"Father"
"Yes, Ren," he replied. His voice was a familiar shelf of ice, cold and immovable.
"Can I... look around the hall for a bit?" I asked for his permission, my voice barely audible over the swelling orchestra.
It's uncomfortable. It is a performance. I know that. I know we have to act like a harmonious family but...
It's stuffy.
It feels like being a bird trapped in a gilded cage that was slowly shrinking.
He answered after a short silence "Alright. Take Nina with you. You can come near the throne to find us when the greetings conclude."
"Understood"
With that, Father, mother and big brother went towards where the Royals were.
This is my first time at the new year celebration and I did get to see the King.
He really does look just like mother.
And after they left, it started.
"So that's the child, huh ?"
"The flaw of the Volks. Yes, It is her. Truly, she stands out like a stain on white silk."
"Hmm~ Lady Gilda is truly a kind soul."
"Indeed. To accept and welcome a mongrel like that."
"That thing does not deserve such kindness."
"At least, she can be used to help us in building relations with the Volks."
"Yes, indeed. That's the least she should do."
The gossip of the noble society.
Cowards
They did not dare to utter a word when father and mother were here but now that they are gone, they are not holding back.
I didn't even have the energy to be angry, to complain.
....not like I can complain. Every single thing they say is, the truth.
The 'Flaw of the Volks'. That's what people, outside the Volk region call me huh...
It's quite fitting.
This place, these lights, this music, these grandeurs are not where I belong. Not at all.
So, I left. I fled, fled from the unbearable noise of Nobles and High-Society. I went to the only quiet and crowd less spot that i could think of.
The Terrace.
I was enjoying the view of the stars. I had read somewhere that when A person ascends to Paradis, They look upon this world as stars in the sky. I wonder if she is also looking at me or if she is not, out of resentment.
When i was busy in my idle thoughts I heard footsteps behind me.
When I turned around to take a look at the culprit, I saw a boy, possibly around my age or maybe a bit older.
Both of his hands were occupied with glasses of ...strawberry milkshake ?
Who is he ?
"Hello" He greeted me first. It wasn't the stiff, rehearsed greeting of a noble. It was just... a word.
"Hello...." I instinctively greeted back in an informal way. This setting does not look like a place for a formal greeting and he is not acting formal, either.
"Want some ?" He said as he offered me one of the glasses.
I hesitated, but then accepted it. The glass was cold, the condensation stinging my palms.
There shouldn't be anyone who knows what I like. Even my family does not know that.
Yet, Here was someone. it felt like he brought two glasses with the sole intention of giving one to me.
"...Thank you." Regardless, not accepting would be rude, especially when he went through all the trouble.
Beside me, the boy leaned against the railing, drinking his own shake with a casualness that was almost offensive in this setting.
I took a sip as well.
Delicious!
Creamy, sweet, and better than anything the Volk chefs had ever produced.
"The Name's Tyler! And you ?" He said, his eyes curiously looking at me.
Tyler ? Sounds familiar... Is he from any of the important noble houses ? Which one, though ?
And why's he using such casual speech ? I have never heard any Noble child using such an informal and casual tone while talking with a stranger. Aren't we at a ball, prepared by the King himself.
"...My name is Ren Von Volk." I introduced myself with my full name.
Yes, I don't know who you are. But now that you know my name, my full name, you should also know who I am and keep your distance. Just like the other noble children do. Now you can walk away like everyone else.
But his reaction was outside the realm of my expectations.
"Hmm.. Ren huh.. that's a beautiful name!"
Huh ? What ?
I blinked, my heart skipping a beat "What did you say ?"
The words slipped out before I could stop them. In a world that called me a 'stain' or a 'flaw', this stranger with the purple eyes looked at me and saw something beautiful.
"As I said, it's a beautiful name." he repeated. His voice didn't waver. There was no mockery in it, no hidden jagged edge designed to cut me later, either.
Just pure ...honesty?
"I-i see. Thank you."
He looked up at the sky " So, what are you doing here alone ? Stargazing ? Well, the sky sure is clear today. The stars look like they've been polished just for the banquet tonight."
I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. "... Don't you know ....who I am ?"
Why are you even talking to me ? Why are you still standing here? Why are you wasting your breath on me?
He looked at me, his head tilting to the side. For a second, he looked confused—an expression that felt strangely practiced, fake as if he were wearing a mask he had long ago outgrown.
"I do know you, don't i ? You just introduced yourself. You are Ren." He said as if saying 'why are asking something, that is a fact'
"Ren Von Volk." I corrected, my voice trembling.
"Yes yes, and ? want me to bow ? Do you want me to show you respect as a member of the Volk Grand Duke family ?" He said with a mischievous smirk.
"No! That's not what I mean!" I cried out, the frustration bubbling over. "Don't you know about me?! What people say?! What I represent?!"
The smile on his lips slowly faded away, vanished. The air around him seemed to grow heavier, more stagnant. He looked into my eyes for a few long, agonizing seconds before turning his gaze toward the dark shadows of the palace gardens.
"Huu... Ren..." He called my name with a heavy weary sign. His voice was devoid of any enthusiasm or teasing from before. It was all gone. and now it sounded serious and a little ....sad ?
"Are you talking about the stigma ? The 'Flaw of the Volks' Stigma they've pinned on you ?"
"....Yes" I looked away from him as I answered.
It's not common for me to act so emotionally. Did my Dam finally break when he showed me a little... Just a little kindness ? Or was it because he was the first person my own age to look at me without either pity or disgust?
"You may already know how all nobles see me." I whispered, biting my lip so hard I tasted Iron "They forbid their children from even standing in my shadow. So... so... you shouldn't be talking to me either."
Here he was, someone who finally showed me the warmth I once longed for. Even if just a little, he gave it to me.
And here I am, using every ounce of my strength to push him away into the safety of the crowd.
It's enough now. I do not deserve such warmth.
Yes, A flaw does not get to have warmth. A stain doesn't get to be beautiful.
I waited for the sound of his footsteps leaving. I waited for the silence to return. But my wait was not answered.
But instead, I felt the air shift as he stepped closer, the scent of the strawberry drink lingering between us like a fragile bridge.