Chapter 10: Goodbye

AVA

Today marks the thirteenth day from my visit in the Krauser memorial grounds. Thinking back on it, that day had been quite full of events that sent me through sudden twists, turns and whirlpools of emotions that eventually led to an occurrence that I did not expect.

That night, I was summoned to the sitting room with all the three young masters waiting for me and they asked about my thoughts on the deceased Duke's will. I only had a few hours to think about it but after my trip to the memorial grounds, I made up my mind to accept the contents of the will. There was nothing disadvantageous on the terms and if I consider everything that I have suffered so far, it would be stupid to turn down a rare opportunity to start life over in the countryside with resources provided for free. My first goal was to get away from the duchy and I was being provided the aid to do so. It was the perfect offer to accomplish my first objective.

After listening to my answer, the young masters did not ask questions nor reacted in any way. I was dismissed after the young Duke said that he would be making the preparations for the will to be carried out after my sixteenth birthday.

I found the words, actions, and demeanors of the young masters as very uncharacteristic. They were quiet and spoke very short phrases and sentences. They seemed somewhat pensive and I recently discovered that even whenever I muster enough courage to look them in the eyes, they were the ones who evaded eye contact.

All of them seemed to be busy with their own jobs and duties that I have barely seen them for the past two weeks. They eat their meals with me every once and a while, but apart from that, we were the same as always, just staying out of each other's way.

One thing had changed, however; a change that caught me somewhat off guard. During the days that the young Duke and the young masters were absent from the mansion, they had been sending me a lot of gifts as if trying to fill in their absence with material things. A lot of the presents were unwrapped not because I wanted to but because of Kathy and the other maids' curiosities.

Most of the boxes contained clothes; others had pieces of jewelry, hair accessories, and shoes. They filled up so much space in the room that they had to be taken to a separate room. On other days, the gifts came in different forms, like food and sweets. They arrived with little notes from the young master who sent it, briefly asking for my welfare and writing that they sent the food to me hoping that I would be healthier.

I honestly do not know what they're trying to do. What was it that they want to accomplish by being nice to me after all this time? They knew completely that I would be gone in less than a month. Counting today, there's only fifteen more days before my departure. Perhaps, are they hoping for me to change my mind? Do they want me to stay or something? If they indeed want me to stay, for what reason would they want such a thing? Have they gone crazy or what? I just can't wrap my head around on what they're doing and it's making me frustrated.

Perhaps because I was in so much stress thinking about so many things, I met Yukina in my dream later at night. She had been watching my progress for the past weeks and I filled her in with the details that she had missed while peeking from my subconscious.

When I told her about my thoughts on how the young masters were currently treating me, she merely rolled her eyes.

"You know, it's a bit too late for them to be expressing their guilt. People are always like this. They act without thinking and when the consequences turn out to be unfavorable for them, they start regretting. The same can be said to what is happening to the Krauser brothers right now. However, even if we turn back time and go back to square one, I think that they'll do exactly like they did in the past. They were kids back then, immature brats who only prioritized themselves. They haven't changed much even now. They're only trying to redeem themselves to feel better about themselves," Yukina remarked.

"I thought so as well, but Sir Pearson and everyone around me seem to be hinting that I'm being too hard on the young masters," I told her. "I have to admit that sometimes, their words make me wonder whether I'm being difficult and unreasonable…" I sighed.

"Nonsense," Yukina exclaimed. "Sir Pearson is a great man but he grew up seeing the world rose-colored. There's a limit to how much he can empathize with your circumstances. He didn't walk the earth in your shoes and neither did the new servants in the mansion. As the person who had suffered your circumstances, you have the right to feel whatever you want to feel and act according to your emotions. Don't think too much about whether you're being too hard on the young masters or not," she told me as she held me near. "Besides, in two weeks, you'd be gone from their lives and they'll disappear from yours. They didn't want you here and you don't want to be here. You'd be gone from each other's hair thus you wouldn't have to wonder anything about them. It's the best resolution anyone could ask for…" she finished.

"Right…" I breathed out and held onto Yukina's arm like little child. "If you say so, then it must be right… You're so much more knowledgeable about the world than I am… I just feel so stupid… I don't think I can be confident whether my actions are right or wrong…"

Yukina stroked my hair lovingly and placed her cheek on the side of my head. "Dear, there're no definite rights and wrongs in this world. Don't blame yourself about anything. You grew up in poor circumstances until age eight; and after that, you were practically locked up in the Krauser manor. Even if you don't know the ways of the world, it wasn't your fault and it certainly is not too late to learn everything from now on…"

My hand squeezed Yukina's arm subconsciously as I started feeling anxious once again. "This is really happening, isn't it Yukina? Once my sixteenth birthday passes, I'll leave the Krausers and start over somewhere far away…"

Yukina smiled down at me sweetly. "Yes, this is certainly happening Ava… You don't have to be scared or anxious that these are all just a delusion…"

I snuggled close to her and let her wrap her arms around me. "It's not like that, Yukina… I know this is real, I can feel this is real; but I just can't help but feel anxious. Can I really handle living outside? I'm practically clueless about everything and I only survived by leeching onto what the Krausers provided for me… But in two weeks' time, I would have to be responsible for myself. I have to meet people and talk to strangers; I have to manage the cotton mill for my living expenses. I've dreamed of this moment countless of times and I longed for it to happen, but now that it's really happening, I'm so scared… What if something else goes wrong?" I told her, confessing all of my deepest thoughts and worries.

"I'm pathetic aren't I? I'm being handed long-awaited presents here and there but I'm afraid there's a bomb inside those gifts. It's like I don't really know what I want. I'm just so stupid…" I said, feeling like crying.

"You're not stupid. Don't say that… People can get overwhelmed when everything's happening so fast. You shouldn't be blamed for feeling confused. But you don't have to worry. I'll be here for you. Even once you leave the Krausers, I'll be here to support you. You'll never be alone. I won't tell you not to get scared; it's okay to feel scared, but with me by your side, I hope you'll be less afraid. Just think of that, okay? Think of me and of your bright future," Yukina told me consolingly. She sounded so warm, so reassuring, just like how Miss Mary was to me and the other children.

"You know Yukina… If you would've been someone's sister or mother, that child would've been so lucky…" I remarked with a small smile on my lips.

"You think so?" Yukina said, smiling as well.

"I know so…" I answered, snuggling closer to her chest. She had no warmth; she wasn't soft like a human being. Yukina is a figure in my mind, a shard of a soul stuck in my subconscious with no material form. Even so, I felt so safe and warm in her embrace.

Yukina chuckled a little. "I told you before, even if I no longer have the opportunity to be someone's sister or mother, I consider you as my little sister and my child. I will treat you as such and I will love you. I have someone to care about, and that's a luxury a dead person could never have, and so I'm very glad to have you," she said.

"We'll have each other," I told her. "I could never have made it this far without you..."

Yukina smiled at me and kissed my forehead. "Don't be discouraged. You're a much smarter child than you think. There's a lot to learn but I know you'll overcome everything, slowly but surely. For now, we don't have to worry about the near future, since we still have to wait until the Krausers let you go… We can't let our guard down until we clear that hurdle, do you understand?" she told me and gave my head a gentle pat.

I responded with a nod. Yukina is right. I'm not exactly on the road to independence quite yet. Although it was promised that the Krausers would let me go, no one could guarantee that nothing else would go wrong. I have to take things one step at a time and be especially cautious. Seeing things go my way for the first time in my life must not make me feel a sense of ease or relief.

"I think it's time for you to wake up… I can hear someone calling for you…" Yukina suddenly added and that was the last thing I remember upon opening my eyes to the brightness of my bedroom.

The person calling me was Kathy.

"Milady, it's morning…" she remarked as she rearranged the curtains on the window.

"Hmm… Good morning…" I called back and sat up.

"Should I bring the water basin for you to wash up?" Kathy asked.

"There's no need… I'll go to the bathroom myself," I answered.

After washing up, she helped me put on a fresh change of clothes before urging me to sit down in front of the mirror for her to style my hair differently for the day.

We started chatting about random things like the menu for breakfast and the weather, then Kathy glanced at me through the mirror in a cautious manner and seemed to hesitate in talking.

"What is it? Do you have something to say?" I asked, encouraging her.

Kathy began putting my hair up with flower-shaped pins and finally yielded on talking. "I was just wondering… whether milady will have breakfast with the young masters this time… Young Master Brandon just got back yesterday night, Young Master Greyson arrived this morning… They will have breakfast with the Duke downstairs…"

"Did they invite me?" I asked her.

"Well, not exactly… But I'm sure the young masters would like it if you join them for a meal…" Kathy said.

"If I wasn't invited, I'd rather not disturb them. I can eat my meals here," I replied.

Kathy seemed disappointed at my reply. "I understand milady… I'll have the meal sent here in ten minutes…" she answered before excusing herself from the room.

I sighed as I walked towards the tea table where I eat my meals. It seemed like I was not wrong with my observation. The servants really had been trying to make me and the young masters have more interactions with each other; not just Kathy but other maids and butlers always asked me whether I wanted to spend my mealtimes with the young masters. Whenever they tell me that the weather outside was great and I go on walks, I always pass by the young masters at which we would awkwardly exchange greetings or a short conversation before going on our separate ways.

"What are they expecting to happen?" I murmured to myself.

Those kinds of days repeated until another week passed. Life in the duchy had been peaceful and monotonous albeit the few instances when I had to awkwardly spend time with the young masters. They had been trying to strike conversation with me a lot more often than the past weeks but I could still see in their eyes that they were uneasy and uncomfortable.

It wasn't just them. I was uncomfortable and as uneasy as they were. But I do not want to show an intimidated face anymore for my last days in the duchy. After all, if I get intimidated this much in a sheltered environment, I will not make it outside.

Amidst my ongoing inner strife of mentally preparing myself for life out of the duchy, I began to hear more murmurings in the corridor, of the new maids and butlers talking about the atmosphere in the mansion.

Most of them questioned my behavior. Everyone had been trying to be as understanding and considerate for my sake, especially the young masters, and from their perspective, I was the one being difficult. They couldn't understand why I seemed to be pushing the young masters away despite all their efforts to get closer to me.

The young masters were walking on eggshells around me, as if afraid to provoke me somehow. That was how it looked to the people watching our interactions. To those people, I was the villain. I could see it clearly in their eyes and it frustrated me. Everytime it happens, I just go back to my room and spent my time alone, reading newspapers to collect information on life outside and make notes about my future plans.

How I wished for the days to pass by quickly. Soon, I'll be outside. It'll be scary, but I'll pull through. I have Yukina thus I have to strengthen my resolve, not just for myself but for her as well. We will get out of here, and I will live my life for the two of us. Soon… Just two more weeks…

~~~

Greyson

The days seemed to fly by. My brothers and I went by our duties in the Academy and at work, dreading each sunrise and sunset as it marked another day closer to Ava's departure from the duchy.

And today is the day before Ava's birthday. Tomorrow, the papers for the cancellation of Ava's adoption will be official. Ava will be leaving on the day after tomorrow and yet, none of the three of us had a proper conversation with her. We wasted the whole month doing nothing but sending her presents which I know personally wouldn't appeal to Ava in any way. Yet, we still sent them, because we do not know of any other way to win her over.

Time has run out on us. Ava wouldn't possibly change her mind. After all, she's desperate to get away from the duchy and I don't blame her for feeling that way.

The day was bright and sunny, and I asked to leave the Academy early at mid-afternoon. I wanted to see Ava. Even if I won't get to talk to her; even if she's leaving, I want to see her. That was all I could think about and thus I know I have to go home.

The moment I got off the carriage, I was surprised to see Ava roaming the front garden, touching the blooms of white roses on the freshly-trimmed bushes. The wind carried the smell of the grass and the sweetness of the flowers.

I didn't know what came over me, but I found my feet taking me to where Ava stood. A minute later, she was right in front of me. Like always, she greeted me with a curtsy.

"Good afternoon, third young master," she said.

I opened my mouth and was surprised by what came out. "Do you have to go?"

I must've gone crazy. I heard everything that Ava said in front of our parents' graves. And yet, I'm asking her such a thing. I don't know what's on my mind. But I couldn't control myself.

"Pardon?" Ava asked as if she was confused by my question.

"Do you really have to go? Can't you stay?" I said.

I couldn't read the expression on Ava's face. She stayed silent for several seconds before a thoughtful look settled on her features.

"Why would you ask that, third young master?" she finally replied.

"Because…" I said and paused, unable to continue. "Because… I want you to stay… Not just me, but also my brothers… Everyone here— everyone in the duchy wants you to stay…" I stammered.

"Why?" Ava asked. This time, I saw her forehead wrinkle a little.

"Because…" I said, once again unable to continue. I didn't feel like myself. My eyes were darting around. I couldn't look at her in the face. My hands were breaking in cold sweat. "Can there be no reason for me to want you to stay? Do I have to have a definite reason? I just… I just don't want you gone… I don't want to go home and don't find you anywhere… I don't want you to be far away… I just don't want that…" I finally said.

"Even at this moment, you just think of yourself…" Ava suddenly remarked. That made me look at her in the face. I was afraid upon seeing her expression, at the disappointment written all over her features.

"No, I… I didn't mean it like that…" I said in a rush of panic. I took a step closer and forced myself to look at her eyes. "It won't be the same, I promise! You won't get mistreated; you'd have everything you want. If you don't want to see us, we'll move in the annex building so you won't have to see us… You can ask for anything; we'll give you anything—"

"I don't want that," Ava interjected, her tone firm. "I'm sorry, but I don't want any of that…"

Looking at the conviction in her eyes, I was tongue-tied. I knew it was futile. She already voiced her decision. Each time I saw her, I saw it in her eyes. She was more and more determined to leave as time went by. I don't know what I'm doing, but I know I felt helpless.

My mouth opened on its own and the words slipped out. "I'm sorry…" I said. "I'm not trying to force you or anything… I'm sorry…"

Ava stared at me intently and once again I could not figure out what she's thinking just by her expression. A second later, she gestured to her left.

"Shall we sit, young master?" she suddenly said, motioning towards the fountain in the middle of the rose garden. "You look tired. You can use a moment of rest…" she added.

And with that, I found myself sitting on the edge of the stone fountain with Ava. We were both quiet and as I stole a glance at her, she was staring at the sky. Only the sound of the water running behind us filled the atmosphere. The silence dragged by and I wracked my brain for anything to say but Ava broke the silence first.

"I had very little fond memories of this place. For the past years, there were very few times I felt at peace. Most of the time I felt alone; but as time went by, being alone was better," she said then looked at me sideways. "But among the three sons of the Duke, you were the one whom I have a good memory of, Young Master Greyson…"

I didn't expect for her to say such a thing and I could only blink in surprise. "Me?" I asked dumbly.

"You probably don't remember," Ava said as she turned her eyes back forward with a dry smile on her face. "I think I was about ten; the young master had turned twelve and left for the Academy. With all the three young masters gone to further your education and with the Duke in the capital, I was alone with the servants. There were no eyes watching; the head butler and head maid managed the estate from their offices in the annex building and also did not care about me. It was a perfect opportunity for the servants to do whatever they want. Thus they started to mistreat me worse, so I wouldn't fight back. They crushed whatever conviction I had to defend myself and they were victorious."

"But one day, the third young master went home from the Academy without sending word. You weren't supposed to come home until a week later, but you did and the servants were flustered. You ran into me on the corridor and saw my unkempt appearance."

With Ava's detailed descriptions, the memory came back to me. I was taken back to when I was twelve; it was nearing summer vacation after my first semester in the academy. I went home a week early because I had enough merit points to exempt myself from the last week of tests. But the real reason why I went home early was because I wanted to see Ava and tease her.

The moment I went home, I looked for her. I stumbled upon her in the corridor wearing a dress with missing buttons and her hair not even combed. Beside her were three of her personal maids. After she curtsied, I questioned her appearance.

"Why are you going around looking like that? Do you not even comb your hair?" my twelve-year-old self asked the ten-year-old Ava. She answered with silence and her head bowed, eyes looking at the floor.

One of the maids suddenly replied in her place. "My Lord, milady was feeling lazy this morning, and so she overslept and had not gotten her bath yet… We were about just about to bathe her…"

I ignored the maid's reply and continued to talk to Ava. "Why is your dress missing some buttons?" the young me asked, frowning at the distasteful dress she was wearing. Upon looking back at the memory, I remembered that the dress wasn't just missing buttons; the yellow color also looked old and faded.

"Th-the lady accidentally lost the buttons after breakfast this morning… She had not gotten proper etiquette lessons yet and so she eats messily… The buttons might have fallen off when we helped her as she soiled her dress with the soup…" the maid answered for Ava again.

"Shut up," I told the maid.

"Pa-pardon, milord?" the maid said, looking surprised.

I turned to the maid with an air of authority. "Who are you to speak to me? I'm asking Ava, not you. There's no reason for you to answer the questions I have for her. How insolent!" the young me exclaimed at the maid.

The maid immediately bowed deeply in apology. "I'm… I'm terribly sorry, young master… I just… Because the lady is timid and keeping quiet—"

"You're fired," I interrupted the maid.

"Yo-young master…" the maid said, horrified.

"Did you not hear me?" I told her, stomping one foot hard on the floor. "You're fired! Now scram!" the young me shouted, pointing at the door at the end of the corridor.

With confused and fearful eyes, the maid gave a final bow and went to the door.

I turned to the two remaining maids and gave them instructions. "You," I pointed at one, "Make sure that maid leaves the estate by the end of the day. Notify the head maid as well," I said.

Turning to the other maid, I pointed at Ava. "Fix her up. You have half an hour. I expect her to be in the dining room. She'll be having breakfast with me," I instructed.

"But the lady already had her breakfast milord…" the maid said.

"Are you asking to be fired as well?" I told the maid.

"No young master… I apologize for my insolence… I'll get to it right away…" the maid hurriedly followed up and ushered Ava back to her quarters.

I snapped out of the flashbacks and looked at Ava. "That was… your good memory of me?" I asked, confused.

Ava gave a small smile as if looking back at that time. "The maids lied. I did not eat breakfast yet that day… That breakfast also happened to be the first decent meal I had in months… On some days, they'll starve me on purpose. But because the young master fired one of the maids, they were unable to mistreat me for the rest of the summer. They were wary of the young master. It was only after you had went back to the academy that they started harassing me again…" she explained.

I was speechless. To think that such an event was a good memory… "But I…" I said, remembering the rest of my stay that summer. "I pranked you every single day of that summer vacation," I continued, recalling one particular memorable day at which I doused Ava with flour from head to toe.

Ava continued smiling the dry smile. "Even so, it was better than when you were not there… At least for that one season, I felt security with the young master's presence. Your presence kept me safe from the servants, at least for that one season…" she said.

Memories flooded my brain at her words. How could my younger self be so stupid? The warning signs were all over the place. Missing buttons, torn sleeves, holes on skirts, faded dresses… The signs of neglect, her thin frame and stature… Her intimidated behavior, her eyes always full of fear…

Even on that day when she almost died, I did not send word about my early arrival. Like that day, the servants were flustered. I had clues to notice the mistreatment but I never took those details seriously. In my head, Ava was a timid, unambitious, unmotivated, lazy, not-so-bright, naïve girl. I've always thought of those flaws and problems as the result of her own lack of motivation to fix her appearance and appear dignified. How come I only realized the truth so late?

Before I noticed, tears began falling down my cheeks.

"I'm sorry…" I murmured. "I'm so sorry…"

Ava looked at me with a slightly exasperated expression. "Like I said before, the young master has no reason to be apologetic. No one in this mansion had the obligation to look after me. I'm only a Krauser on paper; you're not my brother. You have no obligation towards me thus why would you be sorry?"

"That's wrong. You're wrong. The moment you were adopted; you became our sister. We didn't treat you right. That's why I'm sorry," I said and got up.

As if possessed, I went in front of Ava and knelt down on both knees. Holding on the hem of skirt, I bowed my head. "I'm sorry… Forgive me…" I cried. "I'm sorry… Please forgive me…" I repeated.

I don't know how many times I apologized, but Ava just sat unmovingly at the edge of the fountain. The sound of the water gushing mixed with my audible sobs and repetitive words.

I kept on apologizing and crying, feeling so helpless and hopeless. Even so, even after hearing her story and realizing all my accumulated faults, I still want to beg her to stay. I hated myself; both my foolish younger self who hurt Ava and my current self who wants to cling to her. I know letting her go would be the only way to atone for our sins, but I don't want her to go. I really don't want her to go.

All of a sudden, I felt a warm hand over my head. Ava had placed her hand on my head and caressed my hair as if I was a child.

"It's okay, young master Greyson… It'll be over soon… Let's cut this ill-fated thread of fate binding us together; you, your brothers, your parents, your sister and I… It's all just an unfortunate fate. It wasn't anyone's fault. And it is time we end it; for everyone's sake…" she remarked with a gentle tone.

I couldn't help but look up at her face to see what kind of expression she was wearing. She was smiling down at me, a kind of smile that spoke of acceptance and the willingness to move on.

It was too late for reconciliation. In Ava's mind, she already left us. There was no reason for her to stay. Begging her to do so would be a shameless act and an insult to her resolve.

"Please get up and tell your brothers to find your real sister. It won't hurt to check the place I told you about, and I believe that she's there. She belongs here, I do not. Let us put everything back in place, for everyone's sake… Once that happens, forget about me. Forget I even existed," she told me.

And just like that, she stood up and left.

~~~

Landon; moments before Greyson talked to Ava

Brandon went to my office as soon as he arrived home. He looked frantic.

"Brother, what are we gonna do? Tomorrow is Ava's birthday… After tomorrow, she'll leave…" he said as he pranced in front of my desk back and forth, his right thumb on his lips, biting the nail. It was a childhood habit of Brandon whenever he felt anxious, something he had outgrown upon entering the Academy, a habit that I had not seen for years.

The same thoughts had been torturing me since yesterday. We completely wasted our chance to convince Ava to stay. We were cowards. We couldn't even speak to her properly for the past month. We only have ourselves to blame.

Brandon stopped and looked at me with conviction. "Can we just burn the will?" he said. It was not a question; it was a suggestion.

"I already processed the procedures after we asked Ava what her decision was… It's already out of my hands. Unless Ava says so, nothing can change what will happen after tomorrow…" I told him.

Brandon finally lost his composure. "Dammit!" he exclaimed, kicking a chair viciously. It was sent spinning across the room, hitting furniture.

"Calm yourself," I told him.

"How can I be calm?!" he remarked and sat down on the sofa. He buried his face in his hands. "Ava is leaving… How can I be calm?" he murmured.

I stared at Brandon's miserable form. I felt the same but I cannot break down. I am the Krauser Duke, the Head of a Duchy. Just like Father after we lost both Lottie and Mother, I'm not allowed to break down. I must be strong. Brandon will not take well to Ava's departure. Greyson might even be more worrisome. Among the three of us, he was the most adamant to beg Ava to stay.

I too want her to stay, but I'm not shameless enough to do so… If she doesn't change her mind, I cannot do anything…

"Let's go for a walk…" I said, standing up. "You need fresh air to compose yourself…"

With that, Brandon and I found ourselves at the rose garden at which we saw one of the family's carriages arrive and drop off Greyson. We were about to call out to him when all of a sudden, we saw him walk hurriedly. Intrigued, we followed him.

In the middle of the rose garden, we witnessed our younger brother confront Ava, asking her to stay. Then the two of them moved to the fountain. We stayed at a spot where we can hear their conversation properly, hidden behind some hedges.

Ava recollected one of her memories in the mansion from when she was ten years old and told the story in detail. Greyson broke down in tears right after. He went on his knees and begged for her forgiveness. But Ava did nothing as she watched Greyson's miserable state, clinging to the hem of her dress like a child.

Or at least that's what I thought. As Greyson continued crying, I saw that Ava was looking at him with a sad smile on her face. Then she started petting his head as if to comfort him.

"It's okay, young master Greyson… It'll be over soon… Let's cut this ill-fated thread of fate binding us together; you, your brothers, your parents, your sister and I… It's all just an unfortunate fate. It wasn't anyone's fault. And it is time we end it; for everyone's sake…" Ava said. She was gentle with her words as if she was careful not to hurt Greyson's feelings further with her clear rejection.

At that moment, she looked up and noticed us from the hedge. She blinked in surprise at first then gave us a smile. Brandon and I flinched. She had never smiled at us that way before.

Then she looked back at Greyson and said, "Please get up and tell your brothers to find your real sister. It won't hurt to check the place I told you about, and I believe that she's there. She belongs here, I do not. Let us put everything back in place, for everyone's sake… Once that happens, forget about me. Forget I even existed."

When she got up, she looked back at me and Brandon then bowed her head once in greeting before going back to the mansion. We were immobilized for a while behind the hedge and Greyson did not move from his kneeling position. Moments later, I snapped out of it and led Brandon to our youngest. We picked him up and ushered him back to the mansion.

It was time we really accept the facts. We must let Ava go. It's the only thing we can do for her.

The next day, Ava expressed her wishes for us to halt any celebration to take place for her birthday. She wanted that day to be just like any other day. The annulment of the adoption was officiated in the afternoon with Sir Pearson and a judge as witnesses.

Later that night, Ava began preparations for her departure. Her maid Kathy informed us that Ava only packed the bare minimum of what she needed for the trip and did not include even one of the gifts we had sent her for the past month.

The morning of Ava's departure, it was raining. The three of us, Sir Pearson and every single of the servants, maids and butlers were out front to see her off.

"Milady, can't you just go tomorrow? The weather isn't good enough for travel… Staying one more day won't hur—"

"I am not 'Milady' anymore, Miss Kathy…" Ava interjected with a smile. "I am now just Ava. I'm free from the Krauser name," she said.

She leaned forward to take the maid's hands in hers. "I'm thankful for the time you took care of me, Miss Kathy… I'm thankful for everyone in the duchy… But I must go. I want to go as soon as possible… The rain is light, it'll stop soon," she said.

At that moment, Kathy began to cry. Everyone else followed and also shed tears as they said their goodbyes to Ava.

Ava then went to Sir Pearson and held out her hand towards him. "Thank you, Sir Pearson… You had done so much for me, so much that I can't thank you enough for everything… I hope we'll see each other again in the future," she said and held her hand higher for a handshake.

With a tearstained face, Sir Pearson hesitatingly took her hand and shook it. When we informed the healer regarding Ava's final decision to leave the duchy, Sir Pearson was devastated. He also wanted her to stay but knew that he was in no position to convince her. He also said that it might be better for Ava's health if she stays away from the duchy. It was a chance to heal her wounds of the past and her broken heart; a chance to find herself and a reason for living.

As she turned towards me and my brothers, she had on a somber expression. Brandon and Greyson were both looking at their feet.

Ava gave us a final curtsy. "Thank you for everything. Thank you for this new opportunity to restart my life… I couldn't be more grateful…" she said.

Unable to take it, Brandon and Greyson turned away at the same time and went back inside the mansion. Ava watched their backs until the front doors slammed close.

"Forgive them… They still can't believe you're going away…" I told her.

Ava gave a nod and also held her hand towards me for a handshake. "Thank you Duke Krauser… It was due to your efforts that the annulment proceeded smoothly…"

It was painful how she was being so formal even as she was saying goodbye but I can only smile bitterly. I took her hand and shook it. As she was about to withdraw her hand, I gripped it tightly.

"If…" I said and she looked at me a bit startled. "If you happen to change your mind, the Krauser duchy is always open for you… If you find it in your heart to forgive us, please give us a visit… We'll be waiting," I told her before letting go of her hand.

Ava said nothing towards my words. She only smiled, bowed and then she was gone.

I watched as the carriage drove away and stayed even after it was long out of sight. Sir Pearson stayed with me then placed a hand on my shoulder after a while. "It's for the better, Duke Krauser…" he told me.

"I know…" I answered.

He left afterwards and I was alone. Only the sounds of the rain filled the emptiness around me. I found it hard to leave from the spot where I stood but forced my feet to move as the rain continued to fall.

When I went back to my office, I saw an unfamiliar box on top of my desk. It had a small card on top of it.

The card has a small phrase written on it.

'To Young Master Landon, From Ava'

Hurriedly, I took the box and opened it. Inside, there were handmade bookmarks made from colorful paper, fabric and dried flower petals.

I cried. Like a child.

"Why?" I sobbed, holding the bookmarks delicately as if they would shatter any moment.

"My sister… My younger sister… I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry…" I cried and completely broke down.

As the Duke, I cannot break down. But only for today, I'll allow myself to be weak. Ava is gone. She went away. Tomorrow when the sun comes up, Ava won't be anywhere near us. I didn't realize it would be this painful. I didn't realize she was so important. Everything… Everything was too late…

I must have cried for hours. I didn't dare see anyone for the remainder of the morning, but my brothers insisted to be let inside my office.

When they entered, they showed me that Ava also left them gifts. Brandon was left with a hand-crafted sword ornament and Greyson with a silk scarf embroidered with the insignia of the Magic Tower.

The maid Kathy had informed us later that on Ava's birthday, the reason why she didn't want a celebration was because she was busy crafting the gifts she left for us. She also split all her belongings inside her room including the gifts we gave her and gifted trinkets to each of the servants, maids and butlers.

"It's not fair for her to leave such a blatant trace of her existence…" Brandon said, holding onto the sword ornament. "She told us to forget about her then gave me this thing. She really doesn't have a brain," he remarked roughly, fighting the tears. But even with his mean words, he looked at the ornament with eyes filled with regret and sadness.

"You're right…" Greyson said, caressing the embroidered insignia on his silk scarf. "She's not thinking straight, saying one thing and doing something contradictory to her words… It makes me so anxious how she would survive by herself in the outside world… A naïve girl like her…"

"She'll do well…" I told them. "She'll definitely do well…"

However, later that night, we received a report. One of the knights who escorted Ava on her trip to the Magenta county had collapsed in front of the watchtower overseeing the security beyond the capital city's boundary. He was gravely injured but stayed conscious enough to tell the other knights about what happened to the carriage that he was escorting.

The carriage he was escorting was attacked by bandits after exiting the capital's boundary.

The household was turned upside down. Brandon and Greyson were frantic.

"Where?!" Brandon yelled at the communication device and was informed that the knights had just been dispatched to search the roads leading out of the capital's boundary and that the knights had called the attention of the Krauser duchy since the collapsed knight has the family's crest on his uniform.

My brothers and I went on horseback amidst the pouring rain and rendezvoused with the knights of the watch tower. They had found the carriage and reported the death of five more knights from the Krauser duchy.

"The lady riding the carriage," Greyson interrogated the knights with utmost urgency in his tone. "Where's the lady riding the carriage?" he demanded.

"The carriage is completely empty My Lord…" the knight replied.

"Take us where it is! Now!" Brandon yelled.

The knight quickly went to work and led them to the carriage. True enough, it had been emptied to the point that even the drapes were taken.

"There's a lady riding this carriage. The bandits must've taken her," Brandon told the knights and quickly segregated them in groups of two and three before instructing on the different escape routes that the bandits may use to escape the area.

Because of the rain, it was hard to investigate. Greyson and I was about to go with the remaining knights to search the area for any traces of Ava, but a couple of knights had arrived to the scene bringing more news.

"We found another casualty," one of the knights reported to his superior. "But the body is in the foot of the cliff. We can't be sure if the person is dead or alive," he said.

~~~

Greyson

We frantically asked for the location of the cliff and got there in the matter of minutes. True enough, the cliff was rocky and very steep. The rain wasn't making it any easier to discern anything at its depth. The night was dark. I couldn't see anything.

I took the lead, using wind magic to bring myself down the cliff. I went down in a matter of seconds and immediately casted an illumination spell to look at my surroundings.

I was rendered frozen at what I found a few steps away from me.

Spread out above uneven rocks, the body of a girl with red-blonde hair. One ankle looked incredibly painful, the foot facing the other way around. The clothes… The clothes are painfully familiar…

"No, no, no, no…" I muttered and rushed to the girl. I brushed off the wet hair to see the girl's face.

But my fears were confirmed. The girl is Ava.

Her eyes were half-closed, parts of the emerald pupils showing. One side of her forehead is bleeding out. She was full of bruises. Her lips were blue.

"No, no, no, no…" I repeated over and over again like a spell as I checked for a pulse, a heartbeat, anything.

Nothing. I felt nothing.

It was the second time I held her delicate frame. I was instantly transported on the day I arrived at the mansion with Ava half-dead on her bed.

But this time… this time… no pulse… There's no pulse…

A cracked yelp escaped my throat. I sounded like an animal dying inside a hunter's trap. I checked again for a heartbeat. Still nothing. I casted a healing spell. Nothing happened.

My screams won't leave my throat. I held Ava's body close.

"Grey!" I heard Brother Brandon as he slid off the rock to the ledge where we are. "What happened?" came the voice of Brother Landon beside him.

It was after hearing their voices that my screams were able to escape. I bawled, howled, shrieked at the top of my lungs.

"No! No! Ava, no!" I shouted over and over again as I held her body close to mine.

My brothers rushed towards us and Brother Brandon wrestled her out of my embrace.

"Stop crying! It ain't Ava! It can't be her!" he screamed but upon seeing the girl's face, he shut up. Brother Landon saw her face as well.

Both their legs gave out. Brother Landon stared with wide blank eyes. Brother Brandon crawled closer and reached a shaking hand to Ava's sleeve; he gripped it hard as broken cries escaped his throat.

I continued to bawl. The rain poured harder.

It was a mistake. We shouldn't have let her go.