LesserCodex
A milf enjoyer who lives in your walls.
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Now first this is inspired by a bunch of villainesses and mob MC trying to save the villain or whatever I've read The Otome world is tough for mobs, Villager A wants to save the villainess no matter what, my death flags show no sign of ending stuff like that. This is I guess attempt at the same thing except the Mc isn't the reincarnate. I wrote this two hours ago. I don't even have a title.
I don't know why but I can't get it out of my head and Id like any opinion if this is a good first chapter.
Pahk!
Wooden weapons clashed in the training area. Two young men grinned with thrill as they charged towards one another. Their wooden swords clashed in an attempt to overpower each other.
The young man grinned, his firey red hair set ablaze by emotion—not literally, of course—that'd be dangerous.
On the other end, sporting a shaky grin, was his opponent, and with a feint grunt, he pushed back, gaining distance. The redhead let out a cry before charging forward with his blade.
The young man was the same; their wooden weapons swished through the air, clashing against one another once more.
Within the struggle, the dark-green-haired boy leaned back, using his opponent’s force, and moved his feet. The redhead, befuddled, tripped and fell hard on the paved floor.
He turned to rise, only to see the wooden blade on his face.
“It’s your loss, Caleb.” The victor smiled, panting lightly.
With a reluctant sigh, Caleb nodded. “I yield. You won this time, Nord.” He said.
The class sitting around them clapped their hands, some other men whistling, and Nord lifted Caleb, ending their spar with a proper handshake.
“Well done to the both of you.” The adult in the class spoke up, his body built and lightly scarred as a sign of his experience.
The other eighteen members of the class raised their hands as their professor chose the next two to spar.
As Nord went to sit down, he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him with glee.
“That was amazing, man; that makes it twenty wins and twelve losses!” His friend beamed.
“Heh, yeah, wait, why are you still keeping count? David, you haven’t won a single match in the past two years. Focus on yourself, man. What would Stacy say if she heard you still sucked?” Nord said.
David flinched, brushing his brown hair nervously, his dark eyes darting around.
"True, but I’m a better mage than I am a swordsman; hell, I’m a better scholar than a warrior.”
Nord shrugged, “It can’t hurt trying again; who knows, maybe you’ll come across a damsel in distress and the only way to win her heart! Is by fighting with your fists.”
David’s face soured. “Like hell, that’ll happen to me; you’ve got a better chance you have muscles, you aura-attuned muscle head.”
"Woah, that’s smart aura-attuned muscle head to you,” Nord said matter-of-factly.
David rolled his eyes, and the two continued to chat as the combat class came to an end, signifying the end of the day. Nord rose, stretching his muscles.
“Nord Pine,” Caleb came over.
“Hm?”
Caleb raised his wooden chair and said, “Our fight is not over.”
“Fair, I’ll be ready as always.” He grinned.
Caleb nodded and left the area. The class slowly dispersed. "Nord, if you could stay back a moment.” Their teacher called out.
“Good luck, man,” David patted his back before leaving.
“Of to the magic tower?” Nord asked.
"Yep, I can’t keep up with you in combat, but I can with magic. And I know you’re going to train right after this tree boy. See you tomorrow.” With that, David left.
Now in the open area stood Nord and their combat teacher, Sir Nova, an acclaimed knight who refused to earn a barony title, not wanting to get involved with nobility.
“You did it again. You could’ve won with fewer moves.”
“I know, I’m sorry.”
The man only huffed, shaking his head. “No matter how much you’ve improved, it is no surprise, honestly, given your lack of mana, that your aura has reached the limit of a first-order warrior. Let me see your aura techniques.”
Nord’s face was calm; it was normal for some to be born without the ability to sense or use mana like him; roughly 22 per cent of the population fell into this category.
but it twisted at Sir Nova’s request aura techniques were what determined you to be of the second rank in strength; there existed five ranks of power, from first to fifth. Each is more difficult to reach than the last.
It took Nord one year and a half to reach the peak of the first order when your physical abilities are borderline superhuman
Although his weapon of choice wasn’t a sword, it was good enough to practice with. He held the blade with both hands.
A cool breath of air entered his lungs. He felt his belly burn warm, the sensation washing his body. With more focus, he pulled that energy towards his hands.
The grip on his blade tightened as the energy left his body seeping into the weapon. Under Sir Nova’s gaze, the wooden sword was coated in a feint yellow light that would require focus to see.
“Good enough, you can stop.”
At that, Nord huffed, sweat dripping down his face. He had been practising for the better part of four months.
“You made great progress, as expected. Keep it up, and hopefully halfway through this year you can master the aura coat. I plan to suggest you represent the academy in the joint battle for this year.”
Nord agreed; he was glad to be recommended, but with his grades and his upcoming adventurer rank evaluation, these would be enough achievements for him. And with the spotlight on him, it would cause some controversy. As if reading his mind, Sir Nova scoffed.
“Even as the sword saint’s disciple unless the sword saint comes down himself, I won’t recommend Jack. There’s no reason for you to panic. And if you are wondering how others in the academy will accept my decision, I plan to do a mock battle.
No matter the talent, if it’s not sharpened, it’ll rust, and you’ve been sharpening your skills unlike him with his fancy swordplay. So, as far as I care, you’re the talented one. So when it comes, don’t hold back. Just keep your head straight and train like always.”
“Right, thank you for the support, Sir Nova!”
“Bah! Don’t bow to me now; get going; classes are over.”
Nord thanked him one more time and left the area. His emerald eyes gleamed. It wasn’t a bad opportunity or achievement to have under his belt; it’d make him a better sutor and maybe find a good enough wife in the academy.
Though he hasn’t had much luck in trying to find a fiance, his past two years were filled with women who seemed sweet on the outside but were rotten behind closed doors. So he focused on himself more than searching for a partner.
Every student had their room; the men’s dorms were on the left and the women’s were on the right. Right now he was making his way through the academy to get to the men’s dorms.
“You can’t keep doing this!”
Nord froze as he entered the hallway. The feminine voice that echoed was all too familiar, not just to him but to many in the academy.
“If you keep walking around with her, Your Highness, then everyone will think less of you; they’ll even think you plan to ruin our engagement!”
The voice shouted, No, it pleaded that Nord could feel the need. He never truly cared for the drama, but a part of him felt for Opal. Against his better judgement, he walked slowly so that if they stormed out, it would seem he was just passing by.
“And what if I do Opal!? What if I don’t want to be engaged to you? Amy makes me feel happy and forgets that I’m a prince and that I’ve been forced to meet all these expectations, one of them being you and this stupid engagement!”
Silence followed as he walked to the door where the voices were coming from.
“Noah,” Her voice was soft yet loud enough for him to hear, “I know you don’t mean that; you love the people of this kingdom and would do anything for it. I have nothing to do with you taking a concubine-”
Something crashed.
“Don’t you dare! Call Amy that ever again!” He roared.
Martyn heard the smallest of whimpers before the argument continued.
“We know nothing about her; she’s a commoner who came to the academy because she’s the next saintess! The church won’t allow this kind of play! She could be a spy from another country or continent, for all we know!”
“I’ve heard enough, Opal. If I ever hear from her that one of your friends has been rude or even tries to bully her, I’ll officially denounce our engagement.”
“I told you that’s not what happened!” Opal shouted before the doors opened.
Out came the second prince, Noah, with golden hair and eyes. Nord bowed, “Your Highness.” He said.
The prince barely glanced as he walked past him and said, “Go clean that room.” He ordered.
Nord stood in place, waiting for him to leave. Once he was gone, he stood up and said, “Just ask one of your fucking maids, asshole.” He muttered, entering the room.
In the centre stood Opal Lavender, the daughter of Marvin Lavender, the second Duke of the kingdom, her silver hair cascading down her black and purple dress, her fingers pinched at her nose as her eyes closed in thought.
Nord, like many, had been entranced by her before, but that was in his first year; he had himself to focus on and not some other girl, because, like him without titles, she was just a girl, arguing with someone he assumed she loved.
And she is probably shaken up about it. He lightly coughed, making Opal fidget in place before fixing her violet eyes on him.
“Forgive me; the prince asked me to clean up.”
Nord glanced at the toom, a chair on the floor, a broken vase, and a mirror.
“On you go.” She said she was returning to mulling her thoughts.
Picking up the chair and setting it on the shattered vase was more of a challenge as he picked them up one by one.
Opal, who had been in thought, looked at his back quizzically and asked, “Why aren’t you using magic?”
“Oh, uh, I don’t have any mana,” Nord answered with his back still to her. He stood up with all the pieces in his hands.
He wrapped them in a cloth and went to pick up the shattered mirror glass, but they floated above him, gathering towards the trash bin in the room.
“He shouldn’t have ordered you to do this, then.” Opal frowned.
“I can’t say no to the prince, ma'am, not when he’s distracted.” He chose his words carefully.
Opal’s lips lurched and chortled slightly. “Yes… Distracted, that’s one way to say it; I’m guessing you eavesdropped on our little discussion.”
Nord had no reason to lie; his curiosity had gotten the better of him.
“I don’t blame you; it doesn’t even matter; everyone knows; I’m sure many outside the academy know.” Her words fell heavy, and she crossed her arms, her fingers tapping against her elbow.
Nord could leave, just excuse himself, and slip out, but the sight of her being so confused held him back.
‘It doesn’t matter anyway; I’ll probably never talk to her again.’ With a partial sigh, he went to pull out an extra seat.
Opal turned to him, forgetting he was still in the room. ‘What is he doing? Right, probably waiting for me to excuse him.’ She thought, ready to voice her thoughts, only to be stopped by Martyn speaking first.
“I know we won’t talk after this; I’m more of a stranger as we don’t even share any classes, but do you want to talk, my lady? It’s better than bottling up thoughts and emotions, and again, I can swear nothing will leave this room, not that it matters; I’m sure news will spread anyway.”
Opal was befuddled. This person, whom she just met, was asking to talk to her about her fight with the prince. Yes, he had valid points; this news would spread, so there was no harm, and she too knew all too well about keeping her feelings bottled up, but more so, she was curious about the thoughts of an outsider.
“Why?” She couldn’t help but ask.
“I’d usually respond with why not, but honestly, I just feel like it. Of course, if you don’t want to, then I can leave. I at least wanted to try rather than leave thinking I should’ve said or done something.” He smiled.
Opal was taken aback for the second time; she didn’t know Nord, and yet he was right there wanting to help her. At least try. So far, only her close friends stood by her side, as a few were hoping for the annulment so they could try and take Noah from the harlot responsible.
She had no obligation, no reason to talk to him; she could just as easily tell him to leave, but... she sat down.
“I don’t know what to do.” Opal looked Nord in the eyes. She knew she’d get the best response from eye contact, taught by her father. A pang of curiosity about his response to her situation grew.
Would he care? Was he faking? Was this all some ploy she didn’t know about?
“Noah is behaving immaturely; the girl he’s in love with is a commoner, more so a saintess candidate of the church.”
“Does the commoner part matter?” Martyn asked.
"No, it doesn’t; if she becomes the next saintess, the title alone is enough, but she has a chance; it’s not guaranteed. She’s a candidate; the title itself holds as much weight as an esteemed knight; many of the nobles who heard won’t view her as a saintess until she becomes one.”
“I see… But… How do you personally feel about this, not from a noble standpoint but as a person?”
Emerald eyes glistened with intent; Opal saw no amusement or pity from them, only genuine focus as he kept eye contact with her.
“… I… Hate it. I keep wondering what I’m doing wrong if I’ve been taught wrong... No, I shouldn’t be talking about this or Noah like this. I’m engaged; I shouldn’t even be talking with someone like you... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that I’m just.”
“Confused? Angry? It’s alright.” Nord smiled; he truly meant it: “I can’t say I fully understand your situation; all I can do is hope it works out in your favour... But if it doesn't, what will you do? I’m sure it’s not hard for you to talk to the king and queen, right?”
She shook her head, explaining they had travelled to another continent but would return sometime in the latter half of the year. Only when they returned could she reach them, of course, long-distance communication existed but she omitted that fact.
“I see… I wish I had the right words to comfort you. But knowing you, you’re strong enough, Lady Opal. I’m sure of it. I’m not holding you to some pedestal but talking about you as a person, this has been going on for the better part of four months and you haven’t given in or called him names but tried to help him see reason, yes you’ve shouted but I feel sometimes it’s the only way you think you can get your words through to him. I think you're doing your best and that is worthy of praise.”
Opal hummed, her lips curved in a faint smile as she stood up, and Nord as well, feeling this was the end of his help.
“I thank you for your time. I’m sorry, I never asked your name.”
“Nord Pines, I’m just a baron, though I’d be surprised if you remembered.”
At that, Opal’s brows furrowed. “Pines?” She muttered under her breath, “Tree boy?” She said.
“Crap.” Nord froze when she said those words. Forgeting he swore.
“I heard about you from one of my friends in passing. “Tree boy” You spent your time in the forest and were given the name as a result,” she giggled lightly, seeing Nords flushed face.
If he hadn’t practised his aura technique he would’ve remained calm. The boy was exhausted.
‘That name’s the reason I had a hard time finding any good women, oh yeah laugh it up… nove smile though.’ He slumped, remembering every girl’s words about spending time with a forest man.
‘At least they focused on that and not my mother being a commoner.’ He sighed.
"Well, I’m glad to see you in higher spirits, my lady.”
“Ah, I didn’t mean it negatively.” She quickly said she felt bad.
Nord was about to speak when the door opened, drawing their attention. “Opal I’m so sorry for that girl she lied to everyone!” Opal’s friend stopped seeing her at the sight of Opal and someone she’d never seen.
“Oh, Jess, it’s alright,” Opal called to her friend.
With that, Nord saw it as his sign to leave. “I think we’ve reached the end of our conversation. I wish you the best in your endeavours," He said in a rushed tone, bowing lightly with a hand on his chest before walking to the door.
“You sound upset. Are you mad? I didn’t mean to laugh. I swear.”
“I am not upset. My lady, if you don’t mind, I’ll be off to train now.”
Opal didn’t buy it but said nothing.
“Train? Why train today? It’s a Friday; why not spend it with your friends?” Opal let her curiosity take hold instead of letting him go.
“While my competition rests, I like to know I have the edge on them. Have a good day.” Nord smiled, leaving the room with haste.
‘He’s probably going to train in the forest I bet,’ Opal chuckled at the thought in her head.
Jess, who just walked in, was still trying to grasp what was occurring before her eyes. Opal smiled, even if it was a small one; it was genuine.
‘She always tried to smile around us but it felt a little forced... Who was he?’ Just as she was about to head out and call Nord, Opal grabbed her by the hand.
“It’s alright, Jess. I know you didn’t do a thing. It’s that girl who used you to further the rift between me and Noah. I’m not mad,” Opal smiled, hugging her friend.
Jess sank into the hug and said, "Thank you.” She said, ‘I was worried she’d be upset with me. Though she rarely or ever gets upset... She feels warmer and less tense... Who was that guy?’
I don't know why but I can't get it out of my head and Id like any opinion if this is a good first chapter.
Pahk!
Wooden weapons clashed in the training area. Two young men grinned with thrill as they charged towards one another. Their wooden swords clashed in an attempt to overpower each other.
The young man grinned, his firey red hair set ablaze by emotion—not literally, of course—that'd be dangerous.
On the other end, sporting a shaky grin, was his opponent, and with a feint grunt, he pushed back, gaining distance. The redhead let out a cry before charging forward with his blade.
The young man was the same; their wooden weapons swished through the air, clashing against one another once more.
Within the struggle, the dark-green-haired boy leaned back, using his opponent’s force, and moved his feet. The redhead, befuddled, tripped and fell hard on the paved floor.
He turned to rise, only to see the wooden blade on his face.
“It’s your loss, Caleb.” The victor smiled, panting lightly.
With a reluctant sigh, Caleb nodded. “I yield. You won this time, Nord.” He said.
The class sitting around them clapped their hands, some other men whistling, and Nord lifted Caleb, ending their spar with a proper handshake.
“Well done to the both of you.” The adult in the class spoke up, his body built and lightly scarred as a sign of his experience.
The other eighteen members of the class raised their hands as their professor chose the next two to spar.
As Nord went to sit down, he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him with glee.
“That was amazing, man; that makes it twenty wins and twelve losses!” His friend beamed.
“Heh, yeah, wait, why are you still keeping count? David, you haven’t won a single match in the past two years. Focus on yourself, man. What would Stacy say if she heard you still sucked?” Nord said.
David flinched, brushing his brown hair nervously, his dark eyes darting around.
"True, but I’m a better mage than I am a swordsman; hell, I’m a better scholar than a warrior.”
Nord shrugged, “It can’t hurt trying again; who knows, maybe you’ll come across a damsel in distress and the only way to win her heart! Is by fighting with your fists.”
David’s face soured. “Like hell, that’ll happen to me; you’ve got a better chance you have muscles, you aura-attuned muscle head.”
"Woah, that’s smart aura-attuned muscle head to you,” Nord said matter-of-factly.
David rolled his eyes, and the two continued to chat as the combat class came to an end, signifying the end of the day. Nord rose, stretching his muscles.
“Nord Pine,” Caleb came over.
“Hm?”
Caleb raised his wooden chair and said, “Our fight is not over.”
“Fair, I’ll be ready as always.” He grinned.
Caleb nodded and left the area. The class slowly dispersed. "Nord, if you could stay back a moment.” Their teacher called out.
“Good luck, man,” David patted his back before leaving.
“Of to the magic tower?” Nord asked.
"Yep, I can’t keep up with you in combat, but I can with magic. And I know you’re going to train right after this tree boy. See you tomorrow.” With that, David left.
Now in the open area stood Nord and their combat teacher, Sir Nova, an acclaimed knight who refused to earn a barony title, not wanting to get involved with nobility.
“You did it again. You could’ve won with fewer moves.”
“I know, I’m sorry.”
The man only huffed, shaking his head. “No matter how much you’ve improved, it is no surprise, honestly, given your lack of mana, that your aura has reached the limit of a first-order warrior. Let me see your aura techniques.”
Nord’s face was calm; it was normal for some to be born without the ability to sense or use mana like him; roughly 22 per cent of the population fell into this category.
but it twisted at Sir Nova’s request aura techniques were what determined you to be of the second rank in strength; there existed five ranks of power, from first to fifth. Each is more difficult to reach than the last.
It took Nord one year and a half to reach the peak of the first order when your physical abilities are borderline superhuman
Although his weapon of choice wasn’t a sword, it was good enough to practice with. He held the blade with both hands.
A cool breath of air entered his lungs. He felt his belly burn warm, the sensation washing his body. With more focus, he pulled that energy towards his hands.
The grip on his blade tightened as the energy left his body seeping into the weapon. Under Sir Nova’s gaze, the wooden sword was coated in a feint yellow light that would require focus to see.
“Good enough, you can stop.”
At that, Nord huffed, sweat dripping down his face. He had been practising for the better part of four months.
“You made great progress, as expected. Keep it up, and hopefully halfway through this year you can master the aura coat. I plan to suggest you represent the academy in the joint battle for this year.”
Nord agreed; he was glad to be recommended, but with his grades and his upcoming adventurer rank evaluation, these would be enough achievements for him. And with the spotlight on him, it would cause some controversy. As if reading his mind, Sir Nova scoffed.
“Even as the sword saint’s disciple unless the sword saint comes down himself, I won’t recommend Jack. There’s no reason for you to panic. And if you are wondering how others in the academy will accept my decision, I plan to do a mock battle.
No matter the talent, if it’s not sharpened, it’ll rust, and you’ve been sharpening your skills unlike him with his fancy swordplay. So, as far as I care, you’re the talented one. So when it comes, don’t hold back. Just keep your head straight and train like always.”
“Right, thank you for the support, Sir Nova!”
“Bah! Don’t bow to me now; get going; classes are over.”
Nord thanked him one more time and left the area. His emerald eyes gleamed. It wasn’t a bad opportunity or achievement to have under his belt; it’d make him a better sutor and maybe find a good enough wife in the academy.
Though he hasn’t had much luck in trying to find a fiance, his past two years were filled with women who seemed sweet on the outside but were rotten behind closed doors. So he focused on himself more than searching for a partner.
Every student had their room; the men’s dorms were on the left and the women’s were on the right. Right now he was making his way through the academy to get to the men’s dorms.
“You can’t keep doing this!”
Nord froze as he entered the hallway. The feminine voice that echoed was all too familiar, not just to him but to many in the academy.
“If you keep walking around with her, Your Highness, then everyone will think less of you; they’ll even think you plan to ruin our engagement!”
The voice shouted, No, it pleaded that Nord could feel the need. He never truly cared for the drama, but a part of him felt for Opal. Against his better judgement, he walked slowly so that if they stormed out, it would seem he was just passing by.
“And what if I do Opal!? What if I don’t want to be engaged to you? Amy makes me feel happy and forgets that I’m a prince and that I’ve been forced to meet all these expectations, one of them being you and this stupid engagement!”
Silence followed as he walked to the door where the voices were coming from.
“Noah,” Her voice was soft yet loud enough for him to hear, “I know you don’t mean that; you love the people of this kingdom and would do anything for it. I have nothing to do with you taking a concubine-”
Something crashed.
“Don’t you dare! Call Amy that ever again!” He roared.
Martyn heard the smallest of whimpers before the argument continued.
“We know nothing about her; she’s a commoner who came to the academy because she’s the next saintess! The church won’t allow this kind of play! She could be a spy from another country or continent, for all we know!”
“I’ve heard enough, Opal. If I ever hear from her that one of your friends has been rude or even tries to bully her, I’ll officially denounce our engagement.”
“I told you that’s not what happened!” Opal shouted before the doors opened.
Out came the second prince, Noah, with golden hair and eyes. Nord bowed, “Your Highness.” He said.
The prince barely glanced as he walked past him and said, “Go clean that room.” He ordered.
Nord stood in place, waiting for him to leave. Once he was gone, he stood up and said, “Just ask one of your fucking maids, asshole.” He muttered, entering the room.
In the centre stood Opal Lavender, the daughter of Marvin Lavender, the second Duke of the kingdom, her silver hair cascading down her black and purple dress, her fingers pinched at her nose as her eyes closed in thought.
Nord, like many, had been entranced by her before, but that was in his first year; he had himself to focus on and not some other girl, because, like him without titles, she was just a girl, arguing with someone he assumed she loved.
And she is probably shaken up about it. He lightly coughed, making Opal fidget in place before fixing her violet eyes on him.
“Forgive me; the prince asked me to clean up.”
Nord glanced at the toom, a chair on the floor, a broken vase, and a mirror.
“On you go.” She said she was returning to mulling her thoughts.
Picking up the chair and setting it on the shattered vase was more of a challenge as he picked them up one by one.
Opal, who had been in thought, looked at his back quizzically and asked, “Why aren’t you using magic?”
“Oh, uh, I don’t have any mana,” Nord answered with his back still to her. He stood up with all the pieces in his hands.
He wrapped them in a cloth and went to pick up the shattered mirror glass, but they floated above him, gathering towards the trash bin in the room.
“He shouldn’t have ordered you to do this, then.” Opal frowned.
“I can’t say no to the prince, ma'am, not when he’s distracted.” He chose his words carefully.
Opal’s lips lurched and chortled slightly. “Yes… Distracted, that’s one way to say it; I’m guessing you eavesdropped on our little discussion.”
Nord had no reason to lie; his curiosity had gotten the better of him.
“I don’t blame you; it doesn’t even matter; everyone knows; I’m sure many outside the academy know.” Her words fell heavy, and she crossed her arms, her fingers tapping against her elbow.
Nord could leave, just excuse himself, and slip out, but the sight of her being so confused held him back.
‘It doesn’t matter anyway; I’ll probably never talk to her again.’ With a partial sigh, he went to pull out an extra seat.
Opal turned to him, forgetting he was still in the room. ‘What is he doing? Right, probably waiting for me to excuse him.’ She thought, ready to voice her thoughts, only to be stopped by Martyn speaking first.
“I know we won’t talk after this; I’m more of a stranger as we don’t even share any classes, but do you want to talk, my lady? It’s better than bottling up thoughts and emotions, and again, I can swear nothing will leave this room, not that it matters; I’m sure news will spread anyway.”
Opal was befuddled. This person, whom she just met, was asking to talk to her about her fight with the prince. Yes, he had valid points; this news would spread, so there was no harm, and she too knew all too well about keeping her feelings bottled up, but more so, she was curious about the thoughts of an outsider.
“Why?” She couldn’t help but ask.
“I’d usually respond with why not, but honestly, I just feel like it. Of course, if you don’t want to, then I can leave. I at least wanted to try rather than leave thinking I should’ve said or done something.” He smiled.
Opal was taken aback for the second time; she didn’t know Nord, and yet he was right there wanting to help her. At least try. So far, only her close friends stood by her side, as a few were hoping for the annulment so they could try and take Noah from the harlot responsible.
She had no obligation, no reason to talk to him; she could just as easily tell him to leave, but... she sat down.
“I don’t know what to do.” Opal looked Nord in the eyes. She knew she’d get the best response from eye contact, taught by her father. A pang of curiosity about his response to her situation grew.
Would he care? Was he faking? Was this all some ploy she didn’t know about?
“Noah is behaving immaturely; the girl he’s in love with is a commoner, more so a saintess candidate of the church.”
“Does the commoner part matter?” Martyn asked.
"No, it doesn’t; if she becomes the next saintess, the title alone is enough, but she has a chance; it’s not guaranteed. She’s a candidate; the title itself holds as much weight as an esteemed knight; many of the nobles who heard won’t view her as a saintess until she becomes one.”
“I see… But… How do you personally feel about this, not from a noble standpoint but as a person?”
Emerald eyes glistened with intent; Opal saw no amusement or pity from them, only genuine focus as he kept eye contact with her.
“… I… Hate it. I keep wondering what I’m doing wrong if I’ve been taught wrong... No, I shouldn’t be talking about this or Noah like this. I’m engaged; I shouldn’t even be talking with someone like you... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that I’m just.”
“Confused? Angry? It’s alright.” Nord smiled; he truly meant it: “I can’t say I fully understand your situation; all I can do is hope it works out in your favour... But if it doesn't, what will you do? I’m sure it’s not hard for you to talk to the king and queen, right?”
She shook her head, explaining they had travelled to another continent but would return sometime in the latter half of the year. Only when they returned could she reach them, of course, long-distance communication existed but she omitted that fact.
“I see… I wish I had the right words to comfort you. But knowing you, you’re strong enough, Lady Opal. I’m sure of it. I’m not holding you to some pedestal but talking about you as a person, this has been going on for the better part of four months and you haven’t given in or called him names but tried to help him see reason, yes you’ve shouted but I feel sometimes it’s the only way you think you can get your words through to him. I think you're doing your best and that is worthy of praise.”
Opal hummed, her lips curved in a faint smile as she stood up, and Nord as well, feeling this was the end of his help.
“I thank you for your time. I’m sorry, I never asked your name.”
“Nord Pines, I’m just a baron, though I’d be surprised if you remembered.”
At that, Opal’s brows furrowed. “Pines?” She muttered under her breath, “Tree boy?” She said.
“Crap.” Nord froze when she said those words. Forgeting he swore.
“I heard about you from one of my friends in passing. “Tree boy” You spent your time in the forest and were given the name as a result,” she giggled lightly, seeing Nords flushed face.
If he hadn’t practised his aura technique he would’ve remained calm. The boy was exhausted.
‘That name’s the reason I had a hard time finding any good women, oh yeah laugh it up… nove smile though.’ He slumped, remembering every girl’s words about spending time with a forest man.
‘At least they focused on that and not my mother being a commoner.’ He sighed.
"Well, I’m glad to see you in higher spirits, my lady.”
“Ah, I didn’t mean it negatively.” She quickly said she felt bad.
Nord was about to speak when the door opened, drawing their attention. “Opal I’m so sorry for that girl she lied to everyone!” Opal’s friend stopped seeing her at the sight of Opal and someone she’d never seen.
“Oh, Jess, it’s alright,” Opal called to her friend.
With that, Nord saw it as his sign to leave. “I think we’ve reached the end of our conversation. I wish you the best in your endeavours," He said in a rushed tone, bowing lightly with a hand on his chest before walking to the door.
“You sound upset. Are you mad? I didn’t mean to laugh. I swear.”
“I am not upset. My lady, if you don’t mind, I’ll be off to train now.”
Opal didn’t buy it but said nothing.
“Train? Why train today? It’s a Friday; why not spend it with your friends?” Opal let her curiosity take hold instead of letting him go.
“While my competition rests, I like to know I have the edge on them. Have a good day.” Nord smiled, leaving the room with haste.
‘He’s probably going to train in the forest I bet,’ Opal chuckled at the thought in her head.
Jess, who just walked in, was still trying to grasp what was occurring before her eyes. Opal smiled, even if it was a small one; it was genuine.
‘She always tried to smile around us but it felt a little forced... Who was he?’ Just as she was about to head out and call Nord, Opal grabbed her by the hand.
“It’s alright, Jess. I know you didn’t do a thing. It’s that girl who used you to further the rift between me and Noah. I’m not mad,” Opal smiled, hugging her friend.
Jess sank into the hug and said, "Thank you.” She said, ‘I was worried she’d be upset with me. Though she rarely or ever gets upset... She feels warmer and less tense... Who was that guy?’
