"Well..."
I stared at her, confused. "Is he... does he have fairy blood too?" I asked, my voice laced with hesitation.
Nymeria met my gaze, her eyes wide and bright as she tried to work her way out of the question with a soft pout. I stared back steadily, my expression clear I needed an answer.
She let out a heavy, draining sigh. "No," she answered, avoiding my gaze. "It's because he has demon blood."
I froze, shocked to my core.
First, transmigration that turned out to be some kind of endless cycle of reliving my life, according to the witch that I had unintentionally met. Then fairies... and now my fiance is a descendant of a demon?
"Were you the type of fairy who jokes around?" I asked, the words escaping my mouth before I could stop them.
She shot me a look that matched my sarcasm beat for beat. I sighed and shrugged my shoulders, a silent signal that I was ready to hear her full answer.
"I am telling you the truth. I am not Aelindra nor Thalior," she answered firmly. "Haven't you read it somewhere before? Before this Empire was founded, humans, goddesses and gods, and demons all coexisted in this world."
Well right, it's actually not that surprising but it's weird. My family is with fairy blood, meaning one of my ancestor fuck some fairy. And Evander's ancestor fell for a demon? As in, demon? Ain't them hideous and ruthless?
"This world is so... surprisingly full of extraordinary weird people," I remarked. "Imagine having ancestors who were dragons, fairies, and demons."
Nymeria shrugged and rolled her eyes in disappointment.
Is that why he was a crazy psychopath in the book? Because he had demon blood running in his veins?
"Then... is that why their eyes were red?" I asked, curiosity sparking within me. "Why he acts so odd sometimes... am I even safe with him?"
Another sigh escaped Nymeria's lips.
"You are thinking too much, Elle," she said. "Yes, that's why their eyes are red. Unlike fairies, those who possess demon blood are considered half-demons no matter how much time has passed. Those blood remains on their veins."
"Then... does that mean they have some sort of inner demon resting inside them or something?"
She glared at me as if I had said something stupid. I stared back at her, unflinching.
"Their family is quite famous, they're the only ones who have blood of demons, afterall," she said, completely ignoring my question. "Though all descendants have black hair, only a few possesses red eyes. All are descendants of demons, but only a select few inherit the gifts, the ability to see what mortals cannot, heightened senses like their demonic ancestors, and inhuman strength paired with exceptional fighting skill."
That's why Evander was capable of slaughtering almost half the Empire's population all by himself in the book.
"But I'm asking you out of genuine concern, Nymeria," I said. She finally looked at me seriously without any violent reaction. "I know Evander is on the gifted side... having demon blood doesn't mean your mind is demonic, right?"
If what I'm thinking is true, then I'm in grave danger. But if not... then maybe he's still fixable. There is hope, afterall he admitted that he likes me. I can... probably use that. Can I...?
"Why are you saying that?" She asked, genuinely confused.
I too was confused, and I frowned. "Why?" I asked in return. "I mean, he massacred thousands of people in the book I read."
She said she regressed... had she?
But I knew for sure that she was aware of my past, my previous lives as Norielle. Was what was written in the book actually different from what really happened?
Am I judging him too harshly based on words in a book that might not even be relevant to this reality?
Then was was that book even for?
I was lost in my thoughts that I had forgotten about Nymeria. I snapped back to my senses when she called my name loudly.
"What were you saying?" I asked.
Nymeria was flying, her with was fluttering and she is face to face with me.
"I said, that having demon blood doesn't mean you are to be a mindless murderer." She shouted, as she flew back to the bed. "I don't know about that book but, that man is not crazy enough to break his family oath and kill for no reason."
My heart lightened, and I let out a long sigh of relief.
"Then... he never did that in my previous lives?" I asked softly.
"He did," her indifferently answer, caught me off guard. "But his reasons were valid, at least for me."
"Wha-"
I stopped mid sentence as Nymeria's cute pointy ears twitched and moved in unison on their own. She rose from her seat, her wings beginning to flutter, and her face shifted from indifference to sharp seriousness.
"Elle," she called. "I'll be back tomorrow, bye for now." She turned to leave before flying toward the window.
She paused and glanced back at me. Without a word, I stood up and walked over to open it for her. She shot me a quick smile, then flew out swiftly without looking back.
The night came to an end as I fell asleep, my mind weighed down by unanswered questions and heavy thoughts.
This is actually crazy.
***
"Hm... You are really leaving, today...?"
I turned around to see Leopold standing hesitantly in the doorway. He shifted nervously from one foot to the other, rubbing the back of his neck with an uncertain gesture. His eyes were swollen red and puffy, he looked so miserable and unsightly. He usually looks fresh and nice looking this past few days, but not today I guess.
So unlikely of him.
"Are you sad because I'm- your sister is leaving or because your purse is?" I jokingly asked.
He's been sticking close to me ever since I lent him some gold. My second older brother was like this too back on my previous life, but he was more open about how he felt and hardly ever cried like Leopold does.
"Of- of course it's the latter..." he said, obviously lying through his teeth. "Do you think I would be sad just because you're leaving?"
Well aren't you cute, tsundere boy. Still in your rebellious stage, huh?
I didn't even notice I was smiling until I saw him staring at me with a deep frown.
"Were you laughing at me?" he demanded.
I immediately wiped the smile away and leveled him with my best stern look.
"No, I wasn't laughing at you. Just teasing." I replied.
My words seemed to only deepen his seriousness. Leopold remained unconvinced but chose not to press further. Instead, he took a hesitant step forward, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"I know it's probably too late now, but… if you want to escape, I'll do everything I can to help," he said, his voice low and cautious. His words caught me off guard. "Something about Valios doesn't sit right with me. They are too good to us, marriage with the commander might not be a good idea, sister..."
This kid.
I blinked, surprised by how serious he sounded all of a sudden. Leopold was usually shy and didn't worry about things like this. Seeing him so worried caught me off guard.
I looked at him. "You are right. It's already too late now." I said.
He slowly looked up at me, his face showing real concern. The worry in his eyes was clear, and in that moment, we understood each other without saying more.
But what could we really do?
Evander already had my word. The engagement ceremony was done. Valios was less of a concern than those who truly wish us harm.
I let out a heavy sigh and gave Leopold a small, reassuring smile. "You don't need to worry about me, Leopold. I can handle myself. Valios won't be a problem, and neither will Evander," I said firmly.
Leopold hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say more but held back. Then, he gave me a weak smile that carried a weight only he understood.
"I suppose you'll manage fine on your own," he said. "Hm... But don't forget that, no matter what happens, you can always count on me, sister..."
He gave a small, awkward smile like he didn't know what else to say. Without waiting for me to answer, he quickly walked to the door, stopped for a moment, waved awkwardly, and left quietly, closing the door behind him.
I sighed softly, feeling a little amused and touched by how clumsy but real his concern was.
Lost in my thoughts about how adorable Leopold had been, I suddenly became aware of someone quietly entering the room, it was Zilda.
"My lady, His Grace will be ready in few moments." she informed. "Everyone else is ready downstairs."
Right, I had totally forgotten.
I nodded, pushing away the swirl of thoughts clouding my mind. Standing up, I smoothed my clothes and took a deep breath to steady my nerves.
Zilda followed silently as we made our way to the grand foyer. There, my father, my brothers, and a line of servants awaited, gathered to see me off.
My heart raced at the sight of such an elaborated farewell, my face slightly flushed in embarrassment.
Wow, this is crazy. It felt strange, like I'm an A-list actress walking on the red carpet, with everyone's eyes on me.
It's overwhelming, but also a little exciting.
I took a deep breath and stepped into the grand hall. Everyone's eyes followed me, and soft whispers filled the air. Despite the nervous flutter in my chest, I held my head high and walked with measured grace toward out to the forecourt with my family following behind.
"Norielle," the Count called to get my attention as we approached the fountain. "Carry our family's name and honor. Stay strong, and be well, my daughter." He said, his voice was serious then it softened.
Hearing him speak those words, especially calling me "my daughter," obrought a warm feeling to my heart. Though the weight of the responsibility still hung heavy, it was comforting to hear him say it at last. If feels familiar and calming.
Then Neoven smiled.
Astonishing. It's probably the first time I had ever seen him smile in this life. Somehow, he looked so good that I'm certain ladies would line up for him if he smiled like that more often.
"Elle, take this," he said, handing me a rectangular blue velvet box. "It's from our mother, a gift she wished to give you in person. She sends her best wishes for your good luck. Be well, my little sister." He said softly before kissing my forehead.
I froze for a moment at the sudden change in their attitude. It sent shivers down my spine.
And more importantly… a mother? I had one here?
Then I turned to Leopold, I was expecting something from him. Instead, he avoided my gaze and offered me nothing but cold shoulders.
What? Was his earlier kindness just a trial card before shutting me out again?
Disappointed, I rolled my eyes at him. Then, I looked around and searched for Evander as Zilda turned toward the knights of his order to ask about the carriage that I would ride.
The Count noticed my quiet, cough. "If you are looking for the young duke, he will arrive after tending something from the stable." He said.
I nodded silently, my eyes lingering on the empty space where Evander should be.
Moments later, a carriage bearing the Valios crest arrived, followed closely by knights riding their horses. Then, Evander appeared, shining brightly as he rode his horse. He reined in beside the Count and me, he then got off.
Everyone else bowed gracefully to show their respect, while I stood by his side, gazing at his handsome figure.
"Please take care of my precious daughter, Your Grace." The count said respectfully.
Evander placed his right fist over his chest and bowed to the Count. "I will do so, Count," he replied.
Hearing them speak about me with such grace felt so foreign that I felt uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed.
I took a deep breath, steadying the swirl of emotions within me, and followed Evander toward the carriage. The knights moved aside respectfully as we approached, their eyes still lingering briefly on him before bowing in quiet deference.
Evander opened the door for me with a small smile. I stepped up hesitantly, the soft cushions offering a surprising comfort under me. He climbed in behind me, closing the door gently.
As the carriage began to move, a heavy sadness settled over me.
Through the glass windows, I watched the familiar faces of the Count, Neoven, Leopold, and the others standing together, their figures slowly growing smaller with each passing moment.
The sight is bittersweet and painful. What that little fairy said about the mind forgetting while the heart never does felt undeniably true. Even though I only been with them for a few months it felt like I am leaving my life long family behind.
The ache in my chest was overwhelming. The pain is far to painful, almost unbearable.