
"I was born ready."
"Hah, no, you were born (y/n)"

Aph joked, to which I mentally sighed.

We stepped slowly into the opening, swords to our fronts. It was dimly lit, and I could hear faint voices coming through the corridor.

"So, he's a lord?"
"Mhm."
"Then he'll cost a lot for his people. Good."

I had half a mind to break in and proceed to break their skulls.

Aphmau did that for me.

"Let my sons go!"

She screamed, lunging at them with her sword raised high. I slapped myself in the forehead, making my way in slowly while she occupied their attention.

"Y-y/n?"

That voice spoke to me, hands closed around the jail bars.

"Malachi."

I had to hold back my tears.

Picking up a key from a guard, who had now been thrown out the window by an enraged Aphmau, I opened the door.

Out came Levin, who patted me on the back and stepped aside, Zoey, who bowed and uttered a thank you,

And him.

Who came racing at me, jumping into my arms and pressing his forehead against mine. I twirled him a bit before setting him back on his feet.

"You, really came for me."
"Of course, My Lord."

I giggled, blushing at our distance. But that didn't matter to me anymore.

"You know, I still have that contract."
"I'm quite aware."

We both smiled, keeping hold of one another.

He softly kissed me, only pulling back for a moment.

"I-I"

He was incredibly flushed, shy and innocent. I laughed to myself, pressing my lips into his.

"I know. And I love you to."

----------------

Admin Time!!!

Ahhhhhhh finally

I've rewritten this 2 times to perfect it, and now I can safely say I'm pretty darn proud of it.

New chapter of Our Memories tomorrow!! (•.•)

Thanks for Reading :)