Chapter 6: Echoes of Destiny

Once the last echoes of the departing guests faded away, The lingering doubts compelled her to seek answers from anyone who might be willing to provide them. As she prepared for her bath that night, she summoned the maids who attended to her and decided to seize the opportunity.

As the warm water enveloped her body, Eva took a deep breath and ventured into the topic that had consumed her thoughts. "Ladies," she began, her voice steady yet laced with a hint of urgency, "I have some questions I'd like to ask about Lord Eric Frill and his sister, Lady Elia. Can you shed some light on their background and their connection to this world?"

The maids exchanged nervous glances, their eyes filled with apprehension. One of them, a young woman named Anna, spoke up hesitantly. "Miss Eva, we are not privy to the details of Lord Eric's past or his sister's involvement. We serve the palace and attend to your needs, but matters of that nature are beyond our knowledge."

Eva's brow furrowed in frustration. It seemed as though everyone was guarding secrets, keeping her in the dark. She had hoped that the maids, who were constantly present in the palace, might have overheard something or had some inkling of information to share.

She persisted, her voice tinged with a mix of determination and desperation. "Please, I implore you, there must be something you've heard, a rumor perhaps. Anything that could help me understand why they came to the palace and what their intentions are."

The maids exchanged another nervous glance before Anna sighed softly. "Miss Eva, we apologize for not being able to provide the answers you seek. We are bound by our duty to maintain confidentiality and not involve ourselves in matters that do not directly concern our responsibilities."

Eva's frustration grew, but she recognized the limits the maids faced. She couldn't fault them for their loyalty to the palace and their commitment to their roles.

With a sense of resignation, Eva finished her bath and wrapped herself in a comfortable robe. She made her way to the library, where she knew Merrick would likely be, preparing for the challenges that lay ahead. She found him poring over ancient tomes, his face etched with a mix of determination and concern.

As she approached, Merrick looked up, his eyes meeting hers. There was a mixture of understanding and sympathy in his gaze. Without uttering a word, Eva knew that he had sensed her disappointment and frustration.

With a determined expression, Eva broke the silence. "Merrick, I can't keep living in the dark, waiting for others to reveal the truth to me. I need to take control of my journey and find the answers I seek. I know there are risks involved, but I'm willing to face them. I need your help, your guidance, to navigate this unfamiliar terrain."

Eva took a deep breath and turned to face Merrick, her eyes filled with determination. She knew it was time to have a serious conversation and demand the answers she sought.

"Merrick," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with a touch of urgency, "you can't keep avoiding these questions any longer. I need to know the truth about this world, about Lord Eric and Lady Elia, and most importantly, about my purpose here."

Merrick looked at Eva, his gaze softened with a mix of understanding and empathy. He knew the weight of her curiosity and the importance of her quest for truth. Taking a step closer, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Eva, I understand your need for answers," he replied, his voice calm and steady. "But there are things that are beyond our control and our current understanding. The world we live in, this parallel realm, is a delicate tapestry of secrets and ancient knowledge. It's not something I can simply explain in a single conversation."

Eva nodded, her frustration still evident but tempered by Merrick's words. "I get that, Merrick, but I feel like I'm being kept in the dark. How can I fulfill my purpose if I don't even know what it is? I need something to hold onto, something concrete."

Merrick sighed, his gaze fixed on the floor for a moment before meeting Eva's eyes again. "I wish I could give you all the answers right now, Eva. But the truth is, it is not in my hands. Then who's hands, it is? said, Eva.

Eva's frustration grew with each unanswered question and the weight of her curiosity became unbearable. She couldn't understand why Merrick, her trusted companion, remained tight-lipped about Lord Eric, Lady Elia, and the parallel world she inhabited.

Finally, unable to contain her emotions any longer, Eva exploded with a torrent of questions and accusations. Her voice echoed through the empty chambers of the grand estate as she confronted Merrick with her pent-up frustrations.

"Merrick, why won't you tell me anything? What is the purpose of Lord Eric and his sister being here? Why did Alex summon me to this world without any explanation? What am I even doing here?" she cried out, her voice filled with a mix of anger, confusion, and desperation.

Merrick's expression remained stoic, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and restraint. He understood Eva's frustration, but he also knew the weight of the secrets that burdened their world. It was not easy for him to keep the truth from her, but he believed it was necessary for her safety and the fulfillment of her destiny.

"Eva, I understand your frustration, but there are things that we cannot reveal to you just yet," Merrick replied, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of regret. "This parallel world holds ancient secrets and delicate balances. To protect you and ensure the fulfillment of your purpose, certain information must be withheld until the time is right."

Eva's eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to comprehend the reasoning behind Merrick's words. "But I deserve to know! I deserve to understand who I am and why I'm here," she pleaded, her voice trembling with a mix of vulnerability and determination.

Merrick sighed, his gaze softening. He had grown fond of Eva during their time together, and he empathized with her yearning for answers. "I know it's difficult for you, Eva, but trust that we have your best interests at heart. The journey you're embarking on is filled with danger and uncertainty. We're trying to protect you from forces that seek to exploit your powers."

Eva's frustration began to mingle with a growing sense of resignation. She realized that her journey in this parallel world would not be easy, and that trust and patience were vital virtues to navigate its intricate web of secrets.

With a heavy heart, she took a deep breath and composed herself. "I understand, Merrick. I may not like it, but I trust that you and Alex have your reasons. Just promise me one thing: that you won't keep me in the dark forever. I need to know the truth, no matter how difficult it may be."

Merrick's eyes softened with a mix of relief and gratitude. He respected Eva's determination and unwavering spirit. "I promise, Eva. When the time is right, the truth will be revealed to you. Until then, focus on honing your powers and staying vigilant. We are here to support you every step of the way."

As the echoes of their conversation faded into the stillness of the grand estate, Eva felt a glimmer of hope. She knew that her journey has just started and that there were still countless mysteries to unravel. With newfound resolve, she would continue to seek the truth, embracing the unknown and preparing herself for the challenges that lay ahead.