After walking quite a bit, Flavian asked Leesa, "Are you getting used to your work now?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I think I will just keep getting better at it as the days pass by."
"That sounds good."
Flavian had decided to take things slowly with Leesa because he had already sounded suspicious enough for Leesa to start avoiding him.
"My lady now that we are going to work with each other every day don't you think you should call me a little less formally for ease of conversation?"
"Is that really necessary, Your Highness? I think it is fine the way I call you 'Your Highness'."
"Yes, it is necessary, so how about 'My Lord'?"
"Then, 'Sire' it is."
"Whatever feels comfortable to you my lady," says Flavian, keeping his disappointment to himself.
They soon returned to the office and continued their work. The next day, Leesa's schedule was repeated, just the difference was that sometimes after his regular walk in the garden with Leesa, Flavian would either work in his office or read in the library. As her duty, when working in the office, Leesa assisted Flavian with paperwork. During visits to the library, she indulged in reading historic-themed books, which were more abundant than in the library at Duke's residence. Leesa enjoyed library visits the most, as she felt like she was truly learning something new and gaining knowledge. Flavian took notice of Leesa's interest in history and made sure to visit the library more often to see more of Leesa's shining expressions.
A few times a week he would also ask her to dine together and ask her about her favourite delicacies. Leesa started enjoying their time together and whenever they had free time, they would talk about wars that happened in the past and discuss their views on their strategic outlook, historical artefacts, favourite dishes and some fun events they experienced. Flavian was fascinated by her knowledge and would often ask her to explain certain historical events or interesting facts. Flavian's name was soon off her suspicion list. She did make sure to maintain her calm and quiet image as Flavian was the one who did most of the talking.
"So, my lady, did you become so interested in wars that you began practising fighting yourself?"
"Hah, no Sire, it's because I always felt this urge within me to become strong and so I started working on my combat skills. Thus, you can say that because I wanted to become strong, I started reading about fights and eventually caught up with historic wars and strategies."
"So, your unique fighting style, the thing you do with your little knives, did you also develop that because you had an urge for it?"
"I guess you could say that fighting with knives was like a calling for me, and I was just answering it!"
"Oh, I see."
As they resumed their work, Flavian's mind was filled with thoughts. It is just as I had assumed, she does not remember their past life completely, but somehow, she managed to remember her fighting stance and obviously worked in the direction of that to rebuild herself and gain back the strength and power of her previous body. She was able to reach the level of proficiency she had and even might have exceeded it.
The enigma of it all continues to perplex me. Leesa's lack of memory regarding her past lives was baffling, considering the striking resemblance in her demeanour and personality to the Ella Boone of old. It was as though her essence had been preserved across lifetimes, an unbroken thread of familiarity. Every word, every gesture, resonated with the Ella he had known so intimately.
The confusion that surrounded this mystery was thick, almost suffocating. Yet, paradoxically, amidst this fog of uncertainty, a profound and undeniable emotion began to blossom. Love, seemingly reborn, wrapped its tendrils around his heart. It was an emotion he thought he'd lost in the labyrinth of time and memory. Flavian's actions, meant to draw closer to Leesa, had been driven by impulse without much introspection into his emotions and motivations. However, as he began to understand Leesa better, he came to a profound realization. He had been in love with her all along. His desire to be near her was not just about a sense of familiarity but stemmed from the depths of his affection for her.
As night fell, the two of them retired for the day. But Flavian found a new motivation for his life. He decided to make Leesa fall in love with him again. As he thought of ideas to achieve his goal a warm smile took over his face. Once again, he decided to use the same strategies he used in the past to win her over.
Almost a month had passed since Leesa started working as Flavian's aide. Flavian was working in his office while Leesa was yet to start her day officially. She was assigned to properly organise documents and letters before she brought them to Flavian's for review.
"May I come in, Your Highness?" Anton knocked on the office door.
"Yes, come in."
"What brings you here Anton? Anything important?"
"Yes, how do you think we will be doing the festival this year, Your Highness?"
"Ah, is it time for the festival already?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
The grand festival is a much-anticipated annual event, a radiant jewel in the heart of Chorus, the capital of the Astandra Empire. It's a joyous celebration that unfailingly marks the culmination of a bountiful harvest season. The festival's epicentre is the imperial residence, a grand architectural marvel that is adorned throughout for the occasion. The capital transforms into vibrant colours and sounds, as commoners from across the empire gather to share their prosperity.
In the early hours, the streets come alive with a bustling marketplace. Farmers and vendors from distant corners of the empire converge. Their stalls carry their accomplishments. Pyramids of fresh produce, fragrant spices, and artisanal crafts line the avenues, creating a visual feast for all who pass by.
As the sun sets and twilight blankets the imperial capital, the festival transitions into an even more enchanting affair. The air becomes infused with the scents of culinary delights emanating from food stalls scattered about. Skilled chefs whip up local delicacies, turning the streets into a tantalizing culinary journey.
Laughter and cheers fill the air as festival-goers partake in games of skill and chance. Children chase each other, their faces adorned with excitement, while adults indulge in friendly competitions. Live performances unfold beneath the star-studded sky, where talented musicians, dancers, and storytellers captivate the crowd with their artistry.
It's a jubilant reminder that, despite the empire's grandeur and power, it's the collective spirit of its people and the earth's bounty that truly sustain it. And so, as the festival unfolds in all its glory year after year, it serves as a tribute to the empire's people to make a successful and good harvest.