A Peaceful Morning with Elisha
……
Silent sunlight filtered into the room, heralding the start of the day. As the bright rays of the sun tapped against her eyelids, a young woman slowly opened her eyes.
"Mm…"
Gently brushing back her radiant golden hair, she rose from the bed and checked the clock with half-lidded eyes. 8:20 a.m. Confirming it was time to get up, she quietly slipped out from under the covers.
"Nngh…!"
Clasping her hands above her head, she stretched fully. She loosened her hands, shoulders, neck, and waist in turn, shaking off the stiffness in her body and chasing away the lingering fog in her mind. This wasn't something anyone had taught her—it was a natural habit ingrained since childhood.
Elisha believed that starting the morning cleanly was the foundational step to a perfect day. Her movements were thus rhythmic and graceful.
Knock knock knock—someone cautiously rapped on the door to wake her. But before they could open it from the other side, Elisha grabbed the handle first.
"Lady Elisha, you're awake?"
The maid bent her knee slightly and bowed her head.
"Yeah. Good morning. I need to wash up, so head to the bath. Can you prepare breakfast in the meantime?"
Elisha delivered her instructions with clear, purposeful steps. It was spontaneous yet planned, natural and decisive.
"Of course. And you mentioned an appointment today with the young master of the Stenman family."
The maid relayed the day's key schedule before her words even finished. Elisha's lips pursed tensely as she nodded slightly.
"I know. That's why I'm paying extra attention to my makeup today."
The atmosphere felt as grave as heading into battle. But from Elisha's perspective, it was just that important a day.
"Have the beauty staff on standby early. I told them to take special care today, right?"
The maid followed quietly behind, speaking calmly. A serene, composed air settled in, as if everything was proceeding exactly as planned.
"Naturally. As per your instructions, I've impressed upon them thoroughly—you'll look even more beautiful than usual."
At those words, Elisha let out a sigh laced with relief and mixed emotions. Her gaze already sharpened with determination.
"Good…"
After all, today was the day she could spend alone with Arnold. Deep down, her heart fluttered with excitement and anxiety at the thought of finally having a proper couple's date.
Today was the day to meet Elisha. Once I saw her, I'd have fulfilled the wishes of all three.
"This must be the place."
I arrived at the fountain in the heart of the royal capital.
"Arnold!"
Elisha was already waiting at our rendezvous point. Her appearance was strikingly different from usual. How to put it? She'd clearly put extra effort into dolling herself up.
"W-Why are you staring like that…?"
Her golden hair gleamed proudly, sparkling like jewels under the bright sunlight. The blue-tinged dress hugged her elegant curves perfectly, with a blue rose adorning her chest that added an alluring charm. Her turquoise eyes, framed by long lashes, evoked the depths of the ocean. A delicate choker and sparkling earrings graced her neck, enhancing her refined aura, while the dress's flowing skirt from her waist shimmered like starlight fallen from the night sky.
"It's a special day, so… I wanted to look good for you. I put in extra effort."
"What do you think?"
"Prettier than usual."
I answered honestly, just as I saw it. It was obvious she'd poured a lot of work into her appearance, just as I'd sensed.
"…! Really? Good~ I was worried you might not like it."
She naturally linked her arm with mine. Yet beneath that bold gesture lurked a hint of shyness.
"Then… shall we go? I want to spend some intimate time with you today, so I reserved a nice restaurant."
I followed her lead.
"Here it is."
She pointed with her fingertip. A luxurious restaurant came into view.
"Elisha here."
"You've reserved a table. This way, please."
As we entered, an air of opulence enveloped us. The restaurant, decorated like a grand ballroom, was filled with people dining leisurely and with dignity.
"Enjoy your time."
She'd booked a private room for two. The soft classical music and gentle candlelight made the moment feel even more special.
"This is the first time we've eaten alone like this… right?"
We sat facing each other. Elisha smiled brightly, opening her mouth cautiously.
"Well, yeah."
I recalled our past. It really was our first time in such a setting. Before enrollment, our interactions were so stiff we never even shared a proper meal. At the academy, Eily and Varis were always around. Dining alone with Elisha in this quiet space was utterly novel.
"And in such a nice atmosphere, even more so…"
Her voice trembled slightly. Recalling her past harsh attitude, she gave a wry smile.
"……."
I fell quiet, sensing her mood. Since that incident, she'd shown nothing but regret and remorse toward me.
"You know… Honestly, I still can't believe it. That you'd forgive me after I treated you so coldly and take me back as your fiancée…"
Her voice grew softer, her gaze unsteady. The room's atmosphere darkened with sorrow.
"How kind do you have to be to accept someone like me again…"
"And I didn't even have the courage to face that kindness properly."
"When I look back at my selfishness, the wrongs I did to you feel so immense my chest tightens…"
Her words turned into a confession. Starting as simple regret, her guilt now weighed heavily on her. She clenched her hands on the table.
"I'm sorry, really sorry… I could say it a thousand times and it wouldn't be enough. From now on, I won't let you feel neglected again."
Her eyes welled up, and tears finally spilled.
I stared at her blankly for a moment, then sighed softly.
"I don't mind."
My tone was firm, but I infused it with warmth to comfort her.
"I mind…"
Elisha sniffled in response.
"Looking back, it was insane. Spouting venom from our first meeting, then treating you like an enemy…"
"You're lucky it was you—if the engagement had fallen through because of that?"
"It would've been the worst outcome, driven more by emotion than reason."
Cold tears traced down her cheeks. She continued in a monologue.
"That's why I always feel it. Arnold, you're so kind and warm…"
"But I worried too. If you'd rejected me and we broke off the engagement, I truly wouldn't deserve to stay by your side…"
"When I realized your true feelings, and other women started falling for you, all I had was this nominal engagement. Even that was at risk of shattering."
I listened silently. Elisha paused gripping her hands, pouring out her heart and sobbing.
"I haven't slept peacefully a single moment before receiving that dissolution contract…"
"Always anxious, always regretting."
"But you took me back. Unlike me, who hurt you, you pulled me up from despair…"
Her confession hung heavy in the restaurant's quiet air. I slowly reached out, gently stroking her back.
"It's okay."
I said in a low, soft voice.
It was true she'd been harsh toward me. And true I'd accepted her back. It was absurdly protagonist-like kindness, but back then, considering the game's story, it hadn't wounded me deeply.
"Why… how can you be that kind…? Even after all that hate…!"
Tears poured like a waterfall as she looked up at me, her face heartbreaking.
"It'd be easier if you'd just curse me as selfish!"
Her voice mixed tragedy and desperation. Her eyes reddened, brows furrowed deeply.
……
"Arnold?"
In the end, I gently pulled her into a hug. No special emotions—just a parental urge to comfort her.
"Stop crying. You're ruining your pretty face."
"Eek…"
Elisha flushed, seeming flustered.
"From now on, show me with actions that you won't regret. That's enough."
I held her tighter as I embraced her. Honestly, the privacy of this space made it possible; in public, I might've bolted from embarrassment.
"Ahh… thank you."
She hugged back with fragile strength.
"I'll make sure there's no more disappointment from now on. Watch me. No matter what, I won't break our engagement. Someday, we'll marry as a real couple, cozy and happy. I'll do anything right."
Elisha's face stayed flushed for a while. She nodded, as if resolving herself anew.
"I love you, Arnold."
The food hadn't even arrived, yet the mood between us was already profoundly intimate.
We finished our meal in a renewed warm atmosphere and left the restaurant. Dusk was falling outside, the sky painted in sunset hues.
"Thanks for today… My heart feels so much lighter now…"
Traces of emotion lingered on her face, but she smiled relieved and happy.
"Glad to hear that…"
"Hey… I want to do something…"
Want to do—smack!
Her sudden kiss ambushed me… the second one this week alone. In some sense, Arnold Stenman was a man burdened with sins.
Unlike Melina's deep kiss, this was light and fleeting.
"I love you. I'll spend my lifetime making it up to you…"
The unfamiliar atmosphere felt somewhat bittersweet.