Chapter 396: The Hateful Sky
Night.
Finne came out to the balcony of the Zweig mansion.
How is the scenery? Lizelotte-sama.
Finne huh. What do you want?
The balcony was already upied by someone.
It was Lizelotte in her military uniform.
Seeing her wearing the blue cloak that is only allowed to an Imperial Marshal is nothing strange. But to Finne, Lizelotte looked a little different tonight.
Thats why Finne came out to the balcony with a tea set.
I thought that the night breeze would be cold so I prepared some tea. Would you like to join me?
Dont be so polite. I will take it.
Lizelotte who was standing on the balcony headed for a nearby table.
Finne quickly brewed the tea on the table and presented it to Lizelotte.
Drinking the hot tea, Lizelotte rtedly exhaled.
She then slowly looked up to the sky.
The stars are beautiful today.
Yeah..but I hate it.
Why so?
The question serves two meanings.
Why do you hate it?
And why are you watching it even though you hate it?
Understanding both meanings, Lizelotte drank her tea with a bitter smile.
It was starry like this too when I experienced the worst thing in my life. It is truly a hateful sky.
that is sad isnt it.
Is it? Why do you think so?
There are always stars in the sky. Even if they are hidden by the clouds they would still peek out sometimes. Thats why it would always remind you of that experience. That is saddont you think?
..yeah, I really cant forget.
Lizelotte said so and looked at her palm.
There were two days that Lizelotte regarded as the worst day of her life.
Both of them have a starry sky like this.
The first time was when she received the news of her mother, Amelia the Second Consorts death.
It was a night like this that she received the report and headed to the capital to hold her mothers already cold body.
The second time happened in this very ce, the north.
She received a report that it was only a skirmish. However, she had a bad feeling and ran to the north with all her might.
And it was under such a starry sky that she held the body of the Crown Prince who died by a stray arrow.
She couldnt make it.
She could do nothing about it.
Ive won many battles but Ive never forgotten the helplessness I felt on those days.
You can not forgive yourself can you.
.even with a womans body, I picked up the sword because I want to protect someone. But I couldnt protect those who I want to protect the most. I am always toote
during the rebellion in the capital. When everyone thought that everything is finished, it was Lizelotte-sama who came for us. Please dont say that you are always toote. You may not be able to save your mother and brother but did you not save your father and your siblings?
right. Back then, I was able to act in time.you could say that was a small victory for me.
Lizelotte sips on her tea again.
Then, before she knew it, her cup was already empty.
Immediately realizing that, Finne brewed a second cup for her.
Sorry.
Its okay, I am used to it.
Finne.you are somehow simr to my mother. I think the reason why Father chose you was that he felt that from you.
The Second Consort Amelia is it. I was once told by Al-samas mother that I am simr to her. What kind of person was she?
she was a gentle person. Always care about others and take care of them. When I went to work at the border, she gave me a charm, praying that I wont get hurt. She was not the most talented among all the consorts but.she was loved by Father. She was a mother who was loved by everyone.
I have heard that no matter how many consorts there are, His Majestys love for the Second Consort never diminished. This is my personal opinion but she must have been a wonderful person.
She was not so wonderful. She was always forgetful and yed pranks all the time..but, she was strong. It was her who taught me the importance of protecting others.
Then, she was like a teacher to Lizelotte-sama as well right.
A teacher huh..well, I guess so.
Lizelotte drinks the tea with a smile.
She then looked up at the sky again.
Just then.
The clouds cover the stars.
Seeing that, Lizelotte stood up.
After all, there is no meaning in staying here any longer.
Well, I think its about time I excuse myself. Thank you for the tea.
Is that soI wanted to talk more though.
Lets save that for the next time.
Saying so, Lizelotte tries to leave.
While looking at her back as she walks away, Finne asks her a question.
May I ask one final question?
It was delicious tea. I will answer you for that.
Thank you very much. Then let me ask. Why did you choose this time to remember your worst memory?
You already knew the answer. It was to recall the powerlessnessand the fury I had back then.
.that fury, do you think you can control it, Lizelotte-sama?
Who knows. But.it is the truth that this is the only ce where I can settle it. I can not suppress this feeling.
Saying so, Lizelotte smirk.
She was prepared to be criticized for it.
However, Finnes reply was unexpected.
I see..I pray that Lizelotte-sama can make peace with your past.
you are not going to criticize me for it?
Feeling angry is normal for a person. But if you let it out and bring harm to others then at that time I might have to.
My n is to burn the Dominion down to the ground though?
A n is only a n. Lizelotte-sama still hasnt acted on it yet after all.
Dont you think that it will be toote by then?
That might be the case butthat is not my ce to say anything.
Not your ce?
We all have our own role to y. I can talk to you but it is not me who has to actually stop or find a way topromise with Lizelotte-sama.
Who do you say that such a role belongs to?
Well? I think that Lizelotte-sama already has the answer for that.
Saying so, Finne smiled and began putting away the tea set.
After erasing the face of the person who came up to her mind, Lizelotte turned her back on Finne and walked away.
She already recalled her fury.
And she has already decided to settle it here.