The Demon and the Hero - Chapter 6- Changed jobs?

“How can you accept a proposal like that?” After the lady from the palace departed, Hera asked her friend with annoyance evident in her voice.

Taking a pause, she added, “You do know that these people can go to any length to possess you, right? And if they can’t, they will think of a way to get rid of you.”

The Hero was the biggest asset of the Kingdom and humanity as a whole. As such they would do their best to keep her within close watch.

From Hera’s perspective, the reason behind this sudden invitation for dinner was, “He would ask your hand in marriage.”

Lenora scoffed, “And you know I will decline if he actually does.”

Hera heaved a sigh, “Can’t you be a little rude this time and reject the proposal?”

Lenora extended the letter which the Prince sent and said, “Can you ask me the same thing after reading this?”

Hera took the letter, and read it,

[Honourable Lady Lenora,

I am writing this letter not as a Royal Highness or the next leader of the kingdom, I am writing this letter as someone who wants to express his gratitude for what you have done for me and us. We have always been involved in formal gatherings. That’s why I couldn’t express how thankful I am. All the time I have to keep the facade of a responsible Prince, so this meeting would allow me to express myself more comfortably.

This is just a request, you surely can decline. However, if you come, I would feel honored.

-Williams.]

Hera was quite surprised at how honest and heartfelt the letter seemed. For the next King to show such humble behavior was indeed surprising.

Lenora asked, “Now you understand? Rejecting was never an option and not like I would remain in the capital for long so this would be the first and last meeting.”

Hera remained silent upon hearing that. She knows that Lenora was planning to return to her hometown and surely after moving away she wouldn’t get forced into these kinds of meetings again.

After thinking for a bit, the maid asked, “Are you going to tell Riphez?”

Lenora stared at Hera for a moment, before she shook her head, “No…disclosing information which concerns the royal-”

“Seriously, Lenora? Are you being mindful of procedures and protocols here?”

Lenora looked genuinely confused, “Yeah? I have to be.”

Hera massaged her forehead in slight exasperation, “He is in love with you, Lena…and you are going on a date with another man…shouldn’t he at least be aware of it?”

Lenora remained silent for a few seconds, her brows drawing closer before she responded, “Look, I have to follow the protocols since the person in question here is the next Monarch. And I never promised anything to Riphez-”

“So you are prioritizing the Prince over Riphez, right?”

Lenora’s frown deepened as she asked in annoyance, “What are you trying to imply here?”

Hera sighed and after holding Lenora’s hand, she said, “Look Lena…you have fulfilled your role as the Hero and now you should look out for yourself more.”

Taking a pause she added, “Very few people you meet who love you for who you are and not your position, power or wealth. They won’t ask you to change and will find happines in something you will find trivial. And when I looked at Riphez…I found he could be the one for you.”

Not so long after Hera left to prepare lunch, leaving a dazed Lenora in her room.

She was forced to think back on the boy with whom she spent time in the morning.

Each moment they spent together, his focus was on her. When she talked about things which most young people finds boring…he showed great interest and even shared his views on matters. In those few moments, not only he appreciated her work but also reminded her that she should take care of herself as well.

Lenora didn’t know how long it has been since she was treated like an actual woman.

It made her…feel special.

She touched the ring he gave him…but stopped herself.

‘He must be busy with work…’ Deciding to go and meet him by herself, Lenora sat down on the bed.

There was enough time before the meeting time, she would go to meet him after a few hours of sleep….

******

[Around 4]

Lenora woke up and changed her clothes. She didn’t eat much and after changing her clothes—not forgetting to wear a fabric around her mouth—she made her way out of the mansion.

It was rare for Hera to show such satisfaction with something Lenora was doing. But when the silver head was leaving, all she saw on her friend’s face was a huge grin.

‘She really likes Riphez huh?’ Lenora could tell that Riphez is a good person, not only his appearance but from inside as well, he is a very attractive guy.

…But because of some reasons, she feels they won’t be compatible. She…might disappoint him.

‘Agh, why am I thinking about it now?’ She sped up and entered the bakery where she shared breakfast with Riphez in the morning.

She tried to locate Riphez but she couldn’t, so she waved at the waiter who seemed close to Riphez.

“Yes-ah! You are Riphez’s girlfriend.”

Lenora was left momentarily stunned; did they look like a couple to others?

Regardless, “Where is Riphez?”

Henry raised his brows, “He didn’t tell you? He got a temporary job as a chef at a better place.”

Lenora was surprised, “He didn’t tell me…”

“Oh, so it must be to buy you some gifts that he finally decided to stop resisting those offers.”

Lenora’s brows drew closer as she asked, “Did he get opportunities regularly?”

Henry nodded, “His culinary skills are brilliant and he got several offers from expensive eateries and hotels. But he always declined and clung to this bakery for some reasons.”

Lenora…somehow knew the reason.

He was working here so he could visit her mansion from time to time.

She felt guilty and decided to talk to him the next time they met. However, since he was working somewhere on a temporary basis, she decided to not disturb him.

“Thank you, Henry.”

******

A/N:- Drop a comment.