18th May, East Mennork, in the wealthy villa of Count Throne.
Skyler found herself in Evelyn's luxurious mansion. Secretly invited by her friend and the esteemed Earl and Countess Throne to celebrate and honor the fourteenth anniversary of the passing of Evelyn's parents.
Sitting on a couch draped in pristine fabric in the living room, she crossed her legs as she read the newspaper.
The walls were adorned with ornate moldings, and a large framed painting of Evelyn's family was in plain sight above the fireplace. A majestic golden chandelier surrounded by crystals hangs from the center of the ceiling, catching Skyler's attention.
She took a few seconds to admire the beauty of her friend's living room, remembering once again how elegant it was.
As she continued to leaf through the pages, her eyes were immediately drawn to the page title: "A Priestess Committed An Extreme Act."
"I finally found it." Skyler swallowed hard, her fingers shaking.
From the conversation she had with Susie at the university, Skyler wanted to dig deeper into the suicide of the priestess in the Duskfall capital.
Duskfall, a Kingdom of golden sand dunes located in the Southern Continent with a rich history, had always surprised her since she was little, even though she preferred the Aetheria Kingdom. The priestesses, well loved by the people, who administered powerfully the cities along with the nobles, were fundamental parts of the culture. The idea of one taking her own life without a reason was very unusual.
"26th April 1439, the priestess Malak Misfud, a 52 year old elderly woman was found dead in her mansion. The corpse was found hanging in the hall by one of the maids around 9:00 am. After carrying out preliminary investigations, the detectives and MIB concluded that it was suicide, but the reason behind this act still remains a mystery. According to the statements provided by the maids, the evening before her suicide, the priestess went out for a business meeting, but when she returned, she went to her rooms without having dinner. Her death shocked the entire community, and on May 3, Pharaoh Seti Jechonias organized a funeral in her honor."
"Why would a wealthy and beloved lady commit such an act?" Skyler was aghast by what she read.
She couldn't muster the courage to look away from the image of the crime scene.
"Sorry if I took too long, Miss Skyler."
A female voice interrupted Skyler's thoughts as she slowly lowered the newspaper to her nose, peering at the figure of a young, loose-haired strawberry blonde woman with blue eyes. She was wearing a black long-sleeved dress and a white apron. The woman placed a porcelain cup with embroidered flowers on the brown table next to Skyler.
"Thanks for the tea, Agnes." Skyler said, placing the newspaper on the table.
"It's an honor for me to be able to serve my mistress's friend." Agnes advocated, bowing her head towards Skyler.
Skyler looked at the steaming cup, feeling the aroma enter her nostrils. She took the cup delicately.
"Is Evelyn still in her room changing?" Skyler asked.
"Yes, but it shouldn't take long." Agnes sat down on the adjacent couch, her voice became feeble, "It makes me… sad to know that my mistress lost her parents at a young age. I owe her a lot if I can work today."
Skyler looked down, staring at the newspaper on the table. She didn't know the reason, but it was as though she somehow didn't want to see Agnes's melancholy look.
Also because she knew very well what Agnes had to go through before working as a waitress. Living on the streets after losing both parents, malnutrition, sleeping in the cold streets, and being completely alone were the worst things a girl like Agnes could ever experience.
Skyler took a sip of tea and expressed, "I can understand how it feels to be alone, and that's exactly why I'm grateful that you and Evelyn met. We've had some great times together, and when I see you smile I understand how grateful Evelyn is to have you by your side."
"I'm truly flattered by your words, although I doubt that I've done any great things." Agnes mumbled softly.
Seeing Agnes clutching her apron, Skyler gently took her hand. It was soft, warm, a slender hand that made Evelyn's life for the better. Skyler was sure of such sensations she was experiencing.
"This hand, no... these hands have done wonderful things. They've dried tears, held the weight of sadness, and so many other things that have helped Evelyn greatly. They're small and soft hands, but they've done so many great things to make her life a better place. I'm sure of it." Skyler confessed, voice soft.
While she placed the cup of tea on the table after voicing her opinion, Agnes raised her eyebrows in response to what Skyler said, who smiled weakly.
As Skyler's eyes were fixed on Agnes's twinkling ones, Agnes smiled softly, her cheeks blushing.
"You are an amazing person, Skyler Hall." Agnes said, voice small.
Watching Agnes smile in a gratifying way as if she were the happiest woman in the world, Skyler sighed. Although Agnes' words were short, she felt that those words contained a thousand meanings, and therefore, she lowered her gaze.
"You're wrong, I'm not at all what you think. I just wanted to express what I thought." Skyler murmured.
Agnes laughed weakly and added. "Well, if you wanted to speak your mind, then such phrases made my day. Thank you very much for this."
Skyler sighed "You don't have to thank me, it was just my pleasure."
She then gazed at Agnes, thinking back to the good times she had with Agnes with Evelyn. Between piano lessons, reading the stories of the New Testament Century and lots of healthy laughter in company, Skyler couldn't help but treasure these memories, memories that she was fond of from the bottom of her soul.
Those moments she had lived with Agnes and Evelyn made her feel closer to them, and also that her relationship with them was strengthened.
"Rather, I'd thank you for letting me come before the main guest. I'm sure they would have looked at me badly." Skyler advocated as she smiled sincerely.
Agnes laughed feebly. "Don't worry, Miss Skyler. We're friends after all."
Realizing the tension was dissipating, Skyler laughed. Her heart warmed, and beneath the sweet laughter she felt relieved to be closer to Agnes. As she continued laughing, she heard footsteps coming from the hallway.
"Good morning, Skyler."
A middle-aged brunette woman with long hair reaching her shoulders and brown eyes, wearing a black gown adorned with lace patterns, entered the living room, politely greeting Skyler. It was none other than Countess Eileen!
Skyler stood up from the couch, gently shook Agnes's hand, and bowed respectfully to the woman. "Good morning Lady Throne, it is an honor for me to be there."
Agnes bowed her head and said. "Well, I'm going back to finish the preparations for the official ceremony."
She then took the porcelain tea cup that was on the table, and left the living room as her footsteps faded.
"Thou don't need to be formal, thou can address me as Mrs. Throne." Eileen said as she sat dutifully on the couch, "Sit down, we haven't seen each other in a while, and I want to apologize if we haven't let thou come in months."
Skyler sat on the adjacent couch, clutching the hem of her black dress. "You don't need to apologize. You are a noble family, and I do not wish to ruin your reputation."
She understood. She completely understood the boundaries. Although she and Evelyn were very close, Skyler didn't have the privileges of visiting her often due to her status. It was a bitter truth that weighed on her heart but which she accepted.
As oppressive silence fell on the room for a brief moment, Countess Eileen placed both hands gently on her knees, straightening her back.
"Thou know, my brother's death was a harsh shock to me. Despite the hard investigations of the Wraithcrows and detective's, nothing was known about the culprits." Eileen said, "Sadly, that had a negative impact on my niece, and after their deaths, she refused to go out, spending most of her days in her room."
Skyler felt a lump in her throat. Seeing Eileen's sad eyes, she couldn't help but look away.
"She didn't even eat, and the only time she went out was to go to the bathroom." Eileen continued as her brow furrowed, "I can't blame her after all."
"I never would've… thought… something… like that." Skyler's lips trembled.
Despite knowing her for many years, she was distraught by the revelation. Images of her friend alone in her room filled Skyler's mind. Even if she understood her suffering, Eileen's words still pierced her.
"My husband and I tried in every way to cheer her up, but… it was all in vain. One day… she even tried to become a Daredevil, risking her life just to be able to talk to them." Eileen took a breath. "Thankfully Agnes managed to stop her in time before it was too late."
"A Daredevil?" Skyler was off guard by Eileen's words.
Countess Eileen pursed her lips and added, "We're afraid she'd remain depressed. But one day, thou appeared. After Evelyn met thou, she gradually returned to being happy. Sigh, thanks to thou, my niece is now able to smile."
As Eileen smiled, her cheeks blushed, bringing warmth to the entire living room.
Skyler was impressed by what she heard. Those words, sweet and reassuring, tried to wash away the worries that plagued her.
She instinctively waved both hands, "Erm, but I… didn't do… anything."
Skyler denied what she told her. She found it hard to believe that it was thanks to her that Evelyn smiled again. Her eyes sparkled as she tilted her head down.
Countess Eileen ignored Skyler's words, raising her hand towards her, and in an even more reassuring voice she said, "Skyler Hall, my husband and I thank thou for bringing happiness into Evelyn's life…"
Skyler looked at the woman in front of her with her arm raised. Hearing Eileen's words again, a crack formed in her wall full of negativity, releasing a glimmer of light into her soul.
Even if she couldn't recognize her merits, she couldn't ignore Eileen's hand in front of her. Shaking her head, she squeezed her warm hand as she looked into her eyes.
"Y-you're welcome… Lady Throne, although I haven't done much." Skyler smiled.
"No, thou did a lot, and for that I'm grateful."
As the silence fell in the living room, Skyler continued to hold Eileen's hand, allowing herself to be absorbed in the warmth of Countess Eileen.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Skyler was walking down the red-carpeted second-floor hallway towards Evelyn's room. After a few steps, she saw a painting with a bronze carved border with the image of Evelyn as a child with her parents.
"You did a lot, and for that I'm grateful." Eileen's words flashed through Skyler's mind as she thought about her friend.
"Miss Skyler!" A voice rang out from the hallway.
Skyler heard a familiar voice. She turned and saw Agnes running towards her, raising the hem of her dress.
Seeing Agnes out of breath, Skyler put her hand on her chest, and asked, "Is something wrong?"
Agnes breathed deeply, her forehead sweating as she rested her arm on the yellow wall while bending her legs. Her wheezy breathing echoed in the hallway.
"No, it's just that… I wanted to tell you something… that I couldn't tell you." Agnes stated.
Skyler looked at Agnes puzzled, trying to figure out what she wanted to tell her.
After a few seconds, Agnes stood up composed, and smiled looking at Skyler, "Thank you for being close to my mistress. Even if she's surrounded by many friends, I think you're the only one who makes her happy."
Skyler was astonished. A while ago, Eileen thanked her for being part of her niece's wife, and once again, Agnes thanked her for the same reason.
A feeling of resignation took over her as she smiled sincerely, "No worries, I'm very happy to be able to be next to her."
"Well Skyly, we can go!" A voice chimed.
Skyler saw Evelyn wearing a long black dress and a black veil covering her hair walking elegantly. Seeing her friend smile reassured her soul, but at the same time she felt a sensation inside her heart, but she didn't understand what it was.
"Mhh… Okay…" Skyler nodded as Evelyn walked past her.
Agnes bowed her head respectfully, "My mistress, your carriage is ready."
As Agnes and Evelyn walked down the hallway, Skyler followed, still looking at Evelyn. Silence fell, and the only sound that could be heard was their heavy footsteps echoing.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Walking down the stairs, she thought about what Eileen told her about Evelyn. She sensed a feeling of sadness hiding behind her friend's smile, and although she understood her friend's pain, she was stunned when she discovered Evelyn's desire to become a Daredevil.
The realization overwhelms her as her mind was overwhelmed with emotions. In many years of friendship, Evelyn never mentioned this, but Skyler did not blame her. She, too, had some secrets she hadn't shared, and the issue with Klein was one of them.
Why didn't Evelyn open up about the Daredevil issue? Was it to keep her from worrying too much? Was it to protect her? Skyler felt a pang in her chest, as if someone was squeezing it tightly as the gravity of the matter and their hidden pains led her into a deep reflection.
She glanced at Evelyn, her composed figure was in stark contrast to the storm that was deep within her soul.
"Em… Skyly, is something wrong?" Evelyn asked with worrying eyes turned towards Skyler.
Evelyn's words broke Skyler's thoughts, she looked at her with a dumbfounded expression.
"Ah… No no, I just had my head in the clouds." Skyler denied, waving both of her hands.
Evelyn turned, relaxing her shoulders. The tension in the mansion slowly crushed Skyler as she reached the front door.
Eileen, who was standing at the front wooden door, coughed and said, "Please Evelyn, come back before 2:00 pm."
"I shaln't be long. I shall be back before the official ceremony." Evelyn nodded as she walked out the mansion.
Agnes bowed her head, and said to Skyler and Evelyn, "Be safe, and have a good trip."
Skyler waved her right hand as she and Evelyn entered a black carriage with wheels and gold embroidery. She sat and looked out the window at the cloudy weather as the carriage left the Throne family mansion. The sound of the black horses' hooves echoes in the cobblestone street.
As Skyler leaned out of the window, feeling the wind on her face, Evelyn placed her black bag on her lap, "Finally some time for us, I dare say."
"Yea, even if traveling in a luxurious carriage makes me feel queer." Skyler said, looking at Evelyn.
"Thou art always incorrigible, I dare say." Evelyn placed her index finger on her lower lip. "I heard from Susie that thou went to church to pray for my family, and that thou cried for me."
Hearing what Evelyn said, Skyler's body trembled, heat creeping up from her neck to her cheeks.
"B-but it's not true, what are you saying, eheheh." Skyler retorted. "Damn her, why doesn't she ever keep her mouth shut?"
Her mind drifted back to when she met Susie in the Cathedral of the Son of Nature a few days ago and what she said to her. The fact she cried while praying made her want to disappear and curse Susie at the same time.
Seeing Skyler's pouting, Evelyn laughed, covering her lips with her hand, "Hahaha, thou have a funny expression."
"D-do you think it's time to laugh? How embarrassing…"
"I always have fun when I'm with thou, especially when thou make those funny expressions." Evelyn paused, her voice softening. "Thou know, it makes me happy that thou prayed for my parents, it's a gesture that I really appreciate, even if I don't believe in the Son of Nature."
Skyler breathed a sigh of relief as she looked at Evelyn, "Hah, I forgot that you believe in the Goddess of Wisdom and Conjuration."
"My family has venerated her for many generations, since the New Testament Age. In fact, it was among the most influential in the Republic as we're great supporters of Emperor Samuel, I dare say."
While the carriage continued its journey under the gray sky, Skyler smiled faintly. Evelyn's laughter softened her, lighting the mood and easing the burden they both momentarily carried.
"You know Evelyn, I think your parents would be proud of you." Skyler expressed sincerely.
"Art thou truly of such an opinion?"
"Yea. I mean, being with you and Agnes all these years has made me realize how grateful I am to have known you."
"I'm grateful to have met you too, Skyly. Irrespective of what others may think of thee, thou shall forever be my dearest and dazzling friend."
Evelyn's sudden statement made Skyler's heart beat fast—her words came out as though she were saying that Skyler was her most precious friend.
–"Even if she's surrounded by many friends, I think you are the only one who makes her happy."
Thinking back to Agnes' words, Skyler gasped, staring at Evelyn who was curling her lips. She was stunned, as if the world around her had become lush.
Evelyn then laughed wryly. "Thine expressions ought to be immortalized in photographs and frames. In fact, they art so memorable, I dare say."
"H-h-here we go again. You wilt never change by saying awkward phrases here and there as though they were commonplace." Skyler's cheeks blushed.
After blinking at Skyler's awkward expression, Evelyn laughed out loud. She continued laughing, not bothering to cover her mouth as her mother taught her, while Skyler's expression slowly transformed into a smile.
Skyler looked out the window as the carriage headed towards the cemetery.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Center Mennork, in the Eternal Rest Cemetery.
Skyler and Evelyn stood in front of Evelyn's parent's grave.
Evelyn caressed the pentagonal emblem of the Goddess of Wisdom and Conjuration which was above the stone tomb. A melancholic expression formed on her smiling face as she took some red roses out of her bag.
Skyler swallowed hard, as if there was something in her throat, as she watched Evelyn cover her face with the black veil.
Evelyn hooked her hands together, looking up at the sky, "Hi mom and dad… 14 long years have passed since thou left me…"
Her lips trembled as she spoke. Her voice became feeble. "Time passes, but my memories spent with thou shall not fade. Mom, I still remember the warm hugs thou gave me as a child. Your hugs melted my problems like snow, as if to tell me that everything will be for the best."
A breeze blew with a whooshing sound, sending the leaves flying around. A shiver ran down Skyler's spine as she looked sadly at her best friend.
Even though the veil covered Evelyn's face, she could feel an air of sadness enveloping her like a cloud. She felt as if the veil was a mask for Evelyn to hide her agony.
Evelyn took a sharp breath, and continued, "Dad, I admired thee so much, thou hast taught me to respect others, both noble and not, your strength hath given me the courage not to give up, and above all, the courage to fight for what I believe."
To Skyler, Evelyn was an amazing person. From the first time they met, Eveyln was the first person outside of Benson and her father to help her. She had consoled her when she was sad, she had taught her not to keep everything inside and to confide.
It was thanks to her that Skyler was able to lead a peaceful life, it was thanks to her that she was able to smile after years of trauma.
Evelyn tilted her neck all the way up, her voice was dim, "There are a lot of things I wanted to share with ye. Carrying on what ye left, managing to go to university, and most of all… all… the experiences I had with Skyly…"
"Evelyn, I…." Skyler's heartbeat quickened.
As she stared palely at Evelyn, she felt cold drops falling on her slender arms, looking at the gray sky and the birds flying overhead, realizing it was drizzling. Evelyn mentioning her name made her blue eyes twinkle with sorrow, while her wet arms froze.
Evelyn reached down and placed the roses that were in the muddy ground on the grave, "I brought you some flowers, the ones you prefer… I love thou, mum and dad, I thank thou for everything… Sorry, if I was… capricious with… thou."
Skyler saw a drop fall under Evelyn's veil, who was raising both hands to the sky. A glimmer of sunlight dimly illuminated the grave along with Evelyn. She felt that the scene she was seeing was symbolic.
Like in the stories she read as a child, it seemed as if a golden rope was descending from the sky, trying to invite Evelyn to come up.
Skyler felt like if she didn't do something right away, Evelyn would disappear into that ray of sunshine, leaving her alone.
Without even thinking, she grabbed Evelyn's arm and pulled her into a sweet hug, feeling the sweet scent emanating from Evelyn's neck along with her slender and warm body.
Skyler whispered, "Evelyn… you… you are my dearest friend, and I will never leave your side for any reason in the world."
That was her honest opinion, grateful to Evelyn Throne for being there for her.
She continued to hold Evelyn's figure tightly in a warm embrace, while the rain continued to fall from the sky.
Surrendered completely in the embrace, Evelyn sighed lightly, and with a soft voice she said, "Skyly… thank thou, thank thou so much. I'm truly happy to have thou by my side."
Listening to what Evelyn said to her, Skyler felt her friend's body tremble as she heard her sobs. She gently stroked her long brown hair covered by the black veil until the sobs gradually faded away.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
After Evelyn left her to go receive the guests, Skyler Hall walked into the light brown forest path of the Eternal Rest Cemetery.
Despite the rain, the cylindrical black hat covered her. She raised the wet hem of her dress as she walked towards the exit.
"It was better if I brought an umbrella. And to think that Benson had told me that the weather would only be cloudy." Skyler thought.
As she continued to curse herself for the mistake she had made, she heard a loud rustling sound coming from behind. Turning cautiously, she saw a small dog with yellow fur running along the path while barking.
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Skyler's brow furrowed, feeling goosebumps as she saw the dog. It was like it was running away—afraid of something. After thinking about it, although she felt a feeling of disquiet on her neck, she still decided to follow the dog's footsteps it had left, trying to understand which direction it came from.
"It's coming from over there." Skyler walked on the muddy forest ground, her feet sinking into the mud with every step she took.
Her soaked black dress stuck to her skin as she occasionally leaned on the tree trunks.
Still walking out of breath, she wanted to understand why the dog was running away. Why did it look scary? Perhaps its owner was ill, and the dog had gone to ask for help? Thoughts flashed through her mind as she followed the footsteps.
Every step she took felt heavier, as if the mud was trying to pull her down, keeping her from discovering the truth.
Skyler saw a wooden shed with the door wide open. Since the footsteps were coming from the shed, she slowly walked towards that direction, and then—
"Haa…" She let out a short moan.
Her body trembled at the entrance, her fingers went pale, as if they had shrunk. Skyler stepped back, only to shake her head.
The metallic smell of blood brimmed in the air, and the swarm of buzzing flies in the shed that chilled even her, their incessant droning filling her ears.
Skyler looked at that thing in front of her, and was disgusted.
The decomposing corpse of a man lay sitting in a wooden chair. His body was in such a terrible state that it made Skyler cover her eyes.
He was sitting with his head and back down, wearing a yellowish-white shirt and brown trousers with suspenders. His skin was blackish-green and swollen. It felt like it would explode with a simple prod, spewing a foul stench of decay from within.
While his body was surrounded by maggots and other parasites wriggling in his skin, blood, and rotten juices, a white revolver with a black barrel rim was on the ground to his right as the vials and a book with a brown cover were scattered on the gloomy shed.
"Aah…" Skyler let out another moan as she slowly backed away.
Just as her body trembled, the man's eyeball fell to the ground and rolled a few times, leaving a reddish-brown trail as the stench of putrid flesh and metallic blood grew stronger.
The urge to vomit was unbearable, and unable to stop herself Skyler puked the yellowish-green contents in her stomach. Some residue of her vomit ended up on her black dress and legs, along with gastric juices.
"Uh! Guh, blergh…" Skyler continued to puke, tears falling from wet face.
—It was the second time she had seen someone's death.
No, it was the second time Skyler had ever come face-to-face with a person's corpse.
As she wiped away the vomit caked around her mouth with her hand, Skyler eyed the cadaver again and immediately froze on the spot.
The rotting body that had previously been sitting, giving off putridity into the air, was slowly rising from the chair!