The Silent Heir

Chapter 16

"How is she?" Rose whispered as Emma gently closes the door.

"She needs rest. Her body needs time to fully recover, but I think she will be fine." Emma smiled warmly, the tightness within her chest had lightened significantly.

"That's... well it's not good, but it could be worse..." Rose whispered melancholy as she stared at the door.

The older sister's eyes filled with worry as Emma nodded back. "I could only pray for our luck. Though I have to say, she does remind me of a certain someone." Emma said as Rose visibly flinched.

"P-please sister, I was young back then." Rose said as she hastened her steps, giving Emma little time to give her own piece. Sensing an opportunity she seldom receives now, the older sister pounces on the opportunity.

"Oh? But I have never thought such a rough lady could become so sweet today?" Rose reddens further as Emma could only laugh at her reaction.

"...But she's worse off than me..." Rose added weakly, the heavy silence settled in once more.

"I had time but... kalva be damn, she is too young sister." Rose said in pity, finding her gaze drifting back towards the door, worry filled her eyes. Emma could not help but give a small smile. You've grown so much, sister. The older sister thought before replying.

"It could not be helped." Emma finally replied with a sigh. "What's done is done, we could not change the past as much as we wanted to. We could only change the future and live the present." Rose nodded in agreement as they continued to walk.

"So... what should we do?" Rose asked. Emma sadly could not give her a clear answer.

"I...I am not sure sister... but I do know we have to help her." Rose nodded her head in reply as Emma continued. "I do not know what exactly, but we will figure it out... somehow." Emma said sullenly.

"Ah sister Emma, sister Rose! Good timing, I've been looking for you two." The two stopped in their tracks as a man appeared around the corner. It was the same red-haired man that Lucy brought the grain with prior and the archer who teamed up with Rose.

The two eyed the man warily as Emma replies. "Can we help you, sir Seth?" Emma asked.

"Please, call me Seth instead." Seth smiled as Emma shook her head.

"With all the gifts you had given us sir Seth, I believe it is only right. Besides... I doubt we could save any children if we were left to fend for ourselves." The relief within the sister's eyes sparkled amidst the light.

"It's just a house with some provisions." Seth replied weakly, embarrassed by the praise.

"Calling this manor a house would be a disservice wouldn't it?" Emma said with a smile, reminiscing on the shock and relief she and the others had felt when she saw the stone manor first. Before, she worried their dwindling supply would prove to be a harsh winter. Now, she can eat and sleep through the winter from all the donations Seth had given.

Seth sighed, finally relenting to the nun. "But I must ask." Emma added in. "...What do you intend to do with us with these gifts?" Seth gave a plain smile like that of a merchant.

"Have I not told you before dear sister Emma? It is all in goodwill." Seth replied as Emma slightly frowns.

"...Forgive me for the rudeness sir Seth, but I do not believe you have given us these things without compensation..." Emma said as the smile Seth had slowly crumbled.

"... Don't be mistaken, I am grateful of course, but I wish to know why you are doing this... the real reason..." Emma said as Seth had a complex expression. It looked as if he was calculating the words he was about to say next.