Chapter 120:
Reunite
Days before Silas’s group’s arrival at the countess’s palace, Camille’s group was preparing their departure, bringing with it new information regarding her long-awaited guests, and their departure from their accommodations within the small village they had been staying in. This allowed both Cordelia and Theo time to heal their wounds. While Theo had started to gain consciousness, he spent much of his days in bed, forced by the countess’s nurses to lay in bed.
The countess had spoken to him more than once, discussing their travel plans succinctly, bringing Cordelia and Kivah into the room with them in order to keep them up to speed on their current plans. There was no concern of Cordelia leaking their travel plans even if she were to stay, as she had nowhere else to go, and they doubted her family would welcome her as warmly as they had, still healing from her wounds.
Theo had been sleeping on and off throughout the passing days, his wounds slowly recovering. He could now sit up for a limited amount of time and eat on his own, but each movement was accompanied with pain, and even with his high pain tolerance it was evident he was suffering. Camille could only continue to work with the physician to prescribe him medicine to dull his pain until they returned to the palace, where he could receive further treatment.
At this moment, Theo was sitting up, his eyes deep as he stared at Cordelia and Kivah, his gaze full of fear, rage, and pain, much like Cordelia’s had carried when she was first found by Kivah. There was an air of danger around Theo, though, that had yet to dissipate, and the countess watched the young man like a hawk, keeping him in check much like a mature older sister.
“Alright, it seems like everyone is here, or awake, that is.” She turned to Theo, her lips twisted into a small frown as she said, “Took you both long enough.”
Theo silently stared at the Countess, his gaze heavy, full of some irritation.
“Nevermind you.” She sighed, holding back a chuckle as she addressed the group as a whole, “Let’s not waste anymore time. There’s much we need to discuss, such as our upcoming travel plans.”
“Travel plans?” Cordelia asked, bewildered.
Camille’s eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, “Yes, travel plans. You didn’t think we were planning to stay here forever, did you?”
“O-of course not!” Cordelia cried out, blushing with embarrassment. Kivah brought a hand up to his face to cover his smile, and Theo’s face further dropped in annoyance.
“When will you leave?” Theo asked, his voice scratchy, rusted from lack of use.
“As soon as possible. It will take us a few days to return to my estate.” Camille replied, slightly surprised by Theo’s voice.
“But I thought we were near the capital?” Cordelia asked in confusion, her voice full of uncertainty. Cordelia began to realize how out-of-touch she had become in the days she had isolated herself. Or had it been weeks?
Camille shook her head, her expression taut. “No, we’re near my district, the Highland District.” Camille looked at Cordelia, who looked down at the ground, then over to Kivah, “And if we don’t leave soon, I’ll be late greeting my guests.” She returned her stare towards Cordelia, her gaze heavy, “It’s your choice whether you stay here, or join us. I’ll only make this offer once.”
They were only a short distance from the countess’s estate now, waiting in a village until word was received from Eva’s group. Having traveled with the Countess for some time, Cordelia had become well aware of her temperament. She would be a great asset for those who needed help, and a detriment for those who refused to help themselves.
Kivah, standing next to Cordelia, patted her shoulder, “The Highland District is located within the Highland Mountain range. Once you recover, you could always travel back to your home country to see your family.” He smiled, attempting to encourage the lost young woman the best he could.
Cordelia’s fingers knotted in her lap, Do I really want to go with them? She stared up towards Kivah, thinking of how much the young man had helped her, saving her after she had run into the woods, still wearing Victoria’s clothes that fateful day. If I were to return to the Vartien Kingdom, would my family even accept me back? They were told I harmed Annmaria and was banished from the Yursear Kingdom. They would never want a failure of a daughter like me.
“I-” Cordelia paused, her fingers tangling before she finally said, “I want to go with you. At least for now.”
Camille did not acknowledge Cordelia, acting as if she had anticipated this answer. “My friend is already on her way. It’s time for us to go.” Camille said with a smile, standing next to the window as their luggage was loaded into the carriages prepared by the countess. “Are you sure you want to come with us? Unlike our patient, Theo, you have a choice of your own.” The woman’s dress suit was well tailored, but staring at her figure, Cordelia felt strange.
To wear a suit like that so casually, she’s really strange. Cordelia thought to herself, staring at the countess’s suit with another glance, surprised by the woman’s confident figure. Most women in the Yursear and Bethellian Kingdoms would only wear dresses. The only time a noblewoman would wear pants would be horseback riding or another outdoor sport, which was rare itself, even in the Vartien Kingdom.
“I’ll go on my own from here.” Theo said, slowly, carefully rising to his feet, “Thank you for all your assistance. I will pay you back one day.”
Camille raised her hand, waving it in front of her face dismissively, “There’s no need.”
Theo paused, then bowed deeply, his stature stiff and straight, as if he was not healing from mortal wounds.
“Thank you.” Theo collected his meager things and quickly and quietly left the room, leaving no trace of his presence behind.
“What an odd man.” Camille remarked to herself aloud, her stare locked onto the shut door.
Staring at the confident countess in the tailored suit, Cordelia felt a pang of jealousy in her heart, wishing she had the freedom to express herself in such a fashion, finding joy in establishing her own identity.
While Cordelia was in a daze, a voice spoke up. “You already packed your luggage, right?” Kivah asked Cordelia, the young duchess still sitting in shock at the sudden change. “I’ll help you load it into the carriage. Follow me.” Kivah smiled, appearing happy their new companion would be joining them for the next leg of their journey.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
To think I would ever travel with such a strange group. Cordelia hummed, following Kivah like a wistful puppy as the pair walked towards their rooms, preparing to pack their luggage for the eventual meeting.
…
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Clarence, now in the end stretch of their journey, was the last one to suffer the many disguise changes during their journey. As they became closer to the Highland District, Jasmine forced the young prince into a dress, much like Silas had been the entirety of their journey, and made him suffer as the group neared Camille’s palace.
“This dress is so flowy, but I feel as though air is blowing up between my legs.” Clarence said with an uncomfortable huff, adjusting the dress that had been adjusted to fit his broad-shouldered frame. While his waist was muscular, it was narrow enough to flatter the dress shape Jasmine had chosen for him, a simple pink A-line dress. A wig had been packed for him, a long, plain black wig, making him appear as a masculine woman.
Seeing Clarence wear such an embarrassing garment, Silas laughed for the first twenty minutes he saw Clarence attempting to walk like a woman. It was not until he coached the young prince how to walk properly, not like a soldier, that Jasmine deemed them acceptable to continue the last stretch of their journey.
As they neared the palace grounds, they were stopped by a group of soldiers, their armor heavy and covering, most likely to defend against bandits and stray mercenaries. “What is your business at the Zavior Estate?” The first soldier asked, his eyes fixed on the group with an intimidating light.
These soldiers are different. Silas could see by the way they carried themselves they were not ordinarily trained soldiers, they behaved like well-trained mercenaries, having a wild air about them much like he had when he trained in the elven sword styles. They are stronger than they seem, that’s for sure. Maeir noticed the soldiers’ demeanor, her eyes narrowing in interest. But, before anything could happen, Jasmine stepped forward, putting an arm between herself and their group.
“These are my people, Curt. Countess Camille sent me to escort them here, so watch your tongue.” Jasmine said playfully, but her eyes fixed on the man with some threat.
“Who are you to tell me what to do, you little brat?” The leading soldier, Curt, smiled, exposing his sharp teeth as he stared down at Jasmine, who stood a head shorter than him. He then directed his gaze at the group before he paused and growled. “What an ugly fucking woman.” He grimaced, staring at Clarence with disgust.
Silas held back a laugh as Clarence said in a low voice, “I’d expect a soldier to have a better attitude towards guests of their employer.” He smiled, the smile not quite reaching his eyes. “You blind twit.” His voice was low and deep, obviously belonging to a man.
After the initial shock passed, the soldier was incensed. “You stupid son of a bitch-” The solider said, lifting his fist, preparing to punch Clarence.
“Well then.” Seeing a fight brewing, Jasmine stepped in, “I’ll take that as an invitation then. Come on, the countess will be here shortly. Until then, the steward’s assistant can help you all settle in.” She grabbed Clarence by the arm and dragged him next to her, causing him to stumble as they walked forward. Clarence shot a sarcastic smile towards Curt, who looked as if his mother had been affronted.
After being allowed to enter the palace grounds, they were escorted by two of the knights from the group and led towards the embellished palace. The angry knight was pulled back, forced to stay behind as he muttered more unfriendly words towards the prince, who was made to ignore them. Walking through the estate grounds, they felt some surprise, staring at the delicately-styled mansion. In the Highland District, there was not much development, however the area around the palace was delicately styled and the spring foliage was planted and styled in a rich fashion.
“This is beautiful.” Clarence said, staring around as he looked at the estate. “The plants are well taken care of here.”
Silas raised a brow, “Is this your first time coming here?”
Clarence nodded, “Usually any discussions between the Zavior family and our family were done through writing or in the capital. The Yursinean royal family was not easy to approach, particularly for a lowly count; however, due to the power of their trade routes, there was frequent contact between the royals and the Zavior family.”
Though, thinking of the young countess, Clarence had never met her and had no impression of her. She was known to be reclusive, living in the barren Highland District where she reigned rather than living in the bustling capital, ruling from afar. She often traveled in secret, securing high-value trade deals with her glib tongue and strong capital. Her contacts and wealth were more dangerous as an enemy than an ally, and the Yursear palace was quick to sway their words in her favor, gaining some valuable trade routes in return.
Approaching the large palace, the group was led towards a quiet, less busy area of the building. “Your rooms will be past this corridor.” One of the knights said as he opened a side door to the building, “This is the guest wing.”
“Really?” Jasmine snorted, placing a hand on her chest, “I’ll have you know I’m like family to the countess!”
“There she goes again.” A jovial voice called from within, footsteps approaching, “I swear, Jasmine, you always say that to everyone, but the Countess her-”
The footsteps abruptly stopped.
A gasp.
“T-That can’t be…” A young man stood in the doorway, his eyes frozen still on Silas and Maeir as he stared forward, his face flushed as he attempted to hold back tears. His hair was short, but the youthful tinge still lined his face, even though he appeared to be Silas’s age.
“Devon-?” Silas said aloud, his shock palpable as he stared at the young elven-human man, a person he never expected to see so far from the village, let alone in a Yursinean noble’s palace.
The young man, wearing a prim and proper suit, ran towards the pair of elves with tears in his eyes as he stretched out his arms, his short auburn hair pushing back as he nearly fell down the stairwell to meet the two he had not seen in nearly ten years. His arms were wide open, his face full of moisture as he tripped and stumbled, eventually wrapping his arms around Maeir and Silas. Maeir, having treated Devon much like a son, patted the young man’s head as Silas patted his back, the three exchanging a set of emotions and nostalgia that had yet to pass. The three were wrapped tightly around each other.
Clarence, standing to the side, wanted to push the man away from Silas, his expression dark as the bottom of a pot. However, when he saw the joy on Silas and Maeir’s faces, he restrained his unseemly anger and watched the interaction, hoping the young man would soon release this hold on Silas before he would do it himself.
“It’s been more than ten years… I thought you both had died…” Devon, known for being stoic, was sobbing, his tears staining Silas and Maeir’s clothes. His face rested awkwardly between the two, his tears streaming down his face. Silas patted his back gently, wiping away the tears that had threatened to fall down his face.
The last time they had seen each other was when his group had left the village to kill Clarence the second time, during his birthday parade. Seeing another familiar face from the village brought with it a variety of memories, making all three of them feel emotional.
After he had cried enough, Devon apologized profusely, his suit awkward on his muscular frame as he stared towards Silas and Maeir. He was going to say something, wiping his face with his handkerchief, before he noticed something odd. There was an awkward pause before Devon asked, “Wait, why are you wearing a dress?” His eyes then trailed over Clarence with some recognition, noticing the young man in the pink dress with a stifled laugh.
Clarence began to hate this young man even more. If you weren’t important to those two, I’d have killed you already myself…! He was already jealous of the man, hugging Silas so close, but now he had the nerve to insult him? The prince felt angry and embarrassed.
Silas sighed, his expression bitter, “To make sure we got here safely, we had to make some sacrifices. Some more than others.” Silas’s eyes trailed towards Clarence before he retracted his gaze, his lips slammed shut in order to keep him from laughing.
After the awkward exchange, the group was escorted to a more discreet part of the guest wing, hidden in the west side of the palace, artfully hiding Clarence between Silas and Jasmine in the back while Devon and Maeir walked in the front, entering the palace as if they had been there numerous times before. Devon escorted them with his head high, walking them through a set of halls that were hidden past door after door, however as they reached the west wing of the palace, Devon used a key to open the doors before he opened the heavy wooden door and said, “Please enter.”
Inside the hall was a batch of rooms, each looking particularly dull compared to the rest of the palace, but there was an air of privacy that made Clarence, still donning his dress, feel more at ease.
Devon carefully closed the doors to the wing and opened the door to another room. Jasmine entered first, allowing Silas, Clarence, and Maeir to enter soon after before the door was shut behind them. “Not to startle you all, but these doors are set up for privacy. I’m sure you understand the security risk keeping elves in the palace like this.” Jasmine said aloud as they continued into the sitting room to take a seat, waiting for their host. “You’ll be safe here.”
“I can explain what is happening, Jasmine.” Devon followed them into the large room, his expression bright as he stared at his past companions, eager to catch up with those he had thought he had lost in the village so long ago. “We weren’t able to discuss what happened before our meeting, were we?”
Silas shook his head, “It’s something that I’ve wanted to ask.”
Devon began to speak, narrating the events that had passed nearly ten years before. “After the Yursear knights attacked the village, many of us were separated. We knew it was a death wish to attempt to fight, so only the elders attempted to stay behind and fight until you all returned, but by the time you all arrived at the village it was already too late.” Devon’s voice was low, full of pensive grief as he spoke in a quiet voice. “The rest of us were able to escape, but we were scattered all around the continent, mostly in the Faelfier and Khymal Kingdoms. If not for Lady Camille’s graciousness, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Silas narrowed his eyes, suppressing the memories of that day as he asked heavily, “When we were separated, you were the one who made sure Emmeline was safe, right?” Silas’s voice shook lightly at the end of his words as he finally said a slow, “Thank you.” Uttering his deceased wife’s name after so long, it felt almost foreign to him, as if glue was attempting to seal his mouth shut as he spoke her name.
Devon started towards Silas, his gaze carrying a complicated understanding as he glanced towards Maeir, seeing the heaviness in her gaze.
“Is… Is Emmeline-?” He did not need to finish his sentence. Silas knew exactly what he was asking.
“Yes. A few years ago.” Silas mumbled, solemn. Maeir looked away, her eyes shut.
“I’m so sorry, Silas. She was a great person. And she loved you more than anyone I’ve ever known.” Devon said, looking down at his calloused hands.
“Thank you. At least I was able to be with her at the end.” Silas said, his voice thickening with emotion. Devon placed a warm hand on Silas’s shoulder, bringing him in for a brotherly hug.
Clarence watched this interaction with wonder and frustration. He felt like an outsider, watching a play. The fact annoyed him. He felt like he had come to know Silas better than anyone during their time together, but he quickly realized he only knew one, guarded side of Silas, the only one Silas showed him.
Soon, the men broke apart, Maeir reached out, placing her hand on her son’s.
“Tell us Devon, what have you been up to in these last ten years?” Maeir asked with a warm smile, which shocked Clarence, who had only seen her deepest, nastiest snarls.
“I escaped with a group of villagers, but we were later separated by a group of soldiers near the capital. We were attempting to find the Mountain elven tribe, but unfortunately my journey was stopped short. It was around that time nearly ten years ago I met Countess Zavior in the Highland District, and she took me in knowing my elven heritage.”
Devon’s features were nearly passable as a human, allowing him more luxuries than some of the other elves, such as entering human civilizations without the transformation gem, and being able to travel with less worries regarding his elven features. Though, as the soldiers hunted the elves, they used the scent of mana to track them, making it just as unsafe for Devon.
“I escaped to the Faelfier Kingdom, but my mom took the twins to the Khymal Empire soon after the attack on the village. They’re in the Faelfier Kingdom now, waiting for our return.” Silas smiled with some relief, knowing his siblings were still safe, outside of the span of war within the continent.
Once the conversation had fallen to a lull, there was a gurgling sound that erupted in the air, coming somewhere between Silas and Clarence, who looked towards Maeir, sitting stoically still in her chair, as if she heard nothing at all. Knowing her temperament, Silas could only smile to himself, holding back a laugh as Devon stood up from his chair.
“You all must be hungry, right? Let me get some snacks while you wait.” Devon bowed, his expression gentle as he stared at the group. “Jasmine, stay here while I grab the snacks.”
Jasmine pouted, “I haven’t eaten yet either!”
Devon frowned, “You were chased out of the kitchen last time for stealing food. Don’t anger the chefs any further.” He let out a sigh, saying with a smile towards the other guests, “I’ll be right back.”
After Devon left, the room fell quiet once again. With the topic at hand, Clarence felt uncomfortable speaking. Hearing what had happened to the elves after the attack, he found himself in shock.
They had burned down the village, attempting to weed out Silas and his men, but they weren’t found in the village…
He did not understand their words as a child. All he knew was that the “bad guys” had been taken care of because they tried to hurt him. His mother had told him the demonic elves that had tried to hurt him on his birthday were gone, and that he was safe, but only now did he know the true extent of the damage that had been done.
Part of him wanted to justify what had been done to the elves, knowing that they had come to the Yursinean capital to kill him as a child, but he now knew that would make no difference. What was done had been done, and there were no winners in this needless war. Even if he were to apologize again and again, and to grovel at Silas’s feet for his own wrongdoings, the elves had accumulated just as many wrongs as he had.
But the thought of seeing Silas grovel at his feet for such a reason made him feel disgusted. He was ashamed of himself at the palace, treating Silas less than human. At least, now it was his turn to redeem himself, slowly but surely, and win back his mother-in-law’s trust.
Apologizing now will not make a difference. I need to make amends with my actions. Clarence stared to the side, watching Silas as he smiled, appearing happy to see other elves from his village. The attack on the village was wrong. I was wrong. I need to do better, for myself, and for Silas. His hands were clenched in his lap, making him appear tense.
Devon quickly returned, and the group enjoyed their light snacks and tea, delicately served by Devon, who had obviously trained for sometime. His movements were soft and fluid, much different from when he was relaying letters to the village. He often was running back and forth with no regard, and seeing him so well dressed and focused was strange to Silas.
“These cookies are delicious.” Silas said with a smile, taking a bite of one of the rounded butter-like cookies. The taste felt similar to the cookies he had eaten when his father was alive, and it brought back many memories for him.
While Silas reminisced, Clarence took a bite, chewing the cookie thoughtfully as his wig hairs still framed his face, “These are tasty. Who made them?” The cookies were thin and crispy, like a wafer, but the light dressing of powdered sugar made them sweet.
Devon smiled triumphantly, “Lady Angeline has been instructing me on how to bake, and I think this is my best attempt yet. These are called apas, and they’re based on her original recipe.”
Jasmine had already begun eating the cookies, having been prepared her own designated plate so she would not eat them all. Maeir, sitting back, ate the cookies slowly, but there was a small trace of warmth in her face as she ate, much like Silas had. While the cookies were not heavy, they were enough to pad their stomachs until the afternoon meal was served, and once the plates of cookies were cleared, Devon cleared the plates onto the cookie tray and stood up, preparing to go to the kitchen.
Jasmine stood up at the same time as Devon, her expression thoughtful, “If you don’t mind waiting here, Devon, I’m going to look for Lady Camille. She should be here any moment.”
Devon looked skeptical, “If you wait here, she should be arriving at any moment.”
Jasmine smirked angrily, “All the more reason I should head to the entrance. I can speak to her right away then.”
“Let me just collect this, and I’ll be right back. Then you can go.” Devon said, stooping over the dirty dishes.
“But it’s important, and I-”
“Lady Camille has returned!” The conversation in the sitting room was stopped short by the servants announcement, announcing Camille’s return as Devon stood by the low coffee table, his back slightly bent to retrieve the tray.
“You all stay here. I’ll bring the Countess here.” Devon stood up and abruptly bowed, his face full of joy as he abandoned the tray as he turned on his heel and left the room with the human maid standing by the door, gently closing the door behind him.
Jasmine sat back down unceremoniously, letting out a sigh, “He never lets me do anything fun.” She could not even get a single word in. He was such a Camille fan-boy, parading behind her like a loyal dog. Sometimes she just could not understand him.
“Loyal lap dog. She might as well put a collar on him and make him a dog house outside.” Jasmine mumbled under her breath, annoyed.
“That’s not very nice, Jasmine.” Maeir said, raising an eyebrow at the young woman.
“Oh, you have no idea! Let me tell you about the time-”
As Jasmine’s words fell, there was a knock at the door. With the group staring at the door, Jasmine stood up abruptly and walked to the door to open it, as if she had anticipated who was waiting behind the other side of the door. Maeir and Silas stared up as the door to the room slowly opened, and soon their faces were full of shock as they stared at the figure standing in the doorway, staring towards them with a bright smile as they said,
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all.”
…
Last new character introduction! And I’m suddenly reminded that the character guide exists… (My old notes from 2 years ago are hella cringe, ignore me). I will get around to updating it soon, but for now I’m leaving it as I’m tired D: But happy 120 chapters! Shooting to finish with 180, return back with some optional extras maybe, but let’s see what this new year brings… >u<
The countess is a tsundere to the max, but the new baby bean is her perfect match. Finally working on Clare’s redemption arc, as nothing is more unsatisfying (in my opinion) than a yandere that doesn’t learn their lesson (don’t worry, he’ll still be a yandere) ;^^ Clare being ready to fight in a wig/ dress though… chef’s kiss! I’ll draw it one day… =3=
Thank you all for reading! I’m getting closer to sharing my next mini project, Misted Winds, so when I can get more prepared, I will start releasing it on scribblehub most likely! 😀 Much to look forward to. Stay safe, all~~
Clarence in a wig and dress is too funny.
I wonder who it could be at the ending! Hm…
Thank you.