Suin spent several hours in the library, even though she promised to rest properly. It was past noon when she finally closed the chronicle about the House of Randel.
As expected, there was no mention of Arianell. Since she couldn't use the name Randel, is the surname Fiore from her mother's side?
But there was also no mention of the name Fiore among the nobles in the kingdom, which means that she was a commoner.
Her first escape attempt ended up miserably, and she has to think of a new plan right now. Even if she does nothing, the book storyline will eventually kick her out of the house. Surviving outside would be the last thing she should worry about right now.
Her stomach growled. It feels like ages ago since she had that udon soup. The maid has come to the library a few times bringing tea and biscuits, but that couldn't fill her up. Martha was not her exclusive maid, so she must be very busy by now. As a grown-up working woman who lived alone and did everything herself, it doesn't make much sense to her to be served by others.
Suin left the library to look for food in the kitchen but was stopped by the shadow blocking the door. The man dressed in the fitting suit was tall and slim, with hazel eyes and light brown hair. Objectively speaking, he was quite handsome. There was a rapier hanging by his side. He was either a swordsman or might just wear it for a show.
But who was he?
"Did you enjoy reading books, my dear sister?" He asked in a low voice, that combined several emotions at once. She could detect a subtle anger, but also fear and madness. Suin raised her eyebrows, as she recalled the only male character from the book, that has blood ties with Arianell.
Blaine was her older half-brother and would become a new count Randel after their father die. It should be him having the final say on whether she leaves the house or not. But Suin didn't have her hope up, as she never counted on him. If he had a tiny bit of compassion for his little sister, Arianell would not have ended up alone in the book.
Suin wondered whether he looked like the late count. Arianell's look was probably taken after her mother, as she could not find anyone in the Chronicle of House Randel with the same features as her.
At the age of 21, Blaine will inherit the prestigious title making him one of the youngest nobles to lead the county. As soon as he steps into the capital, he will be a highly desired partner for marriage.
But why is this happening?
Why is her body reacting like this?
Suin could feel the cold sweat forming on her back. Her chest tightened, she could hear the racing heartbeat and her hands trembled uncontrollably, her legs were weak. Suin's mind was overtaken by anxiety to the point where she could feel an intense physical sensation of fear.
This was the first time Suin had met Blaine, but Arianell's body was clearly in panic. Even if her mind has no memory, her body remembers the terror inflicted by him.
He is dangerous.
He is a monster.
How did he treat his little sister for her to fear him to the point of panic attack?!
Blaine glared at her with a piercing gaze. She thought that she was talented at reading people's expressions, but she couldn't tell what he was thinking at all.
Uhh… I hope he wakes up tomorrow with the holes in his eyelids. I don't have time to deal with this family trash anymore, Suin secretly wished.
"Why are you not saying anything?" He asked again after some silence. Blaine stepped inside the library and slowly approached her, ignoring her being uncomfortable in his presence.
"I especially rushed back for you, since I heard you wake up after falling into the lake… Is there anything you want to tell me?" He sounded calm, but she knew it was just a façade Suin raised her hand to stop his body from moving, as he was already too close, but the man ignored her attempt.
"Y-yes, I'm sorry to cause you to worry. Thank you for the care you have given me… Brother," she added quickly.
But that simple word caused Blaine's eyes to flicker with anger.
"Brother?! Now you are calling me so familiarly?" Blaine sneered at her, catching her by arms with great force.
Suin shivered as she felt the goosebumps rising on her arms. Was this really a Blaine she had read about? He was one of the main characters from "The Flower of Alviraz", but his behaviour now was far from the gentleman described in the book. His eyes spoke of madness and his needy touch told her he was not a charming prince, but rather a monster, who desired his own sister.
Disgusting.
She couldn't help but feel repulsed by him.
"Are you scared?" He asked when she avoided his gaze.
"O-of course not," Suin blurted.
"Is that so? Come to think of it, isn't it your birthday today? I haven't prepared any gift in time, so tell me your wish. I guess I can fulfil one of your wishes today…" he said in a much more relaxed voice. Finally letting her go, Blaine took a step back and sat on the chair, stretching his long legs leisurely. The quick change in mood surprised Suin, who was unsure of what to do.
"So? You don't want anything?" He asked again.
Of course, she had a wish. The only one, in fact. Suin wanted to leave the house as soon as possible, but would he let her? She felt like he was preparing a trap, waiting for her to make a mistake.
"I don't need anything," she answered after some thinking. No, Blaine wasn't her ticket to freedom. She must achieve it differently.
Her half-brother was silent, his face with unreadable expression. Suin dealt with all kinds of people in her past life every day, as part of her work in a large company. She knew many of those with fake masks on, hiding behind their artificial smiles.
But the man before her was not like that. He was a complete monster.