【Beginning】
Rococo stood side by side with other ladies. They were all dressed up glamorously, but Rococo was the most gorgeous, attracting the eyes of a guard nearby. A tall man came in through a side door, glanced at each lady, and stopped in front of Rococo. The man lifted her chin to take a closer look at her beauty.
- Minister: Your hair is as red as fire. It’s rare. I bet the landlord will love it...What’s your name?
Rococo responded with appropriate etiquette while maintaining eye contact.
- Rococo: I’m Rococo, slave of Master Landlord. I’ll try my best to serve Master well.
- Minister: You’re pretty, but your eyes look too sharp, not like a slave at all. I’m afraid you’re not suitable.
The minister let go of Rococo’s hand, picked the most petite lady and sent the remaining back. Rococo, however, was not satisfied the result. She decided she had to approach the landlord and find her way home. Thus, Rococo sneaked out without alerting the guard and headed to the city centre. She bumped into a young boy accidentally at a corner. The two looked painful, lying on the ground.
- Rococo: I’m so sorry. Are you alright?
- Guard: He’s gone that way! Get him!
- Young Boy: Darn it! They’re coming. Follow me now!
【End】
The two escaped from the soldiers and rested under a tree behind the courtyard. Rococo looked closer at the young boy. He was handsome, around fifteen or sixteen years old. His look of innocence reminded Rococo of her past before being a slave. She had no idea why the boy was being chased by the guards, so she asked curiously.
- Rococo: Why were you being chased?
- Young Boy: I haven’t seen my friend for a long while. I was bored so I wanted to find her, but they didn’t let me out. That’s why I escaped.
- Rococo: “Looks like he is a son of a noble. The guards are to keep him from making any troubles.”
- Rococo: “If I bring him back, it may be a shortcut for me to approach the landlord…”
A flying red bird sang loudly all of a sudden. The echo drew the young boy’s attention. He looked at the bird out of curiosity, and then at Rococo’s hair.
- Young Boy: The colour of the bird is similar to your hair. It’s red and beautiful! That’s the first time I’ve seen that!
- Rococo: It’s a red goshawk. Their feathers are red in summer, but deep blue in winter.
- Rococo: They’re close to humans. Give them some training and they can help you deliver letters.
- Young Boy: Oh! Really? Interesting! Can you tell me more?
Because of his enthusiasm, Rococo shared lots of her interesting stories. The young boy was very attentive and asked lots of questions. For a moment, Rococo forgot about her current situation and worries and jabbered on about the past. It was not until the moon was out that She finally remembered her mission.
- Rococo: I still have something to do. There is no time to waste anymore. Better get going.
- Young Boy: I still want to listen. What are you up to? I can help. Then you can continue your stories.
- Rococo: It’s not that simple. You can’t help me...because I want to meet the landlord!
- Young Boy: Easy job! Mission accomplished. Um, I’m actually the landlord!