ㅤChapter 56
ㅤ”It’s an eerie forest, isn’t it? Does Ruby-sama live here?”
ㅤ”Yes. After a series of twists and turns, she’s here now.”
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ㅤEmma and Aquamarine got off the carriage at the edge of the forest. From here, they would proceed on foot.
ㅤBecause it had been left unattended for half a year, the beast trail leading to the log house was overgrown with weeds, making the footing treacherous. Brushing aside leaves and vines that caught in her hair, Aquamarine cursed inwardly.
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ㅤ（My shoes and dress are getting dirty. My hair is getting messed up too. It’s only natural that I can’t live in the castle, but it’s infuriating that I have to suffer because of Onee-sama.）
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ㅤAfter walking for a while, they came into view of the log house built by the pond. Upon reaching the front door, Emma proudly pointed at the house with her arm.
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ㅤ”Here it is. Shall we surprise Ruby-sama?”
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ㅤA small, cozy log house, like something out of a fairy tale. It was well-maintained and looked like a comfortable place to live.
ㅤ――It’s impertinent of Onee-sama to be living in a house like this.
ㅤAquamarine slapped her folding fan against her palm with a pa-chin, pa-chin and twisted her lips into a nasty smirk.
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ㅤ”I need to remind her that she’s a monster, don’t I? Onee-sama.”
ㅤ”――Huh?”
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ㅤThe expression drained from Emma’s face. Aquamarine quickly grabbed the doorknob and slipped inside. She slammed the door shut in front of Emma’s nose and locked it.
ㅤRuby, who had been knitting at the dining table just inside, rounded her eyes in surprise when she saw the person who had rushed in.
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ㅤ”Huh……!? Aquamarine? Is that you?”
ㅤ”It’s been a while, Onee-sama.”
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ㅤAquamarine’s eyes gleamed with a sinister glint. There was frantic knocking on the door behind her, and Emma’s voice shouted, “Please open up! Weren’t you a friend!? Please escape, Ruby-sama!!”
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ㅤ”I’ve come to take you back. It’s been decided that the monstrous Onee-sama will be taken back by Belheim. Shall we go home together?”
ㅤ”Th-That’s rather sudden. More importantly, when did you arrive in Langley? I was so surprised, I thought my heart would stop.”
ㅤ”It would have been fine if you had just died. Then my position wouldn’t be threatened.”
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ㅤHer voice was ice-cold. Ruby was bewildered by her sister’s unusual behavior.
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ㅤ”Aquamarine…… You must be tired from your long journey. Anyway, I’ll make some tea now, so please sit down and let’s talk. This country is a very nice place, so if you rest well, you’ll feel better.”
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ㅤAquamarine yanked hard on Ruby’s hair as she turned towards the kitchen.
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ㅤ”Ouch……!?”
ㅤ”That carefree attitude of yours has always bothered me!”
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ㅤPulling her roughly, she shoved her sister’s shoulder against the wall. Confusion and agitation clouded Ruby’s eyes, unable to understand the situation.
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ㅤ”Aquamarine, you’re acting strange. Are you feeling unwell?”
ㅤ”It’s Onee-sama’s head that’s unwell. Worry about yourself before you worry about others.”
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ㅤSensing Ruby’s distress, Michael darted out from his nest and charged at Aquamarine. However, he was repelled by the invisible barrier surrounding her and rolled onto the floor.
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ㅤ”Michael! Are you alright!? I’m fine, so go back to your nest!”
ㅤ”……You’re still keeping this filthy creature. Honestly, how long do you intend to keep playing the nice girl?”
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ㅤAquamarine took out her folding fan from her pocket and unfolded it. On the inside, a complex magic circle was drawn.
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ㅤ”It’s a magic circle that allows me to teleport directly to Belheim once. I ordered Onee-sama’s former fiancé to draw it. That man will do anything I ask.”
ㅤ”Sieg Hart-sama?”
ㅤ”Yes, that’s right. He’s so pathetic after having his engagement broken off because of Onee-sama, so I’m taking care of him. He’s very loyal and obedient to the people he trusts, it’s hilarious.”
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ㅤAquamarine chuckled and turned her attention back to the fan.
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ㅤ”It’s a serious crime to use teleportation magic within another country, but it doesn’t matter anymore, does it? It’s not me who will be punished, but that man. ――Now, let’s go home together.”
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ㅤWhen she pressed her palm against the magic circle, it emitted light as if responding to her body heat. The same patterned circle appeared at their feet, enveloping them in a dazzling light. Ruby panicked.
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ㅤ”Wa- I won’t go back! I’ve decided to become Emperor Theodore’s strength in this country!”
ㅤ”Your feelings don’t matter, Onee-sama. This is what our family has decided.”
ㅤ”Calm down, Aquamarine! Let’s talk first! This is way too sudden!”
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ㅤAquamarine clicked her tongue and said, “Oh, shut up,” to Ruby, who was still making a fuss. She pulled out one of the lavish hairpins adorning her hair and brandished it at her sister.
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ㅤ”An insensitive Onee-sama like you should be fine with a little pain. I’ll heal you when we get to Belheim if I feel like it.”
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ㅤThe hairpin, reflecting the light of the magic circle, gleamed menacingly.