SFS Chapter 61: The Island of beautiful women III
Chapter 61: The Island of beautiful women III
Chapter 61 - The Island of beautiful women IIICecilia remained quiet as she led them through the village, and Ceremus took the opportunity to observe their surroundings.
The houses were unlike those in Trojas. Built from wood, bamboo, and terracotta, they stood in stark contrast to the stone and brick structures of his homeland. Their sloping roofs were designed for efficient rainwater drainage, considering how the climate was much more humid on the island and it was common to experience rainfall. The houses were built to protect from such damage.
As they moved further north, the homes began to change. The simple dwellings gave way to larger, multistory structures—carefully crafted and far more refined than the others. These homes bore a striking resemblance to the courtyard residences found in the outer city, exuding a quiet luxury that set them apart from the rest of the village.
Eventually, Cecilia stopped in front of one of the houses, its design noticeably more polished. The building had a spacious private room with ample space to lounge, with an unmistakable air of comfort woven into its walls.
"This will be where you'll be staying during your time here," she said, her voice carefully measured.
She hesitated before adding, "Unfortunately, it isn't much and only has two rooms, but it's the most recently renovated."
Her tone was polite but cautious, her wariness still evident. She fully expected the haughty king to turn his nose up at the accommodations.
But Ceremus said nothing.
Instead, his golden eyes swept over the space in quiet assessment.
Cecilia held her breath, waiting.
Yet, he offered no complaint. No disdain.
Just silence.
"Thank you for accommodating us—everything looks lovely," Hael spoke up, his voice warm and sincere on behalf of them both.
Cecilia's brows lifted in surprise. "I'm glad you think so," she replied, her gaze lingering on Hael, studying him cautiously, as if
Hael furrowed his brows, confused by the question but answered anyway. "Yes, I have. Many times, in fact," he admitted.
"I don't believe our encounter was mere chance, Hael. Everything that led up to this moment happened for a reason, and I suspect it has something to do with your origins," Ceremus said.
"My origins?" Hael echoed, his mind drifting back to his conversation with Maximus.
He recalled how the gorilla had told him that Ceremus was someone he shouldn't let go of—someone he needed to love and protect. At the time, he wasn't sure what to make of those words. But now, he was convinced that Maximus had meant something more. Ceremus wasn't just important—he was the person Hael had been searching for. His destined one. His chosen one.
The realization made Hael's heart flutter. He couldn't help but stare at the man beside him.
Ceremus, sensing Hael's gaze, turned slightly, catching the soft, tender glow in his eyes. His heart skipped a beat. Then, Hael's fingers brushed against his hand—just the faintest touch, made his skin feel warm and tingly.
He pursed his lips before looking away. "We would have met each other regardless of what happened to you back in the Aphthonia Forest. You would have been able to see the world and experience it with your own two eyes—"
Ceremus' breath hitched as Hael suddenly interlocked their fingers, cutting his words short.
"What are you—"
"I'm glad it happened then," Hael murmured. "I'm glad I got the chance to meet you, Ceremus. Because of you, I've been able to experience so many new and incredible things."
His words caught in his throat, unable to utter another word. His golden eyes widened in shock, his chest tightened at Hael's kind words, and a flush of heat crept over him in embarrassment.
"I-I—" he stammered, but before he could finish, a loud roar echoed in the distance.
Both men's heads snapped toward the direction of the sound.
"What was that?" they said in unison.
Ceremus frowned. "That didn't sound like the roar of a monster or a beast."
At that same moment, Hypsipyle awoke from her slumber. "They're coming."