la rêverie

 - la rêverie - 

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sound of slow tapping on top of the table was a sign that Lorelei of the North was growing impatient by the dull, almost lethargic pace of the meeting. She was heavily tempted to close her eyes and doze off for a few minutes. It was to be understood that the Lady was not a woman in favor of politics, but she was left with little choice to assume her position and carry out her duties to exchange reports with her fellow officials. While her retainer was usually enough to send as representation, her presence was formally requested this time specifically, thus she was unable to refuse.

It did not stop her from disliking the far from efficient meetings. 

While her expression remained unchanging, her butler beside her had caught on to his Lady's lack of interest. With a still smile, Cecil leaned a little closer and slipped a piece of paper under her hand all while maintaining his gaze in order not to raise attention.

Lorelei, who noticed the subtle rustle, glanced down to see that her servant had given her a page of the novel she had been reading as of late but had yet to finish. The corners of her mouth slightly raised involuntarily, amused by Cecil's antiques. Her hand moved to conceal the paper amidst other report papers she had long finished reading. (That was the part she disliked the most about these meetings--the verbal reports took too much time when she already had enough information from assessing the paper reports. Plus, it was an understatement to say she disliked her fellow officials.)

Without sparing a glance to her aide, Lorelei quickly resumed reading the fiction. It was a scene where the main characters entered an empty ballroom and waltzed together in dim lights, having missed the chance to dance together during the party itself. There was a subtle undertone that the main characters desperately longed for each other but could not reveal themselves to the public as a couple.

Lorelei sympathized with the characters. However, she was also happy for them to be able to live their lives happily together. Fully immersed in the scenario, Lorelei vividly imagined the two characters’ exact steps, and the smile they had as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Even though the story described them to be dancing without any ensemble, she began picturing the sounds of strings that played in rhythm to their steps. It truly felt as if she was there to witness them herself.

At the climax of the dance, the female lead had caught her male partner who had stumbled slightly.

‘Be careful,’ the line from the page read. ‘You have always been a little clumsy. It’s good that I’m here to catch you.’

Lorelei could not contain her happiness from reading those lines. The female lead was a very composed and refined character. She adored the writer’s novels and their characterizations for the romance bits in the story.

“--Lady Lorelei?”

Her fantasies were abruptly interrupted by the expecting look of the group looking at her.

“We humbly ask for your opinion on this matter.”

A quick whisper came to her ear, “Logistics.”

It was all she needed to resume the conversation.

“The rogues are to be dealt with as soon as possible. Civilians have sent their complaints, and they pose a real threat to our logistic line.”

“However, milady, it will take time to mobilize our troops-”

“Then shall I go myself? My sword alone shall be more than enough to rid of the disturbance.”

“T-there is no need! I shall give out orders as soon as possible.”

She positioned herself to the back of her seat and closed her eyelids, saving others from a sharp glare. That was the only reply needed. The meeting returned to its original flow and Lorelei managed to once again detach herself until the meeting ended and everyone disbanded.

Now alone and walking along the halls, Cecil let out a small giggle of amusement. “That was splendid, milady. The look on their faces was quite the sight to see.”

“... It was partly your fault for sneaking that page on the desk. They only called out to me because they noticed I was distracted and wanted to humiliate me, I’m quite sure.”

“Hehe. I suppose so. But you enjoyed it, did you not?”

Was he referring to the intimidating remark she made or the page from the novel? Either way, she responded,

“Yes. Very much so. And thank you for having my back, Cecil.”

“The pleasure is mine, milady.”

Cecil gave her his signature smile–a warm smile she loved the most. She returned the smile, unable to resist her beloved’s affection towards her.

“Let’s haste home, I want to know the continuation of the story.”

He replied with jolly, “And I, your servant, will make sure your reading goes uninterrupted this time.”