Duty-Bound: Chapter 13
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While gazing at the brown-haired woman before her, she felt as though she was looking at her future self whenever she looked at this woman, the lady of this land.
"I am happy to see you again, Mikan."
"I am glad to know that, Lady Yuka," she replied casually.
Their brown eyes clashed for a moment, and a heavy tension settled within the suffocating room.
"If I may know, Lady Yuka, what do you need from me?" she asked, ignoring the tension. If she looked into the woman's eyes, she knew she would see sadness, regret or something similar. She didn't mean to seem vengeful by treating her Lady Mother like a stranger, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get rid of the pain — the pain of being disowned by her own mother.
"I'm sorry for not being a good mother."
She remained still.
"The reason you were brought here is because…"
"Because of her," she supplied quietly.
Her mother didn't bother to hide her surprise. "How did you know?"
She gazed at her mother sadly. "I just know." You never realised how deep our bond was, Mother.
Her mother sighed. "I'm really a failure as a mother."
"…"
"I should have known that the bond between you both was stronger than anything."
"…"
"Do you want to see her?"
"Where?" Her voice was above a whisper.
"I will accompany you."
She closed her eyes. "My deepest apologies, Lady Yuka, but I will have to refuse your offer."
"Then… you can ask Natsume to lead the way."
She nodded. "Thank you."
"I guess I will talk to you again after you see her."
"Then I shall see you again, Lady Yuka." Standing up, she bowed toward the woman. She didn't look back when she left the room.