Ascillia
I didn't know what the elf's intent was. After voicing her support for me, she left. I discerned she didn't stand with Lucilia from the very start. Lucilia, my current fiancée, was an upholder of tradition, but the elf I just met was lively and bright. So accordingly, she would definitely approve if I stated I didn't concur with Lucilia's current actions. In saying that, I also managed to confirm that Queen Sisi wasn't at the property.
Lucia didn't like the elf living at the property. Given that they weren't in the same faction, their interaction would be minimal. However, the elves, who did have power, could be helpful in helping me locate Queen Sisi. The elf gave the impression she was a lunatic, but I surmised she would be a useful helper despite her behaviour. I certainly had to continue my search, as well.
And so, I had a cheerful afternoon tea with Ascillia and her mother. Elves didn't drink afternoon tea. The human custom satisfied my desire for something familiar. I couldn't continue my search at night. I'd die a miserable death if Lucia caught me.
I bid farewell. I didn't know where the elf went. Even so, I had a hunch she'd provide a conclusion in the end.
When Ascillia saw me off to the door, she wanted to speak but withheld the words. Nevertheless, she told me in the end, "You may not know this, but Her Lordship has already contracted a terminal elven illness."
Words stopped circulating in my mind. I didn't realise the elf had a terminal illness when she was so lively. I pried, "In other words?"
"Correct. She might only have less than fifty years to live." Ascillia looked quite melancholic. It sounded strange coming from a human, but fifty years of life was an incredibly short amount of time to an elf. Ascillia continued, "It is probably the same as a human who had half of their lifespan slashed off. That must be why she is so fond of humanity's lifestyle. She looks very lively and has considered suicide before. It is such a pity because she is such a kind soul…"
As tragic as it may have sounded, the reality was that I had no interest in the elf's condition. Her lifespan had nothing to do with me. As long as she could live long enough to help me rescue Queen Sisi, I couldn't care less what happened to her. The thought of having to rely on her assistance if I wanted to escape from Lucilia surfaced in my mind.
Ascillia quietly expressed, "Sir Lin, I do not know much about the elves war with humanity nor do I understand the reasons for their in-fighting. Even so, I cannot help but feel that you have an agenda for coming here to marry Madam Lucilia. I never saw you with Madam Lucilia before. Perhaps I am questioning your love; I apologise for that. But the fact of the matter is your arrival is very sudden."
"Mm, it may appear sudden to you all, but the truth is Lucia and I have known each other for a long time. I met her the night the Demon King was slain. That's why our love didn't come out of thin air. Obviously, it would be best if I could take Queen Sisi back."
I didn't reveal my true plans to Ascillia in case she had a slip of the tongue; hence, I just made what appeared to be a casual remark. I did mention Queen Sisi to the elf in Ascillia's presence, after all.
"I see…" Asscillia responded with a small nod and polite smile: "In that case, nothing can be done, then, I guess. Sir, I am happy to hear you can move here, nonetheless as I would have someone to speak to. Furthermore, I am glad just to see you."
"I'm happy to hear that. Ascillia, if I gave you the option to return to humanity now, would you want to return?"
"I… have never thought about it." Ascillia shook her head with a smile. Looking somewhat dejected, she expounded, "What do I have in humanity's lands? I was considered someone who was cursed; I was bullied and insulted. Here, to the contrary, the elves have respected me and given me a place to live. What would I return to humanity for? Nobody there cares about me any longer. Were you hoping for me to live with you or something, Sir Lin?"
Ascillia suddenly turned to me, eagerness exuding from her. I knew how she felt about me. Unfortunately, I didn't plan to accept her. It wasn't purely because of Veirya but also because of Ascillia herself. She was still young; she was just a child. She didn't understand what love was yet. She fell deeply in love with me when I barely did anything. She would eventually come to regret such an impulsive love. In love, your first find may not be the best one for you. Her life had just started. Falling for me was a mistake. I wouldn't ruin a young girl just to satisfy my unbecoming lust. Ascillia was going to meet lots of people and better people, at that. When she does, she'd learn what love was.
"Sorry, Ascillia," I responded with a gentle head shake. I scrubbed her head and chuckled: "It's true that I care about you, but I'm going to be residing in the elven lands from now, aren't I? I can't live with you as I have Lucilia and Leah."
"Is… that so?"
Ascillia lowered her head a little. The evening sun was out, but it couldn't light up her face. She bit down on her lip, seemingly trying her best to stop herself from weeping. I couldn't say anything. Being kind with her then and there would be cruel to her in the future. There was no doubt I was a villain, but I wasn't scum.
I turned around and left, crossing back over to the other side of the river. When I entered the forest, I saw a silhouette at the other end of the forest. The individual gave the impression they were waiting for something. I quickly recognised who it was from their small stature. It was Lucia. Lucia also spotted me.
Lucia cheerfully came over while. For some odd reason, I sped up as though I had begun to look forward to meeting her while she looked forward to seeing my eyes.
Lucia didn't mind where I went. Instead, she tightly hugged me and giggled: "Welcome home, Dear."
I hugged small Lucia and whispered in her ear: "Uhm, thank you, Lucia."
The final petals spreading across the sky from the red orb shone on us. Our capes fluttered in the wind and tightly clung to each other similarly to the way we clung to each other in that moment.