Chapter 230


    * * *


    Rtionships between people are exceedingly difficult.


    Nothing ever flowed as expected.


    But Carynne wanted to approach things more sincerely. She wanted to genuinely feel what it was like to take responsibility for living a real life. It was all the more important for someone like Ise, who was both close and distant.


    “Ise, I have something to talk to you about.”


    Carynne knocked on Ise’s doorte at night. Ise, in her nightgown, opened the door and looked at Carynne with a face showing signs of considerable fatigue.


    “If it’s not important, can’t it wait until morning?”


    “It is important.”


    “…What is it?”“Can we talk inside?”


    Ise stood at the door, reluctant to move, but not having a good reason to refuse, she opened the door.


    “I have things to do tomorrow, so please make it quick.”


    “Okay.”


    Carynne entered Ise’s room.


    “……”


    It was messy. There was nothing to be done about it.


    Ise had no experience with cleaning, so she lived surrounded by clutter. Yet, just two days ago, Carynne had cleaned everything while helping Ise get dressed.


    In just two days, the room was again cluttered with clothes, receipts, and magazines scattered everywhere. Even the bed was covered with magazines. Ise, seeing Carynne standing with no ce to sit, hurriedly pushed some magazines off the bed and gestured for her to sit.


    “T-Thank you.”


    It was hard to believe how different things were in the same room. When Carynne worked at Ise’s house, she would have been scolded for even a speck of dust. But when Ise had to clean up herself, she seemed perfectly content with the mess.


    Sleeping in such a room and yet looking immacte and morous when going out was astonishing.


    As Carynne gingerly sat on the bed, Ise leaned against the desk and asked her,


    “So, what do you want to talk about?”


    Carynne steadied her pounding heart and confessed to Ise.


    “Ise, the truth is, I’m much older than I look.”


    “…That’s quite shocking.”


    “In fact, I’ve died ande back to life over a hundred times.”


    <i>I want to tell someone. I want someone to understand my situation. I want to share my story.</i>


    This desire burst forth uncontrobly. The desire to speak out. It wasn’t enough that only Raymond knew the same situation. She wanted to confess to someone who didn’t know her.


    <i>I’ve died over a hundred times. You and I were never on good terms. I’m going to die again soon. Do you know why? Because I can’t get pregnant. The reasons for my deaths vary, but I can never escape this situation. I will live like this forever.</i>


    <i>I want to be friends with you.</i>


    <i>Because I’ve never seeded before.</i>


    Ise’s face changed in many ways.


    She looked pathetic, terrified, and even turned pale.


    Carynne carefully left out any mention of her attempts to kill Ise, focusing solely on her own tragedy. Ise might start by pitying her. Perhaps that’s where human rtionships begin. By showing mercy to each other.


    Carynne’s story went on for a long time, and finally, Ise responded.


    “…Alright. I understand.”


    “Do you believe me?”


    Ise nodded.


    Carynne’s eyes widened. How could that be?


    Even Raymond couldn’t believe her immediately. Her father didn’t believe her until the very end. The only one who believed was Dun, who had nned everything. But Ise just believed her? Why? Carynne hade prepared to be pped, but now she felt deted. Why do you believe me?


    Ise, hesitating, ced her hand on Carynne’s shoulder, who was confused.


    Then, slowly, Ise spoke to Carynne.


    “Yes. So… um… Carynne, let’s go to the hospital together when the sun rises tomorrow.”


    Ise’s eyes resembled those of Raymond in the past.


    The past.


    “…You think I’m crazy, don’t you?”


    Ise averted her gaze.


    “…Alcohol addiction isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s a secret, but my father also received treatment for alcoholism in the past.”


    “I’m not an alcoholic.”


    If anything, it’s a drug addiction.


    As expected. Carynne let out a small sigh. She had tried to get closer and even revealed her secret, but the reaction was like this. Maybe this was the normal response. Ise spoke seriously.


    “Don’t be too ashamed. The hospitals supported by the Evans family are top-notch. Even the Avon Monastery is under our umbre.”


    “…I’m not crazy….”


    Carynne raised her hand to cover her eyes. Was it a mistake to do this sote at night? She had hoped for some sympathy, but being dismissed as crazy was a bit bitter. Especially since she initially thought Ise believed her.


    “But isn’t it better than nothing? Let’s at least go to the hospital and get checked out.”


    The cross-verification was already done by Raymond a long time ago.


    Carynne thought it might not be necessary, but seeing Ise’s serious face, she nodded. No matter the oue, going again wouldn’t be a bad idea.


    “…Yes, I will dly ept your kindness, Miss Ise.”


    * * *


    Ise Evans felt a bit creeped out by how detailed Carynne Hare’s delusions were. When Carynne mumbled and gradually became more passionate in her speech, she looked almost <i>mad</i>. The way she spewed out words without even pausing for breath was enough to exhaust the listener.


    ‘…So young, it’s pitiful….’


    But it did evoke some sympathy. Though it was a sympathy that made her want to distance herself. Ise was shocked by what the doctor said.


    “…That can’t be.”


    “It’s certain. Shall I tell her myself, Miss Ise?”


    The elderly doctor spoke to Ise as if it were no big deal. Doctors are so indifferent to everything. But for the listener, it was shocking. What he said was something she couldn’t believe.


    “No, no… Don’t tell her yet.”


    Ise clenched her fists, thinking of Carynne waiting outside. Ise had brought Carynne for various tests.


    ‘Admitting she’s crazy might help her a bit.’


    Living next door to her, Ise was caught between sympathy and fear. Thinking Carynne was out of her mind turned her mild irritation into fear. But it was also true that Carynne had been kind to her, which is why Ise brought her to the hospital.


    Among Carynne’s nonsensical talks, Ise was especially ufortable with her obsession with pregnancy. In a country where religion dominated society, it wasn’t something a seventeen-year-old, who was practically still a girl, should be preupied with.


    “Are you really sure?”


    “Yes, I am certain.”


    * * *


    Carynne Hare is pregnant.