AnnouncementGuys, it's a long chapter, almost 6k words. I hope you like it and don't hate me for making it so long.

  The atmosphere in the carriage had become heavy and uncomfortable, which made it feel much longer than it should have. Much worse was the fact that, despite all the time that had passed, I still felt no pain at all. Even the tooth I'd lost didn't hurt. It was strange. I could feel everything else, caresses, cold, some dizziness from blood loss, I was even getting hungry again. I could feel all of that, except the pain. It was a little scary.

  ...

  When we returned home, we found Felia and Algoros, waiting for us in the driveway. We got out of the carriages surprising several of the staff who had lined up, including Felia, who looked quite shocked to see Iseria get out of the other carriage.

  It was unusual to receive visitors from other noble houses above Counts, but to receive one who could be considered Sarka's bully? That was beyond anything she could imagine, and her tense expression and the disappearance of her ever-soft smile spoke volumes about how much she objected to her presence. Not that she could do or say anything about it, but it was hard not to realize how bad her mood had become to see her on the mansion grounds, more so to have to greet her inside.

  Sir Erthan, alongside one of the Eleios sisters' soldier escorts, accompanied Iseria inside, to an unknown room as the rest of us moved to a room where we would wait for an answer. From whom? Isolde. Mom, at some point I didn't notice, sent a messenger to the Eleios vil to report, in a summarized way, the events, and expected Isolde to show up at the mansion as soon as possible.

  I don't even want to imagine what the countess will feel when she finds out that her eldest daughter tried to assassinate me. She was already terrified with Aria...

  Aside from that, Felia, on my mother's orders, rushed to get the family physician, who arrived much faster than I thought. He immediately set about the task of examining me thoroughly and attending to any injuries he could find.

  "It was fortunate that she lost her tooth from the root. It would have been much more complicated for the little dy if it had only been broken. Thanks to the Pilrs, there's nothing to do but keep an eye on her gums and ensure that it heals properly so that when the next one grows in, it will grow in properly.” Sighed the physician. He seemed genuinely relieved. I more so. It wasn't that I hated visiting the dentist, I just preferred not to have to. His expression shifted to a more complicated one as he moved his gaze to the other affected site. “The problem is the eye.”

  Everyone in the pce looked at me with different expressions. Mom was tense, while Tina looked worried. I could even guess she didn't want to hear what the physician had to say about it. Felia, who returned with the physician, looked the calmest of the group, but a gnce at her hands, held out in front of her, showed that she was clenching them tightly. Angry or very worried? I couldn't tell, but I was gd to know she cared enough about me for her to react that way.

  Aria was the worst off. She looked like she would burst into tears at any moment, wearing a mortified expression. It couldn't be as bad as she seemed to think. Or at least, I wished it was... the physician looked quite serious as he carefully examined the area around my left eye.

  “While there is no major damage; nothing compromised her vision but there are two things that concern me.” The physician turned to Mom while holding up two fingers. “The first is that the cut is a bit deep, and as a result, it will leave a scar no matter how good a treatment I use.” A nod was my mother's only response. In a way, she seemed somewhat relieved. Tina gave her a worried look but didn't say anything even though she seemed to want to.

  “And the second one?” asked Mom, with some tension in her voice.

  “First of all. Your grace, is it okay to talk about this? It's... concerning the young dy's race.” The physician gnced at Aria, and my mother instantly picked up on the idea. She thought for a moment and then nodded, giving him the go-ahead. With that, he resumed his words, coughing and clearing his voice. “Good, good. So, the other thing I was worried about is something I learned thanks to Lady Anven since she's been the only Revant I've had the opportunity to treat. I assume the dy isn't feeling any pain, correct?”

  I nodded “Nothing.”

  I thought the others had figured that out, but I was wrong. Everyone was shocked enough by the revetion. Everyone, that is, except Mom, who seemed to have known it all along.

  “I see. So, miss, I'm going to try something is that okay? I want you to tell me what you feel.”

  I nodded. The physician immediately pulled out a small white crystal, more like an unrefined gemstone, and pced it in my palm. He then closed my hand and I slowly felt the crystal warm up.

  “What do you feel, miss?”

  “Warm. Cozy.”

  “I see, I see. Now, let's try this one.” He said as he pulled out a different crystal, this time a bluer color. He pced it in my hand and we repeated the process. “And now?”

  With the new crystal, a cold feeling came over my palm. It was like having a chunk of ice in my hand. “Nice and cool” I replied.

  “Perfect. Now, miss, I'm going to try to pinch your hand, is that okay?” he said as he took the gss back.

  I tilted my head in confusion and looked at Mom. She took a second, but nodded with a calming smile, reassuring me that nothing would happen.

  I let out my arm and, looking directly into my face, the physician began to pinch each of my fingers with something simir to a needle. It didn't make me bleed. It was more like touching thorns on a hedgehog.

  Suddenly, he pinched harder, causing a small drop of blood to form on my index finger.

  I was surprised. Not because of how sudden it was, but because I didn't even feel it. I didn't feel the pain.

  “That confirms it.” He sighed, immediately putting the needle away and pcing a band-aid, which I didn't know they had in this world, to cover the puncture. “Lady Anven called this ‘Suppression of Survival’ A type of ability possessed by the current Revants.”

  I opened my eyes in surprise - I have a racial skill?

  “And what does that mean?” someone asked. When I looked away, I saw Felia slightly raising her hand. The physician was evidently surprised by who asked the question, but he quickly pulled himself together and answered smoothly.

  “This, “SOS” is activated when a Revant is specifically fighting for its survival. Lady Anven said it was instinctive and that, in her own experience, was terrifying. In her words “Such an ability is nothing more than a double-edged sword that will end up killing you rather than helping you”. And I agree with her opinion.”

  There was silence as everyone digested the information. Aria frowned, trying with all her might to understand what they were talking about, and failing, as far as I could tell.

  After a long while, Mom finally spoke up, “So, what do we do with that? I don't expect you to tell me my daughter is going to stay like this forever, do you?” there was a slight warning in her tone, highlighted by her narrowed eyes, which gave a sense of danger.

  Surprisingly, the physician didn't flinch at the look on my mother's face, instead, he smiled reassuringly. “Of course not. The SOS is a defensive mechanism that can be activated and deactivated at will. Lady Anven taught me how to deactivate it in case I should happen to treat an inexperienced young girl. But first...” The physician then pulled out another needle, this time, one I could easily recognize. A curved suture needle. Next, he also pulled out some gauze, a clear liquid bottle that smelled like disinfectant, and a jar of which I had no idea of the contents.

  He asked me to sit in a nearby chair and then asked Mom to come over and hold my hand. I imagined it was to avoid being frightened by the procedure, but I'm embarrassed to say I was used to this sort of thing. That witch used to hurt me from time to time, so I had to be constantly going to be treated. Much ter, in some of my jobs, I received quite a few injuries trying to avoid getting mugged on my way home or when I had to go to less safe pces in the city. They weren't good experiences, but at least they've served a purpose.

  The physician worked carefully for several minutes, cleaning the area thoroughly, and then began to stitch. As he did so, I began to think about how strange medicine was in this world. The infant mortality rate seemed to be pretty high, and in some things, they seemed strangely advanced, but in others not so much. It was confusing, especially to someone like me who had no idea how a civilization is supposed to advance in the medical field. Worse yet if we add the factors of magic and gods to the equation.

  After a long while, the physician finally finished his suturing job. I counted about four stitches, resulting in a cut of at least 3 cm. Much rger than I imagined, although I couldn't see it, as he immediately began to apply some gel, covering it completely. I expected him to pce a bandage, but he left it like that.

  With everything finished, he asked me to stand up and stay in that position.

  “Good. Young dy, I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath.” I did as he asked, breathing deeply and letting all the air out. I immediately felt the physician's hands on my head, encircling it and leaving his fingers just behind, on the back of my neck. “I want you to rex. Think about the garden you love for walks, the wind stirring the leaves on the trees, the scent of the flowers, the sound of the birds.”

  I began to feel a pleasant peace inside me, rexing my body little by little. A warm feeling that was born inside me and warmed my whole body. I felt like I was lying on the grass, with the Sky Sisters bathing me with their rays and the wind whispering in my ears.

  I felt a little sleepy as if I was about to fall at any moment. But there was something, a strange itching and, that feeling of something right at the back of my head. It was uncomfortable.

  “And, done.” Said the physician in a firm voice. I immediately felt him press his finger hard right where my skull and spine met. I opened my eyes in shock as if an electric current had gone through my whole body, and not in the good way they usually write about romance stories. It was painful. Very much so.

  “Argh!” I lost my bance and almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, my mom caught me just in time.

  “Are you okay, Tya?”

  My vision was a little blurry, and I barely saw the worried expression on her face. I nodded, to let her know I was okay, but, that itch on my face still bothered me. It was as if...

  No. This isn't itching, it's burning. It hurts. Fuck, it's hurting.

  Just as I was about to touch the pce where it hurt, Mom stopped my hand. “No honey, you mustn't touch it, or it will hurt more.”

  “Hurt?” I asked, still confused.

  “Yes, love. It hurts where you were injured before, doesn't it?”

  I had to think for a moment, trying to get my mind to catch up. It hurt. And the pce where it hurt was where that bitch hit me. It wasn't excruciating pain, but it was annoying and uncomfortable. Enough to put me in a bad mood. Was it THAT bad? I thought. I didn't want to think about how much it would be hurting if I had kept the sense of pain.

  I nodded at her question and decided to walk over and hug her. I think I understood why Aunt Ven said it was terrifying. If something like that happened in an even more dangerous situation, and I ended up severely injured... I can't even imagine how bad it could be when I finally regained the sensation of pain. Particurly since not feeling it might cause me to ignore something much more serious.

  I need to talk to her. Learn how to turn this off before it ends up causing me a real problem someday.

  With that, the physician gave some recommendations to everyone present to take care of my wound, besides requesting weekly visits to follow up on the healing process. Finally, he left me a caramelized fruit as a gift, a gentle pat on the head, and said goodbye to us.

  Everyone in the room was relieved that things had finally turned out well. Sure, I would now have a scar over my eye, but hey, it would make for a good story down the road, at least.

  Before long, some refreshments were brought to us, and just as we finished, a maid arrived with the news that Isolde Eleios had finally arrived.

  All the relevant people were present in the conference room. Mom provided a quick summary to my father, Ki, and Zenya, who were furious and had to be stopped several times from trying to attack Iseria. She was in the middle of the living room handcuffed and on her knees on the floor. Isolde was behind her with a bnk stare. She looked terrible, very, very bad. It was as if she had aged several decades in the short time, I had not seen her. Aria, next to her mother, had puffy, red eyes from crying. She looked devastated as if she knew exactly what to expect and couldn't accept it.

  In front of them, all my family was sitting at a long table in the conference room. Father, as Duke and leader of the family was at the center. My mother and Maki were to his right and left, respectively. To Mom's right was Zenya and I was on her p. From the instant she saw me and heard everything that had happened, she had not let go of me for a moment.

  Raelia and her cousin Agalia stood expectantly at the side of the room. The Valven in the suit seemed normal, though she now frowned instead of her usual smile. She didn't look angry or anything like that, just, devoid of the cheerfulness she had when I first met her. Agalia, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves. She was trying to hide it, but failing terribly.

  I looked to the side, where all my family was sitting, and I could see Ki was furious, giving Iseria an intense look of hatred. Dad was calmly looking at the Eleios family, as the guards on site finished getting into position. A scribe, who had been called in at the st minute, sat at a separate table with several sheets of paper, an inkwell, and a pen, ready to write down the events that would occur on this fateful day.

  Finally, my father, Duke Baelian, cleared his throat and began what could be cssified as a closed-door trial.

  “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. Since I only received a summary of events, I'll let those involved give their version in order.” Dad nodded toward Raelia, who gave her young cousin a little nudge to move forward. “Lady Agalia, correct?”

  “Y-yes, your grace. But, I-I-I'm n-n-I'm not a Lady. I, uh... I'm just from a normal family, a common Maternate. My mother has been with some nobles, but that doesn't make us nobles. Wait, I think the one who might be called my father was a noble or a wealthy merchant. Would that make me a Lady? Should I ask Mother?” Agalia looked at her cousin after her rant, but she just pced her hand on her face as she sighed.

  “Ali, focus.” Raelia sighed as she tried to bring the young Valven back to what was relevant.

  “Oh, y-yeah, right, s-sorry.” Agalia blushed and returned her attention to my father, who was grinning in amusement.

  Immediately Agalia began to rete everything that happened from her point of view, getting slightly lost in her story a couple of times, from when she was called to take care of me, to when Mom showed up. “If the Duchess hadn't shown up when she did, I'm sure the young dy would have been killed.” She concluded. Her gaze wandered around the pce as if waiting for a reaction or comment.

  “To summarize, Iseria Eleios arrived at the establishment imposing her status and verbally and physically assaulted a Lestain employee. Then, after ignoring the words of Orinthya, a girl with a higher social standing than her own, she insulted and attacked her, and when she fought back, attempted to assassinate her with magic. Am I right?”

  “Y-yes, your grace,” Agalia replied with a nod and a sidelong gnce at Iseria, whose expression darkened. She seemed to be muttering something, but no one could seem to hear it.

  “Is there anything you want to add, Lady Iseria?” asked my father.

  After a long wait, and almost making him ask again, Iseria looked up from the floor and answered. “How was I supposed to know she was your grace daughter?” growled the bitch.

  My parents sighed in disbelief-how was it possible for this moron to give such an answer? She was like a third-rate vilin from some poorly written novel. “Thank you, Miss Agalia. You may return to your pce.” Ordered my father to the young Valven, who quickly complied and stood, slightly behind her cousin.

  “Iseria.” This time Ki spoke up, gring at the accused with a murderous gre. “Even though we already know what happened, it's only fair to let you speak. Tell us then, what's your version of events?”

  Fair even if she didn't deserve it.

  Iseria, with a faint hope in her eyes that she could somehow escape her precarious situation, began to rete her “version” of what had happened.

  “My sister and I came to Lestain, intending to do the carvings and inys typical of our tribe. Aria is now of age and I offered to accompany her, as I know how complicated it can be for her. When I arrived, I enforced my position, which I had a right to do. When I realized, my sister was with an unknown girl who might well be trying to get close to her for political purposes or to harm her. What kind of sister would I be if I allowed such a thing?” she shouted. She seemed to be appealing to the fact that she, as an older sister, should protect her younger sister. A good argument, solid enough...if she weren't so stupid, maybe they would have believed her. But, by the looks on the faces of everyone present, including her mother, no one believed her.

  Iseria seemed confused when she saw nobody was reacting to her words, but she decided to continue. “A-after I sent my sister to have the job done, I spoke to the girl, but she only looked at me with disdain and rejection, so I responded accordingly. Do I get bmed for using an eye for an eye? The pe-... the employee got in the way, and I responded when I was attacked. I only defended myself! And, when I did, the girl insulted me. Of course, I had to correct that behavior.” Her way of reting was almost overly dramatic as if she was somehow performing an old-fashioned py. Of course, all of that didn't impress anyone. Even when I looked toward her mother, Isolde looked even worse than before. She even looked like she was about to jump on her daughter and sp her into silence. She was red, and I wasn't sure if it was out of anger or embarrassment.

  I looked to the side and saw Aria almost on the verge of tears. She was saying something under her breath, and although I couldn't hear her, I was sure she wanted her sister to stop.

  I don't know what kind of retionship she has with Iseria, but I felt sorry for her.

  Judging by their expressions, my parents seemed more than convinced of Iseria's guilt, which was quite evident. But what punishment would this situation bring? She attacked me and tried to kill me. Does that mean my parents are going to sentence her to death? I know these cultures usually apply such punishments, especially when the evidence is irrefutable, but was that the best solution?

  “Is that all you have to say, Lady Iseria Eleios?” Ki asked in a cold tone, entirely devoid of empathy or mercy. I was sure Maki had already made her decision.

  “I-I... I admit that I overreacted in my actions, and... perhaps I didn't make the best decision in using magic, but...” her voice trailed off as she spoke. It seemed she had nothing more to add. Her face darkened and she kept her gaze on the ground, knowing that her entire speech made no difference.

  “Countess Isolde - do you have anything you wish to add?” Mom addressed Isolde in a soft, understanding voice. She was perhaps the only one who at least wanted to give the countess a chance to try to save her daughter. Compassionate because they were both mothers.

  Isolde stepped forward, greeted everyone as proper etiquette dictates, and with a raised brow, wearing a resolute expression, spoke in a clear, firm voice. “Lady Orinthya, Duke Halfred, Duchess Irna, Madam Fiana, Lady Zenya. As a noble, I understand and share the search for justice for my daughter's actions. In all honesty, I fully agree that a punishment be meted out following the ws of the empire, one that should be as harsh as the actions Iseria committed.” Isolde's words caused her eldest daughter's eyes to widen like saucers, incredulous at what her mother seemed to be implying. But the Countess's expression changed. Genuine sadness and sorrow fshed in her gaze; her voice lost the dignity she had just dispyed. “But, as a mother, I cannot accept such a thing happening in front of my eyes. It was my mistake not to have raised my daughter correctly, and an even greater mistake not to have corrected her when I was aware of how misguided she was.”

  Everyone fell silent. My parents looked at her with a range of emotions from respect to empathy. Behind her and Iseria, Aria clung to her dress, holding back the tears that threatened to fall from her amber eyes with all her might. My heart broke to see my friend in that state, all the more so because of Isolde's words.

  “Therefore,” she said, and to everyone's surprise, she knelt on the floor. The countess, whose expressions and manner of speech showed how high her pride was, had prostrated herself before us without any hesitation. With her face pressed to the ground, she cried out her resolution. “I beg you, please spare my stupid daughter and let me take her pce in her punishment.”

  “Isolde! Do you realize what you are asking?” cried Maki incredulously. “You know the ws, and you know perfectly well that the only fate awaiting your daughter is execution. Are you asking us-?”

  “Yes, madam. That is what I am asking for. For the sake of saving my daughter's life, I'm willing to offer my own in return.” Her voice rang out with absolute resolve. No matter what was said, it seemed nothing could change her mind. My parents looked at each other, undecided about what they should do. They couldn't just execute a countess like that but couldn't let Iseria get away with it. And even my sister seemed unsure about what should be done, tightening her embrace around me.

  Amidst all that, I decided to look at the one involved, the one for whom a mother was willing to give everything to save her, and... she was smiling.

  I angrily pushed my sister's arms away and jumped off her p, running towards the bitch in the middle of the room. When I finally arrived in front of her, under the gaze of everyone present...

  *Sp*

  I hit her as hard as I could, to the point where it felt like I had dislocated my wrist. I ignored the pain, ignored the shocked look she gave me and the joint gasp from everyone, and for the first time since I came into this world, expressed with anger what I was thinking. “Do you think this is funny?!” I roared, entirely consumed with disbelief and rage at how this fucking bitch had smiled like a child who had escaped punishment for her mischief. “Your mother is offering her own life for the sake of saving your fucking ass, and all you do is smile like all your sins have been forgiven. Are you a truly fucking asshole?” her confused look only made me angrier. It was as if she couldn't even grasp what her mother was trying to do or what was happening. It was like seeing that witch in front of me again.

  “Orinthya” My mother's voice reached my ears, but I raised my hand hoping she would understand that I still had more to say.

  I moved even closer to Iseria and looked at her, with murderous eyes, before speaking in a tone where only she could hear me. “You find it all amusing, don't you? Attacking others and ughing when you don't suffer the consequences. Stomping on those beneath you, and when you're finally about to face punishment, your mother comes to your defense and gets you off the hook for it. It's all been too convenient, huh? I bet you've thought maybe the Pilrs are on your side, that you're right all along.” The look she gave me in response confirmed my words. This bitch actually believed herself to be, in some damn way, somehow so special and divinely protected. I exhaled in exasperation, how could someone like that exist? I couldn't believe it.

  “What's wrong with thinking like that? I'm a noblewoman, it's my right.” And her answer only made it worse.

  “Yes, yes, you are a noblewoman. And as a noble, you should take the punishment as one." I spoke.

  I always thought that being just a little girl, I couldn't really do anything but watch how others solved problems. I believed that, because I was just a little girl, there was nothing I could do. But, I'm not just a little girl, am I? Even though I don't have the body, I have my mind, reasoning, and years of experience from my old life.

  When the situation with Ameli happened, I felt helpless. I couldn't talk, so I couldn't do anything but stand by her side and wait for her to recover. When Mom colpsed, I felt the same way, but at least at that moment I could express how I felt and my desire for her to recover. Now, I have a voice, a say, and a clear idea of what I should do.

  “The Elenios are a vain tribe” I commented. Iseria raised an eyebrow, not knowing why I had said such a thing. “You know, Ki has told me many things about the tribes that inhabit the empire. The Friasans are big and physically strong. Mighty melee warriors and superb in the use of weapons. Although, they are not very good at magic.

  The Atenosia, are great mages with above average magical reserves. A tribe that does not usually have warriors, but, the few that exist, are agile and precise with their bows, daggers, and rapiers. And, the Elenios. Proud, and... well, they don't stand out in anything. They are not good magicians and as warriors, they are below average. They don't even have a historical figure that stands out in the books. What they possess, is enormous pride and vanity for their horns.” One might say it borders even on obsession.

  According to Ki, Elenios only serves in politics and social events. They are cunning bastards who love to use tricks to attack their enemies indirectly. They rarely resort to violence, and few are those who have the capabilities to use it. Although, as this situation demonstrated, they tend to use it against much weaker targets, to intimidate and feel superior. That is why they decorate their horns with jewels and precious metals. A strange way of saying “I'm better than you because my appearance is more extravagant.”

  The most important detail here is that no matter what, even if they must sacrifice their arms and legs, or their own families, their horns must not even have a scratch on them, because, if something were to happen to them, no matter how small, it would become their greatest shame.

  Iseria seemed to understand where I was going. And I smiled mischievously.

  “I understand you're well into your adulthood, correct? So, these will never grow back again. I wonder, what if we decided to spare your life and instead cut off those horns as punishment?” I ughed as I enjoyed the terrified expression of the bitch in front of me. Yes, that was just what I wanted to see.

  “No... you wouldn't dare.” She uttered, barely audible.

  “Watch me, bitch.” I said and turned back to my parents.

  I stopped next to my father, asking him to let me sit on his p, and looked around at everyone in the room. Isolde remained on her knees, looking at me in confusion. Aria csped her hands together as if praying that this would be resolved without killing anyone. Mom and Ki were uncomfortable, both seemed to want to ask me what I talked to Iseria about but were hesitant. Zenya... seemed jealous. Later I should apologize and spend some time with her. Dad, naturally, was as quiet as he was at first, but I knew he was waiting for me to say something, which I did.

  “Papi?”

  “Tell me, my little princess.” He replied with a slight cheerfulness in his voice.

  “Can I be the one who made the decision?” I requested, looking directly at Isolde. Then I added, thinking that just one request would not be enough to convince him. “After all, I am the victim.”

  “Hmm.” Dad remained thoughtful, contempting whether or not it was a good idea to allow a 3-year-old to make such an important decision. Suddenly, he rested his hand on my head and said, “Daughter, this is a big decision, something not to be taken lightly.” His loving touch and gentle words filled my heart with warmth. He was considering it, but making sure I understood what my words would imply once they were spoken. Such a thought brought me joy and relief.

  I raised my hand and gently touched his. “I know, can you trust me?”

  He continued to stroke my hair with utmost care. It was so pleasant. So much that all the anger and resentment I was feeling slowly faded. But I had made a decision.

  “I understand. I'll trust my little girl.” My father finally agreed.

  With that said the air around me changed. It was time to resolve this situation. I gave Ki a look before I began my words.

  “According to the ws, the punishment for such acts would be immediate execution,” I said as I waited for Ki to confirm my words. She nodded, and I immediately returned my gaze to Isolde. “But, considering the situation, I want to honor the countess’s actions and reach a different solution.” Isolde looked up from the floor. Her resolve never left her gaze, willing to take her daughter's pce at the cost of her own life.

  I nodded toward her, and the countess finally stood, awaiting my follow-up words.

  “We cannot allow a countess to die for such a thing, but neither can we let Lady Iseria escape without proper punishment. Therefore, my final decision is that Iseria Eleios shall have her horns cut off.” A gasp coming from the three members of the Eleios family was the only sound in response to my procmation.

  Isolde's expression turned bitter, knowing full well what that meant for her daughter. Aria fell to the floor in tears. I didn't know if it was out of relief or sadness. I just knew it hurt to look at her. Iseria... it didn't look like she had processed my words, her face went from anger to desotion, confusion, and disbelief.

  I sighed, feeling some of the tension remaining in my body, slowly fading away. I felt Dad's hand stroking my hair again, which helped my mood improve tremendously.

  “Good decision, daughter. You make me proud.” Something about his smile confused me. He looked relieved or... Wait. It couldn't be that he was going to make that same decision, could it? As, I'm too tired to think about that. I dismissed the idea and just let myself be spoiled.

  With the verdict made, the guards took Iseria away to somepce I honestly don't care about. Isolde approached Mother and they exchanged a few words, possibly words of comfort, as my mother put her hand on the countess's shoulder and seemed to try to cheer her up. Ki stood to the side thoughtfully, gncing sideways at me occasionally. Raelia and Agalia came over and thanked us, then went to Isolde and said something to her. The countess put on an apologetic expression, nodding a couple of times before both Valven retreated.

  When I wanted to look for Zenya, I noticed she had moved from her pce and was now embracing a messed-up Aria. She was crying inconsobly, but, from the smile on my sister's face, I knew it was not of sadness, but of relief.

  Finally, my parents offered Isolde and her daughter to spend the night at the mansion, which they somewhat hesitantly accepted. I said goodbye to my friend, promising to talk to her tomorrow, and then I was taken by Ki to my room.

  I was too tired. It had been a long day and I just wanted to sleep and wake up te the next day.

  Unfortunately, Ki seemed to have other pns.

  We got to my room and Ki sat me in bed without changing my clothes. Her expression was different than usual. She looked... a little nervous. Scared even.

  “Nita... tell me the truth. Who are you?”

  That question woke me up completely. And I could only answer in one way.

  “Mierda...”

  FivesZeta