On the day of the invitation, Leesa and Weinne prepared to depart in the royal carriage, accompanied by a knight riding alongside on horseback, as well as the coachman. Weinne was filled with excitement about the invitation, and she had taken extra care in selecting and arranging Leesa's outfit for the occasion. Opting for a pastel blue dress to complement the blooming flowers in the royal garden, Weinne ensured that Leesa looked elegant without being overly ornamented. Knowing Leesa's preference for practicality, she kept the jewellery minimal, considering that Leesa needed to be unencumbered to carry her knives.
After a three-hour ride, Leesa and Weinne arrived at the royal palace, grateful for the added cushions in the carriage that made the journey more comfortable. The knight and the royal butler guided them to the royal garden, where a beautifully arranged seating area in a shaded and cool spot was assembled. The area was decorated with elegant furnishings and surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. A table was set with an array of freshly made desserts, enticing sweet aromas flowing through the air. It was a perfect setting for a delightful lunch in the presence of good company.
Flavian awaited their arrival, engrossed in a book on history. Leesa's curiosity was piqued as she noticed the unfamiliar book, realizing it contained information she had not encountered before, especially regarding wars. She made a mental note to inquire about the book and its contents, hoping to delve deeper into her fondness for historical battles and strategies.
As Leesa and Weinne entered the royal garden, Flavian noticed their arrival and stood up, a warm and sincere smile spreading across his face. He approached Leesa, extending a courteous greeting to her, acknowledging her presence with genuine warmth and appreciation. "Thank you for coming my lady, I hope your ride here was comfortable."
"Yes, it was indeed a comfortable journey, Your Highness," Leesa responded politely. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for extending this invitation to me. It is an honour to be here."
"Of course, my lady. It was my pleasure to arrange this for you. Please enjoy your time here."
As Leesa and Flavian settled into their seats, the servants gracefully approached the table, ensuring every detail was taken care of. The butler and the knight stood attentively behind Flavian, ready to assist him if needed, while Weinne, standing behind Leesa, remained ever watchful and ready to attend to her needs. The two servants positioned themselves across the table, poised to serve the delectable dishes brought before them. With synchronized movements, they expertly placed the plates, refilled glasses, and ensured that the lunch proceeded flawlessly. The atmosphere was filled with an air of elegance and refinement as the meal unfolded.
"I hope the taste is to your liking my lady," as Flavian finished speaking, he took a bite noticing Leesa already enjoying the food.
Leesa's eyes sparkled with delight as she savoured the flavours of the meticulously prepared dishes. With a smile, she replied, "Indeed, Your Highness, the taste is exquisite. The flavours are wonderfully balanced, and each dish is a culinary masterpiece. Your chefs have outdone themselves." She continued to enjoy the meal, appreciating the skill and attention to detail that went into its creation. Leesa's words of satisfaction only added to Flavian's enjoyment, knowing that her dining experience brought him joy as well.
As the meal progressed, Flavian engaged in conversation with Leesa, seeking to deepen their relationship and find the truth about their shared past. He subtly asked questions to discern whether Leesa indeed remembered their previous encounters or if she was merely pretending not to recognize him.
With genuine curiosity and a touch of vulnerability in his voice, he inquired, "My lady, I've been wondering... Do you not at all have any memories of me? Like, have you felt any familiarity when you look at me?" His eyes held a mixture of hope and expectation, yearning to uncover the truth that lay hidden within Leesa's recollections.
"No, Your Highness," Leesa replied, her tone sincere. "We have met before, maybe at any social events? Though I hardly ever attend such gatherings." She maintained a calm demeanour, cautiously indicating that she had no recollection of their past encounters if indeed there were any. Her words left a faint hint of puzzlement and curiosity as if they had met somewhere before.
Flavian's voice carried a hint of intrigue as he spoke, "No, my lady not at any social gathering but rather on an isolated side street, far removed from the bustling crowds." His words were carefully chosen, intended to evoke a response from Leesa, to ignite a spark of recognition if their past encounters held any significance to her. Because if Leesa had memories of their past life, then she would definitely react as their first encounter was at a side street.
Leesa's face showed a trace of confusion as she thought to herself, her brows furrowing in contemplation. 'What side street? I have seldom ventured beyond the boundaries of the dukedom, and on the rare occasions that I did, it was primarily for formal gatherings or visits to noble households.' She took a momentary pause, her mind working to piece together any fragments of memory that could shed light on the situation. After careful consideration, she finally spoke, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "Your Highness, could it be possible that you have mistaken me for someone else?"
Flavian could not help but notice the suspicion and slight unease in Leesa's eyes, which was not the reaction he had anticipated. He quickly realized that his approach had backfired, and he hurried to clarify his intentions. "Apologies if my words have caused any discomfort, my lady," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "I didn't mean to bewilder you. It was merely a passing thought, and I may have been mistaken."
"Oh, it's ok Your Highness, we are mere humans we tend to make mistakes," said Leesa with an alarmed gesture.
Flavian escorted Leesa to the royal carriage after their meal. As Flavian walked alongside Leesa, he mustered the courage for one final attempt. He stopped near the carriage, turning to face her with a severe yet gentle expression. "My lady, does nothing connect in your mind when I say El-e-Boon?"
Leesa paused for a moment, she looked directly into Flavian's eyes as if trying to find what he was pondering. "No, nothing comes to my mind, Your Highness," replied Leesa, believing it was somewhat similar to her past life name.
"Oh, I see, then it's okay my lady. Please forgive me if I have inadvertently unsettled you with the strange questions today," said Flavian with disappointment in his courteous smile.
Leesa could not shake off the disappointment inscribed on Flavian's face as she made her way back home. Thoughts of their supposed encounter lingered in her mind, and despite her inability to remember, she could not help but feel a sense of unease. The face of Flavian, along with his puzzling words, had left an imprint in her thoughts. As the carriage continued its journey, Leesa could not help but wonder if Flavian was a suspicious or an enigmatic individual. She resolved to remain cautious and alert when they crossed paths again in the future. One particular phrase, "El-e-boon," echoed in her mind, as if it held a significant meaning that remained just beyond her grasp.