He wasn't asleep, just lying down quietly, as if waiting for time to whisper to him the next step… and when it didn't, Faithless slowly rose from the bed, as if the act of moving had become a necessity. He wanted to get dressed, but found a black shirt with long sleeves adorned with patterns, and a slightly open collar revealing part of his chest.
"I've never seen a shirt like this in my room… did someone place it here? Hmm." Faithless whispered to himself as he stared at the shirt.
He wore the shirt, tucked it into his pants, and looked at himself in the mirror…
"I look strange in these clothes, but it's fine. Also, my hair's getting longer."
Faithless opened the door, gave one last look at the room, and walked out… he walked down the hallway toward the other side that led to the main gate. He found an old door that slowly opened, revealing a semi-large hall and a door that led outside.
The hall contained a set of old sofas scattered randomly, with ancient statues and vases hanging from the ceiling, and windows that showed a path leading to a forest that looked beautiful and calm.
Faithless looked slowly at the hall, then turned his gaze to Isaac, who was leaning against the door, waving at Faithless with a faint smile.
Isaac spoke in a calm tone with his eyes closed:
"I heard you have a lovely trip with Marianne, so I gave you this shirt. Did you like it?"
Faithless smiled lightly and looked at Isaac with a neutral expression:
"I figured it was a gift from you, saint."
"Marianne told me about the outing, so I gave you this shirt. It might not match your status, but it's something appropriate." Isaac murmured in a clear voice.
Faithless opened the door, looked at Isaac, and spoke with a respectful tone:
"Thank you for this gift, teacher."
Faithless left the castle, and Isaac watched him with a gaze that was both ordinary and strange at the same time…
Faithless looked at the houses in the small village, with people working quietly… some greeted him, while others were astonished by his distinctive and unusual appearance.
He found Lady Marianne standing and looking at the blue sky… he approached her and asked in a surprised tone:
"Did I keep you waiting?"
Marianne looked at him and smiled:
"No, your timing is perfect. Let's go."
The two of them walked steadily while talking with each other… the atmosphere was beautiful and calm until they reached a forest that radiated peace and tranquility.
"Is this the place you were talking about? It looks beautiful and peaceful." Faithless was looking at the area, feeling the calmness emanating from it.
"No, the right place is waiting for you inside the forest." Lady Marianne replied in a sweet tone…
The two walked into the forest. The air was pleasant; there were animals searching for food, others grazing on grass, and some playing together.
Sunset had arrived… the red twilight reflected off the clouds and lit up the forest, giving it a stunning and breathtaking look…
They reached a small clearing meant for camping, where the beautiful sunset could be seen in the horizon.
"We've arrived at the place where we'll be camping," Lady Marianne said, pointing at the area.
"This place is beautiful… just like the person who suggested it." He said with a smile.
Marianne returned the smile, but her gaze suddenly caught sight of a tall creature—its black hair covered its entire face, wearing a black jacket over a torn shirt, tight black pants, red high heels, and holding a long sword that somehow appeared short. Its walk was calm, despite the appearance.
Faithless wanted to summon his weapon, but Lady Marianne grabbed his hand, sensing his intent to attack, and said in a gentle tone:
"They're not enemies. These are the Guardians of the Lost Emerald Forest. They are peaceful creatures who only attack those who harm them or hurt the animals in the forest."
"I see…" Faithless was surprised by this information.
'The world is really vast… there are so many creatures that don't love blood, only peace.' Faithless whispered to himself.
Marianne pulled an old, worn sword from her back and slammed it into the ground with force… a warm fire appeared—the same fire that Faithless had felt in that place. It was a Bonfire.
Then, a brown tent large enough for more than one person appeared, containing many supplies—food, safety gear, and other necessities.
"Is this magic? I've never seen anything like it in my life." Faithless was shocked by the sight.
"Yes, it's magic… Teacher Isaac gave me this sword that holds all these things. He has high-level skills."
"He must be a first-level sorcerer." Faithless was impressed by Isaac's abilities.
Marianne wore a cooking apron and looked at him with a lovely gaze:
"I'll prepare a dinner for you… one you'll never forget."
Faithless sat on a tree stump, smiling brightly as he looked at Marianne. They chatted as she cooked for him.
He even prepared some drinks, and they both drank together. He tried to help with cooking but ended up ruining things… Marianne ordered him to sit and just watch her.
Faithless sipped his drink while watching her beautiful face as she cooked, speaking to himself in a quiet, fearful tone:
'Her white eyes… her silky hair… the way she stands, like a noble lady. It seems my mind and heart are being drawn to her.'
He paused for a few seconds, looked up at the sky filled with stars, and continued:
'I wish to God… that these moments would last forever.'