Chapter 75 - Paintings
"Thanks Dad. Grandpa, take a rest. I will brew you tea after coming back" Ivy smiled sweetly.
Henirich smiled and said "Sure. Sure. Whatever my granddaughter says."
Ivy stood up and got ready to leave along with Elric. In no time they both left the mansion in the carriage prepared by Simon.
Simon sent some shadow guards to ensure Ivy safety. Even though Elric is with her, he felt more peaceful with his arrangement.
Back in the carriage, Elric sat opposite to Aivyn and looked at her excitedly. "Where are we going sis?"
Aivyn looked at him and asked "You are older than me right?"
Elric was surprised by her question but replied "Yes, but you can call me normally."
Ivy chuckled "I don't plan to call you brother as well. So don't worry. But you can call me Ivy"
'Bro, I am older than you' Ivy thought to herself.
Elric was shocked seeing her carefree nature and said "Sure Ivy. Then what are you going to call me?" Elric sensed some crisis seeing her smile.
"For now Elric but don't know in future. So just prepare for that." Ivy replied nonchalantly
Elric chuckled and nodded by saying "Anything my beautiful sis says"
Ivy looked at him when a question came to her mind "By the way, Why are you calling my Mother like that? I don't recall anything about the reason behind it."
Elric's smile stiffened and his smile fell. His eyes are clouded with sadness and he clenched his fists tightly to suppress the emotions.
Ivy sensed something wrong with his behaviour and regretted asking him that question. Seeing the handsome guy who is feeling very bad due to her made Ivy's heart clench with pity.
"Um.. It's okay. By the way, what do you like? What are your habits?" Ivy diverted the question.
Elric also sensed her tension, he also didn't want to bring the topic now so he also played along with her.
"My habits are.." Elric started speaking and soon the atmosphere between them lightened up and soon they reached the destination.
"Young Miss. We have arrived." The coachman informed the duo to stop their chat.
"Okay. Let's go" Ivy smiled, Elric nodded his head and went out first before giving his hand to Ivy to help her.
Ivy felt happy for his gentlemanly behaviour. The duo looked at the mansion in front of them.
"Why are we here?" Elric inquired.
Ivy raised her brow and asked "You came to this place?"
Elric looked at Ivy before replying "No, I know this is Kreed Mansion. I visited Capital City a few times and passed through this mansion some times."
Ivy understood and nodded her head. "But this is my first time after coming to the capital city. Let's go. Will surprise them."
"Surprise??" Elric perplexed.
Ivy nodded and said "Yes, because I didn't inform them that I am visiting."
"I think it is not proper?"
"Why not?"
"It is basic manners to inform the guests that we are visiting."
"Who told us we are guests? And since our families are quite close, I also have an invitation from my friend Lysa."
"You have one?"
"Of course, don't ask more. Come''
Ivy dragged him inside the mansion. Elric is feeling uneasy because it is like barging into one's house. He grew up in between the rules so doing something like is against his morals but in front of Ivy all his morals are thrown out.
When they are in front of the mansion door Elric once again asks Ivy "Ivy, I guess it is not good."
"Shh. Why are you thinking like that? Aren't you a prince? And also a handsome one. Who will kick you out." Ivy chided.
Elric opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out of it.
"Ivy" before they enter someone called Ivy. Ivy looked at the direction of voice and saw Katherine walking towards them.
"Hi Aunt" Ivy went inside and gave her a hug.
Katherine pulled her out and inquired "How are you feeling dear?"
"I am a good Aunt. I came out to have some fun with Lysa. Where is she?" Ivy inquired.
*Cough*
Elric faked a cough to announce his presence. Katherine was shocked seeing ivy at their doorstep and didn't notice Elric. Katherine hurriedly greeted him "Your Highness"
"Hello Mrs Kreed. I hope we didn't disturb you" Elric smiled.
"No No. Your Highness. Ivy is like my daughter only." Katherine replied.
Elric nodded and didn't say anything after that. Katherine invite them inside and they settled in Hall.
"Your Highness, Ivy, have some tea." Katherine poured them a cup each.
"Thanks Aunt. Lysa is in her room?" Ivy inquired while taking the cup.
"No, I guess she is in her painting room." Katherine replied.
"Really? Shall we go and pay a visit?" Ivy asked while taking a sip from her cup.
"I will send someone to bring her." Katherine said.
Ivy put her cup down and said hurriedly "NO Aunt. I came here to see Lysa paintings. I want to give her a surprise"
Katherine felt happy inside seeing the eagerness in Ivy eyes. She felt bad whenever others belittled her daughter's paintings but Ivy is different, Ivy genuinely wants to have a look and be friends with Alyssa.
"Alright. Eva will take you to her '' Katherine motioned a maid to take Ivy and Elric to Lysa room.
Eva nodded and guided them towards Lysa's room. The room is not locked and Ivy mentioned Eva to not disturb Lysa.
They slowly opened the door and entered the room, Elric tried to stop her but she glared at him making him swallow his words.
Alyssa is facing the window and her back is facing Ivy. Alyssa is engrossed in her world and doing something on the canvas board.
Elric was stunned seeing the scene in front of him. The room is filled with canvas boards, paints, sticks, brushes, palettes. Some are covered with white cloth, some are put aside to draw.
What attracts him the most is the girl, her face is not visible to him but her back is the most refined painting to him. Her hair is tied into a bun displaying her slender neck, in between she is wiping her sweat or trying to put her hair in place causing her side profile to display for a minute.
Elric wanted to rush towards her and helped her by tucking her hair back, he wanted to blow air to make her cool down. He wants to mix the paint for her. He was surprised by his own thoughts but he let his thoughts run.
"Beautiful" Elric voiced out.
Alyssa startled and turned around in panic. Due to that her face which is playing hide and seek with him is now fully revealed. Her hazel eyes are widened, but he saw the whole world in it, her cute lips are parted with shock, her face has some paint stains which make her look eternal.
'How badly I want to snatch her from this world and keep it only for myself' Elric suddenly thought.
"Ivy '' Alyssa's voice became hoarse due to not having water for quite some time.