Chapter 50: Engagement ceremony


    <b> 07. Engagement ceremony</b>


    Actually, there was still no answer.


    She knew so little. At the futile and empty answer her father had given her, Carynnes first reaction was to be dumbfounded.


    But right now, rather than worrying, Carynne was being swept away by a more unusual feeling.


    It was hope.


    The hope that she could, at longst, rest.


    There was one other person who went through all this before her. If Catherine truly had experienced the same thing as Carynne, then the possibility was there for Carynne to seed as well.


    One other person just like her existed in this world. Oh, how sweet it was to know even just that.


    Carynne sat in front of the harpsichord and yed on the keys, feeling refreshed. It was too early for people toe out, but it also wasnt an early enough time for their sleep to be disturbed by her ying.


    The cool air of daybreak enveloped the room. As she yed a cheerful tune for the morning, Carynne spoke to Tom, who was standing next to her.


    Finally, there is hope that I can die. Dont you know how delightful this is?


    There was a bright smile full of joy on Carynnes lips as she said this to Tom. Whether or not he believed or not believed, the boy just closed his mouth and nodded.


    Carynne sometimes felt regrettable about Tom being a mute. She wanted to see a more interesting response from him, and theres only so much a mute boy could impart. All Tom did was to close his mouth, then nod or shake his head.


    If I die, wouldnt it be good for you?


    Gosh, I didnt mean that spitefully.


    Holding back the peal ofughter threatening to burst through her lips, Carynne increased the tempo as she pressed down on the keys.


    Im in support of revenge. Thats how life is, after all. Its not fair.


    With one look at this boys face, who would be able to guess his age? Tom looked a lot cleanerpared to when he was rolling around in the streets, but one could only guess whats inside that mouth which he didnt open.


    And most of all, his demeanor was different. He didnt have the same look that kids from the back alleys hadthe look thats full of the moments miseryrather, he had the eyes of a person who had experienced a more advanced form of pain. In fact, if he were to live like that for the rest of his life, then he would neither yearn for another persons life nor would hein about his own.


    Hmm


    Should I kill him now?


    Carynne calcted the date. Tom would soon die from illness. Yet, even as he didnt look well, he had yet to copse thus fat. He still died young in the past when she had taken care of him, butpared to back then, he was holding up pretty well now.


    Carynne looked closely at the boys cheek. His demeanor wasnt pleasant, but his body was more alive than ever. He didnt look like he was going to drop dead right away. How fun.


    Normally, with these kinds of developments, if the child is kept alive, theylle back for revengeter.


    Carynne pressed down hard on the keys.


    You got surprised?


    He couldnt speak, but his gasp could still be heard. Carynne grinned, then apologized.


    Sorry. Still, you look healthier than I expected. It amazes me, thats why.


    Tom answered through his facial expressions. Hes nervous.


    Carynne returned to ying on her instrument again. The piece was as lively as how she was feeling.


    Should I kill him? I want to kill him. I think itll be alright even if I kill him. Hes going to die anyway, right? But if he doesnt die, it might be more fun. It all started when I killed Nancy and then it all unraveled like this. If I kill Tom, what will happen this time? How chaotic. How difficult. Should I spare him for now and then kill him next time? Whatll be better?


    Mdy!


    Her agony shattered.


    If youe outside like this without dressing up first, what should we doooo.


    I always look perfect though.


    Wow That confidence


    While looking drowsy, Donna brought over a towel that had been soaked in warm water. Carynne wiped her face as she lowered the lid of the harpsichords keys.


    I guess Im having fun these days.


    With ying your instrument?


    Mm, sure.


    Carynne realized that she naturally slipped into relishing murder yet again. She started doing it in the name of fun from the beginning, but she now had a new reason. Even when she was told that the answer was love, she did not wish to change the principles of her actions.


    Ill dial it back.


    You said you were sick, Mdy, but youve only been pretending? Still though, you cant y at night. Its said that the Countess ising.


    I know I got it.


    Damn plot development. No sympathy forborers inside the novel.


    First, we have to get you dressed up.


    Howe you look more excited?


    Hehe. The seamstress brought in the new clothes yesterday and theyre <i>so</i> pretty.


    Her hands are so slow that I cant believe she finished the garments only a day before.


    Although, it couldnt be helped since the customized dress was made after Ises. She let out this smallint, but as Donna was unaware of the situation, she replied back excitedly.


    But still, its really pretty.


    I got it.


    Mdy, since the leftover cloth came in as well, can I make a ribbon for your hair?


    Youve be thorough, too, after dealing with the people from Evans. Fine. Do as you please.


    With a spring in her step, Donna cheerily left the room first. Did she like it that much?


    Carynne closed her eyes, preupied by the warmth of the towel that Donna had given her.


    Across the hall, she could hear Donna saying that she had drawn the bath already. Carynne sighed and followed behind the maid. Its not that she didnt like dressing upits just annoying. There were so many other things for her to think about besides the countess.


    Still, she hoped that she could uncover more information from here on out, just as she had been doing so far.


    Carynne paused for a moment to turn her head, then she asked.


    By the way, Tom. Did you properly deliver my letter to Father?


    The boy nodded.


    Alright.


    Carynne headed back to her room.


    I heard you were sick.


    And Ise was there, waiting in front of her bedroom door.


    Ise.


    The bathwater was going to cool down at this rate. Carynne let out a sigh without hiding it. At this, Ise made a face.


    You dont even look sick.


    Ises eyebrows were furrowed.


    What are you so unhappy about. Its the first time that such a grand engagement ceremony was going to be held so ostentatiously.


    It was an unparalleled opportunity for Ise, yet here she was, not concealing any of her difort towards Carynne.


    Carynne tilted her head to the side at this, but soon greeted the other young woman.


    Thank you for your concern, Miss Ise.


    Might be good to give a smile here.


    Ise paused for a moment, but then she hurriedly called out to Carynne again when she tried to leave.


    Carynne!


    Yes.


    After calling her like so, silence once again enveloped them as she hesitated to speak the next words.


    Come to my engagement ceremony.


    I dont think my condition is good enough for that though. I havent regained much energy yet.


    Are you seriously saying that when youve got enough energy to y the piano so early in the morning?


    It doesnt take that much energy out of me to y using my fingers. And its a harpsichord.


    But thats not the point here?


    Miss Ise, your tone seems very pointed right now.


    Carynne had to control her lips from curling. Wasnt this just a pointless attack? Carynne thought about what to do with Ise, who was eager to quarrel at the break of dawn.


    Its been quite a while since Carynne had felt so refreshed. It was a happy morning where Carynne had confirmed for herself that hope was in sight, yet <i>why</i> was Ise doing this to Carynne during the time that shes happy?


    The Countess ising today, but are you going to stay cooped up? If youre that sick.


    I will have to go out, of course.


    Certainly, since it was Countess Elva. She was the young madam who had a formidable personality and whose husband was the Minister of Finance. Verdic was desperate to establish connections with that very official.


    It wasughable how Ise liked to equate herself to the countess. Now that Carynne thought about it, would the mistake of revealing their investment funds bemitted here again?


    For tonights attendance, dont you think itll be too much if you miss two dinners in a row?


    Ise?


    She spoke in this way.


    Carynne looked at Ise with a bit of bewilderment, as though saying,


    Its going to be great for you if I donte, but why are you being like this?