Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 188: Star Players, Part Seventeen

{Caroline}

[Hm...] Caroline somewhat bashfully looked away from the individual to her right as the car she was in trudged along, down the road. [This is rather awkward, is it not?]

Enverna was sitting in the backseat with her.

She hadn’t said a word since they’d gotten in. Even the driver was looking back through the rearview mirror constantly, as it seemed the awkwardness was spreading to him.

[... But, I will be damned if she does not look beautiful like this.]

Sitting with her legs crossed, clad in a frosty blue dress with a golden necklace, staring out the window, Enverna even more so resembled a sort of princess. One that Caroline could never hope to claim for herself.

Just then, Caroline’s phone began to buzz.

"Yes?" She answered. Only now did Enverna’s eyes flick over to her.

"Miss Ange?" A professional, masculine tone answered. "Hello, I’m calling to let you know that we are good to go. Whenever you feel like it, feel free to make your way over."

"Oh," Caroline smiled to herself. "I’m actually on my way right now."

"Perfect. Have a good trip."

"Thank you."

Just as quickly as it had begun, the conversation ended.

[Alright then.]

Soon, Caroline and Enverna stepped out of their car and approached the grand entrance of the Shields of Saren’s guildhall.

A couple of men greeted them as they entered, offering polite nods of acknowledgment before directing Caroline toward the designated interview area.

Enverna followed closely behind, her expression unreadable as she surveyed their surroundings.

[Even now, we can’t let our guard down. She’s right to want to do a little inspection.]

In the interview room, Caroline was met by the interviewer, a man with a friendly smile and an air of professionalism.

Cameras stood ready, poised to capture every word and gesture.

"Miss Ange, it’s a pleasure to have you here," the interviewer said, extending a hand in greeting.

Caroline returned the gesture with a warm smile.

"Thank you for having me."

As the cameras began to roll, the interviewer wasted no time in diving into the questions.

"So, before we get to the stuff your fans really want to know about, what brings you to Telvan, Miss Ange?"

Caroline’s smile widened.

"I’m here to visit some friends and catch up on old times."

The interviewer nodded, jotting down notes as he continued.

"You’ve had some famous missions dealing with Fiends in the past. Can you tell us a little about those experiences?"

Caroline couldn’t help but smirk a little.

"If I get into all of them, this will be the longest interview you’ve ever done."

The man laughed.

"Well, how about the latest adventure? Dozens of pictures of you helping save Garriden have flooded the internet, you know? Care to share any thoughts on that day?"

Caroline’s expression grew thoughtful as she recalled that whole string of tense situations, one after another.

She explained how she felt, making sure not to dive into too much detail. She didn’t want to betray her newfound friends’ privacies.

"... Certainly challenging missions. Dealing with those Fiends required a combination of strength, strategy, and courage. But with the support of my team... well, Garriden is still standing, is it not?"

Midway through her response, Caroline noticed Enverna’s intense gaze fixed upon her.

The intensity of her stare was almost palpable, and Caroline couldn’t help but feel a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks.

[Is there something on my face? What’s got her acting like this?]

The interviewer turned his attention to Enverna, seated next to Caroline, a hint of intrigue flashed in his eyes.

"And, Miss Alteri, if I may ask you something- may I ask you something?"

"You may."

"How does your fiance, Lianna, feel about you traveling alongside a bombshell like Caroline?"

Caroline’s eyes widened.

Enverna’s expression remained composed, betraying nothing of the thoughts swirling beneath the surface.

She took a moment to consider her response before speaking, her voice steady and measured.

"If she minds at all, I’d be more than happy to make it up to her in private."

Her words were delivered with a calm confidence that sent a shiver down Caroline’s spine.

As the interview drew to a close, the interviewer turned to Caroline once more.

"Is there anything you’d like to say to our viewers, Miss Ange?"

Caroline took a moment to gather her thoughts before addressing the camera directly.

"To all the members of the Watchful, I want to remind you to remain strong in the face of adversity. I have friends in the Watchful, as you can see," she gestured at Enverna. "Those who seek to harm the Watchful will be held accountable for their actions. Justice will prevail."

With those words of encouragement, Caroline concluded the interview, feeling a sense of satisfaction running through her veins.

---

As Enverna and Caroline made their way back to the car, Enverna stopped.

Enverna’s sudden halt caused Caroline to stumble slightly. Then, Enverna took Caroline’s hand, trying to pull her back into the Shields of Saren’s guildhall.

"What’s wrong?" Caroline inquired, her brow furrowing with concern.

Enverna glanced around discreetly before leaning in closer to Caroline, her voice lowered to a hushed tone.

"Have you forgotten that we needed to ask about the Watchful attacks?" she murmured, her eyes darting around to ensure no one overheard their conversation.

[Oh.]

"Oh."

Caroline’s eyes widened in realization.

"Of course," Caroline continued to reply, her tone tinged with chagrin. "Apologies, I got sidetracked during the interview."

Enverna’s gaze softened, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"I suppose it’s easy for a *celebrity* like you to get caught up in the moment."

Though her tone was teasing in nature, a small amount of that admiration, that hidden glint in her eye, that Enverna had when she and Caroline first met a month ago had returned.

As Caroline met Enverna’s gaze, she couldn’t help but notice the proximity between them.

Caroline found herself momentarily transfixed by the intensity in Enverna’s eyes.

Before Caroline could process the sudden shift in the atmosphere, Enverna leaned in closer, her lips tantalizingly close to Caroline’s.

For a fleeting moment, Caroline’s heart skipped a beat, anticipation coursing through her veins.

And then, with an even bigger smirk, Enverna simply said:

"Focus." And, she pulled back.

Caroline’s cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and disappointment as she watched Enverna stride purposefully back toward the guild hall.

Regaining her composure, Caroline followed suit, her mind buzzing with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.