Chapter Twenty One - A glimmer of hope

After a light lunch, we prepared to depart to meet Eiran's brother. Luckily, the academy where he studied was nearby, so he was able to come out to meet us after asking for permission.

The maids somehow found me a dress fit for a noble lady and helped me get ready. I won't lie, soaking in a warm bath after the days on the road was incredibly pleasant. But wearing these clothes felt strange after the pants and my scalp hurt a little after my hair was done. I've been wearing it mostly loose lately.

Dressed as I had been since I left home, I felt closer to the person I had been in my previous life, but strangely, in this fancy dress I felt more like myself. I guess I've adapted to this life. It was a bit of a bittersweet relief.

Eiran was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, staring at me like he was seeing me for the first time. Just kidding, that cliche didn't happen, although something similar crossed my mind as a possibility. But he was actually standing in front of my door, and as soon as he saw me, he offered his arm to me.

„You're very pretty like this too." He commented in the meanwhile, indicating that I'm always pretty. My lips curled up.

„You look good in these elegant clothes as well. They suit you." He wore simple black pants and boots with a white shirt, but his jacket was green which highlighted his beautiful eyes. His hair was neater, but it looked good either way. I kind of missed his simpler looks because it was... Nope, stop right there, my dirty mind.

We exited the mansion where a carriage was ready to take us to our destination. Aprudeé and Ryenne were standing in front of it, looking at us.

„Will we meet again?" Her eyes were full of hope and affection.

„Naturally." I nodded. „I will visit you and you can come to us whenever you want. You should enjoy your youth and see the world while you can. Once you become the head of the house, you will have fewer opportunity to travel." I winked at her.

I mean, she could, but she seemed like a person who had too much sense of responsibility and would find it difficult to leave her estate behind for a longer period of time. Just like my father. I don't think he has ever been on a vacation.

„I certainly will." She grinned at me. „But before that, I want to learn horse riding and swordsmanship." She looked at Eiran expectantly.

„You were never interested in that sort of thing." He glanced at her in wonder.

„Yes, but Liri looked so dashing when she protected me from that wolf, so I want to be like her." Oh, I was both surprised and flattered. I have never met anyone who wanted to be like me. I felt my face heat up.

„Yeah, I understand." He was defeated. „I'm glad you look up to the girl I love. I'll arrange teachers for you."

„Eiran!" I involuntarily yelled at him for what he said.

„I knew it!" Aprudeé looked triumphantly at Ryenne who just shrugged.

„Yes, yes, you are a very observant girl." He ruffled her hair, smiling wryly. „Don't get hurt and stay healthy." He turned to the boy. „And you take care of her and yourself. Don't let her drag you into any trouble."

„Hey." She protested and Ryenne just nodded.

We waved goodbye and got into the carriage. He sat down next to me and took my hand in his. We didn't speak during the ride, but his warmth and closeness helped me stay calm. However, after arriving at the cafe and settling down at a table, I was overcome with nervousness. I started drumming with my feet, looking around restlessly.

„Are you afraid?" He asked, gently placing his foot on mine.

„Yes, I am." I could be completely honest with him. „I'm scared to hope because I don't think I can handle the disappointment. When I met the doctor at Lianess, I had high hopes, but everything fell apart. So... „

„I can't see the future, so I can't say anything, but even if this proves to be fruitless, we will try something else. You aren't the type of person to give up easily, and I will be there to support you." His words filled me up with some sense of security and safety, but they couldn't erase my fear and negative thoughts. But it was okay. His willingness to help and be with me was plenty enough for me. I didn't expect a miracle or anything from him.

„But what if he is already...?" That was my biggest fear. I'll find a solution, but I will be too late. It would crush me and my whole family.

„I think if it happened, then you would have heard about it. He is a commoner who became a noble, a war hero and a respectable man. The newspapers would be full of it and people would be talking." He was right. I was desperately hoping for it. We hid the fact that he was ill, but there wouldn't be any point hiding his death. We couldn't undo it no matter what.

„I didn't know you knew my father so well."

„After hearing your full name, I connected the dots. He is a real inspiration to any commoner apprentice knight. I have a few acquaintances who adore him. In our old world, he would be an idol." The thought was so ridiculous that I involuntarily laughed out loud.

„No way. He is a very awkward person, so he wouldn't want to be famous or anything." And I don't think my mother would be able to control her jealousy, which would trouble my father so much that he would quit.

„Brother!" An excited voice interrupted our conversation. „How is Aprudeé? Is she fine? Isn't she scared to be alone? Should I go home to her for a while?" The boy who stopped by our table looked about my age. 

He had the same eyes as Eiran and Aprudeé, but his hair was blond and he didn't look as determined as they did. I mean, those two seemed like the type who, once they decided something, wouldn't let it go, while this boy seemed much more considerate and hesitant to act on his own desires. He seemed softer somehow, though he definitely will be just as handsome as Eiran. I have no idea who I am complimenting and insulting here.

„Calm down, Wairon." He stood up and put a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. „She is fine and she's not alone. Aprudeé found a friend and they are together now." 

I felt like he deliberately didn't mention his gender and race. Did he want to surprise his brother or was he worried of his reaction? Maybe he is the kind of brother who would cling to his sister and wouldn't let her meet with boys.

„Liri, this is my little brother, Wairon. Wairon, this is my girlfriend, Lirietta." I decided to ignore what he said and his brother's reaction. 

„And who is the gentleman behind you?" There was an older man who politely watched their reunion. He was perhaps in his 50s, had black hair, but it mostly turned already white, and sharp but warm brown eyes. He was tall, taller than Eiran.

„He is my curse teacher, Divalier Prodettier. Mr. Prodettier, this is my brother, Eiran Marchette and... his girlfriend?" The last part was more of a question than anything, and I couldn't blame him.

„Nice to meet you. I am Lirietta Poitaire." I bowed to them. „Please take a seat."

Everyone settled around the table and we looked at each other after ordering some tea and sweets. I didn't know where to start.

„I believe there is a reason you wanted to meet someone like me." He was the one in the end who started the conversation. I squeezed Eiran's hand to gain some courage.

„Yes. I consulted a doctor and she said it looks more like a curse than..."

„Forgive me." He stopped me gently. „Could you start at the beginning, please?"

„Of course." I nodded and took a deep breath. Calm down, there is no need to be anxious. „My father was always a healthy man, but..."

„Did he eat nutritious food, exercise enough and get adequate quality and quantity of sleep?"

„He eats healthy and well, and as a retired knight he finds it's important not to let his skills get rusty, but he tends to work too much. But he never complained about anything."

„Is he the kind of person who would complain?" He raised an eyebrow.

„No, he isn't, that why my mother keeps her eyes on him. She would have noticed if something was amiss." I looked at him seriously. „One day he was perfectly fine and the next he collapsed out of nowhere. It was just unnatural."

„Can you tell me the symptoms?"

„At first he couldn't move his toes and then this numbness started to spread and he lost feelings in his leg until he couldn't move it. He lost his energy and got tired more easily, but mentally he is fine." I listed everything.

„Yes, I have never heard of such a disease, but that doesn't mean it does not exist." He thought out loud. „I started as a regular doctor." He explained seeing my look. „After meeting a young woman with an unusual illness, I began researching curses. And even after she was well, I continued to do so to help others. Losing a loved one to sickness is sad and tragic, but losing someone to a curse is even worse because it is filled with malice, hate, and other negative feelings. The knowledge that that person could still be with you without someone's evil is truly soul-poisoning."

I never thought about it before, but I think he was right. If I lost my father, I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about the caster of the curse. I would try to find him or her and couldn't rest until they felt the same despair as I did.

„Is that young lady fine now?" I asked, hoping for the best.

„She's been through a lot and it's taken time, but yes, she's doing very well." A faint smile appeared on his lips as if he remembered something. „I have to go home to tell my family and send a notice to my workplace, but I think we can go tomorrow." He stood up abruptly.

„Go where?" Eiran and I were equally confused, but I was the one who asked the question.

„I can't determine if it's a curse or not until I go and see for myself." He explained kindly.

„Would you be willing to...?" I looked up at him full of hope.

„Let me go with you, teacher!" My voice was overshadowed by his enthusiastic one.

„You have an important exam tomorrow and you still have a lot to study." He patted him on the head as his shoulder slumped in disappointment. „I often travel to absolve curses, so it's not a big deal, don't worry. It's actually my main occupation, teaching is just a way to pass the time. My wife would be fed up with me if I stayed at home otherwise."

„The headmistress would cry if she heard it." Wairon murmured and Mr. Prodettier's smile widened.

„She knows me well enough to know that." He put his coat back on. „Let's meet here tomorrow at 9 am." He said before hurriedly leaving the cafe.

„He is always like a hurricane." Eiran's brother sighed and we sat down a little bewildered to finish our beverage and cake.

Because we had already said goodbye to Aprudeé and Ryenne, we decided not to go back to the mansion and booked a room in a fancy hotel. I told Eiran that a cheap little accommodation would also be suitable, since sometimes we stayed in inns in small towns, but he refused, saying that he wanted to spoil me a little.

"Do you really have to do it in front of me?" Wairon rolled his eyes in exasperation. „You were never interested in women, so what happened? Did you get hit on the head or something?"

„Naturally. Why would I be interested in anyone but her?" He gave me an affectionate look and I felt my cheeks burn. 

I am glad you love me but could you only show that when we are alone? Or is it payback for my teasing? I'm sorry, I just like seeing you squirm because of me.

„It's been a long time since we last met, but really... Who the heck are you?" I wondered what kind of person Eiran was in his eyes to say such things. I mean, at first he was kind of unfriendly and prickly, but I thought it was because of our situation. „Anyway..." He didn't even try to hide the sight that escaped his lips. „I'd better to go." He turned to me. „I'm glad I had the chance to meet the girl who was able to win the heart of this moron and I hope everything will be alright."

„Thank you." I bowed slightly. „It was my pleasure and thank you for your assistance."

„You don't have to be so stiff with him." He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. „Shall we accompany you?" He looked up at the sky exaggeratedly.

„Please. I can take care of myself." He scoffed. „I wish you the best." He bowed to us and walked away.

I thought he was an obedient, good kid but I guess he only acts like that in front of his teacher. Regardless, Eiran said they weren't close, but it didn't seem like a bad relationship to me.

„Should we go, my lady?" He extended his arm.

„What are you doing?" I laughed but accepted.

He showed me around a bit, it was the capital after all. There were many interesting shops full of interesting things. It was a different country with a different culture and customs, so I was seeing a lot of things for the first time and even everyday stuffs looked a bit distinct. I liked that their clothing was less restrictive, I would have liked to buy something, gifts for my family under different circumstances. They would just be in the way, and even though I was having fun, the corner of my mind was full of worry and doubt, so I couldn't let go myself completely.

Eiran was understanding, he wasn't offended even if he had to say something several times because my thoughts were elsewhere. He was patient and attentive, which made me feel guilty, but I promised myself that I would be good to him after we solved my father's case.

After exhausting ourselves we had a late light lunch and retired to my room. I would have been fine sharing a room, but he insisted on booking two. After taking down his coat, he sat down on the couch, and I nestled next to him, resting my head on his shoulder. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me closer.

I have never considered myself the clingy type, but recently I've realized I need that physical contact with him more than ever. I wonder if it is because of our long separation or if I have changed so much. Whatever the case, I just felt at peace with him and I wanted to cherish every moment we had the chance to experience.

„How do you see me?" I looked up at him from his shoulder. This question has been on my mind for a while now, but I haven't had the chance to ask.

„What do you mean?" He seemed a bit confused.

„You wouldn't hesitate to share a room with me if we were in our previous lives, but now..." I didn't finish the sentence because it was obvious. „So I wonder... Are you afraid of what others think of us?"

„I don't really care about random people on the streets, but to be honest, I'm worried about what your parents think of me. They love you dearly and I don't want to appear like a creepy guy." He smiled wrily.

Well, I guess from my parent's point of view, I was just a young 15 years old girl. My mother would probably support me, but my father would think I am too young for a relationship.

„When I think of myself, I see someone over thirty, so sometimes I forget that my body is that of a teenager." I admitted. „So what do you see when you look at me?" Do you see me as I am now, or do you see the girl I used to be?" He scratched his head and looked troubled.

„I know that your experiences make you 33 years old, but when I look at you, I only see you as a 15 years old girl, maybe because I can't remember not only your old appearance, but even your old name. I can't see beyond your current form. But I consider myself as an old guy, so I feel just a bit complicated...." He looked away." Sorry." I laughed a little

„I am the same, don't worry. It just easier for me because you're of age, no matter where we are." I pressed a kiss to his face and he sighed in exasperation.

„I have no problem with little kisses. Or hugs, or small touches. But anything beyond that would make me feel like a creepy old guy using a young girl." He buried his face in my neck and I started stroking his hair comfortingly.

„There, there," I whispered. „I would feel indecent doing anything too sexual with this body too." I confessed. „Just wait for me a little bit, okay?" He nodded wordlessly and I closed my eyes in peace.