Chapter 67
The Evans familys villa was located in the outskirts of the capital. Compared to the town where the Hare manor was located, it couldnt be compared to this evidently extravagant town.
Glancing down, a pet swan could be seen gliding leisurely across the lake, and at the edge of the waters, white horses were taking a drink.
Oh my, is that Sir Knight over there?
Carynne forced a smile as she waved one hand. She just wanted to ignore him. But Raymond saw her first and waved a hand to her, so it couldnt be helped.
I knew it. It was a lie when he said that he felt hesitant towards horses that hes never seen before.
It made me laugh seeing him pat the backs of the horses that obviously belong to the Evans family.
What do you mean, Milady? Donna asked.
Sir Raymond told me that hes too shy to mount a horse hes never seen before.
Huuh? Pff Whats with that!
Thats why he insisted on riding the carriage with me back then.
Donnas mouth gaped open.
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, thats totally its that.
Right?
Its like that.
Carynne drank her cup of milk tea. It was sweet because there was sugar mixed in it, but still subtly bitter because the tea might have been steeped too long.
* * *
Carynne was busy in her day to day life. She took care of Isella during the day, then suffered because of how Raymond tormented her during the night. These dismal days continued on.
Thats why its like that these days. Its a place full of hardships.
Carynne talked as she changed the dirty clothes. They smelled bad.
I didnt know Id ever have to attend to you like this.
I cant believe I have to wear this in the end.
Carynne sighed self-deprecatingly as she glanced down at what shes wearinga maids uniform that was made of rough cloth. The white apron, which was draped over the dark navy, thin maids uniform, was soaked with sweat dripping over. The weather was cool in the early mornings, but it was still very much in the middle of summer.
As she was in the middle of changing Isellas IV and its needle, she took out a new set.
Ack!
Blood splattered over her apron. Carynne pressed her fingertip hard. She must be really tired.
I cant use this, huh.
Carynne threw the needle away.
* * *
Why the long face? Raymond asked.
Mister Verdic scolded me for wasting a needle.
That must be so heartbreaking.
Dont laugh.
Sorry.
But the knights expression continued to be jovial. Annoyed, Carynne thumped the ground with the cane in her hand. It might not be needed inside the house, but she still needed to hold a cane whenever she went out.
When will you recover fully?
Who knows. Ive never had this kind of injury before.
Wouldnt it be better to have the Reverend look at it?
I forgot. Truly.
As Carynne stared at Raymond with chagrin, Raymond raised his hands in surrender.
Haa.
Milady, youre scheduled to attend a charity concert at the Elliot Hall today.
I hate this. Theres a lot of stairs in that place.
Carynne couldnt help but scowl. That hall with endless stairs was torture for Carynne as she still needed a cane to walk.
Youve been there?
I just heard about it.
When asked if shes been to the place, she couldnt possibly say, Yes, Ive been there. Even so, Raymond was persistent.
From whom?
From the fairies of the streets.
How very mysterious.
Right? Lets just go then.
While Carynne was about to get into the carriage, Raymond carried her up.
Im tired.
Carynnes routine during the day was strictly regulated by Verdic himself, and then she spent her nights with Raymond. There were so many places she had to visit while accompanying him as his fiance.
Where do we have to go tomorrow?
Tomorrow, its a recital held by Duke Dalton. Hes releasing a personal composition.
I see.
Yes.
Anything else youd like to talk about?
Crossing his legs, Raymond smirked.
How are you going to do it?
Haa.
To prove that what youre saying is true.
Its not the right time yet.
Thats a good excuse.
Im telling you, there really isnt much going on right now. This place is a place full of hardships.
I could never get used to pain. I could never grow familiar to torture.
Its all the more distressing.
Proving ones own usefulness was required every single day.
Verdic used her as a lady in waiting during the day, and at night, he used her and forced her into the role of Isellas substitute. On top of all that, Raymond was also already giving her a hard time, and youre asking her if its alright to add one more thing? Smiling like that, adding another burden to her like that.
I want to kill him.
No.
I want to die.
Theres nothing substantial during this period. Working day and night like this until the year would end was just for naught.
In the original story, the plot in this period of time would center around the hardships of the main character, during which she underwent ordeals to garner sympathy from Raymond and high society. And at the same time, it was also the period in which budding love was fostered step by step.
Time flew by just like that, and Raymond gradually worked towards Verdics downfall.
To be honest, Mister Verdic or whoever else is none of my concern.
Carynne gnashed her teeth. Right now, Carynne just wanted to throw everything away, be it Raymond, Verdic, the war or the mining rights. There were so many troublesome things riddled around her that she didnt have time to work on just her own story. Like with how she had to spend time with Isella, like with how she had to go down to the circus against her own will.
I want to just quit everything!
Was there any way for her to do so?
Several times a day, Carynne had to fight the urge to press down a pillow over Isellas face. She didnt expect her patience to be this thin.
Carynne desperately endured this time like this, but unlike her, Carynne was not very patient. Its only been a span of a few pages, and yet Raymond was already prodding at Carynne like this.
Oh my It hasnt been long since my confession to you, has it? Things are progressing much too fast.
I see people wearing bracelets more than rings these days.
Are you fond of silver bracelets? he asked.
So, prove your usefulness.
Raymond laughed. Carynne wanted to drive a bullet into his face.
Even if you say that, its not like theres anything I can do now.
Hahaha.
Her expression was sour. Carynne gripped the cane handle and leaned back against the carriage seat. Hes getting on her nerves.
Fine. Ill show you one useful thing.
Raymond placed a finger on his chin and asked.
Will you be putting on a performance?
They arrived at the music hall, and as expected, the stairs were mountainous. She held Raymonds hand as she alighted the carriage, then she answered.
Not today.
Im seriously so tired.
And, true enough, Carynne slept deeply during the concert. She slept so soundly that she couldnt wake up until Raymond tapped her on the shoulder when the performance was over.
* * *
You seem to be in a good mood these days, sir.
Xenon remarked as he handed Raymond a bullet.
As his engagement was shifted from Isella Evans to Carynne Evans, Raymonds countenance had changed strikingly. To Xenon, it seemed like Raymond had been laughing and smiling more in these recent days compared to the last decade.
Raymond spent time with Carynne every day. They were called to go to many places. Raymond didnt turn any invitation down and went to them with Carynne. Its as if he didnt care what theyre going to do, as long as he could spend time with her.
Click.
No way.
It really seems like it.
However, without Carynne by his side, he reverted back to the way he once was.
Xenon decided to think that this was what it looked like to be a man in love. Without her, he was no different, or at the very least, he seemed to talk less.
A man whos fallen in love turns into a fool.
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