There was No One Beside Her

The time has come to depart.

‘When should I return?’

As Cecile pondered, her appetite suddenly dropped. Even the desserts she had eagerly selected now felt like a hurdle.

She stood blankly for a moment before shaking her head.

She lacked strength when hungry. First, it was time to eat.

‘Right. I bought dessert, so let’s fill my stomach first.’

Cecile diligently hastened her steps. Opting to visit her preferred diner was only logical in this situation.

As she neared her destination, the delightful aroma tantalized her senses, and the chatter created a welcoming atmosphere.

Furthermore, Cecile’s favorite window seat was vacant at the moment.

She entered the franchise, took a seat, and placed the dessert bag beside her. She raised her hand and called out to the owner.

“Here please!”

“Right on the way! Oh my, you’re here again~”

The owner promptly swiftly took her order. Cecile pointed randomly at the worn-out menu and determined her pick.

However, even as she remained seated in anticipation of a hearty meal, her appetite stood vacant.

‘Should I have not come here?’

A tightness enveloped her chest. It seemed today wasn’t the right day.

Cecile ultimately decided to leave the restaurant. It wouldn’t be good to force a meal.

‘Let’s go and rest up first.’

She put on her robe and left banknotes to pay for her order on the table.

The store owner rushed over and inquired over the loyal customer’s peculiar behavior.

“Ma’am, are you leaving already?”

“Yes. I feel a bit unwell today.”

Her hand didn’t even reach the dessert bag. Eventually, Cecile offered her precious cake to the owner.

“You can take this.”

“Ah, of course.”

The owner was surprised by the unusual behavior of the regular customer but found the offer difficult to refuse. She eagerly accepted the precious dessert.

Cecile left the store lightheartedly. She didn’t feel well and was eager to return to her residence.

However, a group of members emerged from the darkness, blocking Cecile’s path.

‘Why, at a time like this.’

Cecile frowned, but the gang showed no sign of retreating easily.

They seemed to have heard rumors circulating about an old woman reputed for her wealth, looking at how they openly brandished weapons and threatened Cecile.

“Hey, Granny. I heard you have a lot of money.”

“… Please take this and get out of the way.”

“Wow, you’re giving it away so obediently? Granny must be filthy rich, right?”

But they showed no intention of retreating. In a world filled with turmoil, it had become only expected for people to prey on others.

Even the weak and elderly were easy targets. They openly tapped Cecile on the shoulder and gave out threats.

“Talk. How much money do you have? Where do you live? It’s nice to share, isn’t it?”

Despite the sarcastic tone, Cecile remained silent.

Cecile had already enveloped herself in a silver aura, a protection stronger than any armor.

Therefore, such threats posed no threat to Cecile; it was merely an annoyance.

How could she deal with this vicious group of strays quietly and without attracting attention?

‘What should I do?’

Cecile surveyed them expressionlessly and formulated a plan.

The strategy was to entice them into a secluded alley and then knock them out.

Quietly and discreetly.

Cecile lifted her head, glanced at the rowdy group, and whispered.

“If I offer you more money, will you back off?”

“Y-yeah! For sure!”

Those who had been defiant moments ago now eagerly nodded in response to Cecile’s question.

Cecile turned around, leaving them expectantly awaiting the promised funds.

“Then follow me.”

The gang trailed Cecile, wagging their tails like docile dogs. She was relieved that they were more compliant than she had anticipated.

Had a confrontation erupted, she might have been forced to reveal her strength.

While controlling her abilities wasn’t challenging, an elderly woman defeating several young men would undoubtedly attract attention.

Cecile disliked that prospect; she preferred to remain unnoticed.

‘Next time, I’ll have to transform into a young man.’

With that thought in mind, Cecile led them into a very dark and deep alley.

The alley was so dim that even the gang members struggled to find their way through. A pervasive odor of a dirty gutter filled the air.

‘This should be sufficient.’

As Cecile, ensuring there was no one around, prepared to face the gangsters, someone blocked her path.

It was Teresa.

With her auburn hair neatly tied up and fierce eyes fixed on the ruffians behind her, Teresa did not hesitate to unsheathe her sword.

Cecile’s voice quivered slightly at Teresa’s sudden appearance.

“Teresa?”

“Forgive my rudeness. I will give my greetings later.”

A sharp sword descended upon the troublemakers who had been anticipating easy money.

The movements were too swift for average eyes to follow, and the group of vagabonds found themselves unable to evade, mouths agape in shock.

They didn’t even have time to brandish their weapons, as Teresa swiftly struck them on the back with her sword sheath.

“Ugh!”

With agonizing cries, the group of vagabonds fell into the realm of unconsciousness. One even had white foam erupting from the corner of his mouth.

After disposing of all threats, Teresa knelt on one knee before Cecile.

Not even a minute or two had passed.

Her attire remained unruffled, even after demonstrating her skills.

Admiration escaped Cecile’s lips at the sight.

“Teresa, you… that’s amazing.”

“That’s too much praise.”

Teresa continued to kneel.

Only then did Cecile realize that she hadn’t instructed Teresa to rise, and a sigh escaped her lips.

“Teresa. You may get up.”

“Yes.”

“And you don’t have to worry about etiquette so much in front of me.”

“… Is that an order?”

“It is.”

“Then I will obey.”

Teresa’s polite voice momentarily stole Cecile’s breath.

It has been two years.

This was the first familiar person she had seen in two years, and her mere presence made Cecile feel uneasy.

Although this person had helped her escape hell.

Cecile fell silent for a moment and then cautiously asked Teresa.

“Teresa. Did you come to retrieve me?”

She carefully observed Teresa’s complexion. Contrary to her anxieties about what might have happened to her, Teresa appeared fine.

Simultaneously feeling relief and concern, Cecile couldn’t bear the worry that crept in.

The thought crossed her mind that Teresa might have come here to force Cecile back to the Imperial palace.

She had contemplated going back, but never did she imagine being coerced into it.

‘But if I refuse, Teresa might face consequences.’

A shadow cast over Cecile’s face. It was Teresa, after all.

Cecile was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t even consider how Teresa had recognized her. Meanwhile, Teresa approached Cecile.

She whispered as she straightened Cecile’s hair, which had become disheveled after the commotion.

“Is that possible?”

“…Huh?”

“I’m glad you look happy.”

A faint smile appeared on Teresa’s face, easing Cecile’s anxiety.

Only then did Cecile realize the rudeness of her question.

Rather than expressing gratitude towards her benefactor’s help, she was doubting them.

Cecile couldn’t help but feel ashamed of herself as she lowered her head. In response, Teresa embraced Cecile tightly and whispered something in her ear.

“Your Majesty, the group trying to take you to the imperial palace has arrived right in front of us. You must run away now.”

Cecile’s eyes widened at Teresa’s words.

Beneath her thick eyelashes, anxious pupils scanned her surroundings.

Then, amidst the darkness, she spotted a familiar face.

Someone she could never forget.

There, in front of Cecile, stood an overwhelming force that made it difficult for her to even breathe.

A lament escaped Cecile’s mouth as she met Arbeuta’s gaze.

“…Arbeuta.”

“Cecile.”

As soon as her name was called, Arbeuta advanced a step forward.

It was a cautious gesture as if seeking her permission to continue.

Could it be that he was overjoyed at meeting Cecile after two years?

His eyes, overflowing with joy, gleamed menacingly. Cecile stood frozen in place, unable to move.

Teresa urged Cecile once more.

“Run away. Right now.”

The firmness in her voice corrected Cecile’s clouded judgment.

Only then did Cecile, who had stood frozen, quickly unleash her powers.

Cecile could utilize her powers during the night, and it was now dark, with a long way to go until the sun rose.

For the current Cecile, avoiding detection was no problem.

Of course, she would run away with Teresa.

‘Now is the time for me to save Teresa.’

Cecile spread her arms. At the same time, a silver energy enveloped the bodies of both Cecile and Teresa.

Arbeuta, who had hesitated for a moment, leaped and reached out his hand toward Cecile. However, Cecile’s supernatural ability prevented Arbeuta from even touching the hem of her clothes.

“Cecile, please!”

A mournful plea escaped Arbeuta’s mouth. But Cecile had already vanished from the dark alley.

The street was once again shrouded in darkness as if she had never existed.

Arbeuta’s body swayed greatly. Cecile disappeared before his eyes.

He tried to approach her cautiously but ended up grasping at emptiness.

Arbeuta stood in despair.

While restlessly fumbling through the empty air where Cecile had vanished, a faint scent reached the tip of Arbeuta’s nose.

In place of Cecile’s presence, all that remained was a clouded haze, devoid of its master.

“Cecile… .”

Arbeuta called her name in a weary voice, but Cecile was nowhere to be found.

Ting. The pendulum around his neck swayed precariously.

___

Cecile returned home safely with Teresa.

Having skillfully erased all traces, there was no way for Arbeuta to pursue her again.

Cecile could never return to Alcaden again. She could simply reside in peace within her beloved home.

For years, she had lived like that and feigned ignorance of the world surrounding her.

But she now realized that the time had come for her to leave.

‘I need to go.’

When she encountered Arbeuta earlier, fear had driven her to flee.

‘But I can’t delay this any longer.’

Judging by Arbeuta’s movements, it seemed that she couldn’t delay the matter any further.

After making her mind up, Cecile turned and looked at Teresa.

________

Note: onm I did not expect that… I’m becoming more and more suspicious of Teresa..