Ch. 8: The Past, and a Wavering Heart (SUN)
Edmond cast his eyes down, full of sadness…
I shouldn't be part of this conversation…what do I do…
I didn't know where to look, so my gaze wandered. Then I suddenly saw some tea leaves in the kitchen.
I asked the boy if it was alright, then went to start making some tea.
It would be good if I could ease the tension, just a little bit…
With the water boiled, I poured the tea and handed some to everyone.
Boy: "Mom, she made tea for you."
Mother: "Thank you…"
OO: "It was no trouble."
The mother's thin body seemed to shrink even smaller as she offered her thanks.
OO: "Here Edmond."
Edmond: "Thanks OO."
Edmond's expression softened just a little as he took the tea.
Then he took a sip…
Edmond: "…it's good…I see…this is the tea I would often drink when I came here …"
After that, Edmond and the boy's mom began to talk, little by little. When he stood to leave, Edmond said he would make arrangements for some medicine.
Then we were on our way back from the slums…
Suddenly, Edmond stopped, and once again turned his gaze to the slums.
Edmond: "It's our fault…the royals…that this place ended up like this…there shouldn't have been any evil people in the slums…and yet…"
His voice became thin and faint, like the fading glow of the setting sun.
I couldn't do anything other than grip his hand tightly, as if afraid he would fade away as well.
Edmond: "…OO."
I thought of how I always wanted to feel the warmth of his hand like this…
A few days later…-
Each day I would go into the slums with the medicine from Edmond and help nurse the boy's mother back to health.
Edmond didn't try to stop me either, but he did send along a contingent of guards with me.
I bet he's really worried…
My mind was spinning, thinking about so many things that my chest started to ache.
I returned to the castle from the slum that day as usual…
Minister: "That is why you are causing so much distress now. That place is evil."
Edmond: "But…"
Edmond and the minister were talking in the castle hall.
Seeing me, Edmond's expression suddenly turned gentle and he smiled.
Minister: "Well then, please excuse me…"
Edmond: "Yes…OO, welcome back. Did anything happen today?"
OO: "No, but the boy's mother seems to be making a recovery…and she's very grateful to you Edmond."
Edmond: "I see…"
OO: "Um…"
What the minister had said before seemed to stick in my chest.
If the slums are destroyed, that boy and his mother will…And the rest of the people that live there will be out on the streets as well.
Edmond: "Come here OO."
As if sensing my unease, Edmond called me over.
Pushing down the feeling in my chest, I did as he asked and went to his side.
Edmond: "It'll be alright, so don't look so distressed."
OO: "But…the slums will…"
Edmond: "What a problem. I had no intention of causing you this much stress…but that's all I can see in your face."
Edmond took my hand and pulled me closer, and I rested my head on his chest.
I could immediately smell the faint scent of muscat…
It's…kind of suffocating.
Edmond: "OO, it'll be alright. There's no need for you to worry."
OO: "Edmond…"
Edmond wrapped his arm around me and stroked my head.
Edmond: "Besides, the absolute best path…for the people of the slums is…-
Edmond closed his mouth, as if biting off the end of the sentence.
It felt like his hand, resting on my head, was shaking.
I want to protect him.
That was the most powerful thing I had felt since coming here.
After that, Edmond said he had some official business to take care of, so we parted ways and I headed back to my room…
Minister: "…ha…for crying out loud."
??: "Hehe, it's just as you said, Minister."
Minister: "Hmph, if they'd hurry and tear that place down, there would be new riches at hand. How long are they going to cling to it…"
??: "Well then, we shall continue to support you…for the agreed upon price."
What does that mean…?
As I stood there hidden, I could feel the blood drain from my face.