Even If You Don't Know (Clorinde x OC)

Chapter 7: Strolling With You Might Not Be Bad As I Thought

Under a shade of tree, I sat comfortably. The wind whistled, whispering through my ears, as the breeze lightly grazed my skin. I found tranquility upon gazing the open blue skies, free from storm, as the sun peek through the clouds, dawning light upon us. What a fine weather indeed.

The day after my confinement, the Monsieur gave me a work off as a form of appreciation for my dedication to work the other day. However, I knew that wasn't the case. I haven't completely recovered yet so it's more like a consideration to me. I'm grateful to that. I thought I would be spending my time alone for today, but for some reason, Ms. Clorinde is here with me. Not knowing the purpose of her presence, I enquired.

"What's the agenda for today, Ms Clorinde?"

"You're the one I should be asking that."

She stood beside me with her usual stoic demeanor. Her eyes met mine, wind blew her hair. She tuck her hat tightly to her head as it was about to take off. I quickly part my gaze away when I noticed something unladylike. I found myself wondering if she was even aware of her skirt fluttering.

Should I take a peek underneath?

Tempting, but I chose not to indulge.

"Honestly, I'm not sure what to say. This was all sudden. More importantly, please don't take it as offense but why are you here? Did Monsieur Neuvillette gave you a work off as well?"

I don't think that's the case and my bet was right on the mark. It's something close to that.

"No, I didn't, but I asked him which he permitted me to do so."

"And why is that I wonder?"

"I just thought that this was a good opportunity for me to show a new light as your superior. I don't have subordinate before since I usually work by myself, so I just thought of taking a great care to those who I handle," there was a brief pause, probably hesitant, before she proceed. "Opposite to what my master treated me once I was little."

The way she described it made me wonder how difficult her childhood must have been. It took me time to digest her words. I'm too afraid to ask so I kept it to myself and let it pass by.

"So then, let me ask you instead. How do you usually spend your time during off days? Do you have your usual routine? Perhaps you prefer a more solitary day?" she asked with a slight gaze of curiosity, hand place on her hip. "If so, then I might be intruding your time."

"Please, don't give it too much thought. It's nothing out of ordinary. I usually laze around and sleep under a shade of tree. However, since you're here with your gracious kindness, let me be selfish and accept your company. This might give me a new breath of fresh air."

Just as what she said, I usually spend my time alone. I don't have anything that could be called as hobby so I don't know how to let my time pass other than sleeping. Her company will be a great help to deviate myself to my usual stagnant life. This might also be an opportunity to get to know her more even well. No way I'll let it slide.

"Now that you have my company, what do you want to do then?"

"I'm not quite sure. I don't have any hobbies to begin with. For starters, why don't you tell me yours? This might help me decide what to do based on ideas that I might come up with."

Ms. Clorinde held her chin as she fell deep in thought. Her eyes squint a bit, her facial twitch. She then shook her head, probably trying to reset the thing she was thinking. Although I can't tell her train of thoughts as of the moment, she really seem troubled by it.

"Erm.. If you're finding it difficult to tell your hobbies, that's fine then, no biggie."

"No, that's not it. My apologies if I show something unsightly. I was just a bit hesitant because my hobby might not be fun for others."