197: Truth in words

Truth in words

Standing by the open window of her room, Lady Adelaide de Lanark delighted in the festivities of the Archduchy.2

Twice a year, the town hall hosted a special celebration to honor the birth of each of the Archduke's daughters. The night sky sparkled with dazzling fireworks, and the open-air theater entertained the crowd with popular stories of Kaiser de Lanark's heroic triumph over the last Emperor, which led to the creation of the kingdom of Emoria. As a gesture of thanks, apples and bread were given out to the townspeople, showing the noble family's gratitude.

Adela drew in a deep breath, feeling her chest expand as her lungs filled with air, and released it in a long, heartfelt sigh.

The weather had returned to its chilly state, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of a certain beast she loved. Missing Egon had become an inseparable companion of Adela's, casting a shadow alongside her own. And the bracelet on her wrist only exacerbated her feelings, a constant reminder of an unfulfilled promise and a gesture she wished the Baroness hadn't made.

Suddenly, three gentle knocks interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she uttered softly.

Frieda, responsible for the celebration preparations inside the manor, entered the room, her eyes softening with satisfaction as she took in Adela's final appearance. "Margret truly outdid herself this time," she commented.

Although the head maid was talented, Adela always preferred when the Baroness assisted her in dressing.

Her pink dress, complemented by lace gloves and silver high-heeled shoes, wrapped around her body elegantly. Her hair, left untouched due to a persistent headache, cascaded down in straight locks without a single hairpin. The evening makeup was simple, emphasizing her eyes with a touch of green eyeliner that made them appear larger and accentuated their natural color.

As Frieda admired how Adela looked, Adela's eyes were drawn to the Baroness's hands holding a tray with a letter. The envelope was a deep red color and smelled like Larissa's perfume.

The Baroness smiled warmly. "Lady Larissa mentioned it was a birthday gift, and I saved it for when you were prepared to receive it." She placed the letter on the vanity mirror and approached Adela by the window, sharing a knowing look. "Are you still eager to join the commoners' celebration outside?"

Adela's eyes shimmered with the light of the fireworks in the sky. "It is all right, Baroness, I am old enough to understand that I can't."

The Baroness gave her an approving nod. "Well then, come to the backdoor once your responsibilities in the celebration hall are complete. Your father has given his permission. Tonight, you and I will enjoy some freedom. Consider it my gift to you."

Adela embraced the Baroness tightly, both of them sharing a joyful laugh. It was the perfect gift she could have received this year.

After their warm embrace, Adela and the Baroness gently pulled away, a rosy hue reaching the Lady's cheeks. Frieda, pleased to witness the change, spoke with anticipation, "It's time for your grand entrance."

Would Egon be waiting for her down there?

In an attempt to ease her nerves, she asked, "...Is it crowded?"

Frieda shook her head. "We haven't canceled the celebration, but we've limited it to the heads of noble houses or their representatives."

Adela's frustration began to bubble up. "Is Egon there, Baroness?" she asked, her vulnerability seeping into her voice.

A look of compassion crossed Frieda's face. "He has already sent word that he won't be coming. Sir Bastian is attending in his place. I saw him engaged in an intense conversation with His Holiness."

Adela couldn't complain about Aldric's presence as she had chosen not to press charges and pretend that everything remained the same. However, the bracelet Egon had given her grew heavy on her wrist, and the joy of going outside dissipated.

"You go ahead, Baroness. I will join you shortly."

"Yes, my Lady."

Once the Baroness left, Adela removed the bracelet and placed it on the vanity desk beside the mirror. She turned away, taking two steps forward, but couldn't help casting a longing glance at the bracelet.

"I'll put you back on after the celebration. It's not like he'll notice... How pathetic for me to feel guilty about taking it off for a few hours..."

To distract herself from the bracelet, Adela picked up Larissa's letter and the envelope opener from her desk. She carefully opened it and began reading its contents in the privacy of her heart.

/My dearest Adela,

How I wish I could have waited for your return before I departed. I had to leave without saying goodbye, and I deeply regret not being a better older sister to you. Happy birthday, and thank you for coming into our lives.

There is something I must confess, a matter meant only for House von Conradie members to know. I spoke to Egon, and he has no intention of revealing it to you, so I felt compelled to intervene and inform you myself.

Upon my return to Lanark from Kolhis, I learned that Leopold ventured into the forest and attempted to take his own life. He wished to keep it hidden, and Egon respected his wishes, not even confiding in Andreas. I wish he were someone who could express his feelings and thoughts more openly, but I want you to cherish what you have. It feels incredibly unfair that you don't appreciate it.

Yours sincerely,

Larissa de Lanark/

With short, shallow breaths, Adela folded the letter and placed it back on the tray. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she tried to process the news. Anger surged within her, followed by deep concern for Leopold who was clearly still affected by the incident.

To live through something like this again...

Her heart broke for the von Conradie brothers who were forced to relive their tragic past. She understood why Egon had distanced himself, but that didn't diminish her frustration towards him for not confiding in her and treating her as a stranger.

Her eyes burned as she glared at the bracelet.

"How could he have done this to both of us when we needed each other the most?" she whispered, her voice choked with unshed tears.

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