Chapter 172
Well, anyway, even if I die, Ill start over anyway.
Dont talk like that.
Still. Dont be so afraid. Its not just this timewe can start over again. Even if I die, Ill come back to life.
Raymond and Carynne had plenty of opportunities. She could die several times, and he would remember it all.
By the way, Raymond, youre probably not scared of dying now either.
What?
You used to be scared before.
Did I?
He looked slightly puzzled. She just chuckled softly.
Do you remember when you used to wake up in the middle of the night, frightened?
Yes.
His eyes slightly wrinkled as if he were probing the distant past.
The conversation fell silent again. She regretted bringing up death so casually. Recent short deaths, which were a comedy to her, were probably decades of repetition for the one who was left behind.
To avoid seeing his darkened expression, she would have to try not to die this time too. It seemed that Raymond was more afraid of Carynnes death than Carynne herself. Those who watched someone elses death would feel more torment compared to the one who had died.
He was the one who initiated the conversation again.
First, Ill set up traps in the forest and at the entrance.
Thats fine. But can I go out during that time?
Ill explain everything properly, so please remember it well.
Alright.
As she sighed, he stood up and gently pulled her by the nape of her neck. His lips brushed hers briefly before he retreated.
Finish your tea first.
Just a moment.
Raymonds breath became slightly uneven. The taste of tea lingered on his lips, but it seemed to have a sweeter taste than the tea in the cup, even though it was the same tea. She pulled him closer. Their tongues intertwined, and their breaths mingled.
Physical intimacy between them now felt completely natural. He must have really been quite bored during her absence. She thought about this while looking up at him.
His eyes curved, and she liked the vibrant emerald hues in his irises. It was a rare expression that she only occasionally saw, especially in the very end.
Raymond pulled away slightly and spoke.
Ill stop by the capital on the way back and bring some clothes for you. What do you think?
Its just ready-made clothes, anyway.
She didnt have high expectations for clothes from there. He petted her head reassuringly in response to her grumbling.
I am old, you know, he said.
Yes.
Ill be the first to bring clothes that will be in fashion in a few decades.
That actually sounded quite amusing. Carynne wrapped her arms around Raymonds neck.
* * *
In two days, she would have to spend time alone without him. She dipped her feet into the creek and pondered what to do.
Should she search through the mansion and investigate what he had been up to until now? Or perhaps indulge in some primal laziness that she hadnt done while Raymond was around? Just stockpile snacks and stay in bed without taking a single step outside. That also sounded quite appealing.
But no matter how long they had been together, Carynne knew she had to maintain her daily routine of bathing, grooming, and staying active while she was with Raymond. Perhaps while he was away, she could indulge in extreme laziness for a change, since she would be truly alone.
Ah, never mind.
At the very least, she had to feed the livestock. Cleaning might be optional, but there were still responsibilities for her to do. She sighed. Perhaps it would have been better to have hired help, even if it meant risking her life.
And then, the wind began to blow strongly.
Oh, goodness.
Carynne sighed as she watched her hat, which she had placed on her head, fall into the water. It was a new one, so she didnt want to just discard it. She looked at the mansion.
Raymond was busy preparing for his departure in two days. She looked at the creek. It wasnt very deep, barely reaching her waist.
And the clothes she was wearing were the rough garments worn by the servants. They were much cheaper and lower in quality than the hat. She stood up and waded into the water.
Then she grabbed the hat.
Carynne shook the water off it. The creek wasnt very deep. And as she stepped out of the creek.
AH!
She slipped on a rock at the creek bottom and fell into the water. Water filled her vision. Leaves and petals that had fallen onto the surface of the water swirled around.
Carynne tried to regain her posture. It wasnt a panic-inducing situation. But she continued to slip on the rocks, and the skirt she was wearing felt heavy as she struggled.
Ugh. Damn it.
She realized that she was wearing an underskirt she had ordered, which she had forgotten about. It was layered with lace, making it quite heavy.
Could it be that shell die like this in this iteration?
Carynne was somewhat amazed at herself. How could she die in such a ridiculous manner? Well, there had been a time when she drowned in a plate of water. Accidents happen, dont they? Its not always easy to die. Sometimes, you just accidentally end up drowning.
She felt her strength gradually draining away.
The sky seen from underwater was beautiful. Even as her breath was being cut off, oddly enough, it didnt feel painful.
It was a silent and peaceful place. She faintly smiled while looking at the sky. This time, it was fine.
This time, she was okay. Raymond would remember her, and even if she died, he would come find her again. She waited for death to find her once again while submerged in the water.
But she worried that Raymond would be sad.
Look at this, Raymond.
Hiring servants would have been better.
Next time, she had to make sure to say that.
However, Her wish wasnt immediately fulfilled. As she was drowning, someone strongly lifted her out of the water.
Splaaash!
Carynne clung to that arm and was welcomed by the world, which was welcoming her back abruptly once again.
Returning to the surface was painful. She was lifted out of the water, and the world outside the water brought her pain. She was pulled up, and she collapsed on the waters edge, coughing.
Cough, cough! Ugh!
Water came up from her throat. Liquid, whether tears or water, flowed from her eyes.
Damn it Are you crazy? Huh? What are you doing right now?
Carynne looked at the person who had pulled her out. And, she blinked. Its not Raymond.
Come back to your senses, the man said respectfully.
She initially thought it was someone she hadnt met before. But the voice was familiar. And this person absolutely shouldnt be here. He was someone who should never act like this. It felt like her throat was closing up. She thought she had vomited all the water, but her throat still felt blocked.
Thank you.
It was Verdic Evans.
* * *
Carynne couldnt recognize him at first. She was shocked twice when she finally did.
First, she was surprised that she didnt recognize Verdic Evans. And second, she was even more surprised by his appearance. Human beings were not always unchanging, but Verdic Evans had always been consistently the same for a hundred years.
He always wore expensive suits, always neatly slicked back his hair with just the right amount of oil, always had his mustache neatly groomed. He kept his beard neatly trimmed, maintaining a sharp and clean jawline that defied his age. His beard was always cleanly shaven, and his perfectly tailored suits accentuated his slightly plump figure in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
He always had stylish glasses, gloves, a cane, and a smooth voice. He appeared even more aristocratic than some nobles themselves. Still, those who wanted to knock him down a peg would say that the rings and necklaces that he liked wearing made him look vulgar.
Nevertheless, he had never shown a disheveled appearance from head to toe. Even when he would rush at her to hack away at her neck. Even when his one and only daughter, Isella, had collapsed.
He always had an immaculate appearance.
However, the current him was entirely different.
He wore no jewelry. His face was adorned with an unkempt stubble. Most importantly, his demeanor had completely changed. Perhaps it was because his hair was wet, sticking to his face.
But clearly, that was not the only reason.
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