Chapter 130
Day after day, they thought of dying—then, just as often, they thought of killing instead.
Of course, at first, they rebelled violently.
That lasted a week, two weeks… But after realizing that the Nu tribe’s priest—whom they had clung to as a last hope—was nothing special, they lost nearly all will to live.
Perhaps they would never be able to return.
They received two meals a day, but that was all.
Maybe they would end their lives here, in the burning heat of the south.
Their parents couldn’t save them. Neither could their friends.
They had survived, but this place, where they had nothing, was hell itself.
To them, the people of the south were nothing but demons.
A land devoid of the arts they had once cherished.
A place where mere survival was the only goal.
They could no longer bear it. Day after day, they endured, weeping.
And then, they heard the news.
The king and queen were going to the capital!
Nicoletta’s choice was simple.
“Please… Please take me with you. It’s all my fault. I was arrogant—I’m sorry. I must have been out of my mind. I didn’t know my place. How could I… How could I dare before the princess—no, the queen…? Please forgive me…!”
This was the only way. Her last chance at survival.
Nicoletta threw away all her pride and clung to Siren’s ankles.
Daphne hadn’t come with her, but that didn’t matter. Whether Daphne returned or not, she herself wanted to go back. She was desperate.
“I—I’ll do anything. I’ll serve you for the entire journey. Even after we arrive! You’ll need attendants when you get there—I can do it! I’ll be useful in Wilkeron. You know my standing in high society!”
Nicoletta’s desperate cry rang through the courtyard.
People glanced her way, but she gritted her teeth and ignored them.
Right now, Wilkeron’s high society was likely hostile toward “Siren Wilkeron.”
If Siren wanted to maintain her position as queen, she would need ladies-in-waiting. Wouldn’t it be convenient for both of them if she took her?
“Nicoletta.”
She had been nearly screaming when a cold voice called her name, making her flinch and look up.
Through her tear-blurred vision, she saw Siren Wilkeron’s hardened face.
At some point, the queen had gained an air of dignity… Yes, she had to admit it.
Siren was no longer the person Nicoletta had tormented.
“Let go of my ankle and stand up.”
“Y-Yes…!”
If she obeyed, maybe she would take her along.
Nicoletta shot to her feet and wiped at her eyes furiously.
Her face was a mess, even snot running down her nose.
Back in Wilkeron, and even when she had first arrived here, she had never let herself go like this.
She had once been filled with the pride of a noble lady, but none of that mattered anymore.
If only she could return, there was nothing she wouldn’t do.
“Hah. Honestly, I have no reason to take you. You do understand that, don’t you? After everything you’ve done to me.”
“T-That’s…”
I should have been better.
If only I had known. If I could have seen the future, I never would have tormented Siren.
She admitted she had been contemptible.
But… but she had only sided with the more powerful faction.
That was simply how one survived in high society.
She felt bad for not protecting Siren when she was ostracized, but if she had taken Siren’s side, she would have been treated the same way.
Nicoletta had only ever wanted to be on the winning side.
Was that so wrong?
“I—I was wrong… Hic, sob, I was wrong… Hwaaah…!”
In the end, Nicoletta broke down in wailing sobs.
Injustice flooded through her like a waterfall.
She began to weep so uncontrollably that she could no longer contain herself, but Siren only gazed at her with a dispassionate look.
She made no move to comfort her.
“I have no need for a lady-in-waiting who cries so much.”
“Hic… Sniff, hic…”
“I wonder just how much you could actually do for me.”
“P-Please use me for a few days! I—I’ll serve you… I’ll wait on you. If I do well, please take me with you…!”
She didn’t outright tell me to get lost. There’s still hope.
Nicoletta, still sniffling, did look rather pitiful.
If only she hadn’t been one of the ones who had led the charge in tormenting her.
Siren’s gaze swept over her, devoid of emotion. Then, without a word, she turned away.
As if to say, follow if you want, or don’t—it was up to her.
Moving that hardened heart was now Nicoletta’s task.
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