We were gathered in a room resembling a cafeteria aboard the ship.
The guards seated at the tables in the back were enjoying their meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
Around a large table sat Kaylen, Jonady, Nilyna, Sienna, Gilbert, Sylena and me.
Gilbert was quietly sipping a cup of tea while Sylena her eyes sparkling, recounted her experience at the bow of the ship.
And after that, the Tririon appeared! she declared excitedly.
The others listened with interest.
Kaylen ever the pragmatic one crossed his arms.
Tririons… Few humans can boast of seeing one with their own eyes.
Sienna, dressed in her scientist's attire, placed a hand on Kaylen's shoulder and sighed.
I really wish I could've studied such a specimen up close…
Raelia scratched her head and pouted.
Ugh! If only I had gone instead of Nilyna, I could've seen a real Tririon…
Her remark made me smile.
We continued our meal. Nilyna in front of her plate composed of green salad with crab, olive oil and tomatoes exclaimed in delight:
This is delicious!
Sylena, enjoying her own meal, nodded.
Yes big sister, it's really good!
She cast a hesitant glance at Gilbert, then timidly asked:
U-Um… Sir Gilbert, could you pass me the bread tray please?
Gilbert smiled warmly as he handed it to her.
Here you go, Lady Sylena. You're a princess—there's no need for such formalities with me. You can speak freely.
Sylena blushed slightly and lowered her gaze.
A-Alright…
Nilyna pulled her into an affectionate hug.
Don't worry, Gil is polite and kind.
I can't wait for us to arrive in Ednia, you're going to love discovering Amiria!
Sylena gave a shy smile at the thought.
Meanwhile, Raelia turned her gaze toward Jonady.
Jonady while I was in my cabin earlier, I contacted Father to update him on our situation.
He said he'll be welcoming us at the port with Mother and Damian.
I raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Your mother too?
Raelia nodded.
A thought crossed my mind.
Since I arrived in Ednia until now I had never seen Raelia's mother.
I couldn't help but wonder what she might look like…
Meanwhile, something rather amusing was unfolding between Sienna and Kaylen.
Sienna wearing her white lab coat and glasses, was holding a slice of moist chocolate cake in front of Kaylen.
Come on Kaylen, say "Ahhh"~! she said with a smile.
Kaylen frowned, visibly annoyed.
Stop with your antics, Sienna… I'm not a child.
Kaylen's cold tone had an immediate effect.
Sienna's smile faded, and a hurt expression crossed her face.
She lowered her gaze slightly, as if wounded.
Kaylen felt a pang in his chest seeing her like that.
Without thinking much, he finally opened his mouth and bit into the cake.
Immediately, Sienna's face lit up.
YEEESSSS! she exclaimed with a burst of laughter.
Kaylen flinched.
Y-You… You were faking it?
Sienna placed a hand over her mouth, feigning innocence.
I don't know what you're talking about… she replied with a mischievous smile.
Nilyna, watching the scene with amusement, rested a hand on her chin.
Ah, the power of true love… Two souls bound by destiny: a proud white tiger and a curious scientist. The two of you make a beautiful couple.
Kaylen blushed, clearly embarrassed by her comment.
Stop spouting nonsense, Nilyna…
Still smiling, Sienna looked him in the eyes and gently asked:
Tell me, Kaylen… Don't you love me?
He turned his gaze away, visibly flustered.
A brief silence settled between them.
Then suddenly, he pulled her into a hug.
Sienna giggled softly, savoring the moment.
She knew Kaylen better than anyone and understood exactly how he felt, even if he couldn't put it into words.
In a soft voice, she whispered:
I love you Kaylen.
Kaylen blushed even more but didn't push her away.
We all watched them with amused smiles, while our journey to Ednia continued the air filled with a sweet sense of companionship and blossoming feelings.