Chapter 36: Memories (4)

Chapter 36: Memories (4)

PR: Woober

It was the village elders who found Tyria lying on the ground that day, having heard the news late.

Luton, who had watched the demons arrival from afar, had been the one to spread the news.

Tyria lay unconscious in her room for about three days afterward, much to the chagrin of Baron Wyvern.

What she remembered when she woke up was the coolness of the manor when she awoke, and the low chatter of the maids as they exchanged gossip.

-I heard that Young Master Portman went missing too, and that he was only found yesterday?

-Tell me about it. Didnt the Baron make a great fuss about going straight to Portman Street to ask for reparations? He seemed to have concluded that the young lady had been kidnapped.

-The Portmans, I suppose theyll just settle it with money. Theyre a lot richer than we are, arent they?

-Come on. If you think about it, dont you think this whole fuss by the Baron is just about getting paid?

At the time, she hadnt understood much of it, just that Elric was safe, and so she was relieved.

However, upon further reflection, there was more to it.

Her father must have been glad to be able to blame Portman for this mess. The last thing he needed was for word to get out that he had been beating his daughter.

And as icing on the cake, he had gotten paid for it.

Of course, that didnt mean Tyria was safe.

Do you know how disappointed I am?! From today on, stricter supervision will be imposed! Remember deeply that its because of you that I am so disappointed!

That dreamy day eventually ended.

Reality began to haunt Tyria, sharper and more harshly than her dreams.

She was not able to go out.

She was only allowed an hour or two in the garden under strict surveillance, and her education, complete with corporal punishment, was more rigorous than ever before.

Only one thing had changed.

Im not sorry.

Only Tyria had changed.

Now she understood.

She had done nothing wrong. There was no reason for her to be in this much pain, and no reason for her to be reprimanded by these people.

Elric had taught her that.

He had taught her to love herself a little more, and to love others.

Also,

If you want to be a graceful lady, youll have to start walking again!

Yes.

He had planted a dream in her.

Now, Tyria didnt question why she should be a good wife.

She wanted to be a good wife through her own will.

She could use her dream of being his bride as a springboard.

If previously, she had been walking through a never ending cave, she was now walking on a path in which she knew what the end was.

The promised reward kept her from falling.

She pushed herself harder, and if she stumbled, she would just get back up.

Even after she grew her hair a little thicker.

Even after she realized the absurdity of her dream of marrying Elric, those memories kept her upright.

It was more than just a fleeting crush.

Those brief memories that she had of Elric had been the crutch that had kept the woman known as Tyria Wyvern from giving up on herself.

He had given her the sensation of being loved.

And she had shared her body heat with him.

He reminded her that even in the midst of a dark winter, spring would come.

So that was what kept her going.

I am to marry into the Portmans.

He appeared in front of her once again bearing the name of spring.

Just like the miracle that had come that fateful day.

Tyria groggily opened her eyes.

So why dont I and Milady plant some flowers in the manor garden, come springtime?

Flowers What do you mean?

You like gardening, dont you?

Tyrias eyes widened.

Her mouth dropped open in surprise.

Her heart clenched, whilst a pleasant tightness spread through her body.

Tiria hesitated, then asked.

Do you know?

Hmm? About your gardening? I remember hearing about it when we were married, or am I mistaken?

She had tried to pry again.

Tyria shook her head slightly, clutching the blankets unnecessarily tightly.

Then Elric laughed heartily.

Thank goodness, I remembered correctly.

Not really.

Thank you.

Still, even she didnt remember everything that happened on that day.

So he probably didnt remember much either.

It had been said that when he had returned from his disappearance, he had forgotten all about the days events, and that it had been extremely difficult for him to piece back his memories together.

Youre welcome.

Im grateful you remembered.

Dont mind it.

It was a shame that she was the only one who remembered that day.

But it was okay.

It was selfish of her, but he still had a trace of the day beneath his earlobe, even if his brain couldnt remember.

Its a little shameful that she was feeling satisfaction for a wound that she had caused on another person.

What could she do though, this was just the kind of person she was.

Elric tilted his head at Tyrias gaze.

What are you staring at Oh, this scar.

Elric rubbed his neck.

I got it when I was a kid. I used to play really roughly.

Tyria tightened her grip on her expression, realizing that her dazed state was a source of laughter for him for some reason.

Then she nodded.

Yes, Ive heard about it.

For some reason, Im getting a feeling that thats not a good thing.

Dont worry about it, more than that, Id like to get dressed, and so I was wondering if you could excuse me for a moment?

Oh, sure. It looks like your fevers gone down quite a bit. Ill be right back.

Elric turned on his heels and left the room.

Only after the door closed behind him did Tyria place her hand over her heart.

Thump Thump

Her heart was beating extremely loudly.

Suddenly, it occurred to her that she might have already achieved half of her dream.

Because the first thing she had seen when she opened her eyes was his smile.

It had been a long time coming, but it was finally here.

Her days would now be filled with such sweetness.

-Maam, Ive brought you water to wash your face.

Ah, come in.

Her face had grown uncomfortably hot.

She needed the cold water.