Chapter 18: At war with the butterflies that you give me. How troublesome.

I decided to get stronger. Not just with my elemental powers, but physically. Which is why I approached Risor for help once again.

"Please teach me how to use a sword."

He stared at me with raised eyebrows, shock clearly evident on his face. He must have been thinking 'What is this looney 15-year-old noble girl talking about now?'

"Another prophecy came true, Risor." I showed him the healing wound on the back of my hand and he hesitantly reached out to hold it, examining it with worry.

"How did this happen?"

"It doesn't matter. I was told it would happen, and it did." At my words, he furrowed his brows. I continued to further persuade him. "This proves that the danger of my 20th year is real. I really might die if I can't defend myself, Risor."

"This is worrying me, Nora... Can you not talk to the marquess about this?"

I snorted. That man? My reaction was enough response for Risor, and he pressed his lips together.

Most noblemen knew how to use a sword, and usually were also knighted. Though I didn't know if he had been knighted, I thought it was probably the same with Risor. And that is why I approached him confidently; I already knew he'd agree. That's just how Risor was. He was always helping.

"This is the hilt; hold it tightly. Position your thumb like this."

He even made makeshift stick swords for me to practice.

"Right leg back, left leg forward. Move ahead like this, and swing." He showed me slowly as an example. "Bring your right leg front now."

Then he did it with full speed and I felt the wind blow past me. I could only stare wide-eyed. His movement was so fluid and sharp.

He smiled at my reaction and held the Dahlia out to me. "Your turn. Keep practicing swinging until your muscles remember it naturally."

I nodded firmly and with a determined but uncertain gaze. I swung once, and then twice. Risor brought the flower to me again. "Your hips should be straight ahead; you should be facing your opponent straight on when you swing."

I took his words and utilized them. This time when I swung, Risor nodded with satisfaction.

However... that satisfaction only lasted for a little while. I was soon cursing myself for thinking Risor was an easy man.

"Nora! Again! Why does your body keep moving that way? No!"

"I've never heard a flower sound so angry!" I said with disbelief. "Hey, aren't you putting a bit too much emotion into this?" I asked the Dahlias and they replied,

"I'm trying to say it the same way his voice sounds to me. Aren't I doing a good job?" The voice of the flower suddenly changed completely to one of pride, giving me a whiplash and Risor nodded, agreeing that they were, in fact, doing a good job of scolding me.

"Now, do it again. Properly, this time." Risor gave me a stern look and I gulped. Is this what it means when they say 'the puppy became a wolf'? What a scary teacher!

Just as I was thinking that I was better off not knowing this side of Risor, and should have probably asked Cassian to get me a tutor, the devil himself made an appearance.

"Nora? What are you doing?" At the sound of that clear voice, both, my heart and I jumped.

He was standing with a confused frown just a few steps away from me. Both, Risor and I hadn't heard him make his way towards us and were surprised. My mouth fell open at this new development. Risor gave a bow to him, and Cassian nodded in acknowledgement, before Risor turned around and left after glancing at me.

Cassian then quickly made his way to me and reached out his hands towards mine.

"First, are you injured? Please, tell me what happened."

I raised my eyebrows in confusion. What is he talking about?

"You asked for healing stones that day, Nora." Ah. That. My confusion deepened. Why is he worried about that now? It's already been a few days.

As if he understood my thoughts, Cassian pressed his gorgeously shaped lips together and continued, "I was busy so I had handed the papers to my aide. I meant for him to let me know if you write me a message, but instead he took care of it on his own." At his words, I looked at the dark haired man standing behind him. I had noticed him glaring at me but when our eyes met, his face turned expressionless. I held back a sigh. Of course... That makes sense. There's no way his aide wouldn't know of the things I've done.

"I found out today and cancelled my meetings to teleport here. Please tell me, are you hurt?" Cassian held my fingers tighter and earnestly looked into my eyes. His sincere worry honestly rattled me. I can't believe he dropped everything and rushed here for a message I wrote days ago.

"I'm fine, Cassian. I'd just tripped and hurt myself but I'm fin-"

My eyes widened. I changed my grip and now it was me who grabbed Cassian's hand. I brought it closer to my face.

"This..." My voice shook.

Cassian realized what I was looking at and let out a casual sound. "Ah... This happened a few days ago. I'd broken some glass but didn't realize I was hurt until the next morning. Maybe it won't disappear because I took so long to heal it." Cassian gave me a sort of sheepish smile and shrugged his shoulders. Then he looked down at our hands and saw the scar on the back of mine and that smile vanished.

"What's this..." His brows were furrowed and then his jewel eyes looked into mine. "How did this happen, Nora?"

It was my turn to casually shrug, although internally I was freaking out. This world isn't just affecting me to make sure that the story is followed...

...Are we all puppets? Is it really possible to change the story?

Cassian's quiet voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Now we have another mark together..."

I froze. My heart had suddenly begun to beat a mile a minute. An anxiety took over my chest.

Why are you the one saying these words?

I quickly pulled my hands out of Cassian's grip, making him look at me with confusion.

What the fuck does this mean?

I was just thinking if it was truly possible to change the story. These words were said by Eleonora to Cassian but now he's saying them to me?

My head began to hurt and I pressed my fingers to my temple. This gesture made Cassian's frown deepen further with worry. He reached out and gently wrapped his fingers around my wrist and I looked at him.

"...Let's sit for a bit. You don't look well right now."

He walked past me, leading me as he continued to hold my wrist; but he turned around and looked at me as he continued to walk backwards.

"You'll trip," I warned him, gently pushing at his shoulder to turn him back around, but it was also because his eyes so directly on me made the heart in my chest feel weird. It wasn't unpleasant, but it made me uncomfortable, nonetheless.

It made me want to ask it, Why do you keep reacting like that? How troublesome.

After nudging him a little harder, he finally turned his eyes back ahead of us and we finally reached the table in the garden, where he pulled a chair out for me, and gently pushed me down on; after which he pulled the other chair right by me and seated himself, turned completely in my direction.

All this attention... That face of his- no, this entire guy himself is so dangerous...

I don't know how to deal with him when he's being so gentle. It's crazy and stupid, but I find it much easier to deal with Caeles. All I have to do is cuss at him, but this guy... Do I treat him well, or fight him? I can't tell at all.

I felt my headache getting worse due to all these questions. Just why is surviving so hard? Goodness...

I suddenly felt a soft and cool touch on my forehead, making me jump.

When did he get so close?

That angelic face; one that was too beautiful to be real was right in front of mine. Just looking into his purple eyes that sparkled like jewels, and that silver hair that glowed in the sunlight, that gently fell onto his forehead, and bent on his shoulders... I wasn't someone whose heart could take this view calmly.

I was too surprised to even move back. His expression that showed worry for me was also making my heart clench. Not to mention how heavenly his scent was.

"You don't have a fever..." He murmured.

I can't take it...

"Are you trying to seduce me?" I asked, losing my filter for the sake of survival.

"What?"

"Are you trying to seduce me?" I asked again, and he tilted his head.

"Would that make you stay?"

I had no words. I could only look at him with my eyes wide and lips parted. He continued.

"If I seduce you, would you stay with me?"

...This man is unbelievable.

I couldn't say anything and a corner of his lips tilted up. He raised his eyebrows in a helpless expression.

"But you know I can't do that. I love you differently." My breath hitched at his voice saying the word 'love'. He reached out his soft fingers to my hand and pulled it towards him, bringing it to his face. His eyes looked into mine as I felt his breath on my skin. "Please tell me, Nora... were you injured?"

...What a liar.

You said you can't seduce me... then what are you doing now?

What a dangerous man.

I tried to strengthen my shaking heart and sighed through my nose.

"You're trouble," I whispered and he just continued to watch me. I shook my head defeatedly. Both, Eleonora and him... they're both so dirty.

But then I never preferred clean people anyway.

They're similar to me.

Selfishly reaching for what they want.

He's as selfish as Nora. The only difference is that Nora was pushing for romance, while he's pushing for friendship.

"I tripped down the stairs. That's all." His eyes narrowed at my words.

"You're lying," He said firmly. "I know your tell."

Son of a bitc- Wait, I have a tell?

"Hey, what the hell is my tell?" I asked curiously and he shook his head. It made me frown. "What a sneak," I grumbled.

"What really happened, Nora?" He pressed further. I started to worry now.

"I'm telling you, it was nothing. I'm not lying, Cassian, and besides, I'm completely healed now." I worked hard to make sure that my voice wasn't going a pitch higher, in case that was my tell. Cassian sighed and then asked another question.

"Alright then, why are you studying the sword? What happened to your daggers?"

...My what now?

Seeing my confused expression, Cassian raised his eyebrows.

"...Your throwing knives? Don't tell me, you haven't remembered?"

I shook my head and he sighed.

"Back then when that..." His voice trailed off and looked away for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "We all started training with weapons together. You were no good with a sword, so your father suggested throwing knives. He handed you a Sollea Family heirloom dagger and you kept it with you all the time." He paused for a moment with furrowed brows, as if remembering something troubling. "The number of people you threatened with it... You practiced throwing it for years. Can you remember?"

I remember none of that!

"Hold up. That's a lot of information." I waved my hands around frantically. "My father did that? I practiced for years?" And I see now that this body's original owner had the same problems with a sword. And let's ignore that part about Nora threatening people.

Cassian nodded. And then he reached out to his belt and removed his dagger. He bounced it lightly until the blade was in his hand and held it out to me, hilt first. I hesitantly extended my fingers out and wrapped them around it. Cassian let go and I felt the full weight of a weapon in my hand.

I nervously looked at him. He was already watching me. His lips parted. It was a soft voice, speaking out his observation. "You used to hold it differently. You wouldn't want to use a tree for practice, would you?"

As a plant elemental, I shook my head and he nodded in understanding. Even though I knew that trees don't feel pain, I personally can't imagine throwing a dagger and piercing at something I can talk to.

Cassian held out his open palm towards one of the trees and there was a light; like something reflecting brightly in the sunlight. I winced, covering my eyes and when I focused again, my mouth fell open.

"Your power..." My words trailed off as I stared at what was in front of me. The tree's trunk now had a huge chunk of ice covering it, like an armour. Every time I moved, the light reflected within the ice, making it seem like a thousand glittering diamonds. Not to mention the bizarre sight of ice in the middle of this warm day.

It's like the tree is wearing a beautiful jewel...

"It's ice," Cassian said and flicked his finger. "That's my power." An 'X' mark appeared on the armour and I gasped.

I really am in a fucking book.

I'd read so much about Cassian's power in the book. The heroine also had been similarly starstruck like I was right now. It kept talking about how beautiful Cassian's rare elemental power looked and now I could see it for myself, right in front of me.

"Try to hit that mark." Cassian pointed with his chin at the makeshift but hella beautiful practice board he'd made for me.

I gulped and took in a breath. I stood in a position similar to that of when I was swinging that stick, and tried to get a feel of the dagger until I felt a bit more comfortable with the hold. The reflecting light initially distracted me, but not for long. I focused on that 'X' and threw my hand back, before swinging forward and letting go.

"...Let's try again."

"Let's not," I sighed, dejected. I was hopeful, I was so slightly hopeful that Nora's muscle memory would perhaps decide to help me out but... "It didn't even hit the tree at all." It didn't. It flew right past it and I began to walk over to look for Cassian's poor dagger.

"Of course it wouldn't be easy." Cassian tried to comfort me. "But you really did love throwing daggers, Nora." I gave him a look at his odd words and he shrugged. "Weapons and practice go hand in hand, without question. Caeles and I still have to practice every other day. You'll get your skill back in no time." Cassian elegantly walked towards me and gently but firmly pushed back my hand that was holding out his dagger. "Please keep it and continue. I'll have practice boards sent over to you. It would be good for your memory to take up your old hobby again."

And that's how I ended up giving up on the sword, and took to partnering with daggers instead.

"Apples truly are the definition of temptation," I muttered to myself as I pulled back my sleeves and firmly hugged the tree with one arm and reached out towards a branch; eyeing greedily the red fruits hanging and filling my sight. "Looking this pretty, you're just asking to be plucked!"

Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, I couldn't see Risor shaking his head at me as he stood by and watched this noble girl ogling at and talking to fruits as she most unladylike-ly climbed up a tree. I had ended up learning and falling in love with climbing trees; my body was a lot younger and lighter than in my past life, and although I was weak, the high and excitement was so worth it.

I reached the top and sat on a perfect branch and waved at Risor. He waved back and went off to his cabin to rest. I took some apples into my arms happily and munched into one after wiping it on my skirt.

I wasn't too into these fruits back in my other life, but there's something really strange in this life; I've become absolutely obsessed with red apples. It began when Lily served this garden's apples to me for snacks one day and I drooled ridiculously at how juicy and red they were. And after Rezel taught me to climb trees, I had never felt so accomplished before. Although I really hated climbing back down. It required a lot more focus, and a lot more fear. So troublesome. I wish I could just fly down instead.

Hmm?

I continued to chew as I watched hair so golden, it could only be magical, come into my view from high up. Well, it wasn't actually so high as the tree was quite short still.

As Cassian was busy with the duties of the heir apparent, the Duke decided to make it a part of Caeles' schedule to come be my dance partner from today. We were taking a break, which is why I decided to escape to the garden and fell into this apple tree's temptation.

Should I...?

A mischievous smile overcame my lips as I closed an eye and took aim, right for those sparkling strands of ichor. I took my hand back and threw it forward, leaning ahead. I watched as Caeles unsheathed his sword and swung his blade so quick, my eyes couldn't even catch it due to the speed. The red apple fell to the ground by his feet in cleanly cut pieces. He looked up and glared right into my eyes. Well, he would have, if my throwing hadn't made me loose my balance and hang on to the branch as I slipped off. My apples fell to the ground and I grit my teeth in annoyance.

Not again...!

My butt must be bruised by now because of how many times I'd landed on it. I hate climbing down so much because I always end up slipping!

"W-what the fuck are you doing?!" I heard a surprised voice from below me, and tilted my head to see Caeles looking at me with surprise. That was fast, I noted. His speed really is incredible. He actually looked like a ninja when he sliced that- ow, alright my arms. I should just let go now and pray for my butt.

"Let go!" Caeles called out, making me raise my eyebrows. I already was going to do that even without you telling me to, you know? "I'll catch you, so let go!"

"What?"

"Hurry already."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Why would he do that? "You'll catch me?" Caeles nodded and I was surprised by this curious development. It must be because he promised that time...

I made up my mind. I couldn't hold on any longer, anyway, and if he's willing to catch me... "Alright, I'm letting go...!"

It actually took quite a bit of courage to let go, even with the knowledge that I'll be safe due to the male lead's promise. My fingers slipped of the branch I was hanging onto and I felt the wind. Not just the wind, I felt my heart clench. I was a thrill, like one you get when you run and jump off a waterfall. Like a dangerous ride in an amusement park. The feeling of butterflies going insane and being in chaos inside my chest. I...

I didn't know I liked thrills so much.

For a moment, I felt my hair and dress fly up, but it was just for a moment because in the next, I was wrapped in Caeles' arms, my side pressed against his chest. I saw the corners of his lips tremble to give a smile of satisfaction. I felt my stomach clench again. An arm wrapped around his neck, I brought the other to my own lips as I threw my head back and let the laugh bubble out of me. It was an expression of my disbelief, thrill and my joy.

Caeles would go on to regret catching me that day.

"What kind of a noble girl keeps climbing trees?!" He exclaimed.

"Just catch me, will you?"

He gave me an incredulous look. He was walking by in the garden when I called him over. He told me I looked like a monkey and I just gave him a devilish smirk.

"And why should I?"

"Who was it that swore to always catch me?"

He snorted at my words and I continued. Knowing the words to poke at and get under the skin of a person was the privilege of the one who always fights said person. "A future knight, and this is how carelessly you think of oaths?"

Caeles looked extremely offended. "That is twisting and taking advantage of my promise!"

I laughed. "Then you shouldn't have made a promise I could take care of, should you?"

I smiled down at him. It was a smile secretly filled with affection. Because I was confident that this boy was going to do it. "I'm letting go! You promised to catch me!"

And it went on like that. He caught me every time. He grumbled and I taunted him.

"Hey, goldie!"

"What are those muscles for?"

"Caeles! You promised!"

I did it because I hated climbing down trees, and to annoy Caeles. But that wasn't the only reason.

It was fun.

But that wasn't it all, either.

At some moment in time, he began to share his laughs as he caught me. It was a small smile at first, tugging secretively at the corner of his lips; next time, it was bigger; and then once, the sound of laughter, hidden by a cough. He did stop hiding them. After all, how many times must he have caught me by now? He knew that I knew.

The strong male lead.

His behaviour towards me elsewhere didn't change; dance practice was still filled with glares and huffs.

That's why I began to climb trees more often when he came over.

It was to see that smile directed at me, even if just for a second; the smile he'd give the to the heroine.

And he caught me, every time.

Just like he promised.