Chapter 78.5: Interlude; Sofy and Claudia

The sun that was being surrounded by the 5 black orbs was now turning into the dim side—by the time frame, it was dust. The orange hue colored the sky and the school ground was now relatively empty. Walking along the corridor of this almost empty place was Sofia.

She was hugging a fine amount of documents and just got out from the empty office of the student council. Looking melancholy, she heaved a sigh as she glanced over the window.

"Brother…"

It had been days when he left and yet there was no information about how he was doing. Worries wash over Sofy's face. She believed that her brother was strong, but at the same time, as his little sister, of course she would worry about her only brother.

Sofy harbored thoughts about going after him—but at the same time, she shook her head. If she did go after him, she thought that it would only inconvenience her brother. That was the last thing she wanted to do.

"Brother, you big dummy. If you don't bring me souvenirs, I will beat you down." She smiled.

There was strength in her voice, but at the same time, there were emotions of longing surfacing behind her strong façade.

She left the school ground with both heavy heart and anticipation.

***

The night had crawled along the horizon and it was already dark. Yet inside a certain room, in an apartment owned by the Saint Stella academy, darkness was even more imminent. There was no illumination of sort and the only light that could be seen was the flickering indicators of the water dispenser and light switches.

Garbage had found its way inside the room, mostly made up of instant foods—unhealthy diet. Most of the room was left untouched, but inside a specific place within, a horrible sight is to behold.

At the center of this mess was a girl in her twenties. Hopelessly lying in the midst of these empty food packaging. Her golden hair, that was once very beautiful has now lost its radiant. There was no light in her supposedly beautiful eyes. Bags underneath it, even.

"My lady…"

Murmured Claudia. She looked extremely exhausted, though still beautiful, she was not nearly as pretty as her usual self. The kidnapping even had taken a large tool in the mental capacity of this loyal servant.

Even so, she knew she couldn't do anything. She was weak—really weak that it caused into her self-loathing. That time when she was utterly defeated had made her heart heavy. She wanted to take her own life. She had resolve for it. But at the same time, a reason for her to forbid herself from ding so is also present. If she did end up taking her own life, who would support her mistress after she was saved? Such thoughts remained to her.

As she was left sprawled in her bed, the doorbell rang. At first, she tried ignoring it. But the sound just won't stop that it became annoying for her to leave it be anymore. She eventually went to tend the door.

As she cracked the door open, not even sparing time to look into the peephole, she found Sofy standing in front of her door—a lunch box held in hand.

"What do you need?" Claudia asked meekly, there was a hint of irritation in her voice.

"Will you mind letting me in?" Sofy replied with a smile.

Claudia hesitated first, but as she was aware of how stubborn Sofy can be, she gave up and led her in. Once inside, she sat on one of the chairs and rested the lunch box on the top of the table.

Claudia stood in place, not knowing what to do in such a situation. Claudia was mostly free spirited, usually. But finding herself in such a situation she's currently in made her utterly hopeless.

Silence ate the room for a moment. But not being able to stand it anymore, Claudia finally spoke,

"What is it that you need from me?" She said, lack was her usual friendly tone.

Usually, this remark would be disrespectful for Sofy, but she only smiled in response. Leading her sight to the lunch box, she said, "I figured you don't eat properly these days; hence, I brought something for you. Will you not partake in such food?"

All that she brought was something appetizing for Claudia. Of course, Sofy is someone who was pampered extremely by her brother; thus, the cooking was not her own.

"I was just here because miss Claudia seemed to be absent from school days now." Sofy said softly, "When I asked why, no one from the admin answered my question. I am here because of that."

"You may tell me what brings you. The real meaning behind this action." Claudia was skeptical. She believed that such a reason was not enough for Sofy to pay her a visit. Seeing how she responded, Sofy chuckled,

"What is it?" Claudia raised a brow.

"Nothing." Sofy covered her mouth with her hand, "I just thought how strong you are."

"Are you mocking me?" Claudia said. Claudia and Sofy don't have the best relationship. Though, they met several times, Sofy was a bit jealous of the older woman for having her brother always concerned about Claudia. It was just a petty grievance.

"Miss Claudia," Sofy looked the older woman in the eye. "My brother… did he promise you something?"

Claudia stared back at the girl—she thought she was testing her, but that was not the case. Sofy's eyes were dead serious. After a moment's worth, Claudia nodded.

"Yes."

Hearing such an answer, Sofy rose from her seat. "Then that's it."

"Huh?" Claudia raised her face to meet the gaze of Sofy. A puzzled look was visible on her somewhat haggard face.

"You don't have to mope around like this." Sofy said walking towards the door. "After all, if my brother promised something—he will fulfill it no matter the means. That is one of his bad habits. But that was also something I find him endearing." Sofy smiled.

"You should eat your fill, Miss Claudia. I would hate it if my brother worries over you even when he returned home." At this remark, a dumbfounded look was painted in Claudia's face. As if realizing something, her lips curled into a smile. She called after her.

"Conceited brat. Even though you're just scared that someone like me may snatch your brother from you."

"Do your worst," Sofy looked over her shoulder as she opened the door, "But let me tell you this; My brother is not someone who adores pathetic women." As she scoffed, she left and closed the door behind her. This was her way of comporting her. Awkward she may be, but it was the only way she knows—especially since they're not that close.

Seeing as the younger woman already left, Claudia took on the spoon and scooped a mouthful of the lunch she was brought in. At the taste, her face brightened, even for so little. She smiled and jest,

"This is not even your cooking. How haughty of you to bring miss Ella's food and tell me all that." She partakes in the food, enjoying the first cooked meal she had for a while.

That very day, Claudia cleaned her room, fixed her appearance and prepared all the necessary things for her class the following day.

Odds may they be, they can both be very thoughtful of each other. Claudia thanked the girl for ever the slightest in her heart.