Chloe and Lloyd had comfortably settled into their new daily rhythm. Their mornings began together with breakfast, followed by Lloyd heading to work while Chloe tended to the home. Evenings were a time spent together over dinner, after which they indulged in their individual interests—Chloe lost in her books and Lloyd dedicated to his training. The day would always end with them reunited in the comfort of the same bed. Before they realized it, the day of the embroidery exhibition had arrived.
As they stepped into the grand hall, a gasp of awe escaped Chloe. Her eyes shone with delight, taking in the wonders that Ciel’s gift had brought. The hall, illuminated by the soft glow of chandeliers, was a symphony of color and design, with embroidery displays stretching from one end to the other. The setup was vibrant and lively, reminiscent more of a bustling local market than a curated museum event, with artisans proudly presenting their creations in individually decorated booths and glass cases.
The variety of themes was breathtaking—coats of arms, pastoral scenes, vibrant depictions of flora and fauna, and even intricate religious tableaux, all rendered in multicolored threads and complex stitch patterns. In one corner, a crowd gathered around master embroiderers demonstrating their craft live, their skilled hands weaving magic into fabric.
Heaven. Chloe had stepped into heaven.
“Look at all this...” Even her plus-one couldn’t hide his admiration.
Compared to other artistic pursuits like painting or pottery, embroidery no doubt occupied a more modest place in the public’s imagination. But even then, there were enough enthusiasts and admirers gathered to fill up the kingdom’s largest hall. Even Lloyd, as ill-equipped to handle needlework as he was, couldn’t help but find himself immersed in the sheer artistry on display. Each piece told a story—countless hours of dedication, pinned down in color and texture. It stirred in him the same sense of awe he might feel at the foot of a grand cathedral: here stood a monument to centuries of labor and devotion.
And if this was Lloyd’s impression, just imagine how Chloe was feeling.
“Look at that!” she exclaimed, jumping to a nearby booth. “The threads seem almost alive, as if they might move at my touch! The way this flower is stitched, its colors so vividly captured... It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen...”
Her attention was immediately captured by another display. “Goodness me, what bold, geometric patterns! The vibrant colors, the striking contrast—it’s breathtaking! And the lion in the center, it’s the very embodiment of majesty. I’m at a loss for words...”
Chloe’s enthusiasm was infectious as she moved energetically from one booth to the next, her eyes wide with admiration. Each booth’s creator, present to showcase their work, nodded in appreciation of her genuine praise. Their craft receiving such recognition was a true honor.
At another booth, Chloe’s curiosity got the better of her. She approached the artisan and inquired, “Excuse me, how did you create this section?” while pointing to a specific piece.
The man behind the booth leaned forward, a smile on his face. “Ah, this part? It’s a type of knotted stitch. French knots, they’re called. They have a way of standing out, don’t they?”
“So they’re individual knots! That’s why they look so full and vibrant!” she exclaimed. “Their texture is so appealing, and they really highlight the color gradation!”
The man looked delighted beyond words. “You have a keen eye, young lady. That’s exactly my intention—using French knots and gradation to add depth to the piece. It’s always a pleasure to meet someone who appreciates the finer details.”
Just like that, Chloe eagerly seized the opportunity to engage with her fellow artisans. Round and round she went, her curiosity unbridled. Each time she encountered a technique or design she didn’t understand, she eagerly sought clarification. Midway through her gleeful journey, she suddenly remembered her companion.
“Lloyd, I completely forgot about you; I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, her eyes swimming with remorse. “You must be finding this terribly dull.”
Lloyd, however, looked at her with a gentle, understanding gaze. “Don’t worry about me. I’m quite enjoying watching you enjoy yourself,” he reassured her. “You are enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”
Chloe nodded, a sheepish smile on her face. “Yes, I am. I’m having the time of my life.”
“That’s what matters,” Lloyd affirmed. Noticing Chloe’s lingering concern, he added, “While I may not be well-versed in embroidery, I can still appreciate the skill and effort in these works. True talent is universal, recognizable even to those unfamiliar with the craft.”
Chloe’s spirits lifted at his words. “That’s exactly how I feel when I see you in action with your sword!”
Lloyd tilted his head, puzzled. “But my swordsmanship is hardly extraordinary.”
“If the First Order’s ace’s swordplay isn’t extraordinary, then what is?” Chloe countered, her voice full of admiration.
“Well, while I may be better than many, there are still those who surpass me. I can’t consider myself at the top.”
“Well, you are in my eyes.”
Her words, so brimming with confidence and admiration, made Lloyd shrink back in embarrassment.
Chloe had witnessed Lloyd’s fighting form on many occasions. Whether it was defending her from thugs in the park, his duel with Luke at the castle, or the confrontation with Lily, Chloe could pick any single moment and rattle on endlessly about the beauty in Lloyd’s form, the understated grace in which he handled his sword. In Chloe’s eyes, and likely in the eyes of many others, Lloyd’s skill was nothing short of spectacular, a true spectacle of martial artistry.
“I could never move like you do,” Chloe admitted softly. “The way you maneuvered around my sister’s bodyguards was incredible.”
“It wasn’t anything extraordinary.”
Chloe looked at him curiously. “Why do you say that?”
“It’s more about courage than technique.”
“Courage...” she echoed.
“Fear not your opponent’s blade,” Lloyd explained. “Fear impairs the mind, hobbles the body. Once fear is removed, you can analyze and counter your opponent’s actions effectively.”
Chloe nodded along as she absorbed his words. “Wow...”
“Practice is all well and good, but there is no substitute for the real thing. Real combat situations are unpredictable. Random obstacles, places to hide, things of that sort. You must be constantly aware of your environment, ready to adapt and use whatever is at hand.”
“The world of combat is indeed profound,” Chloe mused, her respect for Lloyd’s expertise growing.
“Have you any interest in it? In my opinion, you have what it takes. With a little training, we can make a swordsman out of you yet.”
Chloe shyly demurred. “I’m not sure I can handle pain very well. I think I’ll stick with the needle instead...”
“Oh,” Lloyd uttered, slightly disappointed. “Sorry, we’re here to focus on your interests; forget about mine.”
“Not at all! I enjoy hearing you talk about combat. You’re so passionate about it.”
Lloyd smiled. “Then you understand how I feel being here with you.”
Chloe gasped, surprised by Lloyd’s smooth reply, much to his enjoyment.
“Really, I’m having a good time.”
And with that, any remaining shadow of doubt that Lloyd was forcing himself vanished from Chloe’s mind.
“Come on, let’s keep going. We’re barely through with this place,” Lloyd suggested.
“Right...” Chloe said, still in shock.
Lloyd stretched out a hand. “Stick close to me. It’s crowded here.”
“Thank you...” she muttered, intertwining her fingers with his. Their comforting size, their faint warmth—every aspect of the experience sent her heart racing, a sensation she wondered if she’d ever grow accustomed to.
Hand in hand, they delved deeper into the exhibition, united in their exploration and mutual appreciation of each other’s worlds.