"Good morning, Theodore. Are you sure you are able to get back to work? It won't hurt to take some rest for a few more days though. "A nurse concernedly asks Theodore right when he sees Theodore in the office, now already continuing his work. In a sincere smile, "My apologies for making everyone worried. I'm good for now... Oh, and please send me a detailed report of the patients we just received." Still hesitant, he quickly nodded and then disappeared behind the wooden door.
Just within a few minutes, a pile of documents had been neatly placed on the table, waiting for Theodore. While rummaging through a couple of records, some familiar faces crossed his sight, those who had been fighting with him in the earlier battle. Some are alive, and some are gone. Until...
Luke Davidson... a 25-year-old man with tea-like hair and chestnut eyes. Lost his father due to a fire, and that same fire left a decent scar across his left arm. He then joined the military and served there for 8 years. Looking at the picture of Luke in the file, Theodore can't help but sigh. A picture seems to have been taken decades ago of a young boy wearing an expression that didn't belong to a kid. Such things resembled the image of a brave and mature Luke today. He has become taller and stronger, yet still, there is something underlying in those eyes. "How strange it is that a talented person like him should be widely known or that at least some of his accomplishments have to be recorded here." Theodore wondered to himself. The file listed was too vague, a complete opposite of what Theodore has got a chance to see as if it belongs to someone else...
Moving on, another one catches Theo's attention. The same emerald eyes shone like a gem, the same confidence he felt early on. To Theodore's surprise, the record contains nothing but a picture of him. Strange... Why are there no details? An uncertain feeling swells up. Is it because no one ever records him, or is this done on purpose? Possible theories run through his mind. "Well then, time will tell me their secret," he said, a slight grin emerging.
...
Days went by, and the sight of that man was still nowhere to be seen. The usual course of life steers back to where it has always been. Luke, whose injuries had soon recovered, insisted on staying to help with labor to repay his gratitude. Theodore certainly cannot resist Luke's firm will, leaving no choice but to go along with his offer. And there is Cecil, who still innocently doesn't know any of this, happily thinking to herself that she won't have to see that one ever again.
Today, was a morning unlike any other. Cecil, after days of bustling around looking after the soldiers, finally has time to consult Theodore's insight about the medications as well as report on their current condition. Reaching Theo's office, Cecil can hear the faint sound of a light-hearted discussion, the strange voice of a man catching her attention. Like a child full of curiosity, Cecil entered without any doubt.
"Cecil, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect you to be here." Theodore, with a teacup in his hand, still remembers the relaxation he shared with the one sitting across. In contrast to Theodore, Luke, on the other hand, is full of astonishment upon realizing the familiar figure. The room seems to have taken on a silent, embarrassing atmosphere, with the duo staring at each other in utter shock. Theodore clearly didn't understand what was going on, but he was clearly enjoying the scene, as evidenced by the joyful look. The girl standing there, turning pale from the shock, ends up tomato-red flustered. As for Luke, the poor young man just sat there as if he were shutting down. Having seen the awkward encounter. Theodore can't help but laugh. "It seems like we can skip the introducing part. Come and join us, Cecil... Or do you prefer standing there and staring at Luke?" Cecil is now only disappointed that she can't dig a hole and hide in there.
Luke finally recovered from the shutdown, and politely bowed to the girl, "Greetings, I am Luke Davidson, a member of the regiment. To repay the debts that Dr and the young lady have saved us from, I will be here in the meantime for assistance." With his height and formal tone, perfect resemblances of a knight. Cecil glanced at Theodore for help, only to see his usual annoying smiley face. He casually takes a sip, then secretly looks at Luke's back with a smirk. After letting out a long sigh, Cecil reaches out for a handshake, "Nice to meet you. I am Cecilia Adler. This is not the palace, so there is no need to be formal, given that we will be colleagues." Returning the favor, the two once again make peace.
"So what are you discussing?" Cecil asked as she took her seat. "Nothing, in particular, just some books, and I find it fascinating that Luke and I share similar viewpoints," he turns to face Luke with a gentle smile. "Oh, forgive my manners, do you want some tea?" Theodore continues. Hot tea warms her freezing hands, the soothing scent of the leaves surely helping Cecil return to her usual self.
Stolen story; please report.
"I just want to inform you about the situation of our current patients. The majority are recovered and qualified to be sent back. We are waiting for your decision on the date. " Luke nodded, "Thank you for helping us, we are grateful for your efforts. I agree that they should return to their respective units as soon as possible. Until the war is still not ended, we don't have the privilege to rest."
"We should not waste any more of their time. Cecil, please make an announcement that we will send them back by the end of this week for a proper goodbye party." Luke immediately jumps in, confronting, "You don't have to, we-". Theodore put down his teacup, a firm action that stopped Luke's words. "This is our gift, as our soldiers have relentlessly fought for the kingdom, so I sincerely hope you will not deny our gratitude." "Besides, even fighters need to wind down sometimes, don't you think?" Apparently, the only choice is to accept. He reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Also, I have a feeling that both of you will make a decent team." Theodore's voice mixes between teasing and seriousness, sending both people, again, into speechlessness.
...
Theodore, you freak. Cecil scolds herself as she prepares for the party. Dark bags can easily be seen under her eyes, indicating how recently she slept. Not only was her sleep quality, but Cecil's mood also got worse since that certain person appeared in this mansion. Have you seen that man over there? Oh dear God, I hope he will notice me... Look at those firm muscles, it must feel heavenly to touch them... A group of nurses gathered in the hallway, whispering about the newcomer who is now focusing on carrying packaging. In the end, a young girl noticed her and then dragged poor Cecil to her spot, pointing at Luke, "Have you met him?". Other nurses follow, saying, "We are curious too. You are the only one who did not react to anything. How can you not be fond of him?" Cecil reluctantly replies, "Yeah, I have met him in Theodore's office, and we are all colleagues, so I won't and have no intention of crossing that limit." Apparently, the nurses were unsatisfied with that answer, as they showered Cecil with questions regarding Luke until Lily showed up. She then shoves the boxes into the nurses' arms, displeased, "The party is not going to happen on its own, dear young ladies." "Go now, we have lots of things to do.'' Indeed, no one is happy after being forced to work, but for the sake of the party, only complaints remain for a while. Silence returns after their dismissal.
"I hope you are not overworking yourself too much, you look tired recently." Lily gently placed her hand on Cecil's shoulder and handed her a pack of candies. "I know you've said that countless times already," Cecil smile warmly. "I am fine." Being friends for years, Lily knows her stubbornness is just as equal to her tutor, "Come to me whenever you need," she says, and then disappears through the hall. Cecil let out her breath, looking at the sight of the man outside the window.
I hope you are making the right choice...
...
Soon the day came. The recovered soldiers assisted in setting up the party. The main hall is now cleared for setting tables and chairs, along with a small corner setup for making beverages. The preparation was surprisingly simple, but they all had fun participating together. Some of them lit the lanterns, while others were busy cooking the feast. It's been such a long time since the old mansion was filled with joy and laughter as if the dire scene of moribund ones was a story of the past. The lord carefully checked the remaining...
Now, it's time to welcome the visitors. Theodore raises his cup high and stands up from his seat to make an announcement. "Thank you for participating in this farewell party, though it is for a short time. I hope that we will cross paths soon, my dear comrades. Cheers to our hopes and dreams will come true." The residents clap in unison. The old mansion, now bathed in cozy lights, quickly filled with chatter and beer clanking. Along with the mouth-watering scent of freshly made dishes dancing in the air, luring their stomachs. Food, atmosphere, companionship,... a good party must also have music. A group of nurses forms a small band in no time, playing their lively tunes.
With hands-in-hand efforts, they did an excellent job of turning the place that used to be consumed by cold and darkness, into something they proudly called -home. The old mansion is now more alive than ever, for they can taste pure joy after quite a while. This moment will surely be one of their brightest memories, making this whole "goodbye party" nothing like the initial idea. What's more, it is even more packed, as guests from the nearby bases have arrived at the mansion waiting to join the fun. Back to Theodore, who is now sitting peacefully, can not hide his content smile, perhaps nothing is better than being able to reignite the flame of passion and love inside their hearts.
Still gazing upon the scene, a nurse appears in the corner of his eyes. In a concerned tone, she reports. "Dr. Theodore, there is a messenger looking for you, saying there is an urgent matter." Ambiguity heightened as he motioned to let the messenger in. A young boy wearing a distinctive uniform from the Palace, who seems to be around Cecil's age, appears before Theodore. He then bows formally and says, "Dr. Theodore, the King, orders you to be presented at the Palace as he wants to grant you rewards worthy of your noble heart. The King is very pleased to hear what you have done for our soldiers." To everyone's surprise, a golden letter with a golden lion symbol seal is placed in Theodore's hand.
An invitation to the Imperial Palace...