Episode 46. The Illusion Caught by the Canary
Solein's hazy, gray eyes wavered.
Those eyes, which perfectly reflected the years she had lived, seemed to discern Renisha's intentions.
"...Using Lady Renisha, the Duchess?"
"Solein sees things I cannot. What do you see in me?"
Renisha smiled gently.
"You visited the islands in the past, didn't you?"
Solein's lips tightened.
"You encountered me at the island townhouse in Lottera and told my father many things about me. Do you remember that?"
"Lady Renisha."
"I was only five years old back then. A child for whom the mansion was all there was in the world. You must remember what he said about me."
Renisha straightened her back.
Renisha hadn't known this because she wanted to know.
She had simply eavesdropped on her parents' conversation.
“'That girl will lead Lottera to ruin. She will kill you with her wrong choice. She will use that as a springboard to a brighter light. Abandon her. Abandon her and seek to preserve Lottera.' My father asked those words, didn't he?"
“...”
“So what kind of light will my child hold? Will my child survive through my death?”
“...”
“Solein said I would seize the light of Hientri.”
That was the real reason Renisha had been trapped in the mansion, unable to leave.
Thanks to Solein’s words.
The Duke of Lottera hoped that fate would come to Renisha as late as possible.
Solein was a wise man of Hiloshine.
Since it was said by someone who could see the future by predicting fate, he knew it was bound to happen.
The problem was the timing.
The Duke of Lottera, not wanting young Renisha to bear such a fate, locked her in the mansion. So that she would never face any fate.
Never expecting that fate would roll directly into their home.
As prophesied, Renisha had driven Lottera to death— the price for her arrogant compassion.
So now, wasn't it Renisha's turn to hold the light?
"Do you still see it that way? Do you think I'll hold the light?"
Renisha asked softly.
Solain was the one who gave prophecies. He must still be seeing something through Renisha.
"Solein, tell me."
Renisha urged Solain, who remained silent.
"What do you see in my fate?"
Solain choked.
"...I didn't know you knew."
"Ah. What happened in the past is fine. Solain respected my father and wouldn't have wanted him to fall. And you must have worried about Hiloshine's safety. Solain and I are strangers. There's nothing between us, so it's okay for you to say such things."
"I'm glad you understand. Let me answer your question. You will hold the brilliant, red light in your hands. It's a fate filled with greed, and you will have everything you desire. However, there will be inevitable sacrifices along the way. I don't want to force Hiloshine into that fate."
"Then. Is this how you want to live, Solain? Is that what you want? To live trapped in Hiloshine like this? Do you intend to pass this life on to your children? A life of hiding, running away, abandoning even your home. Who knows when another opportunity like this will come?"
Some of Renisha's words are true.
They have been hiding in Hiloshine, waiting for the day they could emerge into the light.
And now, thanks to Kassius, there is room.
People can see the Hiloshine people as heroes, not monsters.
As she said, when will another opportunity like this come?
"Use me, Solein. Help me, and get a reward from me. I will bring Hiloshine into the light."
The moment Renisha spoke those words, Solein saw only one destiny.
Just as Renisha had predicted, the children of Hiloshine would go out into the sun and mingle with others.
Solein was worn and weary.
All he could do for Hiloshine was to share what he had learned throughout his long life.
With Solein gone, Hiloshine would lose its guide.
The old guard of Hiloshine had long since departed for eternal rest.
If, as Renisha had said, he were to use Renisha...
"If I achieve my dream, I will never turn my back on Hiloshine."
Renisha was no different from a viper, smothered in sweet venom.
“So take my hand, Solein.”
“What would you recommend for the coronation?”
The nobles, including the Marquis of Danvers, pressed Laxus.
It had been decided that Canary would be crowned Empress.
So there had to be some action, but the palace was quiet, so they stepped forward again.
Before anyone else changed their minds.
“You, too, would be safer under the protection of the Empress’s Palace.”
“Why? Is there someone so bold as to touch a woman carrying my child?”
Laxus said with a grin.
His expression seemed to be twisted.
The timing was not good.
It was just as the nobles were watching each other closely.
“Laxus.”
Canary appeared.
The Marquis of Danvers saw her, and his eyes lit up.
She was dressed in a way that seemed to mimic Renisha’s.
The white dress covering her neck was boldly embroidered with gold thread.
It was a design Renisha often wore.
Her hair was tied up like Renisha's, and she wore jewelry like hers.
Marquis Danvers swallowed a laugh.
It was a frivolous appearance, devoid of any sense of dignity.
The foolishness of thinking that mimicking someone's appearance would allow her to steal other things was clearly revealed.
Marquis Danvers wasn't the only one who was reminded of Renisha by Canary's attire.
All the nobles were gaping at her.
It was the Marquis Danvers who informed Canary of the discussions that were to take place today.
Canary looked in his direction and smiled.
The naive woman had assumed the Marquis Danvers was on her side.
Canary lacked the foresight and preparation that Renisha had.
She simply believed what she saw.
"Canary? What brings you here?"
Laxus asked listlessly.
“You came to see what these guys were talking about. Alright, Canary. Come here.”
Laxus snickered and beckoned to Canary.
Canary flinched at his cruel gaze.
For some reason, Laxus had been on edge lately.
If she made a mistake, she could get caught for something trivial.
Canary forced a smile and walked lightly.
Canary, standing in front of Laxus, gave a charming smile.
“I came running because I heard you were making a decision for me. I wanted to hear the story with Laxus.”
Canary sat down softly next to Laxus.
“What are you talking about? Oh, Canary, you know you’re going to be the Empress? Yes, yes. You shouldn’t know.”
Laxus pulled Canary close.
He hugged her waist and placed her on his lap, breathing on the nape of her neck.
His breath was strangely cold.
Laxus pressed his lips to Canary's neck and whispered softly,
"What do you want to do? Tell me."
"I, I..."
Canary watched the nobles.
She might have been a government official once, but she was now destined to be Empress.
It wasn't right for her to sit on their lap like this.
Laxus stopped Canary from getting up.
"Why are you getting up? What's bothering you?"
"T-they're watching."
"What does that matter? It's my decision how I treat you, Canary."
"But Empress Renisha never sat on your lap like this,"
Canary whispered, choking back tears.
The nobles looked at her with contempt.
Canary's mistake was that she was so focused on their reactions that she neglected to notice Laxus's.
Laxus grabbed Canary's cheek and kissed her.
Canary trembled at the vigorous probing of her mouth, which made a sloppy sound.
Laxus acted vulgarly, as if he were about to strip her naked.
His hands groped Canary's body without hesitation.
Canary's eyes widened, and she shook her head.
Laxus bit Canary's lip and let go.
"Are you and Renisha the same, Canary? What have you done for me? Did you make me Emperor?"
Canary's face turned pale.
"I, I have a child..."
“Yes, child. What else can you do for me? Will you take care of the affairs of the palace in Renisha’s stead? Or entertain the envoys? Or invite the ladies and discuss affairs with them? Tell me what you will do.”
Laxus clutched Canary’s chin until it hurt.
“I sat you down to sing, and now you’re talking nonsense, Canary. Your name is Canary. Canary! That’s what I named you. Then shouldn’t you sing like your duty?”
Canary’s tears fell without her knowing it.
There were tears of shame, insult, anger, and fear all mixed together.
Canary nodded without thinking, momentarily forgetting who Laxus was. Canary whispered,
“Canary was wrong, Laxus. Yes?”
Only then did Laxus let go of his hand, smiling.
“So what kind of light will my child hold? Will my child survive through my death?”
“...”
“Solein said I would seize the light of Hientri.”
That was the real reason Renisha had been trapped in the mansion, unable to leave.
Thanks to Solein’s words.
The Duke of Lottera hoped that fate would come to Renisha as late as possible.
Solein was a wise man of Hiloshine.
Since it was said by someone who could see the future by predicting fate, he knew it was bound to happen.
The problem was the timing.
The Duke of Lottera, not wanting young Renisha to bear such a fate, locked her in the mansion. So that she would never face any fate.
Never expecting that fate would roll directly into their home.
As prophesied, Renisha had driven Lottera to death— the price for her arrogant compassion.
So now, wasn't it Renisha's turn to hold the light?
"Do you still see it that way? Do you think I'll hold the light?"
Renisha asked softly.
Solain was the one who gave prophecies. He must still be seeing something through Renisha.
"Solein, tell me."
Renisha urged Solain, who remained silent.
"What do you see in my fate?"
Solain choked.
"...I didn't know you knew."
"Ah. What happened in the past is fine. Solain respected my father and wouldn't have wanted him to fall. And you must have worried about Hiloshine's safety. Solain and I are strangers. There's nothing between us, so it's okay for you to say such things."
"I'm glad you understand. Let me answer your question. You will hold the brilliant, red light in your hands. It's a fate filled with greed, and you will have everything you desire. However, there will be inevitable sacrifices along the way. I don't want to force Hiloshine into that fate."
"Then. Is this how you want to live, Solain? Is that what you want? To live trapped in Hiloshine like this? Do you intend to pass this life on to your children? A life of hiding, running away, abandoning even your home. Who knows when another opportunity like this will come?"
Some of Renisha's words are true.
They have been hiding in Hiloshine, waiting for the day they could emerge into the light.
And now, thanks to Kassius, there is room.
People can see the Hiloshine people as heroes, not monsters.
As she said, when will another opportunity like this come?
"Use me, Solein. Help me, and get a reward from me. I will bring Hiloshine into the light."
The moment Renisha spoke those words, Solein saw only one destiny.
Just as Renisha had predicted, the children of Hiloshine would go out into the sun and mingle with others.
Solein was worn and weary.
All he could do for Hiloshine was to share what he had learned throughout his long life.
With Solein gone, Hiloshine would lose its guide.
The old guard of Hiloshine had long since departed for eternal rest.
If, as Renisha had said, he were to use Renisha...
"If I achieve my dream, I will never turn my back on Hiloshine."
Renisha was no different from a viper, smothered in sweet venom.
“So take my hand, Solein.”
***
“What would you recommend for the coronation?”
The nobles, including the Marquis of Danvers, pressed Laxus.
It had been decided that Canary would be crowned Empress.
So there had to be some action, but the palace was quiet, so they stepped forward again.
Before anyone else changed their minds.
“You, too, would be safer under the protection of the Empress’s Palace.”
“Why? Is there someone so bold as to touch a woman carrying my child?”
Laxus said with a grin.
His expression seemed to be twisted.
The timing was not good.
It was just as the nobles were watching each other closely.
“Laxus.”
Canary appeared.
The Marquis of Danvers saw her, and his eyes lit up.
She was dressed in a way that seemed to mimic Renisha’s.
The white dress covering her neck was boldly embroidered with gold thread.
It was a design Renisha often wore.
Her hair was tied up like Renisha's, and she wore jewelry like hers.
Marquis Danvers swallowed a laugh.
It was a frivolous appearance, devoid of any sense of dignity.
The foolishness of thinking that mimicking someone's appearance would allow her to steal other things was clearly revealed.
Marquis Danvers wasn't the only one who was reminded of Renisha by Canary's attire.
All the nobles were gaping at her.
It was the Marquis Danvers who informed Canary of the discussions that were to take place today.
Canary looked in his direction and smiled.
The naive woman had assumed the Marquis Danvers was on her side.
Canary lacked the foresight and preparation that Renisha had.
She simply believed what she saw.
"Canary? What brings you here?"
Laxus asked listlessly.
“You came to see what these guys were talking about. Alright, Canary. Come here.”
Laxus snickered and beckoned to Canary.
Canary flinched at his cruel gaze.
For some reason, Laxus had been on edge lately.
If she made a mistake, she could get caught for something trivial.
Canary forced a smile and walked lightly.
Canary, standing in front of Laxus, gave a charming smile.
“I came running because I heard you were making a decision for me. I wanted to hear the story with Laxus.”
Canary sat down softly next to Laxus.
“What are you talking about? Oh, Canary, you know you’re going to be the Empress? Yes, yes. You shouldn’t know.”
Laxus pulled Canary close.
He hugged her waist and placed her on his lap, breathing on the nape of her neck.
His breath was strangely cold.
Laxus pressed his lips to Canary's neck and whispered softly,
"What do you want to do? Tell me."
"I, I..."
Canary watched the nobles.
She might have been a government official once, but she was now destined to be Empress.
It wasn't right for her to sit on their lap like this.
Laxus stopped Canary from getting up.
"Why are you getting up? What's bothering you?"
"T-they're watching."
"What does that matter? It's my decision how I treat you, Canary."
"But Empress Renisha never sat on your lap like this,"
Canary whispered, choking back tears.
The nobles looked at her with contempt.
Canary's mistake was that she was so focused on their reactions that she neglected to notice Laxus's.
Laxus grabbed Canary's cheek and kissed her.
Canary trembled at the vigorous probing of her mouth, which made a sloppy sound.
Laxus acted vulgarly, as if he were about to strip her naked.
His hands groped Canary's body without hesitation.
Canary's eyes widened, and she shook her head.
Laxus bit Canary's lip and let go.
"Are you and Renisha the same, Canary? What have you done for me? Did you make me Emperor?"
Canary's face turned pale.
"I, I have a child..."
“Yes, child. What else can you do for me? Will you take care of the affairs of the palace in Renisha’s stead? Or entertain the envoys? Or invite the ladies and discuss affairs with them? Tell me what you will do.”
Laxus clutched Canary’s chin until it hurt.
“I sat you down to sing, and now you’re talking nonsense, Canary. Your name is Canary. Canary! That’s what I named you. Then shouldn’t you sing like your duty?”
Canary’s tears fell without her knowing it.
There were tears of shame, insult, anger, and fear all mixed together.
Canary nodded without thinking, momentarily forgetting who Laxus was. Canary whispered,
“Canary was wrong, Laxus. Yes?”
Only then did Laxus let go of his hand, smiling.
He patted Canary’s cheek and said,
"Yes, that's right. You should behave, my Canary,"
Laxus replied in a low voice.
"We'll have a wedding. A simple one. We've already spent a lot of money on the war, so shouldn't we save now? We'll skip all the ceremonies and just hold the wedding. No one will be invited, so even the gentlemen don't have to worry about it."
Canary bit her chapped lip.
What on earth did she come here to gain? She stood to lose everything.
Canary grabbed Laxus's arm.
She wanted a grand wedding like Renisha.
She envied that glittering wedding, the one that made even the foot-washing maid dream.
But Canary had gained only the facade, nothing else.
What was more miserable was that she couldn't refute Laxus's words.
She couldn't give Laxus anything.
A child.
A child. And a child, who didn't know whether it was Laxus's child or that dead man's child.
Canary burst into hushed sobs of humiliation.
She wanted to be like Renisha, but all she could hold onto was an illusion.
"Yes, that's right. You should behave, my Canary,"
Laxus replied in a low voice.
"We'll have a wedding. A simple one. We've already spent a lot of money on the war, so shouldn't we save now? We'll skip all the ceremonies and just hold the wedding. No one will be invited, so even the gentlemen don't have to worry about it."
Canary bit her chapped lip.
What on earth did she come here to gain? She stood to lose everything.
Canary grabbed Laxus's arm.
She wanted a grand wedding like Renisha.
She envied that glittering wedding, the one that made even the foot-washing maid dream.
But Canary had gained only the facade, nothing else.
What was more miserable was that she couldn't refute Laxus's words.
She couldn't give Laxus anything.
A child.
A child. And a child, who didn't know whether it was Laxus's child or that dead man's child.
Canary burst into hushed sobs of humiliation.
She wanted to be like Renisha, but all she could hold onto was an illusion.
Comments
Post a Comment