DYBAR - Chapter 56 < A Person Who Gives The Courage To Speak Out >

DYBAR - Chapter 56 < A Person Who Gives The Courage To Speak Out >

Do Your Best And Regret It

"... I don't know what to say first. So, please go there first. I will stand guard at the entrance."

Howard said, his voice cracking. Unlike his voice, which was clearly trembling, there was no shaking in his head-down posture. Howard, who had frozen in place as soon as he confirmed that Edwin, who had passed through the mine entrance a little while ago, was okay, went back and forth between the inside and outside of the mine entrance several times with a confused look on his face. Howard, who looked like he was about to cry with a disbelieving face every time he came and went, chose to lower his head without showing his crying face. 

I, who was watching him, naturally thought that her place was next to Howard.

"I will never interfere with Edwin's tour of the mine. So, come with me this time."

I've told Edwin several times that I won't stop him from exploring the mines. So my role was to deliver the magic stone necklace to Edwin. While waiting, I consoled my heart and was shocked by Edwin. 

I was about to raise my hand once again to remove my necklace. His strong, large hand carefully grasped my right hand. His pulse was pounding fast in the palm of his hand touching mine. I couldn't even tell whether the irregularly beating sound was my heart or Edwin's. Unlike me, who was shocked, Edwin smiled sweetly and raised the corners of his mouth.

"Then wait here for a while."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Edwin leaned towards Howard for a moment and added something. The voice was so quiet that even I next to him couldn't hear it, but Howard seemed to understand and nodded his head softly. 

Howard's tightly clenched fist was shaking. The cold moonlight briefly illuminated Howard's face. At first glance, the tip of his nose was bright red, showing that he was still holding back tears. 

I pretended not to see and looked inside the mine. I vividly remembered the dark interior road I had passed last time. When I thought that perhaps it would be better for me, who knows the way well, to go with Edwin rather than going alone.

"Shall we go?"

"Together?"

"Sure."

I never thought that when he held my hand, he really meant to come with me. I was a little dazed because something I had only thought about had happened. Edwin lightly led me. I, who was walking inside the mine, spoke softly toward Howard.

"Don't worry, Lord Interfield. I'll have a nice trip."

This was something I said for Howard, but It was also something I said to myself. I knew more about this White Crystal Mine than anyone else. Even the bottom of this mine is slippery. Just like going out for a while, it was natural to say that now I go wherever I go. The place to return is right here, Vikander. 

I, who had gathered myself together, was about to take my steps again. Riding on the wind, Howard's dark, wet voice reached me.

"Yes, Miss. Please come back."

***

I remembered how dreary and cold it was inside this mine. I felt like the place that had been so cold had warmed up today, as if warmth was wrapping around my body. It's probably because of the madic stone that maintains my body temperature. 

I fumbled with Edwin and the clasp of my necklace behind my neck with my free hand. Perhaps because I was using one hand, my latch wasn't working properly

"What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable?"

"That's not it,"

The clasp was undone by a hand groping the back of the neck. And at that moment, I opened my eyes wide. Even though the magic stone necklace came off my neck and fell into my palm, instead of feeling cold, my body still felt warm.

"Edwin by any chance... Isn't this mine cold?"

"Was it cold? Wait a minute."

Edwin must have misunderstood what I said and tried to take off the robe he was wearing with the hand that was not facing me. I hurriedly held out my left hand, holding my magic stone necklace.

"It's not that, it's really cold in the mine...."

I said, recalling a year ago, but Edwin smiled and shook his head, probably thinking of the universal mine.

"I think it's always been like this here. I haven't been able to come since I was too young, but whereas in other mines I wore thick robes, I used to just go in here."

Always? 

I looked inside the White Crystal Mine with my eyes filled with confusion. There was something different about me than a year ago. What is this? 

I comforted my heart, which was filled with both excitement and anxiety. Then, holding Edwin's hand, I walked into the mine along the path I knew. As I went deeper inside, my magic stone glowed green in the palm of my left hand, which I tightly clenched into a fist. The sparkle of the magic stone became faster as if it resonated with something in me, but no one could spot the light that was blocked by my palm...

 The road extending inside the mine was divided into a total of thirteen shafts. The stone road ran straight until it came to a point where it diverged. The sound of water drops falling clearly rang out from somewhere. As we went deeper into the mine, the moonlight at the entrance decreased and disappeared completely. 

Even with eyes accustomed to the darkness, walking skillfully inside the mine was nearly impossible. So I naturally thought that I would take the lead. A year ago, as I was investigating this White Crystal Mine, I walked time and time again through the thirteen shafts as well as the clogged section of the shaft. I could see everything from the bulge to the slippery part clearly in my eyes.

"Watch your step, Olivia. It's slippery down here."

However, Edwin knew the White Crystal Mine as well as me. Before I could speak, Edwin, who had slowed down his steps, laughed softly. Is it because of the sound of the mine, or is it because my field of vision has narrowed and my other senses have become more sensitive? 

Edwin's laughter sounded even more alluring than usual. I instantly tensed as I heard a sleepy laugh that made the fur in my ears stand on end. For some reason, Edwin's hand felt much bigger and firmer. I swallowed my dry saliva and spoke as calmly as possible.

"You know a lot about mine, Edwin."

"I knew this day would come someday, so I recalled it whenever I had the chance so I wouldn't forget it."

I couldn't even guess how much effort was behind his calm voice as if it was no big deal. I said it was a careless question, and I blamed myself. 

By the way, before it's too late, I'd like to tell Edwin that I investigated this mine according to the Emperor's orders. I shut my mouth again because I didn't know how to say the words. 

The sound of my shoe heels mingled with the rhythmic sound of water falling. If we went a little further, we would see the beginning of a tunnel divided into thirteen branches. It was then.

"Ah"

There was a sound of hitting something hard, and Edwin's body tilted sideways for a moment. I, hearing Edwin's soft sigh, reflexively held Edwin's hand tightly. It suddenly occurred to me that a little while before the branching tunnel was visible, scholars and wizards had fixed pieces of wood to the ground to mark the distance.

"Careful. There is a piece of wood around here,"

I, who had been speaking inadvertently, closed my mouth. I then looked at Edwin. Edwin's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but then he smiled without even showing it.

"Thank you, Olivia. I didn't know this."

Edwin muttered, tapping the piece of wood beneath his feet. Then he looked back at me. His red eyes were filled with only affection for me. At that moment, I realized that now was the right time to confess this.

".... When was the last time you were here?"

"I was nine years old, so it's been more than ten years."

Edwin answered calmly. More than ten years ago. I let out my trembling voice as I swallowed my unfathomable seconds.

"It was a year ago. It was when I came to this White Crystal Mine." 

I thought he'd be surprised. Unexpectedly, Edwin calmly patted the back of my hand. As if he had guessed it...

"This time last year, I investigated this White Crystal Mine according to the Princess's orders. With several wizards and scholars."

With sounds echoing in all directions, I revealed everything in a low voice. I also investigated the White Crystal Mine at the Princess's command, and I wrote a report on this abandoned mine that had been cut off and presented it to the Emperor. I even went as far as to say that I had once visited Vikander Territory while investigating a White Crystal Mine. 

The more I shared my story, the lighter I felt. Edwin, who had heard my whole story, was looking at me with the same eyes as before hearing my story.

"There are many things I want to say, but the first thing I want to say is..."

The low voice was extremely warm, so I tightened the corners of my mouth. Even though I was dazed and shaking, I could tell. Now, what Edwin says will make me cry.

"You must have had a really hard time, Olivia."

I knew it would be like this. How many people wouldn't cry if you said it so sweetly? 

Feeling the bridge of my nose become sore, I stuck out my lips. And I tried to pretend I was okay, I said jokingly.

"Thanks to you, I know what report was sent to His Majesty. There's nothing unusual about this mine, that's what I reported. Thank goodness."

"I'm really grateful. Thanks to Olivia, the Emperor had no doubts about this White Crystal Mine."

I nodded in a voice of sincere admiration. Edwin, who was looking at me kindly, paused for a moment.

"... I really appreciate it, so just say it if you want."

"Yes?"

"If you want the Princess's head, I will bring it to you within two days."

I was truly taken aback by Edwin's sincere words. The eyes that had been looking at me affectionately just a moment ago suddenly glowed coldly.

"There's no need for that!"

I screamed in horror. As the humming sound spread throughout the mine, Edwin burst out laughing a little. I then thought it was a joke and I laughed along.

"Don't make jokes like that. Okay?"

Edwin licked his lips in regret for a moment but did not show it. Instead, he gave strength to the hand he was holding with this brave and strong Young Lady. He had a lot to say, but swallowing all his words, Edwin suggested.

"... Shall we walk a little further inside?"

"Is Edwin okay?"

"Of course."

I smiled and nodded. It was late, but I didn't feel tired. Rather, I felt refreshed as if I had slept well. 

***

Late at night, the cold moonlight illuminates the floor-to-ceiling window, of Olivia's room. Bethany, who had been lying down dazedly, slowly got up. The maid next to her bed was startled and tried to stop Bethany.

"Bethany, lie down. His Highness ordered you to lie still and comfortably." 

"I should go to my room and lie down. How can it be comfortable to lie down in Master bed?"

"Still..."

The maid, who briefly sympathized with Bethany's words, didn't have time to say anything before Bethany took a step forward. Bethany, who had gone into her own room and locked the door, instead of lying down in her bed, went into the drawing room on one side of the room. 

Then she walked to one side of the drawing room where the curtains were hung. Bethany walked step by step with trembling legs and lifted the curtain. 

Bethany's eyes were filled with longing as she looked at the portrait in the curtain. She is a blonde woman wearing a rich white dress. Her face was invisible, reflecting the moonlight. But even if she doesn't have to see her face, she can still see her vividly in her own memory. Bethany spoke in her trembling voice. 

"Princess, the White Crystal Mine has returned to Vikander."

Bethany cried once again as she looked at the unresponsive portrait.

"A very precious, treasure-like Young Lady came to Vikander with the Princess's treasure."

At that moment, the moonlight illuminated the woman's face. The woman, who looked exactly like her Master, had a beautiful face and a bright smile, and her eyes were bright green...

***

That night, in the bedroom of the Emperor's palace.

"... What?"

The Emperor, who had gone to bed, hurriedly got up from his seat. The chamberlain could not bear to look up at the Emperor's bloodless and exhausted face. The Emperor, who was glaring at the chamberlain, entered deep into the bedroom with great strides. At that moment, the Emperor held his breath.

"Why on earth is this?"

The portrait, which should have been wrapped in the colorful insignia symbolizing the Franz Empire, had fallen to the floor. He can't believe the portrait that he had even put a preservation spell on felled. 

It had never happened before. In the portrait beneath the curtain, an expressionless, beautiful blonde woman.

For an instant, it felt as if those cold green eyes were smiling at the Emperor.

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