Faina wore Azure Knight armor. Though the thick, densely stitched clothing was bulky, it could not hide her slender figure. Her splendid golden hair was neatly tied behind her head, and her sapphire-like eyes held a natural, confident maturity. She no longer looked like a willful noble young lady.
Brando froze for a moment when he saw her like this.
Faina seemed pleased by his reaction. Her eyes curved into crescents as she said with a mischievous smile, "They said you came here. Sure enough, you're here."
"You were looking for me?"
"Of course. What else did you think?" Her tone still carried some of its old petulance. "Why haven't you come looking for me these past few days? You knew I was here."
Brando looked at her strangely. "The meeting is about to begin. Aren't you supposed to be with Duke Mehotofen?"
Faina was so angry her eyes nearly bulged. She glared at him. "My father sent me."
Seeing her expression, Brando could not help laughing. "Sorry. I've really been too busy these past few days. Besides, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to meet privately with the Cruzian people, would it?"
His explanation instantly dispelled Faina's slight displeasure. The poor girl had never really cared what excuse her beloved gave. She looked at Brando tenderly and said meaningfully, "Actually, it couldn't be more appropriate for you to meet privately with the Cruzian people—or even openly."
"What?" Brando paused, wondering why this young lady had started talking nonsense again after only a few words.
He glanced at the knights accompanying Faina. The two young knights looked at him enviously; clearly, both admired this Flower of Mehotofen. Faina paid them no attention and made no effort to hide her longing. "That's how it should be. What's so good about Eluin?