Sakuya's perspective
Part 1 Night (Manor Sakuya's Room)
Knock knock
The sound of a gentle knock echoed in my room. Without raising my gaze from the parchment spread before me, I knew exactly who it was. "Come in, Lily," I uttered, my voice laced with a hint of weariness. Lily's presence had become familiar enough for me to recognize even without looking up. I was ready to retire for the night, my mind filled with the events of the past two days since we emerged from the Queen Spider Caverns.
"Apologies for intruding on your evening, Lady Sakuya," Lily's voice carried a soft bow, accompanied by the creaking sound of the door swinging open. She was always efficient, ready with a report or some new piece of information.
"So, how did the guild react once they got word of the haul we brought back?" I asked, my tone devoid of emotion, getting straight to the heart of the matter. I was interested in Lily's insights, not in indulging in small talk.
A mischievous glint danced in Lily's eyes, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she replied, "Their faces turned as blue as the ocean, Lady Sakuya. Ah, the satisfaction I derive from witnessing that. It's a feeling I wouldn't mind experiencing again."
I sighed inwardly. Lily's penchant for amusement often eluded me, but if it didn't disrupt my peace, I didn't see the need to interfere. "Your sense of enjoyment remains beyond my understanding," I muttered, unamused by her antics.
Shifting the focus, I inquired about the condition of the Little Spider, the monstrous arachnid we had brought back with us, along with a handful of individuals. It was recovering well, Lily reported, and soon Tatiana would forge a pact with the creature, cementing their unique bond. The fact that only Tatiana possessed the ability to establish this connection didn't escape my notice – her magical energy was the currency demanded by the monster for such a contract.
A genuine smile tugged at my lips as I considered this. Tatiana's value to our group had increased significantly, and it brought me a sense of satisfaction to know that she could contribute in meaningful ways.
"So, regardless of circumstances, only Tatiana can form the necessary contract with these creatures," I mused aloud, acknowledging the unique dynamics at play. It was an interesting turn of events, to say the least.
"Indeed, the contract requires the expenditure of the user's magical energy as the price," Lily explained, reinforcing the information with Lady Blanc's support. It was evident that they had thoroughly researched and verified the details.
"I see," I murmured, nodding in understanding. This arrangement brought a certain level of clarity to our situation, and I was content with it. Tatiana's role was crucial, and as long as it didn't disrupt the balance of power within our group, I had no objections.
Curiosity piqued, Lily probed further, "Lady Sakuya, what are your intentions regarding these creatures? Is there a specific plan you have in mind?"
My gaze drifted to the window, my mind wandering as I contemplated our future endeavors. "For the most part, I require the monstrous spider to serve as a conduit of communication with the Arachnid clan. As for the rest of the creatures, you are free to make use of them as you see fit. However," I paused, allowing my voice to carry a note of caution, "there are still boundaries that should not be crossed."
Lily's "Hmm?" conveyed her curiosity, prompting me to elaborate on my cryptic warning.
We delved into a discussion about the lone survivor we had rescued from the cavern, the only adventurer to emerge from that abyss of danger unscathed. Lily was taken aback by my sudden interest in this particular individual. After all, I rarely showed concern for those outside our core group.
"Tell me about her condition," I requested, my tone betraying a hint of genuine concern – a rarity for me when dealing with strangers.
"She's still in her room, resting. She hasn't stirred since I cleaned her up," Lily responded, pausing briefly before adding more details to the situation.
"Hmm… I assume you've already conducted a thorough background check," I stated matter-of-factly, my confidence in Lily's efficiency evident in my words. I had come to expect nothing less from her.
Lily's affirmation was swift. "Yes, Lady Sakuya. Here's the report, along with a few other tasks that require your attention," she said, presenting the documents and then bowing before leaving the room, closing the door behind her.
Aya, the name etched on the parchment before me, was a newcomer to the world of adventurers, her first official quest ending in the depths of the Queen Spider Caverns. The lack of parental information or personal history raised a red flag, but the report indicated that she had accompanied a trusted silver-ranked adventurer on the ill-fated journey.
I leaned back in my chair, heaving a quiet sigh. The intricacies of this situation were becoming more tangled with each new development. It seemed that despite my intentions, the circumstances of the outside world had once again managed to weave their threads into my carefully constructed existence.
I closed my eyes briefly, lost in my thoughts, before the reality of the room around me snapped back into focus. With a shake of my head, I couldn't help but mutter, "What a mess."
The room, illuminated only by the soft glow of a single candle, felt like a haven of solitude and contemplation. Shadows danced across the walls, mirroring the complexities that now adorned my mind.
Part 2 Morning (Aya's Room)
The morning light streamed gently through the windows of Aya's room, casting a soft glow on the scattered remnants of a chaotic scene. Clothes and food were strewn about, a testament to the turmoil that had unfolded moments earlier. In the midst of the disarray, Aya stood, her figure clad in nothing but her undergarments. She looked utterly despondent, her eyes red from crying, and her voice trembled with a mixture of fear and distress.
"Let me go! Who are you even? Please leave me…" Aya's voice quivered as she pleaded, her hands gesturing wildly as if to ward off some invisible threat. Her behavior was a manifestation of the overwhelming emotions she had undoubtedly been grappling with.
Tatiana's concerned voice broke through the tense atmosphere, her gentle inquiry filled with worry. "What's happening, Lily?" Tatiana had hurried to the scene, her expression marked by genuine concern for Aya's well-being.
Lily's response was tinged with uncertainty, her voice betraying her confusion. "It's Miss Aya. She woke up, and when I tried to serve her breakfast, she... well, she had a bit of a reaction." Lily seemed at a loss, not knowing how to handle the situation that had unfolded before her.
Tatiana's caring nature shone through as she offered a solution. "Let's give her some more time, Lily. She must be going through a lot right now." Tatiana's words were comforting, her empathy evident as she sought to alleviate Aya's distress.
Later, in the Study Room, Blanc's stern voice directed my attention as Lily and I entered. Blanc's no-nonsense attitude was as palpable as ever, and her dissatisfaction with the earlier incident was clear. "What happened earlier? I won't tolerate this situation dragging on any longer."
I acknowledged her concern with a nod, recognizing that addressing any potential problems promptly was crucial, especially when Tatiana's well-being was on the line. Despite my personal reservations about cooperating with Blanc, I couldn't risk disappointing Tatiana.
Blanc's frustration and impatience were evident in her words. "Why do you even need to keep her around? We aren't caregivers for every troubled child we come across. And that girl... she's already broken." Blanc's straightforwardness was striking, and she wasn't one to sugarcoat her opinions.
Observing the situation with her characteristic perceptiveness, Blanc had seen through the surface layer of events. She understood more than what Lily's account revealed. It was clear that she held strong opinions about Aya's presence and circumstances.
As the conversation continued, I chose my words carefully. "Make no mistake, Blanc. I won't allow this issue to resurface. If it does, I'll handle it." My tone was measured, reflecting my commitment to ensuring that the situation would be managed effectively. While my interactions with Blanc were often fraught with tension, I had to acknowledge the necessity of cooperation when it came to matters involving Tatiana.
Blanc's frustration escalated, and she conveyed a stark ultimatum. "If she truly proves to be useless, I'll end her life. It serves no purpose to allow her to stay under our protection when she contributes nothing." Blanc's words were harsh, carrying the weight of her conviction.
Digging deeper, I addressed the underlying issue. "Why does she remind you of something you wish to erase? Are you attempting to project your own bitterness onto someone you don't even know?" My words were pointed, a deliberate attempt to peel back the layers of Blanc's emotions. It was a risky move, but I was compelled to delve into her psyche, even if only momentarily.
The silence that followed was telling, speaking volumes about the complexity of Blanc's feelings. As the weight of her unspoken thoughts hung in the air, I sighed inwardly. While my intent had been to provoke a reaction, I didn't intend to exacerbate the situation further.
"Fine... if she's truly deemed inconsequential, I'll take care of it. Allowing her to go on under our protection achieves nothing, doesn't it?" I relented, acknowledging the pragmatism of Blanc's argument. While I held reservations about her methods, I had to find common ground in the interest of Tatiana's well-being.
Before leaving, I offered a sincere apology to Blanc, acknowledging that the strained dynamics among us wouldn't serve anyone's interests in the long run. I left the room, my thoughts lingering on the shifting dynamics within our group.
Stepping into Aya's room, I found her listless, lost in her thoughts and emotions. She seemed detached from her surroundings, her gaze unfocused as if she were lost in a distant world. Lily stood nearby, a silent presence offering support to the troubled young woman.
"Come with me," I told Aya gently, a softness in my voice that contrasted with my usual demeanor. Aya followed me as I led her away from the manor's confines, guiding her toward a quieter space where we could have a more private conversation.
-Chapter 43 End-