Archibald remembered the presence of a little angel. Her cries that echoed through the room sounded like the early morning chirping of birds. Her eyes were like clear summer skies, indicating a wonderful future. And with all that beauty, he gives her "Evanthe".*
*[Evanther means beautiful flower.]
"Hopefully, someday you will be the happiest child on earth," Archibald whispered in Evanthe's little ear then.
And to make it happen, Archibald gave everything to Evanthe. His favorite daughter got everything Archibald had. Her eyes always light up when she says thank you makes him want to give more.
Evanthe must have all the beauty on earth.
Unlike her other daughter, who was full of gloom and cruelty.
No. Evanthe can't be like his other child. Evanthe has to keep shining so she can be happy.
"Sad, isn't it, considering how he ended up now?" A soft but cold pat on Archibald's shoulder horrified him instantly. "Under the ground, cold and dark, far from the light she always adored. How do you think she'll be when she's released? I doubt she can still become the beautiful blooming flower that her name means."
"No, no! Evanthe… My beautiful daughter… What have you done to her?!" Archibald mustered the last strength to catch the evil figure that whispered to him just now. "You evil woman! Put my daughter back in the sun!"
The figure laughed sarcastically. "Until the end, you continue to love her, huh? You didn't even say my name or beg me. Even if you do… maybe my heart will waver." Her hand touched his face. "You look bad, Father. Shouldn't you be shaving?"
"Who are you that I have to beg you?" growled Archibald as he shook off her rough hand. "You are just an evil woman who makes my child's life miserable!"
The figure was silent for a long time. She was shocked by Archibald's scream just now. Then, even if it was just a glance, Archibald could see the disappointment on the figure's face.
"It turns out that it's true that it's useless that I've hoped for you. The affection you have is only for those two stupid women," muttered the figure. She smiled then. "Thank you for convincing me to make you suffer, Lord Archibald. Wait a few more days. I will send a present for you."
That was how the evil female figure left in the end.
Then, as he said, about a week later, Archibald got a package. The package contained two cut human tongues.
That day, Archibald wept bitterly for the first time in his life.
***
"No one has seen Lady Evanthe and Viscountess Gilmore since then."
"Can we still call her viscountess?"
"Well, I don't think I meant–um, the title has been revoked."
Selah smiled faintly at the small talk sticking out because it was said that many men were looking for Evanthe at the moment. Not because they wanted to express their love in droves but to collect the money that Evanthe had stolen.
That's how it is. It turns out that since the money from Dulcia's family stopped flowing, Evanthe conned many men out of money.
"I think Lady Evanthe is hiding somewhere out of embarrassment," said Lady Xavia. "Hasn't she always been proud of the jewelry she has?"
"Ah, yes. It could be like Lady Xavia said…"
From the corner of her eye, Selah glanced at Lady Xavia and gave a grateful glance. Lady Xavia turned the conversation on to something else as if understanding what she meant.
After nearly three months of being busy, Selah could finally enjoy her rhythm of life more. There were times when she worked, there were times when she went out with the other noble ladies, and there were times when she just sat in the garden. Nowadays, Selah's life is more relaxed and normal without any worries.
"Oh, by the way, Lady Elizabeth has given birth. I heard she gave birth to twins!"
"Wow! That's very good news. How about we go visit her together?"
"Lady Elizabeth has given birth?" Selah asked, repeating the news just now.
"Yes!" answered another lady. "I'm sorry, everyone. But because our house is close by, I've been there first. But you still have to go there and see the adorable cubs."
"Twins, huh?" muttered Selah. No wonder her stomach is that big, she thought. "Is Lady Elizabeth all right?"
"Oh, take it easy, Your Highness. Lady Elizabeth looks very healthy and happy. So did her husband. Finally, they have a baby after three years of waiting."
Selah nodded in understanding. And they started planning to visit their friend who just gave birth...
While glancing doubtfully at Selah.
Feeling that kind of stare, Selah immediately asked, "Anything you want to say?"
Lady Xavia smiled broadly. "My apologies if I sound intrusive, Your Highness. I know you and Prince Aeneas have been busy, but… Have we not got any good news yet?"
It took some time for Selah to understand Lady Xavia's words just now. It was the twinkling of hope from them that made Selah understand. "Oh, about the child, huh? Since Prince Aeneas has to go out on business again, we have lost time to check me out," she said. "It's strange, even though it was me who was examined. Why-"
"Don't! You can't do that, Your Highness," said another. "Of course, Your Highness must be examined while Prince Aeneas is around."
The others nodded excitedly. "That means Prince Aeneas is showing his responsibilities as a husband."
As usual, Selah felt that other people were more excited than herself when it came to her marital relationship. Even Lady Ischa too.
"How do you feel yourself?" asked someone who already had a son. "Do you feel weak, nauseous, or dizzy?"
"I am 100% healthy," Selah replied.
"Of course. I have never seen Her Highness sick."
"But there are also people who are pregnant without feeling nauseous?"
"Your Highness, I suggest you get checked out immediately and don't get discouraged!"
Haha, Selah thought. For some reason, the people around him are eagerly awaiting her pregnancy.
Fortunately, Selah was not bothered because she was also expecting her own pregnancy. Because what's on his mind at times like this is: let's finish everything at once while the matter with Evanthe is over and King Tristan isn't dead yet.
But, well, considering how busy Selah and Aeneas are, it seems like the possibility of Selah being pregnant is pretty slim.
At least, that's what Selah thought.