Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Cersinia was sitting on a chair in the middle of the living room. May stood silently next to her. The house was quiet except for the sound of them breathing.
Cersinia
What broke the silence between Cersinia and May was the mournful voice of a man from outside. The irregular voice was so desperate, that when you heard it, you would feel your heart aching. May couldnt ignore the voice.
C-Cant you go out?
Cersinia remained silent in response to Mays question, just staring at the wall. Her lips couldnt open as if being locked by a lock. At Cersinias stubborn demeanor, May asked again, fiddling with her nails.
Do you want me to open the door for you?
Dont open it.
Yes
May asked after much consideration, but she was sullen at Cersinias way of cutting her at once. The thin ice-like atmosphere started from the moment Cersinia entered the house. May couldnt figure what had happened to them. It was as if she was looking at a big fight between lovers.
What kind of relationship do they have Its really confusing.
May didnt know what happened to the two of them or why Cersinia was angry with him. But one certain thing was that the mans name was Ben.
Cersinia sometimes tossed and turned, searching for something in her dreams. Each time, that name came out of her mouth like a sigh. Ben, the only person Cersinia seeks unconsciously. May could easily deduce that the man was Ben.
May, pack your things right now.
Pack my things?
May, who was lost in thought, asked back Cersinias words.
We cant live in this village anymore.
Ah
At that moment, the events of yesterday and today came to Mays mind. Demons in human disguise came rushing in at night with torches. Without hesitation, they framed Cersinia and tried to force her to be burned. It was such a terrible and scary sight that Mays whole body trembled and her legs lost their strength.
Apparently, the villagers smiling warmly until yesterday morning suddenly had murderous intentions and threw stones at Cersinia. They were stained with anger, enough to fall for a persons scheme and drag Cersinia, the victim. May saw their nature today. The instinct to bite and bring down someone to the floor if there is an object of criticism repulsed May. The cruel humanity revealed the ugly truth hidden behind the majority.
Its so unfair to just leave like this.
The scary and cruel thing that might appear in Mays dream was something she experienced personally two hours ago. Goosebumps appeared on Mays arms.
Its really really unfair.
Water filled the corners of Mays red eyes. Mays delicate shoulders trembled slightly, holding back her tears.
Thats right.
Cersinias crimson eyes sparkled sharply. She naturally recalled Goredon, who had come forward, saying he witnessed that she was the culprit. There was no doubt as to whether he had been threatened by Charles while he was holding his daughter tightly. Moreover, he didnt point her out directly, but he said it was a black object.
Cersinia pondered at Goredon, who was avoiding her eyes. His face was pale, and his eyes were looked tired. She had to meet Goredon at once. She was framed and needed to leave the village, but it was very unfair. So she didnt feel nice enough to disappear peacefully.
Cersinia
When a desperate voice came out of the door again, Cersinia closed her eyes. Her head was throbbing. She didnt have the courage to face Ben because of the boiling emotions from the depths of her heart.
Looks like hes still out there, May who also heard Bens voice and spoke softly.
Cersinia closed her eyes as if she was trying to cut herself off from the world. May pursued her lips to keep her from asking since she didnt know what kind of word would come out, but she really couldnt stand the curiosity.
Is Cersinia angry?
What?
Cersinia opened her eyes and lifted her back from the chair.
If thats not the case, why are you being so harsh on him?
With Cersinias blazing crimson eyes starring at her with intensity, May couldnt continue talking as her voice slowly dwindled towards the end of her sentence. She couldnt ask the question she really wanted to ask. She wanted to know if it was him who she was looking for in her dreams. But in this situation, its better not to mention it. If she said those words to Cersinia, who was very angry at the moment, it would have the opposite effect.
It seemed like Cersinia didnt even know she was calling Ben in her sleep.
Cersinia turned her gaze away from May and leaned back on the chair. It was a question that May, who knew nothing, could ask. She could be curious, but Cersinia couldnt answer Mays question. She didnt know if she was angry with Ben or not. She couldnt define the feeling she felt when he suddenly appeared.
Cersinia muttered as if trying to sort out her mind, He disappeared without a word three years ago and came suddenly after living without saying anything, not even a goodbye.
Ah, so you were disappointed.
Disappointed?
Yes, he left without a word and suddenly appeared, werent you disappointed?
Cersinias mouth snapped like a clam. She was stunned as if she had been hit in the head. After three years of not delivering a letter or news, she only recognized this feeling when she heard Bens voice. When she saw him for the first time in the plaza, the feeling of boiling was a disappointment, as May said.
You already knew about it, Cersinia
Maybe she was pretending not to know. Shes upset that she feels disappointed by someone who disappeared without saying a word It seems like shes been ignoring her feelings because it felt unfair to be disappointed in him.
Id be so disappointed if I were you. I cant believe he didnt contact you for 3 years
May was nodding vigorously to sympathize.
Yes I must have been disappointed, when Cersinia realized it and admitted it, her mouth was bitter.
Ben had now become so manly and so different from his old appearance. He had changed so much that he couldnt be recognized at first glance. The only thing left from the old him were the corners of his eyes, which were still curved like a crescent moon.
All the longing and worries for Ben pilled up in her mind. She didnt trust her feelings enough to face him with a smile. She honestly couldnt even congratulate Ben on his change. She didnt want to show the unexpected disappointment.
If I show my emotions, Im afraid it will look like Im the only one who missed our time
Cersinia seemed to be the only one who couldnt move on from what happened three years ago.
May, I have a favor to ask of you.
She got up from the chair. Something she didnt do after she entered the house and sat down two hours ago.
Yes! Please speak.
Tell the person standing at the door to stop coming here.
Cersinia didnt want to think about anything now. There was an invisible gap between Ben and herself as big as the days they couldnt spend together. The disappointment was still greater, so she couldnt face him casually.
Pardon?
Mays eyes widened in embarrassment at the words that deviated from her expectations.
I dont want to see him now, with those words, Cersinia walked towards her room.
Yes Dont worry. Ill tell him.
May stared at Cersinias back and soon headed toward the front door. When the voice of the desperate man was heard again, May took a brief deep breath. She felt a little nervous because she was not used to refusing. Mays hand trembled slightly as she grabbed the doorknob.
Cersinia?
When the door opened with a squeaky sound, the face of the man was seen. His eyes were anxious, perhaps thinking it was Cersinia who opened the door. But the moment he realized that she wasnt the person he wanted, his expression hardened. May scratched her cheek in embarrassment. She felt like a sinner at that moment because she wasnt Cersinia.
Uh I think it would be better for you to go back for today.
Ben expected to see Cersinia through the gap in the open door, but he couldnt see a single strand of her hair. It was a clear refusal. His heart was throbbing and felt bitter.
How long have you been together?
Me and Cersinia?
Thats right.
I think its almost been two years.
So thats it. In the meantime
He couldnt finish his sentence as he was strangled. May stared intently into the mans face under the darkening sky. The quietly sinking dark purple eyes were stained with guilt. As she looked at him, who looked agonizing, May knew what the question he wanted to ask was.
Cersinia has been doing well. Thank you for your work today.
Are you hurt anywhere?
Shes okay. So, go back for today. Cersinia wants that.
It was a confirmation. The feelings that she doesnt want to meet him. Bens lips were closed. The tips of his lips were trembling sadly.
Then.
May wanted to stop feeling the sadness and despair that she felt. She didnt want to know what was on his mind too much because Cersinia became her priority. A force was applied to her hand, which was holding the handle. His face could be seen through the narrowing gap in the door. His pale face, which had lost its vitality, was pitiful. Seeing him made May, who was always on Cersinias side, want to stand by his side at this moment. The door closed with a bang when his head fell helplessly.