**Blanc's Perspective**
Lily and I were in the study room at the Inn, engrossed in our own activities. I was diligently sifting through the data I had collected, trying to find any useful information that could aid us on our mission. Meanwhile, Lily seemed to be enjoying her leisure time, idly playing with her dagger.
"La la la..." Lily hummed cheerfully, and the room felt strangely empty without the presence of that rich girl we had been dealing with. I had hoped to have some quiet time to myself, but fate seemed to have other plans as Lily remained right in front of me.
I couldn't deny that her humming had a certain charm to it, but I knew better than to give her any praise for her behavior. Doing so would only encourage her to push my buttons even more. So, I remained silent, waiting for an opportune moment to stop her antics.
With a carefree demeanor, Lily twirled her dagger between her fingers, seemingly without a care in the world. It was evident that she had finished all her tasks and now had nothing better to do than to amuse herself with that dangerous blade.
I couldn't help but feel exasperated by her lack of focus and discipline. "Sigh…, don't you have any other work to do? Instead of playing around with that dagger?" I couldn't hold back my frustration as I voiced my thoughts.
Lily looked up at me, her mischievous smile never leaving her face. "Oh, I'm all done with my tasks. I'm just genuinely curious about this dagger," she replied nonchalantly, showing off her skill by making the dagger appear and disappear in a flash.
I sighed inwardly, realizing that Lily was using her power to get away with her whimsical behavior, even if it meant bothering me in the process.
"Is that so?" I retorted, trying to maintain my composure. Dealing with another villainess was challenging enough, but our interests and way of thinking seemed to differ greatly.
Lily, seeing that she had captured my attention, decided to reveal the reason for her fascination with the dagger. "Because it belonged to Lady Tatiana," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I nearly choked on my chocolate milk as Lily's words caught me off guard. The revelation was unexpected, and I couldn't help but react to the information.
"Ufufu, did I pique your interest to the point of spilling your chocolate milk?" Lily giggled, clearly amused by my reaction.
I could feel a mix of annoyance and amusement brewing inside me. "It's nothing," I replied, trying to regain my composure and focusing on cleaning up the spilled drink.
Lily continued to tease me, and at that moment, I couldn't help but think that someday I might find myself losing my temper and giving her a piece of my mind.
But for now, I decided to ignore her antics and focus on the task at hand. I asked Lily to hand me the dagger so I could inspect it closely. However, she promptly refused, hiding the dagger back inside her suit with a playful grin.
"What do you mean?!" I felt like a child being denied a toy, and a part of me wanted to snatch the dagger from her right then and there.
Lily's mischievous smile only grew wider. "How about a 'please' for a change?" she suggested, teasing me further.
I raised an eyebrow, feeling my patience wearing thin. "Are you mocking me?" I shot back, unwilling to give in to her demands so easily.
Despite my icy demeanor, Lily seemed unfazed. "There, that gaze of the Ice Queen could make anyone shiver. I'll take that as a 'thanks' anyway. Here you go," she finally handed me the dagger, and I returned to my usual composed self.
Sometimes, I found it difficult to understand Lily's way of thinking. She could be playful and mischievous one moment, and then serious and insightful the next.
I examined the dagger carefully, analyzing its design and properties. Lily mentioned that it was the weapon that supposedly caused Lady Tatiana's death before she ended up in this world.
As I studied the dagger, I noticed intricate details and jewels that perfectly matched Tatiana's attire. If Lily's words were to be believed, then this ceremonial dagger was specifically crafted for Tatiana.
"There is a trace of magic substance within this, but I cannot determine its exact purpose," I explained, noting the remnants of past magic embedded in the blade.
The question of its true purpose lingered in my mind, but I suggested that we hold on to it for the time being rather than allowing Tatiana to keep it.
Our conversation then shifted to the absence of Lady Tatiana and Lady Sakuya, who had been gone for two days on their mission.
"They might have encountered trouble out there," Lily speculated, voicing her concern.
Hiding my own worry, I tried to brush off the matter. "Who knows, they might have met their end already," I said, trying to be nonchalant.
Lily, however, was quick to tease me, her perceptive nature leaving no room for secrets. "Milday really can't be honest, can you? You stayed up late till morning waiting for them to return," she said, seeing through my façade.
"Hmph, I don't know what you're talking about. I simply wanted to continue my research," I retorted, trying to hide my true reasons.
In truth, I couldn't help but worry about their safety. But as a scholar and a woman of logic, I had to convince myself that there was nothing to worry about. Surely, they would return safely.
As I pondered the purpose of the dagger and the fate of Tatiana and Sakuya, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to unfold. The uncertainty weighed heavily on my mind, but for now, all we could do was wait and see what the future held.
*Tatiana's Perspective*
I found myself standing in a peculiar space, unable to comprehend where I was. "Who are you?" I asked, feeling both curious and apprehensive about the person who stood before me. To my surprise, the figure before me looked exactly like me, wearing the same green dress my mother had given me, and sporting the same shade of brunette hair.
Her wry smile only deepened my astonishment. "What kind of aristocrat dresses like that and goes on an adventure, by the way?" she remarked, glancing at my outfit and passing judgment.
I couldn't help but jump at her boldness. "What are you doing?" I questioned her strange behavior.
She let out a bored sigh, seemingly uninterested in my response. "Didn't it occur to you that what you did was nothing but a waste of time? Such a joke. That's why we have dear friends like Catherine," she mentioned, her tone filled with sarcasm as she mentioned Catherine.
Her words struck a nerve, and I couldn't remain silent. "What are you saying?" I retorted, trying to reason with her, even though it felt like I was having a conversation with my own reflection.
She teleported around me, her words taunting and challenging. "Are you going to deny it? Catherine, your 'best friend forever' who is perfect in leadership, combat, and magic, unlike dear Tatiana. Have you never wondered why she stays by your side till the end? Is it out of loyalty or just friendship?" she taunted.
I couldn't bear to hear her badmouthing Catherine like that. "Why are you saying such things? That's not true!" I protested, vehemently denying the notion that I had ever seen Catherine in such a light.
She sighed again, seemingly disappointed by my reaction. "I thought that seeing yourself from a different perspective would make you realize, but alas, this is where it all began, Tatiana," she said, pointing me towards something that resembled the sanctuary.
Confused and intrigued, I asked, "What is that?"
She grinned, clearly enjoying my confusion. "That's your dear guardian, or what's left of it—a hollow soul trapped in a broken doll," she revealed, wanting to witness my reaction.
I was taken aback by the sight before me. A woman lay in a deep sleep, ensnared by thorny vines, her suffering evident from the pain etched on her face.
Overwhelmed by the scene, I didn't know what to do. The reflection of myself continued to provoke me, pushing me to make decisions I felt unprepared for.
"I can't do it…" I admitted, feeling powerless and inadequate.
"That's what I thought; you're still a weak girl, to begin with. A fragile spirit that won't even make it to the end," she insulted, exposing my insecurities. I couldn't deny that I had always felt weaker compared to Lady Sakuya, Blanc, and Lily. They were so much stronger than me in every way.
Desperate for guidance, I pleaded, "What should I do?"
She offered a choice that seemed too fantastical to believe. "Perhaps, if you truly wish for it, I can give you the power to accomplish it. However, in return, you'll become me instead of your original self. The choice is yours to make," she said while gently holding my face in her hands, but her voice carried a hint of sadness.
Her words struck a chord within me, and she continued to chide me. "That's what you've been doing all this time, isn't it? Relying on others for your own convenience," she said, her touch conveying a lifetime of memories and struggles.
"…" A sudden warmth enveloped me, reminding me that I was not alone in this journey.
"Tatiana, remember, this isn't about our choices, but about your own. You need to make your own decisions." Lady Sakuya's words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the courage I had to muster and the choices that were mine to make.
"Lady Sakuya…" Her name escaped my lips as her memory filled me with determination.
And then, I noticed the sword. It was engulfed in a bright light, radiating a power that matched the intensity of my newfound resolve. The figure in front of me clicked her tongue in irritation as I took a step towards the sword.
I knew that with this sword, I could clear the thorny path and reach the woman ensnared within. The blade was heavy, and I had to drag it towards the entanglement of thorns.
"Can't even lift it, huh? Pathetic," my reflection taunted, but I didn't let her words distract me. I had faith in Lady Sakuya and the strength she believed I possessed.
"Even so, because Lady Sakuya believes in me, it gives me the courage to see this through," I declared, pulling the sword into both of my hands.
Suddenly, a brilliant light radiated from the sword. The once-heavy blade felt lighter, its warmth echoing Lady Sakuya's kindness. "Lady Sakuya, thank you for this. I will make my own way with the strength you've given me!"
With a newfound determination, I raised the blade and called upon the strength of Lady Sakuya. "Please give me strength! Divine Radiance!!"
With a swift swoop, the thorns were obliterated, and the sword transformed back into a brilliant light.
"Sheesh, if only that woman hadn't interfered…" the reflection of me muttered, crossing her arms. But despite her disappointment, I saw a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.
"Although I don't know who you are, thank you," I expressed my gratitude, bowing slightly.
"I take my leave for now, Tatiana, adieu," she said, performing a ladylike bow before disappearing into a dark light.
A bright light flickered behind me. "Tatiana…" A familiar voice called out.
"Lady Guardian!" I exclaimed in surprise and relief.
She looked like a luminous fairy, radiating an ethereal glow. Her face was peaceful as she reached out to me. "Thank you for this. My soul can finally rest in peace."
"Wait, why can't you come back with us?" I protested, unable to accept the inevitable.
"I'm sorry, Tatiana, but it's too late for me," she gently replied, her smile filled with acceptance and peace.
My eyes welled up with tears as I realized that this was her final farewell. Despite my efforts and the hope I had clung to, I couldn't save her. I couldn't alter her fate.
-Chapter 19 End-