Ceres

109

Right after Gil appeared in the inn Ceres was currently staying, Ceres immediately ordered for them to leave as soon as possible.

They bought horses and other important stuff for their travel and made their way. Regarding their destination, Gil doesn't have any idea. He was blindly following Ceres. Of course, it was making him nervous. He knew about some things that Ceres doesn't.

When they were far from the city, in the middle of an unknown forest, Ceres stopped her horse and faced Gil.

"Spill it."

She was looking at Gil with narrowed eyes. She knew that Gil must have met with the mysterious man before he disappeared.

"Princess, what are you---"

"If you don't spill it, don't even think about following me."

"But, I don't re---"

Ceres was intensely staring at Gil right at this moment. She knew that if she didn't scare Gil, he wouldn't tell her anything.

Too bad, Gil is really loyal to the mysterious man.

Gil sighed and looked at Ceres worriedly. He knew that Ceres would be disappointed in him.

"Forgive me, princess. I follow master's orders before yours."

Gil could only slightly bow his head and tightly clenched the reins of his horse.

Ceres closed her eyes for a minute before turning back once again. At least, Gil was honest as he admitted that there were things that Ceres really did not know.

"Gil, I don't really trust people that easily. In this world, I always think that I don't have anyone I can rely on. I must... Depend on myself. But, having you around was something that I'm thankful for. I know that I can't fully trust you. You serve that master of yours and you are very loyal to him. That is also the reason I can tell that you will be a very reliable companion. I won't question you anymore nor won't I threaten you regarding your master's actions. Truth be told, I'm already fed up."

Ceres looked at the road ahead of them.

"Right now and even before, I'm already fed up with a lot of things. People hiding things from me, people betraying me, people who think they can dictate my life. It's so frustrating and... Painful."

She gripped the reins of her horse tightly; seemingly getting the courage to pour her feelings out.

Ceres, then, turned her horse and looked at Gil who was behind her.

"You know what? I give up."

She looked down at her horse and smiled. It was one of the rarest things that Gil has ever encountered. But, that smile only made Gil's heart ached.

"There are just some things that I cannot escape from so, I give up. No matter what I do, there are things that I really won't be able to predict moreso control. It's funny, right? Given my abilities and attributes, I ought to find living in this world, very much easy. But... It's not what people think it's supposed to be."

Ceres once again looked at Gil but in her eyes is a mountain of worry and concern.

"Gil... I'm not asking you to disobey your master. All I'm asking is for you to be honest with me. If there are things that I must not know, fine. I won't question it. But, please, don't ever lie to me. Can you at least do that? In turn, I will also be truthful to you."

Gil couldn't help but bit his lip. He has never seen Ceres with such an expression. It was as if she was helpless, powerless, and was a young lady full of weakness.

"In this world, you are probably the only person I can fully trust and thus, this is my vow. If you agreed on my request, you and I can be real comrades from this day on. What do you think?"

Ceres was smiling but that smile only pains Gil.

---

Before the mysterious man left Ceres in the inn, he called for Gil. Thus, the latter saw how peacefully Ceres was sleeping on that day.

"There will be a change of plan."

Gil knelt behind his master.

The mysterious man was looking at the sleeping Ceres with eyes full of worry.

"I have to permanently leave her with you."

Gil can sense the heavy aura in his master's words.

"Don't tell her about anything. Even though I'm leaving, I will still find out if you ever tell her anything about me or that incident."

The mysterious man brushed Ceres' hair and caressed her cheek.

"She has been through a lot. I don't want to hurt her again yet, I don't have a choice. So, I'm leaving her in your care. Protect her well. Protect her until I can finally stay by her side."

The mysterious man stole another kiss from Ceres.

"...Until we meet again, princess."

The mysterious man faced Gil and his temper was different than before. He was emitting an aura that was suffocating for Gil.

"You must very well know that my orders are absolute, right? Remember them well."

Finally, the mysterious man disappeared and Gil was left alone in the room.

Gil knew about what his master was talking about. And, because he has been with Ceres all this time, he also knew a little about Ceres' nature. He couldn't help but knit his brows.

Is it really that worth it to once again hurt her all because of your selfishness, master?

He can't help but look at the sleeping Ceres and clench his fist. He thought of a lot of things before he decided to also get out of the room. -tbc

A/N: My internet just died on meeeeee!! I must finish updating!!!