Elyra, filled with frustration, ran into the room and slammed the door shut, locking it tightly as if trying to shut the entire world out. Her breathing was uneven, her chest tight with a storm of emotions—anger, disappointment, and something she couldn't quite understand.
She stood with her back against the door, her hands still trembling after turning the lock. A few moments later, her small body slowly slid down to the floor. She sat there, hugging her knees tightly.
"Damn you, Damnern… if this keeps up, I'll always be a burden," Elyra cursed in her mind, clenching her teeth.
Those words echoed over and over in her head, growing louder, more painful. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the emotions bubbling inside her.
"This is the first time Damnern has ever refused me…"
Her thoughts kept spinning, searching for answers she couldn't find.
"All this time… whatever I wanted, he would go along with it… so why this time…?"
Her chest felt tighter and tighter.
"Damnern… does he not love me anymore?"
The question came uninvited—and the moment it appeared, Elyra was startled by her own thoughts. Her eyes widened slightly, as if she couldn't believe what she had just thought.
Without realizing it, tears began to gather at the corners of her eyes. A single drop slid slowly down her cheek.
She wiped it away roughly.
"What am I even thinking…?"
Her breathing slowed, but felt heavy.
"Since when did I start crying over something like this?"
Elyra lowered her head, her hair falling to cover her face. Silently, her thoughts sank deeper. Memories of the past began to surface—her dark days as Ryudien, the pain, the fear, and a life where no one truly cared.
Back then, she never cried over things like this.
Back then, she cared about no one.
Elyra gripped her clothes tightly, trying to hold back the tangled emotions from bursting out.
Suddenly—
Knock… knock… knock…
"Elyra, open the door," Elina called, knocking gently.
"Eyya don't want to!" Elyra shouted.
"Eh…?" Elyra herself was startled by how suddenly she had raised her voice.
"But this is Eldern's room," Eldern said, wanting to go in to bathe and change.
"Just let Elyra be alone for now. She'll come out later," Elina said, gently comforting Eldern.
"I'll have Gabnor buy new clothes later," she added before walking away.
On a quiet night in the Count's residence, a grand crystal chandelier on the ceiling cast a warm glow across the dining hall. A long table made of polished dark wood stretched over ten meters, covered with a fine maroon tablecloth. Each seat was set with delicately engraved porcelain plates, crystal glasses, and gleaming silver utensils.
The aroma of luxurious dishes filled the air—from fragrant creamy soup and herb-roasted meat to beautifully arranged desserts that looked like works of art.
Elina and Eldern were already seated at the table.
"Rina, please call Elyra," Elina instructed the maid, Rina—now 22 years old.
"Yes, Lady Elina," Rina replied before quickly heading to Eldern's room.
In front of the door—
"Young miss! It's time for dinner!" Rina called out.
Elyra, who had fallen asleep, woke up at the sound of her voice, but did not respond.
"Lord Damnern isn't home," Rina added.
Hearing that, Elyra slowly opened the door.
"Really?" she asked to confirm.
Rina nodded and gently took Elyra's hand, leading her toward the dining room.
"Big sister Rina…" Elyra called. She addressed Rina that way because Rina was four years older than her original age.
"Yes, young miss?" Rina replied.
"Pa… pa… where did he go?" Elyra asked, her expression slightly troubled.
"I'm not sure. I heared that he was going to the forest and hasn't returned yet," Rina answered.
Three minutes later, while eating—
"This is delicious, Big Sister Rina!" Elyra said.
Hearing the praise, Rina gently pinched Elyra's cheek—something she would never dare do if Damnern were present.
"How sweet of you, young miss," Rina said shyly.
Thirty minutes later, they finished their meal, but Damnern still hadn't returned.
"Elyra, go take a bath after eating," Elina reminded before heading to her room.
"Elyra, do you want Eldern to read you a book later?" Eldern asked with hopeful eyes.
Around midnight, Elyra, who was asleep, began to feel pain in her legs from the earlier training. Feeling uncomfortable, she woke up. She saw Elina still sleeping, while Damnern was still not back.
"Ow… it hurts…" Elyra groaned softly.
She climbed down from the bed and slowly walked toward the bathroom. On her way there, she noticed someone in the backyard through the glass window.
End of Chapter 12