This chapter was posted at the same time as Chapter 20; be careful to not skip that one. With over 30,000 words combined, a simple error checking became a herculean task. There will likely be more of those than usual, which hopefully will be spotted and fixed later. The Author will leave it to his future self.
Chapter 21: House of La Vallière
Cattleya de La Vallière was blessed with beauty from the day she was born.
That is only natural, for she is a daughter of her mother.
Growing up being showered by praises of the people around her, the young Cattleya believed their words unquestioningly. Once she entered her teen, also known as rebellious phase, she reassessed the praises with a more mature mind, and made her own conclusion that, though the flatteries from servants and serfs were affected by her station, from an objective viewpoint, they were still true. After all, she was a daughter of her mother, and her appearance was one feature she was proud to have inherited from her.
However, the similarity ends there. Under the shell, both of them are quite the opposite.
Under the guise of a proud and elegant duchess, as is the norm of noble ladies of her status, is a mother who is troubled by her inability to balance education and communication with her daughters, who has kept her dignified knightly glory locked away as a thing of the past. Within a girl of noble descent who is gentle to her little sister and patient with her elder sister is a very ordinary girl. The most damning secret she has was sneaking a book into her room to read past her bed time.
But then, under the girl's plain and ordinary self, a devil has come to lurk. The girl, and the people close to her, would only come to realise it after it had reared its head.
Ever since that day, Cattleya constantly felt the presence of that devil. It has made its nest deep within, so deeply rooted as though it had always been there since the day she was born.
It lied in wait, and when people least expected it, came out to hunt. The number of people who had fallen prey cannot be counted by two hands; amongst them many had been on the verge of death, had help not arrived in time.
If this is a storybook, the devil will have been vanquished by a brave knight long ago.
However, the knight was but a human. She might turn her wand on her own daughter, but would never swing it down. She could only keep the devil locked in her house, preventing it from harming people.
But the devil would continue to plague the house, rotting it from the inside. Those who give the devil their smiles, speak to in gentle voices, holding its hand, warming its body with their kindness: they are slowly, but surely, being eaten away. Even then, they never let go.
That was why it fell to her to pull away from their embrace.
Or maybe this is but its desire to escape; the girl and the devil no longer distinguishable.
Turning its back on the warmth, letting itself sink into the darkness; embraced by solitude, comforted by silence.
No longer can any hand reach her; no longer can her loved ones be hurt.
...
...!
"Why...?"
It is my first time taking this horned, winged form, but I instantly know by instinct what I am capable of, as all creatures know how to breathe the moment they were born.
A human charmed by my magic should not be able to think, much less move. I am a hunter. No snake would expect a mouse to be able to survive its poison.
So why doesn't this hand let go?
Luka: "Miss Cattleya...! It's time to go back to your family...!"
...!
Not just the fingers, my wrist is now in his grasp. I already knew I can't win against his strength.
I'll just do it again...!
Magic gathered at my eyes, sent into Luka's, permeating his entire body; I can feel all of its movement.
...Why, why doesn't this hand let go...?
"Why...? Ah...!"
I'm being dragged down; the giant bird heading toward the ground.
...It's useless to resist. If my magic doesn't work, there's nothing else I can do.
...
Although, I could try fighting back, try resisting, try to seek an opening...but, it's fine. ...It's over.
...
My feet touch the grass. His hand lets go.
Luka probably knows, that I no longer have any desire to run.
Luka: "You're not going to fly away again?"
"I can't run from you anyway, can I? I have little strength; pushing myself harder would only tire me out."
It's strange. I was so determined to go as far as possible from the house, but now, even though I know I'm going to be brought back there, I don't feel like resisting as much as I should.
Part of it might be the instinct that tells me to obey someone who has bested me; maybe it is an instinct of a devil.
...That would be blaming it on the unknown. Who am I lying to? I know how relieved I am that I am going back home. I know how glad I am that I will be able to see them again. I know it so well I am disgusted with myself.
We're getting on the giant bird again. I let my body move as Luka directs me to; not too different from when I was living in that empty hallway; not different at all.
Luka: "Let's go back. Don't forget to apologise when we get there."
"Apologise...Yes, I guess."
But what do I apologise for? For running away, for failing to run away, for becoming like this, for all the trouble I've caused? Whichever it is, Father will probably forgive me immediately. What meaning would there be in an apology, when forgiveness is certain?
Ah, but how relieved would I be to hear the word of forgiveness from them? How guilty would I feel right after that?
...Ugh. I can't run anyhow. Just thinking about it makes me queasy. Let's just think about something else for now...
"This is the first time I've used these powers, you know."
Luka: "Ah, yes, I kind of guessed it. I was surprised you managed to use them one after another."
"I feel like I've known what I can do since long ago. That's why I was shocked it didn't work on you. How did you do it?"
Luka: "It wasn't me actually. I...had help. One I didn't expect. ...May be there will be a chance to tell you about it later."
This isn't the mood to talk about complicated things, yes, though it would help distract me...
Luka: "By the way..."
"What is it?"
Luka: "If you know the word 'monster' then please use that instead. Don't say 'devil'."
"Oh, right. Luka has friends who are devils—monsters, don't you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult your friends."
I don't hate or even fear this existence called monster. If it's a monster as kind as Luka, we can even be friends.
"But I, myself, can't be a monster. You can accept non-humans as friends, so you probably wouldn't understand."
Luka does not respond, nor looks back.
He speaks, after a while.
Luka: "What does monsters' existence mean in Halkeginia, I have some idea, but don't really understand it. I've been hearing things about the elves many times, that they are dangerous, and I still can't wrap my head around it."
Luka rubs the back of the giant bird we're riding on.
Luka: "But I'm sure I know one thing better than Miss Cattleya does right now."
His voice is so full of confidence, that I can't help but be curious, be hopeful.
"What is it?"
Luka: "Louise isn't as tough as Miss Cattleya thinks, and not as weak."
Louise... I never expected to hear someone outside of my family say that they know about Louise better than I do. Why would he say that; how could he be so confident in saying that to her elder sister.
"What do you mean by that?"
Luka: "You probably think that Louise would be sad when you leave, but will continue on with her life, finding happiness, and eventually forget about you and the sadness someday."
...
"Louise still has Father, Mother, Sister Eléonore. She will meet many more people in the future. Even if she loses me, she wouldn't be alone."
Luka: "That's true. As time goes by, sadness will fade. Louise will think about you less and less, spending more of her time and thought on other things, and become happy in her life like any normal person."
...It's what I expect myself, but being told that by others still hurts.
Luka: "But she will never forget."
Luka's tone lowers.
Luka: "Louise will always remember not being able to save someone she loved. Every time Louise is reminded of you, Louise will ask herself why she couldn't save you. She might not let her tears show, but she will cry on the inside. Louise is that kind of person."
His tone is heavy, confident. Luka believes every word he is saying, as though he is talking about himself.
...I'm picturing Louise as Luka said she would be. I can't dismiss it. I know my own little sister; Louise could really become like that.
Luka: "Maybe there would be someone who would save Louise from blaming herself, but such person is rare. She might not meet one her entire life."
...My body begins to shake on its own. Ever since I've made the decision to leave, this is the first time fear grips my heart.
There is no way...no way I can leave now. I can't make that decision anymore, as long as this image of Louise still haunts me.
But, I can't stay either. The picture of our house slowly falling because of me is too terrifying.
"Then...What should I do...How can I save them...?"
Luka: "...I would probably sound irresponsible for saying this, but I don't know either."
"...Right, you wouldn't know...It's not your fault."
Luka: "But even if we don't know now, we might the next year, or the year after that. We can just wait until then. Louise kind of sulks a lot, but she isn't so weak as to lose to those insults."
...Louise, for someone to say that about her... Has she got so strong while I wasn't looking?
Luka: "I don't know what happened last year. But Louise I know now doesn't look like someone who has given up because of all the horrible things she had faced. She puts her all in anything she does, and even thinks about others. ...And even thinks about others sometimes, yeah."
Luka repeats the last phrase and glances away.
"Fufu."
That came from me. I didn't realise. But I really couldn't help it. The clumsy effort to compliment Louise, and not being good at lying; he is just like her.
"I see. Louise really has become such a strong girl. ...Much stronger than this elder sister of hers."
Luka: "Your father, and eldest sister too. From my experience, they seem like the type to never give up at anything. I'm not sure about your mother though."
"My, I guess that is kind of obvious, isn't it. Mother is kind of a complicated case, but I would say Louise is the most similar to her."
Luka: "Miss Cattleya, your family are all strong people. You don't have to worry about them so much. Your parents rule over a lot of land, don't they? I'm sure they can take care of everything just fine."
"...You're right. They have been taking care of the dukedom for over thirty years without large incident; of course, they are capable."
What Luka says makes sense. I should know that better than most people, but I have never thought about it in that way.
Have I been too caught up in my own thought? ...Maybe I have. It feels like I haven't thought about anything else ever since Louise went to school, to make a future for herself.
It felt like I was lacking behind all of them, holding them back, dragging them all down with me.
But, maybe things are not as bad as I made them out to be.
It's as if some weight is lifted off my chest. I feel...a bit freer, though it's also a little scary, if this turns out to be a false hope later.
Either way, what I should do now is to go back to them, and tell them everything.
...What if they reject me for being a devil, for no longer being a human?
Now I really want to run away for an entirely different reason...But, that would really be just running away, out of cowardice and not for any noble reason. I can't do that.
Ah...But, it is so terrifying, to be judged by the people I love.
Luka: "It's fine. I don't think it will be necessary, but I will help explain too. I know more about monsters than anyone here."
Oh, did he notice my distress? Not like hiding it now of all time would be of any use.
"That is true. Thank you, Luka."
My nerve probably won't calm down until this is all over, but right now I'm so thankful I'm not alone.
...Now that I think about it, maybe this is the first time in years I am truly not alone.
"You know, Luka, I actually intended to escape since the night before. You were right that Louise's voice was what stopped me. Mother showing up was unexpected, but I had known for a while I can fly without using magic, so I still thought I would be able to escape Mother without her mount."
Luka: "Huh, really? If you were in control at the time, why did you cause the scene with me? You could've just gone quietly."
"I needed someone to spread the words that I lost control of myself and attacked someone again, before escaping."
Luka: "Why? Wouldn't that just worsen the rumour?"
"...It was part of my plan. ...I'm sorry, but I can't share it with you yet."
Rather, it's too embarrassing now.
Oh...Right. The plan. I completely forgot about that.
"Luka, I have a request. Before we go back, can we stop by the river. I took off my shoes and wand around there."
Luka: "Eh? Why would you do that?"
"...It's too embarrassing to speak about it, and I'm ashamed of it now. I can only say that it was part of my escape plan. But now that I am not going to use the plan anymore, I need to retrieve them; can you take me there?"
Luka: "...I see. Just tell us where we need to go."
Luka looks unsure, but doesn't press anymore. I'm grateful for that.
"There's a river larger than the others around where you spotted me."
Luka: "Got that, Nerian?"
The giant bird doesn't response in voice, but does acknowledge the request and changes direction.
We didn't come too far from the starting point, so this probably won't take long. That is good; the sooner I fix this, the sooner I can escape this embarrassment.
It used to look like a good enough idea, even if morbid. But now, knowing that I was going to stage a suicide is just embarrassing and shameful.
I knew if I continue to stay there, the blemish on our house will never go away, but if I just disappear, my family would only face more criticism for allowing a dangerous entity to escape. Not to mention Father would search for me near endlessly.
But if the world were to believe I committed suicide to escape from the curse, at the very least some people would sympathise with my family. Most importantly, if the origin of the rumours is no more, they will just go bland over time.
The river flows fast and eventually runs into Germania's territory, so even Father cannot search its entirety. There will remain an explanation that my body simply went over there, and eventually out to the ocean. As long as that possibility still stands, Father will not be able to commit fully to the search, and he will have to give up after enough time.
The suicide was going to be staged only because I did not dare to truly take my own life.
I was never sure how effective it would be, but I was sure it would at least be something. And that would still be infinitely better that what I had been doing so far, which was nothing at all.
But maybe that was a bit too reckless...and kind of silly...
Luka: "That's the river, right?"
"Oh, yes, that is it."
Now, where did I leave my things...
...
Luka: "Where should we land?"
"...I'm sorry. It seems I have forgot where I left them."
I never plan on coming back for them, so I didn't pay attention to the surrounding, and it was too dark anyway. I couldn't see as well as I do now.
"The river runs quite a distance, so I have no idea where to look. I guess we will have to look for it after the sun comes up."
Luka: "Are you sure? Isn't a wand really important to a noble?"
"Yes, it is. But I don't really have anything to use it for, and I can fly without it, so it doesn't matter to me as much."
It's a bit worrying, but it should be some time before someone found them; I'm sure I didn't leave them too close to a settlement. As long as I get back before they are found, there shouldn't be any problem.
Luka: "So, should we go straight back to your home?"
"I think so."
There is no reason to linger anymore.
Luka: "...Are you okay, Miss Cattleya? You look pale."
"...! Am I?" I didn't notice at all.
Luka: "Did you push yourself too hard? You haven't eaten for several months after all."
"I think I'm just a bit nervous..." Or rather, very nervous. It feels as if I will have a heart attack the instant Father and Mother look at me... If only there is a way to force myself to calm down...
...But there is, isn't there; a way that can almost certainly calm myself down.
"Luka."
Luka: "Yes?" He turned around to look at me, with an innocent expression.
"Can I ask you a favour before I have to face my family?"
Luka: "Of course. If there's something I can do to help, just ask."
I knew he was going to say that.
"I need to calm my nerves and boost my confidence. There is just a way to do both for a monster, but I need your help."
Luka: "Oh? What is..."
Luka's voice trails off. His round blue eyes widen a little. Of course he would get it, if he really has friends like me.
Now that we are on the same page, I can start, first by gripping both of his upper arms, so he can't run away.
"Wait! this is a bit—Mmf!?"
...Delicious. Both his lips and the protest.
Feeling the air on my skin seems tempting, but Luka might get sick. We should continue this on the ground; the forest below should do.
There is no resistance at all as I drag us off the giant bird's back. A free fall from so high up should be primal fear for a human, yet the air, the force that pull us down, they feel comforting, as if this is now my home, rather than on the ground.
Slipping through the gap between thick branches, we land quite smoothly; flying and floating feel natural now. Luka doesn't seem to be aware of our descent, or anything else, judging from the blissful look he has on.
"Seems like it works this time. Why didn't it earlier, though?"
That was a mystery, but it's thanks to that that everything might be turning out better than I dared hope.
"By the way, Luka, you probably had this done to you quite a lot back home, had you not?"
Luka can't reply in coherent words, but I know I am right.
"You look so appetising, so fun to tease. If the monsters in your homeland were anything like me, they would never leave you alone."
It's a strange feeling; knowing in my head that what I'm about to do normally requires consent from both sides, but doing it like this also feels perfectly right: I am in total control; able to feel, touch, knead wherever I please. In fact, this is quite thrilling.
This must be monster instinct. If so, being a monster isn't as bad as I thought. Neither is it as evil or cruel as the myth made devils out to be.
This patch of grass looks good: flat, without rocks or roots; Luka's back wouldn't be hurt. I don't want his blissful expression, red face and half-opened eyes, to be interrupted.
"No need to worry. You are not betraying Louise. This is just 'a meal'." The smile, the voice, the words that should be said in this situation also come naturally.
His half-lidded eyes seem to be begging me to stop. If that really is his intention, then he is doing it totally wrong, because this is exactly what a monster would want to see.
Ah, I knew it. This really is what I need. After I'm done, I will have the strength to tackle anything thrown my way; I just know.
Nerian: "*kweh!*"
"Oh my. I forgot about you. I'm sorry, but I will need to borrow Luka for a bit."
Nerian: "*kweh!*"
"Thank you. Such a good girl. You must be proud of her, aren't you, Luka?"
Luka: "..."
He doesn't seem to be listening.
"Then, without further ado..."
First thing to do is to relieve him of his belt.
"Founder, I am grateful for this wonderful meal."
[...]
[...][...]
"A meal with family and close friends really does taste better. Don't you think so, Luka?"
{...}
{...}{...}
...There's a sound.
My body; the senses are returning. I can see, and hear.
I am lying face-up on a hard ground. The air feels a bit warm, and damp.
Also, I'm exhausted. Like a morning after a hard, all-afternoon practice with Granberia the day before. Need to gather strength back into muscles.
Clench the hands, tense the arms: good, it's working. Next, try to get up, pushing with both elbows.
Huh? Can't move my legs; something is weighting on them.
!?
Long pink hair spread across my left thigh and waist.
This is...! Last night...! So, under the pink mop of hair is...I knew it.
Cattleya-san is laying her head on my thigh. My naked thigh. Almost touching the important bits, which is still a bit sore.
?: "So, you are finally awake."
The voice is not from Cattleya-san; it's from behind me.
It's the same sound, or voice, that woke me up earlier. Wait, I know this voice...
...Another woman with the same pink hair is standing behind me, looking down on us with a cool expression.
Louise's, and Cattleya-san's, mother. In the same clothes she wore at home yesterday, plus a riding gear.
Karine: "Cattleya, wake up."
Flat voice; not too loud, but powerful, as before.
Cattleya: "Mmm~"
Cattleya-san mumbles while moving her head around; a normal thing to do when waking up, if not for the fact that she is too close to my important bits. As it is, her breaths brush against them, and her mumbling sends vibration up and down my thigh.
Cattleya-san gets up, stretches and yawns blissfully, like waking up from a very good rest following rigorous days. She looks this way, and smiles.
Cattleya: "Good morning, Luka." She says, as she wipes the corner of her mouth.
"...Good morning." Just getting this phrase out is a struggle with the pair of eyes behind me.
Cattleya-san flinches, likely noticing another person standing behind me, and looks up. Her smile is frozen.
Karine: "You are finally awake, Cattleya."
Cattleya-san opens her mouth, but no sound comes out. Her gaze flicks around quickly, at me, at herself, at my trousers and belt on the ground nearby, and then at the back of her hand, which is stained with something not saliva.
Cattleya-san scoots back, slowly stands up, holding her wrist in front of her skirt meekly, wings folded: a complete opposite of her behavior last night.
Karine: "Luka, how long are you going to stay like that?"
"I—I will fix it now!"
Need to gather up my trousers and belt! Now, get behind that tree!
...
Done. Am I forgetting anything else? My shirt is still on, and so are the boots. The cape...is a bit loose, but is still on.
I'm covered in dirt. It was a rough night, in a lot of ways...
Thinking about last night...
"Ondine."
Ondine:'We are here, contractor.'
"Thank you about last night. If not for you, I wouldn't have been able to stop Cattleya-san."
Ondine:'There is no need for gratitude. We simply acted as per the contract. Water will always protect you.'
"It was a lot of help. But then why didn't you do the same the second time?"
Or I wouldn't be in this awkwardness.
Ondine:'We only act when your determination is true and undisturbed, or when your being is in danger.'
"I see..."
That's not wrong, I guess. I was fully determined to get Cattleya-san back home the first time she tried her magic on me; there was no second guessing it. The second time though, it was her need against my want; I would need to consciously focus to stay that determined.
"Can I summon you to borrow your power beforehand?" Like I did with Undine.
Ondine:'You can. For as long as your mind stay true, the tranquility shall be yours.'
I see. That's nice to know. I'll do that next time I face an opponent that can mess with my mind.
I'm all dressed now. Time to get out there.
Standing beside each other, I and Cattleya-san wait in tense silence.
Her mother is still keeping her cool expression, both arms at her sides, while she looks at both of us at the same time.
Karine: "We received a report that your slippers and wand were found at the bank of a nearby river, so I came out to investigate, and spotted the giant bird along the way. Since the avian was taken out of the stable without the keeper's knowledge, I came down to take a look, and this is what I found."
Louise's mother watches our expressions.
Karine: "Cattleya, explain."
This is like the first night at the mansion all over again, except this time things are the opposite in a lot of ways.
We agreed that her family need to know this, but at the end of the day it's still Cattleya-san's personal matter; she should get to decide when and where to and not to say it.
Cattleya-san nods, and looks at her mother in the eye.
Cattleya: "Mother. I have something to tell you."
[...]
[...][...]
Karine: "...So, we don't need to look for your cure anymore, is that what you want to say?"
Cattleya: "Yes, it is..." Cattleya-san keeps her head down, not meeting the mother's eyes.
Karine: "And you will not lose control of yourself anymore?"
Cattleya: "I will not..."
Cattleya-san is still scared of being rejected. I wish I can say for sure she will be fine, but I don't actually know Louise's family all that well. All I can do now is silently cheering on her from the side, and add in a word or two if it becomes necessary.
Louise's mother is contemplating.
Karine: "I see. It is good that matter is settled."
The mother narrows her eyes.
Karine: "However, that was not what I asked."
Cattleya-san tenses up, and swallows.
Karine: "What I want to know, is the reason you are both lying naked in the middle of the forest, together."
...
"Eh?" We said almost simultaneously, but probably for different reasons.
Cattleya-san probably expected to be asked about her inhuman appearance, and so is surprised when it turned out to be not the case.
I'm surprised that the mother would even need to ask that question in the first place; she should be able to tell just by looking. But now I remember the common sense here is different from back home. It's not like people here will just come across the scene, blink once, then continue on to work the field like nothing unusual happened.
Karine: "If you could control yourself, then why did you do it?"
Cattleya-san seems unsure how to answer that question. She meets her mother's eyes reluctantly, and a bit abashedly.
Cattleya: "I was...hungry. I had not had a...'proper' meal for months, so I had been feeling a bit weak the entire time. And, I felt that it would give me the confidence to...talk to you all. Not to mention, Luka looked and smelled particularly appetizing."
She says the last part like I was partly responsible for this.
Karine: "...I see."
She accepted that explanation...Seriously...
Karine: "Details can come later. For now, it is good enough that you have not gone anywhere."
The mother approaches Cattleya-san...and stops in place. She glances at me, and stares, silently.
...Oh. I think I get it. I have to turn around.
*rustle*
...There's rustling of clothes.
*rustle*
Karine: "Now, you two will return to the castle with me."
So, I guess I can turn back now.
They don't look different at a glance, but on a careful inspection, the mother's clothes now have some dirt on them, when previously it was just Cattleya-san who slept on the ground.
Karine: "Look at how dirty you have gotten; you are not a little girl anymore, Cattleya. Once we return to the house, you will take a bath first, then go to the main living room. Breakfast was long finished, so you will have to wait if you are still hungry."
Cattleya: "Yes, Mother." Cattleya-san smiles; she is much more relaxed than earlier.
...Wait.
"It's long past breakfast time? What time is it?"
Karine: "About two hours before noon. If you were one of our workers you will have been due for punishment."
"Ah...Last night was pretty exhausting. I must've been more tired than I thought."
Karine: "..."
"I—I was talking about chasing after Cattleya-san to bring her back!"
Louise's mother is really hard to read; I don't know if she bought my story or not, or whether an excuse was even needed in the first place...Maybe I just made it worse.
Karine: "Familiar of Louise, my husband chased you out of the discussion last time, but for this occasion I will bear the responsibility and grant you permission to come back with us."
"Thank you."
Karine: "You and Cattleya will recount the events of last night to my husband and my daughters, exactly as you told me."
I take that back.
[...]
[...][...]
Cattleya-san enters wearing new clothes, where her family and I are waiting.
Louise: "Sister Chii!"
Louise leaps at Cattleya-san almost immediately, and they hug.
Cattleya: "I'm sorry for scaring you, Louise. Father and Sister too, I apologize for worrying you."
Cattleya-san is keeping calm, but she still sounds a little tense.
Pierre: "You really worried us. When they brough in your belongings from the river, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. But at least it got resolved fairly quickly. I am just glad you are alright."
Eléonore: "You are not off the hook, though. I will have a stern talk with you later. And here I was thinking you might not need it anymore."
Cattleya: "It seems I am not as mature as I thought after all."
Louise looks at Cattleya-san worriedly. She looks like she wants to defend Cattleya-san, but don't really know what to do or say.
Pierre: "Well, for now, come here and let us see if you are all right, and if some pest haven't been bothering you."
The glare is clearly meant for me. It's worse that he's not wrong about his suspicion this time...
Everyone seems to have settled down, aside from I, who are standing a bit away from the seating area, at the wall behind Cattleya-san and the mother. Louise and the eldest sister, sitting opposite to them, glance my way occasionally. The father, sitting at an edge of the table between them, makes it pretty clear he's ignoring me intentionally.
Cattleya: "Father, Mother, Sister Eléonore, Louise, there are...a lot I have to tell you...It's something I've known for a while, but have been keeping from you all this time..."
She looks at each of them, who are all waiting with different degree of apprehension and eagerness.
Cattleya: "I should start with my wand and slippers you found, to get them out of the way first..."
That's something even I don't know yet.
...
A fake suicide: I didn't except that.
So that's why she left it at the river. Good thing I caught her when I did. It could have been much worse. I guess it was still better than real suicides, even if to realize your ideals...
Eléonore: "That was very reckless. You couldn't have known for certain what we would do; this shrimp especially."
The eldest sister lightly pinches the right cheek of Louise who sits beside her. Louise scrunches her face, but doesn't protest; her attention is still mostly on Cattleya-san.
Eléonore: "I will admit that your expectation for the society's reaction is reasonable. However, you got one fact horribly wrong."
The eldest sister puts one of her hands on the table and leans forward slightly, staring at Cattleya-san opposite of her.
Eléonore: "If I ended up really believing you to be dead, know that I will hold someone responsible somehow, whether they are some cretinous rumor-mongers or influential nobles with grudge against our House, and make them regret ever being born. So, if you don't want me to do that, never think of something like that again."
She might or might not be exaggerating somewhat, but the resentment in her tone is very real. She must've encountered some nasty things herself.
Cattleya: "I would not dream of it anymore, Sister." Cattleya-san gives a sad smile. "And you are right; I could not have known for certain how everyone would react. ...I was desperate to do something."
Eléonore: "I know. That part of you have never changed, and it probably won't any time soon. You have just been keeping it better than before."
Pierre: "I am sorry, Cattleya. I never knew you were suffering so much about that. We really should have paid you more attention."
Cattleya: "That is not true, Father. You have been busy protecting our house from the problems that have been arising lately; the invasion from Albion, the princess's coronation, among others."
Pierre: "That still doesn't excuse my negligence. I told you yesterday, and I will say it again: I swear to you and our family, I will do whatever it takes to cure you of this 'curse' as soon as possible. I won't let you suffer from this any longer."
Cattleya-san looks clearly uncomfortable, and the father, along with the eldest sister and Louise, notice.
Cattleya: "...Thank you, truly, Father. That means the world to me. ...There is one more thing—no, one, truly important truth I have to confess."
Pierre: "...Confess? What do you mean by 'confess' ?"
Finally, it is time.
Cattleya-san is holding her shaking as best as she could, but she's not fooling anyone. Actually, she looks just like Louise when she was put before the council at the royal palace. She'll have to make up her mind anytime now, or she won't last.
She takes a breath.
Cattleya: "There is no need to find a cure for me anymore..."
...
...
She said it. All of it. With a steady voice so filled with emotions they threatened to spill out.
The room falls into silence.
It shows on their faces; everyone aside from the mother is caught entirely off guard; in Louise's case, a pure confusion.
Pierre: "...Is all of that really true..." The father mumbles the question, half at Cattleya-san, half in disbelief.
Eléonore: "..." The eldest sister crosses her arms, seemingly hesitating between taking the confession seriously or being skeptical.
Louise: "Sister Chii...?" Louise widens her eyes, fully bewildered.
Cattleya-san is tense as she observes their reactions. She probably came to the same conclusion as I am: none of them really believes her.
I guess it's not surprising, but, once again, it says a lot about the common sense of Halkeginia; or rather, the difference between what the people back home and the people here consider normal.
Eléonore: "...Well, I'll ask this just to get it out of the way: you really are sure you are not just imagining things? Are you really sure those were not just hallucinations? There have been a few cases of people who deluded themselves into thinking they were vampires in the history."
There are? There's none like that back home; at least, not that I know off, even though vampires are probably a lot more common back there.
Anyway, the eldest sister seems to really want to make this clear.
Cattleya-san hesitates. The mother glances at her, and speaks up.
Karine: "The truth is best observed by one's own eyes. Cattleya."
Cattleya: "...Yes."
Cattleya-san pushes back the chair and stands up, keeping her face straight.
Then she pulls the edge of her sweater up.
Louise: "S—Sister Chii!?"
Eléonore: "Cattleya!? What the heck are you doing?! Father, close your eyes!"
Pierre: "Eh!? Ha!?"
Bat-like wings sprout from Cattleya-san's back; at the same time, a pair of cow-like horns grow on both sides of her head. The entire room freezes.
Cattleya-san lets go of her sweater's edge and lets her arms fall to her sides. The hem of the sweater catches on to the base of her wings, and pulls on the rest of it. She looks away from her father and sisters.
Everyone seems afraid to even breathe too loud.
The screeching of a chair breaks the silence. Louise's father steps toward Cattleya-san, and stops in front of here. His eyes fix on to the bat-like wings, the two horns, then back to her face. Cattleya-san forces herself to meet her father's eyes.
Pierre: "...Cattleya. Is this you?"
Cattleya: "...Yes, Father."
Cattleya-san breaths are ragged, her shoulders shaking. I am clenching my hands just looking at this.
First it's pity, then warmth replaces it on the father's expression.
He grips Cattleya-san's both arms, and pulls her into a hug. He struggles a bit finding where to put his hands because her wings are in the way, but finally manages it.
Pierre: "I'm sorry. This is my fault, isn't it."
Cattleya: "...Father...?" Cattleya-san's eyes widen, surprised and confused.
Pierre: "I put pressure on you, pushing you away. That's why you ran, wasn't it."
Cattleya: "No...No, it wasn't Father's fault. I was the one running away, and coming up with that plan. I had a lot of time to contemplate it, and ultimately decided to go with it."
Pierre: "But it was my words, and attitudes, that forced you into that position, wasn't it. I said it like I wouldn't accept you if you aren't cured."
I don't know what they spoke to each other, but it must've been the truth, since Cattleya-san drops her confusion, and looks pained instead.
Pierre: "I was wrong to say that, to even think that. Now I know better. Even if you have changed, you are still you, our Cattleya."
Cattleya: "Father..."
Pierre: "I will not force you to be anything anymore. If there is no way for you return to be like before, or if you just want to stay like this, I won't say anything. I will still love you no matter what. Of course, you are free to, no, I want you stay in this house, as you have before all of this happened. I won't let anyone say otherwise, no matter who they are."
Cattleya: "I...I want to stay with you, with all of you as well..." Cattleya-san sounds, and looks on the verge of crying.
And she does, silently.
All the eyes around the table watch the father and the daughter with warm gazes, including mine. A smile comes out naturally.
There's a pang of loneliness in my chest too.
The small, soft body of Neris; the smooth, Nero's smooth, silver hair, and the golden eyes that watch over them.
The frequent travels I took all the time made me used to being apart from Alice and our children. Even so, there were several times, when something reminded me of them, just like now, I would feel this longing, stronger the more time spent away from them.
At this rate, in a few months I wouldn't even need to be reminded to have my head full of thoughts about them and the life I was torn away from. I wouldn't be able to focus on anything else.
...I changed my mind. It will be wrong of me to do this to Louise and her family, but I have to at least start working toward finding a way home now, starting by taking Nerian to go see the elves to the east. I'm sure we can come to an understanding somehow. Having Nerian, a fellow monster with me, should help.
It might be a bit hard to tell Louise. I can imagine how Louise will react when...
...Why is she making that face? She isn't looking at me, so it's not because I said that out loud by mistake. Then why does she look so shocked, so dismayed?
Her eyes are fixed on her father and Cattleya-san. The feeling behind that gaze is not like others from her family.
{...}{...}
{...}
Cattleya: "Father, Mother, Sister Eléonore, Louise, there are...a lot I have to tell you...It's something I've known for a while, but have been keeping from you all this time..."
What is Sister Chii talking about? What could she be hiding? Unlike me, she didn't sneak off to foreign country or deal with those political mess.
But she did ran away from home last night, so there must be something. That was very unlike her; I didn't know Sister Chii has this side of her. Luka supposedly went after her and stalled long enough for Mother to bring them back. I guess I'll have to thank him later, but for now something else much more important seems to be going on.
All of us seem to be waiting in trepidation.
Cattleya: "I should start with my wand and slippers you found, to get them out of the way first..."
Her belongings that were found at the bank of a river, that made us imagine the worst nightmare; yes, I want to know about that.
Cattleya: "I am sorry if I startled you all, but...that was exactly my intention."
...So...Sister Chii really wanted us to believe she's dead...? Why...?
Cattleya: "I thought that if the rumour spreads that I took my own life to escape the curse, the criticism toward our House will die down, and some might become sympathetic. You won't have to be targeted because of me anymore."
That...That sounds like her...and not at the same time. This again; it's the side of her I don't know.
Pierre: "Cattleya..."
Karine: "And what did you plan to do after you escape?"
Cattleya: "...I don't know. I...I know I am capable of surviving out there for a while, at least. But as for what I intend to do with my life, I did think about it somewhat, but having stayed cooped up all this time, I couldn't really imagine the world outside."
That...does not sound like the calm and gentle Sister Chii I know at all...
Eléonore: "That was very reckless. You couldn't have known for certain what we would do; this shrimp especially."
"Uwehhh~!" Why does she have to pinch my cheek again?! This is no time to be doing this; I have a lot to ask Sister Chii!
Eléonore: "I will admit that your expectation for the society's reaction is reasonable. However, you got one fact horribly wrong."
Sister Eléonore puts one of her hands on the table and leans forward, staring at Sister Chii. She's going to start one of her lectures again.
Eléonore: "If I ended up really believing you to be dead, know that I will hold someone responsible somehow, whether they are some cretinous rumor-mongers or influential nobles with grudge against our House, and make them regret ever being born. So, if you don't want me to do that, never think of something like that again."
Sister Eléonore is showing her unreasonable side again. She sounds like she will really do that; Sister Chii would know too.
Cattleya: "I would not dream of it anymore, Sister." Sister Chii seems sad. "And you are right; I could not have known for certain how everyone would react. ...I was desperate to do something."
Eléonore: "I know. That part of you have never changed, and it probably won't any time soon. You have just been keeping it better than before."
That...does not sound like Sister Chii at all. In fact, that sounds more like what I would do... Is Sister Eléonore saying that Sister Chii used to be like that too? I didn't notice that at all...
Pierre: "I am sorry, Cattleya. I never knew you were suffering so much about that. We really should have paid you more attention."
Cattleya: "That is not true, Father. You have been busy protecting our house from the problems that have been arising lately; the invasion from Albion, the princess's coronation, among others."
Oh...I have been making Father worry a lot...
Pierre: "That still doesn't excuse my negligence. I told you yesterday, and I will say it again: I swear to you and our family, I will do whatever it takes to cure you of this 'curse' as soon as possible. I won't let you suffer from this any longer."
That is the same for all of us, I am sure. We would do anything to save Sister Chii. We would face any enemy, even if they are the mythical devils.
Sister Chii still looks worried. Of course she still does; she wouldn't have done what she did if the worry was so easily solved.
But, I have the power of Void now; the power Founder bestowed upon me to fight the enemies that had tormented our ancestors in the past, and is now the cause of anguish for Sister Chii. Not to mention, Mother is probably one of the most powerful mages in Tristain, no, in Halkeginia; much stronger than Wardes is.
There is no need for Sister Chii to give up on anything; not her life, not her place here with us.
Cattleya: "...Thank you, truly, Father. That means the world to me. ...There is one more thing—no, one, truly important truth I have to confess."
Pierre: "...Confess? What do you mean by 'confess' ?"
Is there something else Sister Chii hasn't told us?
She is shaking a lot. I haven't seen her so afraid before.
But it's probably fine. I know our family can forgive her for anything.
After all, whatever bad things that have happened this time, they can all be traced back to the devil that cursed Sister Chii. She did all this because of all the suffering she had to endure all these years, which she didn't deserve at all.
Cattleya: "There is no need to find a cure for me anymore..."
Huh?
Cattleya: "I have been keeping it from everyone, but the truth is, I was perfectly in control of what I did during the past year. All the times my symptoms 'acted up', I could have stopped it any time I wanted to."
What...What is she saying...?
Cattleya: "The incident the night before, what I did to the servant half a year ago, they were intentional on my part. I had my reasons, but...I still did it of my own will."
...No one says anything. We're all stunned. This is so...outside the realm of imagination. Sister Chii? Doing all that of her own will? That shouldn't be possible...
But her lying about this shouldn't be possible either...
Pierre: "Why...Why, then, Cattleya? Why did you do it? Why ran away if you're... ...!"
Father suddenly widens his eyes in shock. He has gone still. What? Did he realise something?
Sister Eléonore too; her mouth slightly parted, and her eyes are fixed on Sister Chii.
What do they know? What is happening?
Cattleya: "Father, Sister...Louise. Six months ago, I did it as a test, and...I knew. I have known it since then...I am no longer human. I haven't been one for a very long time. I have been lying to you all..."
...
...What...? What...is Sister Chii talking about...?
Cattleya: "I ran because I don't deserve to be here. Our family has suffered because of me, yet you all continued to protect me. But, I don't deserve any of it, because they are all true: the rumours about me, the curse that has befallen our family...I am that curse."
...
Cattleya: "It was too late for me. I can never go back to being the daughter you deserve again. I will forever be the sickness of this house. That is why...there is no other option for me, to save our family. ...And yet...I still...want to stay here. I want to stay with everyone. Father, Mother, Sister Eléonore, Louise...I am...truly sorry..."
...
No one says anything. Sister Chii...is hanging her head in shame.
Pierre: "...Is all of that really true..." Father mumbles, in shock and disbelief.
Eléonore: "..." Sister Eléonore crosses her arms, eyebrows furrowed.
"Sister Chii...?"
What...What in the world...is happening? I—I don't follow...
Eléonore: "...Well, I'll ask this just to get it out of the way: you really are sure you are not just imagining things? Are you really sure those were not just hallucinations? There have been a few cases of people who deluded themselves into thinking they were vampires in the history."
What...? Why...Why is Sister Eléonore asking Sister Chii that? What is everyone talking about?
Karine: "The truth is best observed by one's own eyes. Cattleya."
Cattleya: "...Yes."
Sister Chii pushes back her chair and stands up.
Then she—pulls her sweater up!?
"S—Sister Chii!?" What is she doing?!
Eléonore: "Cattleya!? What the heck are you doing?! Father, close your eyes!"
Pierre: "Eh!? Ha!?"
What has got into her all of a sudden?! Why would she just—...!
...
...
What is that?
What is THAT?!
Is that...Sister Chii...?
Are those...real? Those...wings...and horns...? Is that...under the skirt...a tail...?
It...It is some kind of magic...isn't it? Illusion? High level Water spell? Potion?
Pierre: "...Cattleya. Is that you?"
Cattleya: "...Yes, Father."
There was...nothing?
It can't be...It can't be all her. Sister Chii couldn't have...
This is...what she has been keeping from us...?
Pierre: "It was my words, and attitude, that forced you into that position, wasn't it. I said it like I wouldn't accept you if you aren't cured."
Cured...Sister Chii isn't cured... She is...no longer curable? She is going to stay like this...? Forever...?
Pierre: "I will still love you no matter what. Of course, you are free to, no, I want you stay in this house, as you have before all of this happened. I won't let anyone say otherwise, no matter who they are."
Cattleya: "I...I want to stay with you, with all of you as well..."
She...is crying... So, it's all decided...? There is...no going back?
And they're...Their gaze...They are wrapping this up...as okay.
Is this some kind of bad joke?
I'm not...They can't...This can't be happening.
"You're...You're all kidding, right...?"
They're finally looking at me.
"All of this happened because of devils, didn't it? There's no way something like this would just happen on its own! Devils did this! They tormented our ancestors! They put us through hell! They did degenerated things, and made Sister Chii do the same! Now...she became just like them! How can you be alright with this?!"
There is no way! There is no way this is right!
Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise, stop shouting."
"No! I should ask you how can you be so calm seeing S—Sister Chii like that! Shouldn't you be saying something, anything?!"
Eléonore: "...And what am I supposed to say? If it's about what magic was at work that turned Cattleya into this, then of course I'll research it, but that's for later. Now, standing over there is Cattleya, without a doubt; you can see it yourself. What else is there to talk about?"
"What else—!?" Is she being serious!? How can Sister Eléonore of all people be alright with this?!
"Did you forget what devils are?! They're enemies of Founder! The stories were right about them; they're evil! Look at what they did to Sister Chii! They turned her into one of them!"
Eléonore: "And how did you know a devil did this? You weren't there yesterday when we talked about it. You're just going by rumours created by those fools' overactive imaginations."
What!? So, that's what they talked about while I was gone? So...So that's why they seem so calm about this. They knew about this beforehand and...they didn't tell me!
Eléonore: "And the thing about the enemies of Founder and all that: how long ago was that. The only people still seriously stuck on that are Romalians. And as for why we aren't more surprised: it's because we were told beforehand about the possibility of Cattleya becoming a demi-human. It's your own familiar that brought it up."
"What...?"
...Right, Mother told Luka to stay before I ran off...
"...So it was you."
The cause of this nightmare looks at me in surprise.
"You turned Sister Chii into this."
Luka: "It's not like that. Miss Cattleya has been a full monster since before you enrolled in the school; she just didn't tell you because—"
"Shut up! It's your fault! If you hadn't come to my house, this wouldn't have happened! It's the same at school too! How much more of my life are you going to mess up before you're satisfied!?"
Luka: "That's not my intention at all. I always work toward peace between humans and monsters, not to mess up anyone's life."
"And I said I want none of that nonsense! I thought you learnt to keep it to yourself, but I was wrong!"
Now it's too late. Those hideous wings and horns...I can't ever talk back to those accusations against Sister Chii again, because they'll all be true.
The Sister Chii I admired, who was pure and graceful; so kind and patient, always comforting me when I was upset, protecting me when I was going to be sent to a convent school; the only solace I had between Sister Eléonore's scoldings and strict lessons...
Now she has become something that takes pleasure in debauchery, assaulting men and committing such obscene acts indiscriminately.
Like what I saw that day...!
I...I can't stand seeing her like that.
This...This can't be right...This is wrong! Absolutely wrong!
I can't talk to her, laugh with her like before. I can't hug her and feel the comfort I used to feel. I can't think of her and feel the admiration, t—the love, without being reminded of...of everything else.
They are gone! All gone!
Why...Why must this happen?
My life is crumbling down.
"If only none of you freaks were ever born..."
Luka: "..."
It hurts so much to say this. It hurts so much I can't not say this.
I can't stand this anymore...Their gaze, the pity in their eyes...Most of all, the look she...Sister Chii is giving me...
*bam!*
I'm running away, again, even though I know it won't fix anything.
But there's nothing left to fix anyway.
{...}
She's out of the room. I have to go after her.
But, what would I do once I get there? If it's about something else I might just go with the flow first and think about it later. But this is one thing I really could make it worse just by showing my face. In her eyes, I'm probably the one that destroyed the home she knew.
Cattleya: "Louise..."
Pierre: "Cattleya, don't worry, Louise was just confused."
Eléonore: "That shrimp, did she have to make such a big deal of it? Yes, it was normal to be shocked with such a sudden revelation, but what was that awful attitude!"
Pierre: "No, Eléonore."
Louise's father shakes his head, looking much calmer than earlier.
Pierre: "As a denizen of Halkeginia and a believer of Founder Brimir, Louise's behavior was the correct one. In the society's eyes, it is us who are different, heretical."
Heretical...
Different. Heretical. I've imagined that's what the people here would say if they know what I think about monsters, or 'devils' as they know, but this is the first time I see those words being directed toward someone else. And not just anyone, but an entire family of nobles living in a grand castle.
Eléonore: "Heretical, is it... In the first place, I've never believed in those ancient tales. The principle of Four Great Elements can be proven as truth though tangible and observable methods of conjuring, applicable to all forms of known interactions in the world, magic and not. Curing of sickness from infections, the fundamentals of architecture, flight, they are all based on theories that had endured years of experiments. Even some grass growing on the roadside, if it can relieve skin irritation, is still more useful than the legendary Void that doesn't have a lick of evidence of its existence."
The eldest sister looks straight at the father as she says every word without hesitation. The conviction in her eyes is like any researcher's I've met.
Eléonore: "And, even discounting those," The sister crosses her arms. "the Founder that would sooner denounce my younger sister as an enemy to humanity than answer our years of prayers: what reason is there to believe in such a figure?"
...I, and Cattleya-san both, are speechless, by the words of the eldest sister, and the lack of surprise from the father and the mother.
Eléonore: "Yet they would still make us do experiments on useless things like, how to make sculptures that inspire most faith in people, or how to create stained glass with the perfect transparency for churches. 'Perceiving God's graces' this, 'understanding God's message' that, I didn't become a Square to waste my time on this garbage! Let us do researches with real use for once dammit!"
Huh...? Why did this turn into rants (probably about her job) all of a sudden?
Eléonore: "Ahem."
She seems to have regained her senses.
Eléonore: "Anyhow, that shrimp was overreacting. She isn't a nun, and our House has never been religious in my memory; there was no reason for her to be so hung up on such ancient belief."
Is that so? I was under the impression that the people here, or at least the nobles, pretty much follow the words of the religion faithfully. The students and most of the teachers seemed so ready to antagonize Nerian just because of how she looked.
Or maybe my samples were just too small and biased; children tend to follow what they learned when young, intentionally or otherwise, and the teachers would probably have to follow...certain guidelines or something, I guess?
Cattleya: "Sister Eléonore, please don't blame Louise. Louise is very earnest and serious; overly so." Cattleya-san smiles sadly.
Eléonore: "Earnest, huh. I wonder about that. Hasn't she been loitering outside, doing everything but taking her classes like a student should do?"
Well, if she is talking about recently...
Cattleya: "She never said it outright, but Louise has taken regaining our family's honor upon herself. Father, Mother, and Sister Eléonore are adults with many responsibilities, and I am stuck in the house; that leaves only herself."
Eléonore: "Hmph..." The sister crosses her arms, but doesn't deny it.
Cattleya: "But, because of her difficulty with magic, she lacks confidence in herself; so she turned to what others deem 'valuable'. In trying to become respected noble, she demanded more and more of herself. I think, that's why she tries so hard to follow the words of Founder Brimir."
...I'm surprised; Cattleya-san was pretty much spot-on about Louise's strictness with everyone. But thinking about it again, it's only natural for Louise's sister to understand her so well.
I would know; I was like that once. In trying to make up for what I thought was Father's sin, I devoted myself to Ilias. Even when Alice pointed out how it contradicted my mission for coexistence, I was reluctant to discard that part of myself. Now I know the truth; I clung to it because it helped me feel good about myself. If not for Alice, I wouldn't have grown out of it so fast...
Eléonore: "Exactly. That's why she's still a shrimp."
Huh. The eldest sister's way of speaking, including the tone and the arm crossing, is similar to Louise too, now that I think about it. Rather, it's the other way around.
They really are sisters.
Pierre: "Cattleya, I think you should go talk to Louise."
Cattleya: "But, I was the cause of Louise's distress...I would only hurt her more by showing my face."
Pierre: "You're right that Louise will become more upset, but the cause of it is in her own heart. Only Louise herself can do anything about it. And Cattleya, you are the only one that can help her with that."
The father looks straight at Cattleya-san with a serious, but soft expression.
Pierre: "I know this is hard for you too, but please do it for us, and Louise, and yourself."
Cattleya-san looks up at her family. She steels herself, and nods.
Cattleya: "I understand, Father. I will do my best."
Eléonore: "Don't worry too much about it. This is just one of that shrimp's tantrum. Just act yourself and she will calm down on her own."
Cattleya: "Thank you for the encouragement, Sister."
Cattleya-san forced a small smile, and exits the room.
There is silence. Then the eldest sister turns to the father.
Eléonore: "Father, are you sure we should leave it to Cattleya alone? Wouldn't it be better to do it here with all of us present?"
Pierre: "I believe this is the best way. After what happened, Louise is still on guard around us."
Eléonore: "By that logic, wouldn't she be even more on guard with Cattleya? Though it sounds silly just by saying it."
Karine: "...But Louise also knows what she has to confront. It is better she does it without prying eyes."
Eléonore: "...If you both say so..."
Looks like it's all up to Cattleya-san and Louise herself now. I really hope this turns out well. I've had enough of human-monster's troubles ending badly.
{...}
*kachak*
"..."
...So, she really is here.
"Louise?"
The blanket-covered mound on the bed at the end of the room remains still, even as I approach it, and sits at the edge.
"...It's me."
...Nothing. Not even a sound. I was afraid of how she would react, but this is even more nerve-racking.
"No one is waiting outside the room either; it's just me here."
The mound stays completely still. It almost seems like an inanimate object, if not for the warmth emanates from under it; even this sense is only gained through becoming a monster.
...What...should I do...
Father said I am the only one that can do this, but...this is terrifying. How does Louise see me now? How does she feel about me? ...Am I still her sister to her?
Should I act like I always do...What if that just makes her mad?
...
I am taking too long. I have to say something...but I don't know what. I don't know what Louise is thinking, even though we used to be able to talk about almost everything. ...I'm scared to even make a sound.
How did we become like this? This isn't what I want at all. When I decided on that fake suicide, when I decided to come back home, it wasn't for this...
Does Louise...feel the same? If she does...
"Louise, do you remember when you used to hide in the boat sometimes when Sister Eléonore or a tutor scolded you?"
She would hug herself and lie down, hiding from the world, just like what she is doing right now.
"I used to be the only one to know your secret hiding place, after the nobleman from the House of Wardes went to the capital. You made me promise not to tell anyone about it."
It was so long ago, back before any of this sickness or rumours started, back when my, and Louise's, biggest worry was her magic.
"I thought about that place too when coming to find you. But I didn't go."
I had a feeling...No, a wish. I wished that I would find her here.
"Louise, I know you must be disappointed. I am not the sister you thought I am; the sister you want me to be, and I hid that from you. I thought...you wouldn't want anything to do with someone like me anymore, so I ran."
Ah, this is what I was so afraid of. This is what made me decide to run away. I was right about this at least. It feels like I really could die...
"But, I realised. What I really want..."
This is...so hard. The words wouldn't come out...
"I...want to stay with you. With Father, Mother, Sister Eléonore. I thought it was selfish of me, and it really is. I betrayed your trust. I have no excuse for it. ...If you are going to chase me away, I won't defend myself. But...But if you chose to come here after that..."
Here, to my room.
"Then...I must still have a chance, after all..."
I am crying. I knew it was coming, but I couldn't stop it. I shouldn't be crying; I'm an adult.
I've never cried in front of Louise before; not for such a selfish reason. I must look so pathetic to Louise right now... She must be disgusted with me...
...
...No answer...
"...I'm sorry, Louise. ...I will go now."
Is it over? Have I failed again...? Did I really have a chance in the first place?
...
A blanket wraps around my waist...along with the arms underneath. The familiar pressure is felt on my back. It was just yesterday, but it felt like lifetime ago.
Louise still does not say anything, but I do not dare wish for more. Right now, just this is enough.
I am truly saved.
{...}
{...}{...}
Cattleya-san and Louise have been gone for a long time now. This is starting to get worrying.
Also, standing here under the glare of the father and the eldest sister is really uncomfortable.
Pierre: "...So, I should thank you for bringing Cattleya back,"
He finally breaks the awkward silence. Though depending on what he's going to talk about, it might be worse.
Pierre: "but there's something you need to answer for first; namely, the broken lock at the stable."
Oh. Right, there is that.
Pierre: "Since my wife found you with the bird, it's only natural to assume you were the one to broke it out."
"...Yes, I was." He's narrowing his eyes at me.
Pierre: "Do you know how expensive it is to hire a competent mage to reinforce the lock? Commoners like you would have to work for years to get it done."
Now I see. No wonder the lock was so strong.
Pierre: "Now, answer me: How did you do it? What tool or trick did you use? I can't have the lock to my stable be broken so easily by a commoner; that defeats the purpose."
When he says it like that, it makes sense. Back home, so many monsters can completely bypass normal doors that houses protected by magic are getting more and more common.
"You don't have to worry about that. What I did, well, most people probably can't do it. Uh, I cut the lock with a sword borrowed from one of the guards."
Pierre: "If this is an attempt at a joke then it is not appreciated. The Maintain on that lock was cast by a triangle mage. The strength of an ogre would be needed to even have a chance, and only with a similarly reinforced tool, if you insist on a sword. Now, stop with such a transparent lie and answer honestly, then I may let you off with a light punishment."
So I'm getting punished no matter what. Well, I did break people's stuff. Even back before the system was abolished, heroes can be punished for breaking locks on people's cupboard.
Eléonore: "Father, I believe it would be quicker to have him demonstrate."
The eldest sister, already with a wand in her hand, plucks some petals off the flowers in a vase, and casts some kind of spell.
The petals turn into a sword and a bar of metal, in a blink of an eye. Right, Guiche did something like this too; creating golems out of rose petals. They turned back once he lost, so I guess this is temporary.
Eléonore: "Now, try doing what you said. The bar was made from stronger and denser material than the sword."
I didn't expect they would, or could, have me show them right here and now. Well, it's not something to fret over; I can do this perfectly anytime I like now.
"..."
...Only if the sword is actually good enough, though.
"Uh, this sword is kinda...unbalanced."
Eléonore: "You have a problem with what I made?"
The raised eyebrows seem to say 'try saying that again'.
"Well...This one is too heavy at the hilt. A lot of the force behind a swing would be lost before it gets to the blade." I'm just repeating what I remember Granberia told me. I hope she understands what I'm trying to say.
Eléonore: "What are you talking about?"
She doesn't... Of course, she probably never had to learn to use any kind of farming tools.
"Can you just make the part around where I grip lighter by...around half?"
Eléonore: "What a picky commoner. Whatever; if you want one with less mass then be my guest."
"Whoa!" The sword melts right in my hands!
That startled me, but it didn't burn my hands or anything. Sheesh, she could've told me first at least.
Anyway, the sword seems to have reshaped itself into a similar looking one, but with much better balance. Still not excellent, but good enough. The edge seems very sharp too.
Huh, now that I think about it, a sword that can change shape with magic could be as absurdly sharp as you want it to and could be fixed the instant it dulls or chips. That sounds convenient, and kind of cool. Too bad there's probably no way for me to get something like that.
Eléonore: "Can you hurry up already? This is using up my mental power."
"Oh, sorry, I will do it now."
It's kinda awkward to slash something lying flat on the ground, so I should set it up vertically first.
There, at least it's a bit taller now.
So, I'll just do it. Rumbling Earth.
*kachak*
Hm?
*klang!*
The sword bent, and the bar isn't split all the way through; There isn't a posture that would allow me to put in enough force and still get my hands all the way to the ground; not one that I know of. If only the eldest sister would set up a stand or something at my eye level.
Anyway, just now, the door opened. Cattleya-san has entered the room...leading Louise by hand.
Louise: "...What are you doing." Louise says, looking at me and the experiment we were doing. Her eyes are a little red. No doubt she was crying; she was on the verge even before she ran out.
Louise's father and eldest sister seem surprised both by what I did and Louise's entrance.
They hesitate, for a few seconds, then eventually turn to Louise and Cattleya-san.
The sword turns back into petals, and slips from my hands, falling on the carpet along with the ones that used to be a metal bar.
Guess this has to be put on hold for now. We are more interested in the situation with Louise.
Pierre: "Louise... Come in, dear."
Cattleya-san leads Louise toward the sitting area; Louise hiding a bit of herself behind Cattleya-san.
Cattleya-san stops. Louise hesitates a little, before walking out from behind her sister and letting go of her hand.
Louise: "Father, Mother...I apologize for running off like that."
Pierre: "It's fine. We know you were just shocked and confused; it was us who kept the facts about Cattleya from you. We planned to tell you once everything is settled, but obviously that did not work out well this time."
I internally agreed with him at the time, so I was just as guilty.
Pierre: "So, have you, uh, made up with Cattleya?"
The person who ask and the one who is asked seem equally awkward.
Louise: "...I did."
Louise takes a glance at Cattleya-san, as if to reassure herself, then looks at her parents.
Louise: "I am truly sorry for acting the way I did. Please forgive me."
Pierre: "Of course, we forgive you, don't we, Karine?"
Karine: "It is truly a special circumstance this time. I can agree with you, Dear."
The eldest sister folds her arms in silence. I half expected her to say something.
The father and the eldest sister glance between Louise and Cattleya-san; it seems I'm not the only one curious of what happened between them, but no one is willing to risk asking.
From the way they held hands and Louise hiding behind Cattleya-san earlier, it must've gone very well. That's something to be glad about.
Louise shifts her attention toward me, and sends me a glare.
Louise: "What are you smiling for. Don't think for a second I've changed my mind. I still hate you and those devils for doing this to my family."
I guess I can't expect amicable words from her until she calms down some more.
Louise: "Actually, I hate you even more now; more than that Zerbst on the day she brags about her new boyfriend."
"...Is that a lot?"
Louise: "A lot more than you think." Louise scowls, and snaps her head away.
Cattleya: "Oh my, Louise, please don't be so hard on Luka. He has been good to me; telling me a lot about you."
Louise: "Wha—What has he been telling you?!"
Cattleya: "About how adorable you were at school, of course."
Now, the glare has gotten two, no, three times more intense, along with the newly reddened cheeks from embarrassment. That will come back to hit me later for sure.
Still, I'm glad enough that everything ended on a happy note this time. Cattleya-san stroke Louise's head, their father and sister watch with little smiles on their faces, the mother sips her tea in content (probably).
It isn't so easy to let go of what you have believed for so long, but Louise will come to see how monsters really are from Cattleya-san, in time.
Yes. This is for the best. This is what I fight for.
Eléonore: "Since Louise seems to have calmed down, might I suggest we go to the dining hall for lunch? It is almost noon."
Pierre: "Oh, you're right. I didn't notice the time. Well, let us go together. All this talking made me quite hungry."
The father makes an obvious attempt to change the mood. Then his gaze stops at Cattleya-san.
Pierre: "Uh, you can eat with us, right, Cattleya? Or...do you need...other type of food?"
Everyone in the room, save for me and the mother, grimace. They must've thought about monsters' main food.
Cattleya: "Please be at ease, Father. I can enjoy the food with you all like before."
Cattleya-san looks at me. She is expecting me to confirm it for her, I guess.
Well...Let's not get too much into detail and just give a short version; we're all exhausted by the difficult talk.
"Yes, she can eat and take nutrients from human food like normal. As for the other food...you can think of it as one more kind of need to keep up her strength and magic." That's not it exactly, but that will do for now.
Pierre: "I see...Will it affect Cattleya's health if she misses it for a few days more? You said it yourself; that's the reason she has been weakened."
"Powerful monsters can go without feeding for a long time. In Cattleya-san's case, I think a month or two should be safe enough. Since she just had one last night, we still have time."
Probably enough for them to adjust to her new need and think up a way to sustain it.
Pierre: "...What was that?"
"Huh?"
Pierre: "What do you mean, Cattleya just had one last night?"
...Oh.
PBW: "That ends the Cattleya's arc. The Author had a lot of trouble with it, as everyone had probably noticed. The Author literally had to wait a day or more between viewpoints, to reset the mindset and allow himself to imagine things from different perspectives. The biggest obstacle was imagining Louise's mind with all the prejudiced she had against monsters, because, in case it wasn't clear enough, The Author had strong preferences toward monster girls. The mental backflips required was so taxing on The Author's mind. Even then, it didn't come out good enough."
Ilias: "That is a fair assessment. Seeing as you seem to be miserable enough as is, it would be a waste of effort to step on you even more. Although, I have to say I was sorely disappointed by the pink-haired girl. For a moment, it seems as though the drama between human and monster I had been waiting for had finally come, ending with a metaphorical—or better yet, literal—stab to the heart. But alas, with a mind as thoroughly tainted as you at the steering wheel, I should have known it was hopeless. Do not think I did not see what you originally planned for the ending gag; you should count yourself lucky to have withdrawn it."
PBW: "I just got a bit carried away. I realized in time, didn't I. Anyway, please don't do anything to my story (it's already riddled with difficulties as it is). If you want to see the defeat of monsters, wait until Paradox Last Part come out; there will be a route where Luka side with you to fight against the Evil God's army."
Ilias: "I know, and I cannot stress enough how much I look forward to that."
PBW: "Anyhow, This is where things start to get more complicated; The Author will try to wrap up all the ideas, which are as-of-now all over the place, as soon as he can. The Author does not want a repeat of this Arc where he had to stop for probably fifty times to recheck his ideas and their consistency with the official facts, and ended up wasting hours adjusting the story almost every time."