Chapter 398 Chapter 396 The Abominable Sky

Night.

Fine was on the balcony of the Marquis of Zweik's mansion.

"What do you think? The view, Master Rezelotte."

"Fine. What's the matter with you?

The balcony had a visitor.

This is Lieselote in military uniform.

He looked as usual wearing a blue cloak allowed only by the Marshal, but he looked slightly different to Fine.

That's why Fine came to the balcony with a tea set.

"I thought the wind was cold at night, so I brought some tea. Would you like to join us for a drink?

"Don't be shy. I'll get it."

Standing on the balcony, Rezelotte goes to a table nearby.

Fine quickly brewed tea on the table and served it to Rezelotte.

Having a warm cup of tea, Rezelotte exhales.

And I slowly looked up at the sky.

"The stars are beautiful today."

"Yes... but I don't like it."

"Why?

The question had two meanings.

Why don't you like it?

Why are you watching because you hate it?

Understanding both meanings, Rezelotte drank tea with a bitter smile.

"The worst experience of my life was this day in the stars. Honestly, it's a shitty sky."

"... that's sad."

"Are you sad? Why?"

"The stars are always in the sky. Even if the clouds hide something, they slip out their faces. That's why I always remember. Isn't that... sad?

"... oh, I can't forget."

That's what Rezelotte said and looked at her palm.

I had two worst days of my life for Rezelotte.

Both were nights when such stars were visible.

The first time was when Amelia, the second princess, died.

It was this night that I returned to the Imperial Capital after hearing the report and embraced my mother, who was already cold.

The second happened in this north.

It was called a skirmish. Still, I had a bad feeling and ran north with all my might.

And under the starry sky, I hugged the Crown Prince, who had died of the current-arrow.

I didn't make it.

I couldn't help it.

"I have won many victories on the battlefield, but I have never forgotten the feeling of helplessness I felt that day."

"You can't forgive yourself...."

"... I held the sword in a woman's arms because I wanted the power to protect someone. But I couldn't protect those who wanted to. I'm always late....."

"... during the rebellion in the Imperial Capital. When I thought everyone might not be able to. Master Rezelotte appeared refreshed. Don't underestimate yourself by always being late. Neither my mother nor my brother could have been saved. But didn't you save the remaining fathers and sisters?"

"... I see. It was... my little victory that I was able to act quickly."

Rezelotte drinks tea again.

Soon afterwards, the cup of tea was empty.

As soon as I realized, Fine made a refill.

"Sorry."

"No, I'm used to it."

"Fine... looks like her mother somewhere. My father must have chosen Fine because of the atmosphere."

"Second Princess Amelia, right? Al's mother, Mitsuba-sama, once told me it was similar. Who were you?

"... he was a calm person. I always cared about people and did everything I could. When I fought, I always protected myself from injuries. I wasn't particularly talented among the princesses... but I was proud of being loved by my father and loved by everyone."

"I heard that no matter how many more concubines there were, the favor for the Second Concubine didn't fade. The emperor's only pet. It was a personal prediction, but I thought he was very good."

"Not superior. Forgotten and occasionally teased... but he was a strong man. My mother taught me how important it is to protect others."

So you were Master Rezelotte too.

"Master... that's interesting"

While laughing, Rezelotte drinks tea.

And I looked up at the sky.

Just then.

The clouds hid the stars.

Seeing that, Rezelotte stood up.

Because there's no point in being here anymore.

"Now, if you'll excuse me. The tea was saved."

"Really... I wanted to talk to you a little bit more."

"I'll save it for another time."

That's how Rezelotte tries to stay behind.

Fenne asks as she stares at Rieselotte's back.

"Are you sure you want to ask a final question?

"... it was a delicious tea. In return, I will answer."

"Thank you very much. Now, let me ask you something. Why did you dare recall the worst memories at this time?

"What was known. To remember the feeling of helplessness and... the passion."

"... can you control that passion?

"I don't know. But... this is the only way to settle accounts. It can't be sealed."

That's how Rezelotte laughs at herself.

I was also prepared to be criticized.

But Fine's words were unexpected.

"I see... I hope that Master Rezelotte can settle with the past."

"... don't you blame me?

"It's freedom to have a passion. It may be subject to criticism if it hurts others."

"Am I going to burn the clan in this rage?

"There are no plans yet. Master Rezelotte hasn't acted yet."

"Don't you think it's too late to act?

"Maybe, but... that's not my territory."

"What do you think?

"People have a role. I will stay until I talk to Mr Rezelotte. Do you really want to stop or do you want to do something else? I'm not the one doing it."

"Whose territory is it?

I thought it would be better if Master Rezelotte came up with something.

That said, Fine laughed nicely and began to clean up the tea set.

Rezelotte erases the face of the person in her head and turns her back on Fine.

I have already remembered the passion.

Lizzelotte had decided to liquidate here.