Finally, we entered my room. It was even bigger than Arina's and I house in our previous life. It had a pink and white theme that I couldn't really stand. Imagine that infamous Azima, whose name was on the tongue of every gangster and Yakuza group, now spending time in a princess's room. A large single bed was next to the window. A large and well-equipped study desk was opposite it, and next to it was a large wardrobe. In addition, there was a fancy dressing table with a mirror in the room. I insisted on removing the dolls from the room and putting them in the storage room because they were useless except for being in the way. Overall, if you ignore the color scheme, it was a spacious and beautiful room. She put me on the bed.
"Don't move. I'll be back."
She left the room. I heard her voice from outside.
"Aldous, bring the phone book..."
When I was sure she was completely out of the room, I got up slowly.
"I'm fine..."
I walked slowly towards my wardrobe. There were some shelves next to it, with jewelry boxes and my socks on them. I bent down and opened one. A simple but elegant half set adorned with precious stones.
"Hmmm, I won't use them. So they'll be a good saving for my future."
I closed it and took a quick look at the other boxes. I turned and went towards my dressing table. There were some creams and special skincare products on it, along with nail polish and very delicate makeup that was suitable for a girl my age.
'Now that I think about it, I never used makeup in my previous life.'
I raised my head and faced my reflection in the mirror. I squinted and stared at my face. I can't say it's ugly... but all the features of my face were completely random. A relatively long face with fair skin. Spiky gray hair down to my chin, which practically made me look like an old woman. Thin, line-like lips that were really ugly.
Green eyes, which I can say are the only resemblance I have to Arina and Aldous, although they are paler and lifeless. The most prominent and striking feature of my face, in my opinion, are my freckles. I've never seen anyone in this world with freckles.
'I guess it's rare.'
I quickly ran towards my bed at the sound of my mom's footsteps. But my foot got caught on the side table next to the bed and I fell headfirst to the ground. I wrapped my arms around my body. Luckily, I wasn't hurt. But this situation was worse than falling ten times. The door opened slowly.
'Oh no...'
I closed my eyes and pretended to be dead.
'This is much better than being scolded.'
Silence...
I slowly opened my eyes. The door was behind me, so I couldn't see Mom's reaction. I was anxious.
'Damn it, say something...'
I sat up quickly at the sound of Arina's voice.
"Angela, what are you doing?"
I forced a laugh.
"Haha, I was playing Opossum with myself."
"playing Opossum?"
"Yeah, haha... Do you want to play with me?"
I was extremely surprised. Arina had come to my room after months. But of course, her condition was still the same. Black circles under her eyes, a thin, bony face. The whites of her eyes were turned to red from the lack of sleep.
"No, I don't have time for this..."
I looked at her in silence. Her eyes were fixed on the floor. It was as if she couldn't look at me.
"I... I wanted to check on you."
'I guess the guilt from the previous fight has gotten to her.'
I smirked at her.
"I don't need you to check on me. You broke my heart with your actions."
Of course, I was lying. Even if Arina killed me and brought me back to life, I wouldn't be upset with her. But she needed to come to her senses and stop this behavior. Her eyebrows furrowed.
"Well, I had the right to be angry like that. You were interrupting my studies..."
"Oh my! It's always studies, studies, studies. Arina, with this way of studying, you're only harming yourself and others."
"I haven't hurt anyone..."
" yes you had! You've hurt the soul and psyche of your family members Those who are dear to you are deeply worried and anxious because of your behavior."
Arina rolled her eyes impatiently.
"Why do you act like I'm crazy? I'm just trying harder_"
"Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Black circles under your eyes, a hunched back, unkempt hair and nails. Do you even know when the last time you showered was?"
"Yesterday."
"Oh!"
"Anyway, I have nothing to do with you. You guys leave me alone."
She was about to leave when I grabbed her hand in a sight.
"I'm not finished talking yet, Arina. Now that you're here, let me spill the beans."
Arina looked at me expectantly.
"We're a family, right?"
She hesitantly nodded.
"Then our lives are intertwinted. Or rather, connected. Our pains, our joys, our successes, our failures, and even our regrets are connected. When one of us gets hurt, the others also feel the pain. Arina, you can't just break this connection like that. At least I won't allow you to."
Arina's gaze was fixed on the floor as I spoke. I was praying that my words would have an impact on her and wouldn't be fruitless like the last time.
"You know what, Angela? You really have the most childish behavior a 12-year-old girl should have."
"Arina, you_"
I shouted angrily,
"But sometimes you say things that make me feel like an adult is saying them."
"You're a really strange sister,"
She laughed at my bewilderment and continued.
My hand slipped from her lap.
"Can you have dinner with us today?"
"Hm? Why?"
"What kind of a stupid question is that? It's natural to eat with your family."
"But I have studying to do."
'I'm starting to think I've been talking to an ancient stone wall this whole time.'
I ran towards the bed in fear at my mother's voice, but this time I tripped and fell face-first to the ground.
'Oh, bad luck!'
"Didn't I tell you not to move?"
"...I'm sorry."
"Uhhhh... I really don't know what to say to you."
She turned to Arina.
"Well, well, the bookworm finally decided to come out of her hole."
"Hi, Mom."
"Oh, I didn't realize I hadn't seen you in so long, I should greet you properly. Anyway..."
She smiled and stroked Arina's head.
"Please don't be so hard on yourself. Being a knight is the honor of our family, but you are more valuable than that. So don't waste yourself."
Arina stared blankly ahead.
"I'll see you at dinner."
My mother passed by her and came towards me.
I gathered myself and forced a smile. My mom's face was terrifying. It was as if fire was flaming from her eyes. She cracked her knuckles.
"I... I said I'm sorry."
"Do you think saying sorry fixes everything?"
"..."