Taste of Magic: General's Echo [Slice-of-Life LitRPG]

"Good day, Lord Sinclair," Melina said, getting up from her seat. She hurriedly hid Sienna from Alistair's brother's sight. The wyrm got the hint, crawling underneath her dress, while Melina performed a curtsy as a greeting.

Richard scoffed. "They even teach monkeys manners these days, I see."

"As you say, Lord Sinclair," Melina replied mechanically. She knew that talking back here would accomplish nothing. Her interactions with Richard in the past life were severely limited, but from the few she did have, Melina remembered how he always looked down on commoners.

Even when she was at the peak of her power as an [Archmage], he always looked down on her. Many noblemen did. Duke Sinclair, despite his cold appearance, was actually known for treating his subjects fairly regardless of status. It was odd that his oldest son didn't exhibit this trait.

"Tell me, what did he see in you? You're so boring and plain. Not a single special thing about you," Richard sneered.

"I wouldn't know, Lord Sinclair," Melina said, keeping her gaze down. She was sure he'd grow tired of this eventually and leave.

Her lackluster responses seemed to have irked the man, and he roughly grabbed her chin, moving it this way and that. Melina just gazed at him coldly as he did.

"Brother, what are you doing to Melina?!" Charlotte shrieked.

Melina had expected Alistair to be the one to come to her rescue, but instead, it was the little Charlotte. The girl smacked Richard's hand with her fan, making him flinch back in pain.

"Charlotte! What was that for?!" He complained.

"Who does that to a woman?!" Charlotte protectively grabbed Melina's hand and pulled her closer. "She was injured too, you know! You're acting unbecoming of the Sinclair family heir!"

"Shut up, you little brat! That's a commoner, you know!" Richard accused.

"You say that as if commoners are a dangerous breed of monsters. They're people too, you know!"

"Your sister is right," The Duchess said. The Duke was slowly guiding her along the promenade, holding her hand firmly to support her injured leg.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Duke and Duchess Sinclair, as well as you, Lady Sinclair," Melina curtsied again.

"Please, sit down. We heard that you were attacked yesterday. No doubt you are still recovering from the horrible event," the Duchess urged as she sat down on the bench next to Melina's.

"Here you go again. Pampering commoners," Richard rolled his eyes.

"You should do well to learn more about commoners instead of dismissing them outright. Miss Melina here is on her way to becoming the best pastry chef in Alemahria. If you just scoff at everyone you meet, you will lose valuable talent and resources which could be used to enrich the region," the Duke chastised his son.

"I-I'm sorry, Father. I didn't know," Richard bowed to his father begrudgingly.

"You would know if you would get your nose out of the clouds. Go ahead and greet our guests. We'd like to talk to Miss Melina for a minute," The Duke said.

Richard didn't look too happy with this arrangement, but eventually skulked away. Melina couldn't believe her eyes. Had they all chosen to side with her instead of their own son?

"Forgive Richard. Ever since my accident, he's always been very cold towards commoners. Believes my injury to be their fault," The Duchess explained. "Even after I told him that you were the one who brought Charlotte home safely, he just wouldn't listen. Stubborn child."

"No, it is alright. I wouldn't dare to take offense," Melina said in a hurry. She actually felt nervous, surrounded by the Sinclair family. Richard was nothing more than an annoyance, but Melina had to be careful around the Duke and Duchess.

People walking the promenade also peered at them with interest. Nobody dared to stare for too long, but it was clear that they wanted to know what had attracted the attention of these high-standing nobles.

"How are you and Sienna feeling, Melina? I heard you got attacked yesterday after you took me home! We should have sent some knights to protect you!" Charlotte said, squeezing Melina's hand.

"No, no! You couldn't have predicted it would happen," Melina shook her head.

"Even if you couldn't, it is worrisome that a monster could reach so deep into town unnoticed," the Duke gave her a significant look that indicated that he knew exactly what had happened yesterday.

"I'm sorry," Melina blurted out.

"Why are you apologizing?" The Duchess asked in surprise.

"Oh… It's just that I feel responsible for what happened yesterday," Melina said. After all, the Monster Lord was specifically targeting her.

The Duke narrowed his eyes. "Tell me. Do you suspect that such attacks might happen again in the future?"

"Yes, they likely might…" she admitted.

The Duke and the Duchess frowned and looked at each other.

"It will not be a problem, Father," Alistair said, having returned with two drinks and a bottle of hot sauce in his hand. He gave the red drink, which had chunks of ice floating in it, to Melina and uncorked the hot sauce.

Sienna instantly perked up, peeking out from underneath Melina's dress.

"Oh! Let me feed her!" Charlotte said, taking both the hot sauce and the wyrm in her hands and sitting down next to the Duchess. Sienna was licking at the bottle eagerly.

Then Alistair sat down next to Melina with his orange drink in hand. He wrapped his hand around her shoulders and looked at his father in a challenging manner.

Melina stared nervously at the two men glaring at each other. She felt like she was caught in a crossfire. What was she supposed to do in this situation? A single world could cause a metaphorical explosion. The Duchess, on the other hand, looked very amused.

"Do tell why it won't be a problem?" The Duke asked in a low voice.

"Because I'll remain in Sunglow and defeat any intruding monsters," Alistair said boldly. Melina couldn't believe that he was challenging his father head-on.

The Duke narrowed his eyes. "What if it's too strong for you to defeat?"

"It's alright. I'm not alone. There's Sienna, there's the Guild, and plenty of talented adventurers. I'm sure we'll manage."

"What if I were to order you to return to the manor?"

"I would refuse."

Melina could feel herself shrinking under the tension. She didn't even dare to breathe too deeply.

"Oh, honey, enough teasing the children. We came here to give them the good news, didn't we?" The Duchess said with a smile, and just like that, the tension vanished.

"What good news?" Charlotte asked.

"We… We won't be pushing for marriage with the princess," The Duke said.

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Alistair blinked at his father in disbelief.

"You won't?"

"You're so stubborn. Once you've decided something, there's no changing your mind. I'm too old to deal with your tantrums," the Duke said indignantly, then added. "It doesn't mean that I approve of what you two have going here."

"Oh, hush, dear! Let the young ones enjoy some time together," the Duchess chuckled and lifted her hand. The Duke instantly helped her up.

"Enjoy your date!" Charlotte gave Melina a large, knowing grin and hurried after her parents.

"Wait… but Sienna!" Melina watched helplessly as Charlotte carried her familiar away. The little glutton was still eating the hot sauce.

"It's okay, I'll bring her to my brother's home later. Imagine how jealous everyone will be about me carrying a wyrm around!" Charlotte cackled.

"We'll make sure your monster remains safe," The Duchess said and waved them goodbye.

Melina and Alistair were left alone on the bench, looking as the Sinclair family retreated in the distance.

"Sorry about that," he said awkwardly, once they were out of sight.

"No, it's alright. They actually helped me. Richard was actually the first one to spot me," Melina said.

"Richard is here?" Alistair frowned. "Did he do something to you?"

"No, as I said, your parents and Charlotte helped me out."

"So he did say something. I'm going to have a word with that bastard later," Alistair seethed.

"It's fine. Really. I'm just glad that the Duke hasn't decided to blame me for what happened yesterday. Because it is—"

"Don't you even dare to say that it is your fault!" He interrupted.

"But—"

"No, Melina! You're not the one who caused the attack, so stop taking the blame," Alistair said firmly. "Why don't you take a sip of your drink instead?"

Melina sighed and took a sip. Her tongue got coated with a pleasant flavor of strawberry. The ice in the drink kept it nice and refreshing—perfect for a hot summer day.

"It's good, thank you!"

He nodded, taking a sip of his own. "Oh, that's better than I thought."

They sat and talked about the festivities and the ongoing events. Apparently, there were lots of interesting things going on the last day. Rides on small boats with enhanced magitech engines that made them go super fast. Large moving monster puppets where people had to hold onto their back for as long as possible.

Not to mention all the shows. There were more magic shows—apparently, every magic performer in Alemahria has come to the festival. The evening would culminate with the release of lanterns into the sea. An event meant for couples and families, as apparently releasing a lantern together would mean that you'd remain together forever.

"Do you feel rested now?" Alistair asked once she was done drinking the sweet juice.

"Yes, thank you," she nodded.

"Then… Then you perhaps like to walk around the festival with me?"

"Wasn't that already what we were doing?" She asked, amused.

Alistair winced clumsily and cleared his throat. "Well, yes… But I wondered if you'd like to release a lantern in the sea… together with me."

Melina flushed. She was no fool–she knew that the two of them were getting increasingly closer. She could feel that their relationship was changing. But was she ready for that change?

Alistair looked at her nervously, likely taking her silence as apprehension. She couldn't believe that this man, once a [General] who led the mightiest army in Alemahria, looked so vulnerable in front of her.

"I… Yes, I'd like that," she finally said.

It didn't seem like the Duchess and Charlotte were against them spending time together. Melina was also feeling a bit selfish today. She wanted to enjoy herself, and she had no idea what could be better than spending a relaxing time together with Alistair. So what if it was a romantic outing? Was it safe to call this a date?

Alistair beamed at her and said as if he had heard her thoughts. "Wonderful, it's a date then!"

The day passed by in a blur. They enjoyed the sights and watched various shows by the seaside. They participated in some silly stall games, like hitting the monster with a ball. It was meant to be a child's game, but as it turned out, Melina's arm strength wasn't quite enough to reliably hit the monster cutouts.

Alistair obviously had no issue, hitting them all on the first try and winning the grand prize—a wyrm plushie.

"Sienna is going to love this!" Melina said, squeezing the plush close to her chest. It was red, not black, but she was willing to accept the color difference.

They also ate together, enjoying some pineapples from overseas as well as a dish from Su Xien called sushi. It was odd, little clumps of rice covered with various raw fish. She was skeptical at first, but after tasting the first, Melina was hooked. She had no clue that raw fish with rice and a bit of salty sauce could taste so good.

"I wish I could eat this every day," Melina said with a blissful expression, eating her twelfth piece.

"I don't think even I could afford that at the rate you're eating them," Alistair chuckled. Eight pieces had proven enough for him.

"Sorry. It's because my body is still recovering. I'm hungrier than usual. I can pay," Melina said nervously.

"I'm just kidding. Eat to your heart's content. I just have to wonder where it all goes. You're so small."

"Dimensional stomach," she said with a serious expression.

Alistair chuckled, but when Melina didn't laugh his expression turned serious too. "Wait, really?"

"No, of course not! Only monsters can possess such a skill," she shook her head and laughed.

"You got me there!"

They strolled along the beachside, shoes in their hands as they enjoyed the warm ocean waves along with other festival goers. Kids were squealing and playing in the water, while a violin played in the background, creating a harmony together with the waves.

The sun was setting, and Melina could feel a pleasant sort of tiredness tingling through her body. The day had been wonderful. She hadn't gone on many dates in her past life, but this was definitely the best one she had ever had.

"Let's choose a lantern together," Alistair said once the dark had settled in and some people were already walking around with bright lanterns in their hands. There were many booths along the shore selling lanterns of various complexities and designs.

"They're all so interesting and unique. Which one do we choose?" Melina asked, looking over a stall which had lanterns with flower designs. Alistair was looking at the one with weapons on it. Neither seemed quite appropriate.

"How about this?" One vendor, a loud woman, called out to them, showing them a lantern with two doves flying together. "It'll strengthen your love and make it last for eternity."

They both flushed at her bold words. Being open about these feelings was new for Melina, and she wasn't quite sure how to handle them.

"I'm alright with it if you are," Alistair said.

Melina looked around the stall and then noticed a lantern with two phoenixes flying upwards.

"How about this one?" Melina pointed to it.

"Oh! The eternal phoenixes! You have a good eye, young miss. With this, you'll be together not just in this life, but in the next one as well. Like a reborn phoenix, so shall you meet each other again and again. But are you ready for such a level of commitment?" The woman eyed them slyly.

"We'll take the phoenixes, please," Alistair said firmly.

The woman chuckled and happily sold them the lantern. It turned out more expensive than the other ones, but Alistair paid without hesitation.

As he took the lantern with one hand, he offered the other to Melina. Silently, hand in hand, they approached the water where others were already releasing their lantern and watching them float out into the sea.

"I wonder if it's right to put all these lamps that go out into the sea?" She asked awkwardly, unsure of what to say at the moment.

"Don't worry, the materials will all degrade and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Apparently, the paper is edible for fish," Alistair explained.

"Oh, that's good…" She said, feeling her cheeks heat up as they approached the water's edge. For a moment, there was a heavy silence as they gazed at the lantern.

"Melina… You know, in the past we've been through a lot and we've been through it together. However, even so, I feel myself yearning for more. I'd like for us to be more than just friends. I know both of our futures are difficult. We have to deal with the Church and save the world, but I'd like to face all of these difficulties together with you. By your side as your one and only lover and perhaps even something more once the time is right," he said in a gentle whisper while holding her hand.

His fingers trembled as he spoke, but he gazed firmly at her, his golden eyes shining brilliantly as the light of the lantern illuminated them. She wasn't sure how to respond to his heartfelt words.

"I… I never expected to see you again. The day you died felt like the day when I lost a huge part of who I was. The best part. When I saw you again here in Sunglow, I was so overjoyed but also so afraid. I didn't want you to relive the same fate. I wanted you to live a peaceful life without remembering the past. So I distanced myself from you."

"But no matter how hard I tried, it seems that events always brought us back together. Each moment spent together with you is a moment I feel more complete. I… I'm not sure how I could even go living without you by my side anymore. You're always there whenever I need you, always supporting me. I don't know how to repay your kindness," she said, feeling tears prickling in the corners of her eyes.

"What are you talking about? It's I who doesn't know how to repay your kindness. I've been so pushy this time around, and you don't utter a single complaint," he said, squeezing one of her hands. "Melina, will you become my lover?"

"Of course, I will! There is nobody else I would choose. Not before, not now, not ever," she said, letting a tear of happiness roll down her cheek. Alistair likewise had a tear roll down.

She reached out and wiped it away while he wiped away hers. Slowly, the distance between them closed. They gently set the lantern aside in the water while looking into each other's eyes.

The distance closed until she could feel his hot breath on her lips, and for the first time ever, they kissed. It was a gentle kiss at first as they tried to understand whether the other was alright with this. But before long, they were lost deep into each other's embrace while the lantern with two phoenixes floated out into the sea.

As they gazed at it, Melina dared to hope that they'll be able to save this world, the serene peace of the sea. Their journey would be long and hard, but together they would endure.