Chapter 28: Ufortable Situation


    Whats up? Why is everyone so quiet?


    Shiron frowned. As he poked his head out to survey the surroundings, not a single person, despite him finally breaking through the ice, offered a word of congrattions.


    Its a bit disappointing.


    While he wasnt exactly hoping for a raucous celebration, seeing everyone staring him down with such serious faces made the situation somewhat awkward for him.


    Given the stern expressions of Lucia and Hugo, that was understandable. But why even Encia, who usually didnt bother with subtleties and was yful, had such a hard expression was beyond him.


    The maid that Shiron knew wouldve probablye running, offered him a beaming smile and perhaps even a cup of cocoa.


    Sigh, you guys really know how to kill the mood.


    Ignoring their gazes, Shiron began to pull himself onto the ice. The ritual wouldnt beplete until he reached the ground.


    He had initially worried that the ice might copse as he departed, but fortunately, nothing of that sort urred. Nothing happened until he reached the sandy shore.


    However, his body felt incredibly ufortable. Every movement caused grains of sand to prickle between his damp clothes and skin. He just wanted to dip himself in warm water as soon as possible.


    Finally, he crossed theke and reached the shore.


    Considering no one had raised any objections, it seemed he hadnt been caught cheating.


    Shiron. Are you alright?


    Just as Shiron was basking in his aplished feeling, Lucia approached him.


    He had expected some kind ofmotion due to the murmurs. Still, he couldnt figure out why Lucia had separated herself from the group. Maybe she was worried because of the bond they shared.


    Shiron looked down at Lucia and replied,


    What kind of answer are you expecting when you ask if Im okay? I feel like I might freeze to death.


    No. Not that. Your hand.


    Lucia gestured towards Shirons hand with her eyes, and following her gaze, Shiron looked down.


    My hand? What the heck is this?!


    At the end of his gaze, there was a mangled hand.


    Bloodied and shed, as if cut by something sharp, the fingers and the back of his hand were in such a wretched state it was astonishing he hadnt noticed earlier.


    Why is my hand like this?


    Was it because he was now conscious of the injury? The numbness was slowly giving way to a burning sensation. This pain was not just from being immersed in cold water for an extended period.


    The bacsh from breaking the ice, which was as fragile as finely crushed ss. In hindsight, it was obvious. The strength of ice, which wouldnt even scratch when hit hard with a fist, had to be more than that of ss.


    Swallowing hard, Shiron stared at his wound.


    His frail body, which stillcked endurance and hadnt mastered self-defense, seemed to plead for mercy, sending intense signals to his brain.


    Gritting his teeth, Shiron averted his eyes from the injury. The pain traveling up his arm felt so intense that he thought he might lose consciousness.


    Shiron. Does it hurt a lot?


    Dont talk to me.


    Was his pain not evident from his contorted face? Shiron looked at Lucia with resentful eyes.


    <hr>


    Everyone has passed. Good job.


    The ritual was over.


    Yuma looked at the three children and said,


    But for some reason, none of you seem pleased. Its okay to show a genuinely happy face, you know.


    Deep down, Yuma knew the reason but decided toment anyway.


    Enough. Can we just go home? Im not in the mood for long conversations.


    With his hand tightly wrapped in bandages, Shiron responded irritably.


    At the moment, she wasnt Head Maid Yuma but Guardian of the Sanctuary Yuma. However, Shiron had no mind to bother with such trivial distinctions. His hand felt as if it was scorched, and cold sweat dripped constantly from his body.


    Shiron felt he had been patient enough waiting for Yuma to arrive. He felt he was now at his limit, and his demeanor had naturally turned grumpy.


    For that reason, Siriel, standing next to Shiron, couldnt show genuine joy as she was busy observing his mood.


    I want to rest soon, too!


    Right. Please treat oppa quickly.


    Lucia and Siriel both appealed to Yuma in session.


    Actually, Siriel wanted to run around yfully, hugging her cousins. But, even though she was overwhelmed with emotions, she didnt act on it. The bloodied fist that had broken through the ice remained vivid in her mind.


    Ive already treated him. Look closely. I applied ointment and wrapped a bandage, didnt I? If youve qualified enough to pass the inheritance ritual, your recovery rate is different from that of ordinary people. A few days of rest should heal him quickly.


    Thats true.


    Siriel smiled awkwardly at Yumas answer. She felt piercing nces from the side. As if questioning why she made the conversation longer with her unnecessary remark. She regretted having spoken at all.


    But whether Shiron gave any of his cousins a hard time or not was none of Yumas concern. Yuma just looked at her cherished children with pride.


    Completing the session ritual without a single dropout was a rarity, happening only a few times in the past 500 years.


    Well, the carriage is ready. Come this way.


    Its convenient. Is a carriage always provided like this?


    No. Its an exception since we unexpectedly have an injured participant. Ah. Maybe because of the precedent set by Master Shiron, in the future, some might get hurt on purpose to returnfortably.


    Yuma smiled at Shiron, but Shiron didnt smile back and simply replied,


    This is thest session ritual.


    Ill remember that deeply.


    Just knowing is enough.


    Shiron passed by Yuma, who was smiling and cing her hand on her chest.


    In the carriage, Lucia and Siriel were already seated. They were sitting facing the same direction, and in the opposite direction, there were three cushionsid out for Shiron.


    Shiron smirked at their thoughtfulness.


    When did you two start being so attentive? If you want to do something, do it differently. Lucia, lift the cushions.


    Why? Want me to remove them?


    Was he not epting the care they provided? Lucia pouted but pulled the cushions close.


    Shiron sat down heavily and raised both his arms.


    ce the cushions here.


    Understood.


    Having bandages wrapped tightly around his hand, he couldnt fold his arms or ce them down casually. To this end, Shiron intended to use a cushion as makeshift support under his armpit. Lucia quickly grasped Shirons intentions.


    He must be in pain. Such a considerate guy.


    Despite the carriages jerky movement making him slightly nauseous, Shiron was able to give Lucia a contented smile.


    Seeing her face, it was evident she was filled with worry. Although the pain had not yet subsided, there was something inexplicably pleasing about seeing her so helpless.


    Are you feeling better now?


    Perhaps because Shirons expression had eased a bit, Lucia finally found the strength to speak. All the while, she couldnt take her eyes off Shirons hand.


    No, its not okay. It hurts so much I feel like Im going to pass out.


    Is it that painful?


    Yes. Ive never been in this much pain before.


    Then why are you smiling?


    Having observed their conversation, Siriel posed the question. Shiron suddenly realized that he had been smiling.


    Ahem, weve passed the session ceremony. After enduring all that, of course, I should smile.


    While biting his tongue, Shiron erased the smirk from his face. He couldnt tell Lucia that he found her current state amusing, so he made up a reason.


    Listen.


    Relieved by Shirons rxed expression, Siriel leaned forward with sparkling eyes.


    Can I ask just one thing? Ive always been curious.


    What is it?


    Shiron nced at Siriel warily.


    Is she going to ask how I escaped through the ice?


    Of course, he was ready with an answer. Shiron braced himself for her question.


    Are the two of you siblings?


    However, an entirely unexpected question came from Siriels mouth.


    Why do you think that?


    No reason.


    Siriel, who was wearing her rings, alternated her gaze between Lucia and Shiron.


    The two of you dont have any resemnce. Look, Lucia has red hair, while Brother Shiron has ck hair. Even the eye colors arepletely different: ck and gold.


    Well, thats because


    Lucia interjected in a flustered manner.


    The conversation had taken a serious turn. It was certainly a topic an innocent child might question, but the atmosphere suddenly became tense.


    As far as Lucia knew, Shirons mother passed away when he was very young. She didnt want to dampen the mood by bringing up the topic of Shirons deceased mother, especially when the atmosphere was just starting to lighten up.


    Lucia and I have different mothers.


    But before she could think of a response, Shiron answered first.


    Ah! So thats why you dont call her sister!


    I knew it was strange! Since the wives of both sides arepetitors. Ah, that makes sense!


    Siriel nodded in understanding and smiled. However, she had no idea that both of their mothers were no longer in this world.


    Lucia wished to silence Siriel, wanting to prevent any words that might hurt Shiron. She was anxious about Shirons reaction, worried he might be hurt.


    As expected, Shiron narrowed his eyes, ring at Siriel.


    You, what are you thinking? My mother is dead.


    Unable to hold back, Lucia also spoke to Siriel.


    My mother is dead too!