Chapter 339: Chapter 339
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"...."
’... Yeah... I know...’
Staring at a dead spot, I had nothing else to do but agree with the judgemental resignment coming from the deepest of Marianne. After all, I knew this could happen. Only that I’m carefree enough to forget it was a feasible possibility.
’We’re lost, huh.’
It’s funny, though. I don’t even know how I ended up here in a street so full of people I feel agoraphobic staring at that fairground stall... hungry and without money to buy those delicious glazed chicken sticks I... (although I’m embarrassed to admit... ) I followed its scent to end in this situation.
’Who would have thought? Hunger can also be my enemy... I had gotten lost like this before, you know? But I had a quite nice thingy with me: a smartphone. As you, sweetheart, can tell from its name... it was smarter than this old sister of yours... truly a good thing to have, I tell ya.’
Divagating as I felt miserable to experience this in another life, my storytelling felt purposely lifeless and pathetic since I don’t even know how it’s so easy for me to get lost.
’Not even in the forest... but then again, I’m sure I did get lost, only that having my VitorGPS must have been what made it look like we never did...Anyways how to solve this?’
I had started to watch the people pass by, trying not to run into panic as it was the actual first time I went out on my own, and I’m already failing the mission to survive.
"...."
Good thing is... I can see the palace from any place of the city, I’m sure my sense of direction isn’t as awful to never arrive there... Yeah... I’m sure.
’This is how you remain calm, Anne. You act as if it’s alright, you peaaaaacefully watch the people walk around, then laugh at yourself... and then embrace the shame to its fullest so you can ask for directions.’ — Trying to keep cool, I explained the protocols to my lost first timer. Aware there was a huge detail we needed to solve. — ’So. Before you keep judging me. No. I have not forgotten we can’t really ask anything. And also: No. I have also not forgotten that we are kind of famous now. Surely this won’t stay a secret. And if that happens, true shame will fall on me- us... on us.’
It’s good to share the shame. It makes me feel better, hehe.
’We have a reputation to protect. The mister trusts us. We need to solve this elegantly... but I want to say this: isn’t it disappointing? Where the hell is that flirty kinky?? Shouldn’t he appear now? Out of nowhere. Like the prince he’s supposed to be, saving a lady in distress??... If you ask me, he could lose some points from this.’
"~~~!"
’A~aah! Who cares he went to get us water! He should be more focused! Does he think we know our way around? Of course we don’t!’
"_____"
I knew I was exaggerating. And I felt a chill go down within my separated soul since I could feel her arguments. Those I purposely forgot only so I can protect my fading pride.
It was a horrible sensation. And I’m weak. So, in the end, I gave up.
’Alright already! I know he said to go with him and I said no! And I know he said I was to stay there no matter what! But it wasn’t just a simple "what"!!! It was a "what an awesome chicken they are cooking somewhere" kind of what!!’
If we get that chicken, she will learn this situation is worth it. Remember this, myself.
"Hello!"
"??" — ’Wh-... a kid... So suddenly... Oh no, it’s happening. Our charm is attracting people!’
"Lady, your dress is pretty. Why use a cloak?"
’... I know... it doesn’t make sense, right?’ — Acknowledging the kid’s sense, I made a gesture, holding tight the cloak to transmit the lie that I felt cold.
"Hmm~ Cold in summer? How weird."
’... Yup. That’s me for sure.’
"... Lady, are you under some punishment? Why does no word come out of your mouth?"
’Punishment... Haha, yeah. That could be it.’ — Feeling it was a good answer I nodded.
"Punishment... but, how come?"
’... Huh...?’ — Looking down at the child, I noticed. Something’s wrong. — ’His voice... her voice(?) ...’
— Child... don.. t.. —
"I didn’t get to reach the emblem."
’... Where’s its face...’ — Confused as I was, the horrible shiver numbing my bones with a screeching alarm was enough to clear it out.
What’s wrong is that I could die.
—... focus on... else... —
"Fenrir did curse it with a blessing, and yet... here you are. At my reach only with what’s left of Calla and Aenean... It ought to be fate... wanting you dead."
"..." — ’Something else.’
Like running.
I didn’t truly know what I was looking at, as if hypnotised, unable to easily turn away that person’s voice and presence felt extremely dangerous. But panic was invading Marianne while I tried to make sense of it. Failing at it. And deciding to listen to the words I could hear in our head, vibrating faintly from my wrist, I shut my eyes as hard as I could to do the impossible.
"Oh. You’re walking away?"
’! This is running you b*tch!’
"Will you be alright? Going against the crowd is difficult."
’D*mn it...’ — Fear was starting to sink in me as I could feel sharp danger make my mind quiver to whatever was following me.
As if I was fighting a cold sweat when losing consciousness, the voice of that person felt so clear even when I knew I left them behind. So distressing it made me nauseous. So much that even breathing felt sickening. — ’D*mn it! Where is it? Where do I go?!’
I was feeling hopeless.
Walking at a faster pace than usual, I was running away from someone I lost sight of, yet I could still hear a disgusting chuckle somewhere behind me. The sensation of being followed was the worst at this point. It wasn’t only deathly because of the obvious threat but because I’ve lived this before enough to despise reviving it.
’haa.. Haa... breathe. And focus. Don’t panic. Marianne. Don’t panic, Elizabeth!’
— walk... not far... —
’... A-alright... walk. Just walk.’ — Relying on the voice I felt trust for, I nodded, colliding with more people as I obeyed. Feeling the tears scorch my eyes since I was afraid of that weight in my back that felt as if it was pulling me into the ground, to smash me into it mercilessly.
— You won’t get away... It’s written.—
’Walk, just walk! Don’t listen, Marianne!’
— Whatever you try, my hand will reach you.—
"Hey! Look where you’re going! Hey!!"
’Ugh! Are there no knights around!? What the– Mph!’
"Who’s following you?"
’!’
— My hand will reach you one day... Disappear you. And earn what’s mine. —