Chapter 10 The Invitation
A week has passed since the incident at the Berkin border.
I remembered how my brother cried like a baby back then; it was hilarious.
The maids told me about what happened while I was away.
My father was enraged because no one knew where I was exactly and the mansion was in disarray.
When Vladimir finally arrived at the mansion carrying me, even though I was still unconscious, my brother, who had just arrived from the search, gave me a quick embrace.
He was upset because he feels responsible for what happened because he left me with a few escorts.
They also said that because the knights failed to protect me from the wolves, my father was displeased, and that is why they were forced to train even harder.
My brother corroborated with my father, saying that they enlisted more knights and gave them tougher training. It bothers me because I feel like everyone is keeping an eye on me. Even the one in front of me is acting strangely. I thought our friendship had ended. Then what is he doing here?
He cleared his throat and didn't look in my direction. How can he be so obvious? He has gone mad; exterminating those animals is too much.
*Thunder* Okay, he's annoyed. I heard the thunder.
This is due to Vladimir's occasionally strong emotions having an impact on the weather.
It will rain or only thunder if he is really dissatisfied, angry, or outraged.
If he is overjoyed, the day will be pleasant and flowers will blossom.
Weird right? That's how powerful he is. I moved away to avoid his wrath, but he suddenly held my wrist softly, and I faced him.
What? Of course, nothing happened to me, wait. Oh sh*t, my eyes widen when I remember something.
I look at his reactions, but he seems unbothered; however, I have this chilly feeling in my back. Seriously? He's not going to say something? He is the reason why I hear a lot of bad rumors about me.
7 seconds of silence...
I saw his ears blushing. What's the matter with him? I raised my left eyebrow, looking at him weirdly.
Danger alert! Inhale! Exhale! He's a villain, a very bad person; don't fall for him, argh!
Get back to your senses, Estelle! Serious mode activated!
*clears throat* "This person is not ordinary. I knew from the very start that the wolf attack was not an accident. To be precise, it was weird. I saw three wolves that had evil energy within them. I believe they were possessed or experimented on by a witch or a warlock."
*I'm screaming inside* w-w-w-what is he doing! I stepped back and turned right, facing the flowers, just to get out of that intense situation.
I saw him smirking because of what I did, dude! I need personal space; you're too close! Duh?
My body is acting weird; I feel hot, and my knees are losing their strength.
He looks at me, and I pretend to be a weak chick. I saw his worried reaction.
The king was alarmed by the reports of the deaths in the Berkin village. As well as the accident involving Lady of the House Mullens close to the village's border. He realized there was a terrible plot underway, and it wasn't a coincidence.
Someone was posing a danger to his status in the palace; he could feel it. He doesn't want any issues to arise when his son, the crown prince, who is still overseas, will soon return. He needs to act quickly and wisely.
*Knock! *Knock!
The king's secretary exits the room, notices Clyde Ramsbury, and greets him before exiting completely. Clyde went in and greeted the king; he kneeled down on one knee and bowed.
(The Kingdom of Chrolexia is located in the Ghloriexian upper world of Ghradeus.
The kingdom is known for its powerful magicians and great magic (mana).
The kingdom is protected by the 7 great houses, which are the House of Mullens (Earth Stone), House of Ramsbury (Fire Stone), House of Moore (Water Stone), House of Heimlich (Air Stone), House of Voce (Lightning Stone), House of Maximilien (Sand Stone), and the House of Bosch (Sound Stone).
These houses hold the stones' energy from generation to generation.)
Lord Ramsbury looks at the King with confusion in his eyes.
Mullens' house has received the letter. Upon opening the letter, they saw that Estelle and his brother Estefan were invited to the meeting. It will be held in the palace, with representatives and heirs from the seven great houses present.
On that evening, their aunt visited. Estelle and Estefan greeted their aunt Olivia, who had come to check on Estelle's health. She saw the letter from the palace and was curious about it, so she asked.
Estefan doesn't enjoy Aunt Olivia being here; I can sense it in his expression.
She is, nevertheless, our aunt, and we cannot simply disregard her.
After hearing about the accident, she brought gifts for me.
We made the decision to have tea together, and by chance, the letter from the palace arrived.
I initially thought it was only for Estefan, but I also received a letter—actually, an invitation.
*clang* *clatter* Estefan put his cup on the table with force, which created a loud noise. He walked toward the door and opened it.
Aunt Olivia was confused; she put her cup down and stood up. "Pardon? I am just stating the fact."
Suddenly, I felt pain in my heart. "My mother..." I can't believe I forgot about my life back then, but I remember my mother. Does my memory of Earth slowly disappear? No... I can't lose them!
Aunt Olivia holds my right hand. "Oh, dear, you must be missing your mother. Are you offended that I mentioned her?"
I stare into her eyes since the situation has me completely baffled.
I don't know whose emotion this is; my memories and emotions seem odd to me.
Is it Estelle's or mine? What's going on with me? Stop... I can't breathe.
I felt my brother's hand on my shoulder. "Don't mind what Aunt Olivia said."
I jump into bed and hide my face in my pillow. I miss my mom, my real mom. *sobs* I wonder what she's doing right now.
She is mistaken when she says, "It is unfortunate and sad to grow up without the warmth of a mother."
My mother was smart and strong when I was little.
She is optimistic and compassionate, and she never gives up.
I really admire her, and I really miss her...
"Oh dear, you must be missing your mother..."
I do miss her. *sobs* I'm afraid that I might forget her face; I don't want to forget my family.
*sobs* mom... I look at the ceiling of my room and...
*thug*
ugh....
It's the book again. The novel appeared in front of my face, and it fell right through my freaking face. I pick it up and throw it off!
*thug* But then it came back. "What the hell do you want?"
I quickly stood up, went to my study table, and scanned the book; everything had vanished! What did I do?
Is that a warning? Does she know something? "Trust your instinct, darling; you are stronger than you think."
She turns around, facing her back at me. "I'll say it again, remember, this world is not a fiction. There's no second chance if you bleed." She disappears, and I'm back in my room.
And then the book closed and disappeared.
That was a lot of pressure!
I don't know if it's a good thing, but one thing is for sure: the new chapters in the novel will be my first step as one of the characters in this novel.
I should wholeheartedly accept the fact that this is my world now.
Dear brothers and mom on Earth, I love you and I apologize that, in the future, I may not be able to remember you.