Duty-Bound: Chapter 19
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Eyeing every elder silently, she analyzed their reactions carefully. She internally promised Aida that she would find them.
After having not dreamed about Aida for a period of time, she had become suspicious. Their bond as twins was something that no one else but themselves knew of. They could meet up through their dreams. That was how she knew how the western lands had been faring since she left. A few days before their birthday, she finally met Aida again. Even though it was just a dream, she could feel Aida's cold hands lightly touching hers that night. Aida's pale face worried her. "Are you alright, Aida?"
A sad smile spread across her face. "I'm sorry, Mikan…"
She was confused. "Eh?"
"This will be our last meeting…"
Before she could respond, Aida hugged her while whispering, "Find them for me, Mikan…"
When Aida let her go, her eyes dilated with horror. Aida's body turned transparent and started to dissolve before her eyes. She reached out, but her hands just went through her body. Tears started forming in her eyes. "No… no… it can't be… Aida!"
Aida's ghostly hand touched her cheek as she let out a real smile. "I pray for your happiness with Natsume-kun, Mikan…"
She balled her fists tightly. Even if it would cost her life, she would find them. From the beginning, she had known why she was brought back to this land. Aida was the only heiress of the western lands. Since she was Aida's twin, her Lady Mother must have wanted to push the responsibility onto her. If it hadn't been for Natsume, she would have left the palace long ago and found another way to avenge Aida.
"My pleasure to meet you again, everyone," she greeted the elders with eyes that held no emotions.