Chapter 3.7: Depression

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After their meeting, Aurianna decided to keep the disturbing incident with Ralph to herself. She convinced herself that the nightmare would stay locked away in her mind. Yet, the impact of that experience haunted her thoughts every day. The trauma from that night loomed over her, despite her efforts to focus on her duties as the Saintess.

Seeing the happy faces of the people, hearing their chants, and facing the guards—the same guards who had been in her dream—was becoming overwhelming.

Unable to cope, Aurianna withdrew from the world. The once lively princess now spent most of her time alone in her room. The outside world felt like a constant reminder of her trauma. Even seeing someone with a hint of resemblance to her brother sent her into despair.

In her isolation, Aurianna lost interest in things she once enjoyed. The chessboard remained untouched, and she no longer found joy in playing with animals or in the company of her sister Wein and the maids. Her eyes, once bright, now looked empty and hollow.

Each morning felt like a struggle to get out of bed, weighed down by her sorrow. The only thing that motivated her was the threat of demons in the High Land. When lives were at stake, she found a small reason to keep going. Without the need for her healing, she saw little reason to leave her room.

Gone were the days of exploring the city and chatting with commoners. Her sanctuary became her room, where she retreated to the comfort of her bed. She became a shadow, rarely seen or heard beyond the walls of her chamber.

Aurianna struggled to shake off the numbness that had taken over her, despite her best efforts. Seeing her deteriorating state, King Girsal recognized the urgency of the situation and had a royal psychiatrist assess her. After a thorough evaluation, Aurianna was diagnosed with depression. Neither she nor King Girsal offered any explanation for its cause.

In the dim light of her room, Aurianna found some comfort under a soft gray blanket, seeking refuge from the outside world.

A sudden knock interrupted the silence.

"What is it?" Aurianna asked, expecting news of a new battle that required her help. Instead, she heard a gentle voice.

"Sister?"

It was Wein.

Aurianna didn't answer, unsure of how to respond. Wein asked again, "May I come in?"

Still silent, Aurianna felt a pang of longing for her sister. They had drifted apart in recent months due to her frequent battlefield duties and her growing desire for solitude. She was afraid to speak.

The door creaked open, and Wein's footsteps approached. The door closed softly behind her, and Wein sat down on the bed beside Aurianna.

For a few moments, they sat in silence.

"Aurianna," Wein said softly, "Father is deeply saddened by your suffering. It's not just him. I'm hurt too, and so are the people. They miss you… I miss you."

Aurianna stayed under the blanket, trying to hold back tears. "Please, just leave me be. I need solitude," she replied.

Wein hesitated, her lips pressing together in sympathy. "Sister, do you remember our conversation a few months ago? I told you that you don't have to rely only on yourself. Please, don't isolate yourself like this."

"But I'm worthless."

"No, you're not." Wein gently pulled back the blanket, revealing Aurianna's tear-streaked face. Seeing her sister's distress caused a deep sorrow in Wein's heart. Aurianna finally looked at her, her despair evident.

Wein continued, "You are the Saintess of the Sandeph Kingdom and its princess, but that's not all you are. You are also my dear sister."

Aurianna's lip quivered as Wein wrapped her in an embrace. Slowly, Aurianna relaxed into the hug, tears streaming down her face.

"Thank you, sister… I'm grateful for you," Aurianna murmured, her voice filled with exhaustion and frustration. She pulled away slightly, her eyes still wet. "But these haunting thoughts cling to me relentlessly. No matter where I am, I think of him. That bastard. I want to tear him to shreds, limb from limb. I know it wasn't just a dream."

"Of who?" Wein asked gently.

Aurianna hesitated, then began to explain. She told Wein everything—Ralph's violation and her father's insistence that it was just a nightmare. Although she had initially chosen to believe her father, the experience had left her forever changed.

Wein listened quietly, deep in thought. "Sister, what should I do?" Aurianna asked.

"Would you want to forget?" Wein questioned softly.

"What?"

"To let that terrible memory fade away."

"I… I'm not sure."

"I see. I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For wha—"

Wein cut her off by placing her hand gently on Aurianna's head. A soft, radiant glow enveloped Aurianna's body. Her eyes widened in surprise before closing, and soon her breathing became even and peaceful. The rhythmic sound of her peaceful snores filled the room.

Wein let out a heavy sigh, her expression troubled. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't bear to see you suffer any longer… sister."

"Have you erased her memories?" a voice interrupted. King Girsal stood in the doorway, his gaze intense.

"I wish I could do more," Wein replied. "I can only offer temporary relief. I can help her forget the traumatic event for a while, but if something triggers those suppressed emotions, the memories may resurface."

"Then that should suffice," Girsal said firmly.

Wein, surprised by her father's abrupt response, stepped back from Aurianna's bedside. Concern filled her voice. "Father, are you sure this will help Aurianna? Erasing her memories like this… First Vatium's, and now this drastic measure?"

"Do not utter that bastard's name in my presence!" Girsal snapped, his voice sharp with anger. His glare was fierce, warning Wein to be careful.

After a moment, his expression softened. "Wein, as my daughter and Aurianna's sister, it's your duty to act in her best interest. I'm sure you don't want to see her continue to suffer like this, do you?"

"No… I didn't," Wein replied. She had hoped to comfort Aurianna, but after hearing her sister's explanation, she realized what needed to be done. King Girsal had warned her before, but she had hoped she wouldn't have to erase memories again.

With that, the tension in the room began to ease. King Girsal turned and left, striding purposefully down the palace hallway. Wein watched him go, reflecting on the weight of their choices. She took a deep breath and focused back on her sleeping sister, her face a mix of concern and hope.

"I'm sorry…" Wein whispered, gently stroking Aurianna's hair. "Like I told you before, all you can do is your best. And the present is all that matters… So, I hope you can smile again. Sister."

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With the commotion settled, King Girsal summoned his son Ralph to the throne room. His gaze was icy, filled with disappointment and disgust as he fixed his eyes on Ralph.

"Ralph, I've heard about your actions towards Aurianna," the King said sternly.

"Father, if you'd let me explain—" Ralph began, but his father cut him off.

"I will not listen to excuses, Ralph. I sent you away from the castle to reflect, and yet you continue to make foolish decisions." The anger in Girsal's voice was palpable, almost tangible.

The King rose from his seat, advancing toward Ralph with every step making the floor tremble. A vibrant green aura surrounded Girsal as Ralph stood frozen, trembling in fear.

With a forceful strike, Girsal cracked the floor beneath them, causing Ralph to stagger. His voice boomed with authority, "I had hoped for better from you, Ralph. I always feared you might act recklessly, but I never imagined you would sink so low. You have deeply disappointed me. If you can't control your desires, there are countless women who would indulge you. Seek your pleasure elsewhere and discard them as you wish. But targeting your own sister is a mistake I cannot overlook!"

Trying to defend himself, Ralph said, "But Father, it was Aurianna who—"

Girsal interrupted him sharply, "Her presence is still needed. I won't let your actions endanger our future. Leave my presence now, and do not speak of this matter again." His gaze was seething with anger, making it clear he was done with the conversation.

Acknowledging his father's command, Ralph nodded and stood up from his seat. As he exited the throne room, a fit of coughing overtook him, causing him to cover his mouth with his hand, which was stained with blood. Despite his efforts to steady himself, he continued to tremble, haunted by the intensity of his father's emerald gaze as he retreated.

Girsal watched him leave, grumbling to himself, "What a fool…"