"Thank you for coming, Lady Evy." The fourteen-year-old girl reverences me. I thought it was too much, but it is the ways in this society. "It's okay. I brought you a gift as a thank you."
Julie who had accompanied me came ahead of me with the gift she brought. Well, since I had nothing to give, Julie helped me. "It's a crystal necklace. It's the color of your eyes, so I thought about giving it. Also, it can be used as a protection."
She was amazed and happy to have such a gift. From what I've heard, it's very difficult to have magic items like that. People are pleased just to receive something like this from the tower wizard's daughter. "Thank you very much, Lady Evy! "She thanked. "I will always use it!"
I don't expect you to use that much, but it can help you when someone wants to kill you. "Don't thank me anymore. I'm glad you are happy." A said it. She smiled a little sadly. Did she want say more?
Two girls her age waved at her. Lilia turned and looked at them to wait. "Thank you again, Lady Evy." She said after leaving close to me. I can't lie that I was relieved.
There are a lot of people in the gardens of the Vanrouge mansion. I thought it was a tea party, but it looks like he cheated on me. It is a meeting between many families. "Julie." I call her. "Are you all right, lady?" Julie asked. "I am. Let's go for a walk in the garden a little." I feel tired after the trip. Was it normal for Evy to feel this before?
The garden is beautiful. People kept looking at me from afar. Nobody talked to me. Perhaps they are afraid of me, or my father. But also, the color of my hair is very light, and I still feel weight that I felt three days before.
My father had not yet returned, nor even sent news. Before I used to stay in my room succumbed, but now, I have to take care of the house business, and leave messages about him traveling. Julia was also amazed to see the new hair color, and to see Seiryu accompanying me. But today he stayed at home. Both he and I thought it best to hide this from others. It can be dangerous if the imperial family knows.
"Evy." Did anyone call me. Both Julie and I were startled to see him. I didn't remember who he might be, but I smiled like his blond hair. " ... Are you Ellus, are you?" Julie told me that he is blond with brown eyes. I imagine it's him.
"Oh ... You told me in the letter that you lost your memory. Sorry. I was so happy to see you that I forgot that... " He said. From his appearance, he is very handsome, and also a good friend. But I hope he is not a liar like his family is.
"No problem, Ellus." I said. "Strolling around for a while will be good for catching up, isn't it?" I could see that Julie was excited. At Dad's orders, I can't go out alone. "Don't worry, Julie. Mr. Ellus will be accompanying me."
"... Come back early, Miss." Julie disappeared after Ellus' arm accompanied me on the walk in her gardens.Halfway, Ellus and I were silent. I didn't know what to say. But he broke the silence between us. "It's been a long time ...? You and I were playing in this garden without caring about the weather."
I did not understand what he is talking about. Of course, childhood friends. His eyes shone just to remember. "Yes I think." I said. "I still don't remember anything, but I still have the feeling of being here before ... It's strange, isn't it?"
"This is good. It means you are remembering." He said happily. I couldn't help smiling. Hurting people I don't know is painful, especially lying. "It could be after all." I said.
Was it too much of a shock for him to discover that Evy died? Well, I don't really know. He looks calm, and happy to see me. But, I don't think it's just that. He's a man, and I'm a lady.
"I heard that the Tower Master traveled. Is it true?" He asked. We walk towards tulip flowers, it smells familiar. It is not surprising that everyone notices when something happened at the Tower, but luckily, no one knew when I broke the crystal. "He said he had business to do. So I'm taking care of the house until he comes back." He looked at me in surprise.
"You?" He asked. "Of course." I completely forgot that it is rare to see a woman in charge. Even more so with a patient. "I am your heir. "
He was quiet offensive for what he did. Clear. Who wouldn't be like that for saying something horrible to a friend? I would stay. But I have to stay like Evy. "So ... Is everything in good health?" Ellus asked when we walked the other way. "I'm getting on with everything." For a moment I heard a muffled laugh from him. Why is he laughing? I know I didn't say anything stupid. "Why are you laughing?"
A tear came out of his face. Ellus looked at me and smiled more. "Phew! I thought I would die laughing." He seemed comfortable with me. "Even if you have lost your memory, it remains the same."
"... I do not know what you're talking about." We stopped in the middle of white flowers this time. Apart from the beauty of roses, he is a complete idiot, or worse. Other than that, a memory came from Evy's childhood. They were very close, but I didn't know that brat could be that guy. His appearance has changed a lot. And his name was not Ellus. Evy called him a 'prince'. Will it be the same person?
"Hmm ... You remember, don't you?" He asked as he approached me. What he is doing? "Like I said: more or less." He moved closer, and I felt his body higher than mine. A sharp wind passed over us. I felt the cold winter breeze coming, and soon I was unleashed with his face too close. Ellus smiled. This time, more beautiful than ever. "I hope you remember."
Why does he play with me so much? Is that provocation?
I didn't say anything, but when I thought of a nice answer, the mood came out. I'm relieved that I didn't have to say anything. Only, it's less like saying 'no' and being chased. You can see in your eyes that you're liking Evy. Or ... Take advantage of the magical influence.
No. He cannot be smart enough. It can be different.
"Thank you, Ellus." I was too tired to stay in that garden for so long. I would leave, like any other girl. However, he remained still. "Ellus?" He's quiet, saying nothing. Did I do something wrong that he suspects?
"Oh. Nothing." It was not what he seemed to say. "I was thinking of something ..." He said as he accompanied me on the way back. As well, I shouldn't ask him or not. In the novel, I don't remember him, let alone that Evy had a childhood friend. I remember the dreams. She was always inside the house, never being able to leave. Anywhere she went, her mana would explode.
"What, Ellus?" I asked him. He looked at me, and smiled like a fool. What is he up to? "Hmm ... I had business to talk to your father about. But now that he's gone, I'll have to talk to the sub-statute." This guy is really going to give me trouble, but how much? I'm already busy with a lot. Other than that, my plan to 'survive' needs to work. And, we have Seiryu and that mark on my wrist.
Now I understand why Evy was always alone. As they said in my past life: "better alone than poorly accompanied."
"Is this a chance to see you again?" Ellus is very happy. On the other hand, I almost die of tiredness and think about the day. "Most likely." I smiled beastly. "I can't do anything if Count Vanrouge's son wants to do business with the Manneville family."
"Is that a yes?" He could see a smile that matched his angelic appearance. "And tent as you like, Mr. Ellus." Why do I have to provoke him? Well, in reality, he is behind. I feel good just with Julie by my side.
"Mr Ellus ...? Oh. I see. Are you kidding me?" He asked. I didn't say anything if I wasn't going to walk without saying anything to him.
After walking a little further, we returned to the starting place. And as I guessed, Julie was there. He looked like a bodyguard. "Hm? Julie?" She was sweating, and counting the time. "Did something happen?"
"No, Miss Evy." She said. Loves it for sure she is bothered by something. "If it's been a long time since you left, don't you think?" Oh? Was that why?
A muffled laugh came from my companion next door. He must know what Julie thinks now. "Don't worry, Miss Julie. Evy and I just talked about our childhood." Julie even analyzed Ellus, and she didn't seem to believe it just because of her appearance. I admired her just for that already.
"Nothing happened" I said. She believed me this time. "Now let's go back to the others." Julie understood and followed me to the ladies. Ellus stayed behind, smiling, but I felt sad for something. But why?
I already feel complicated with the memories of Evy coming back, and still seeing him. Seiryu was right once, because I have to be calm and walk, and not run for an exit.
"Argh!" What happened to me now? I felt a little headache. It was strong for a second, and then it was gone. Also, I felt myself remembering the image of a man. His face was blurred, but I certainly saw silver hair.
"Evy! Are you okay?" Julie ran over to me and helped me to lift my posture again. I felt some people look at me. Ah. Damn it. "I'm fine, Julie. I think I stepped on a rock on the way." A said it. Certainly she believed like the rest.
People already have more looks at me and my dad, and I don't want a reason anymore. We are a powerful family. Therefore, the reputation remains. Also, it was just a headache. It must be stress.
Only, stress doesn't say anything if you remember something ... Right?
But what the hell was that man?