Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter XXXVI: Cateline

Alice entered Cateline's lavishly decorated chamber, an environment reminiscent of her own bedroom in this estate, adorned with intricate elements reflecting the prevailing style of the era. Alice's chamber looks stale compared to Cateline's chamber.

Alice: "Did you personally decorate this space?"
Cateline: "Indeed," she responded, a subtle fluster apparent in her demeanor.
Alice: "How pleasant."
Cateline: "Thank you."

Taking their seats at the elegantly appointed table and chair in the chamber, Cateline inquired:

Cateline: "Tisane, wine, milk, or ale?"
Alice: "Lemon tisane would suffice."
Cateline: "In the evening?"
Alice: "It's acceptable. I find myself disinclined to indulge in more wine..." Alice delicately touched her secretly-growing belly.

During this era, the consumption of alcohol was deemed safer than water itself, and wine typically contained a modest 2% alcohol content.

Cateline graciously served a dried lemon hot tisane to Alice.
Alice: "Thank you."

Alice: "You can actually speak Castilian flawlessly."
Cateline: "Well, for you, I do. Just not for their family." She chuckles.

In a whispered exchange, Cateline broached a more delicate topic. Cateline: "Now, could you return what is rightfully mine?"
Alice: "What do you mean?"

A brief pause hung in the air.

Cateline: "That small, sharp object."
Alice: "Ah!"

Alice retrieved a small folded knife discreetly tucked within her corset, her little secret 'savior'.

Alice: "So, this actually belongs to you?"
Cateline deftly reclaimed the item, concealing it with practiced ease.
Cateline: "Yes. Why not seize the opportunity to end Richaud's life?"

Alice hesitated before responding,
Alice: "... I don't really have a reason to do harm to Sir Richaud. But, Thank you for lending me your fancy knife."
Cateline: "He is an old, vile man. You just don't know him yet."

Alice gulped.

Cateline continued her revelation, Cateline: "My father was a loyal French knight. One fateful day, my hometown fell prey to these vile Spaniards, and my poor father lost his life. Then, all I knew was taken from me – my land, my home, my rights, even my very existence. Now, everything belongs to Sir Richaud, a gift bestowed by the Navarre Queen as if I were a mere present." Cateline's eyes burned with anger.

Alice expressed her sympathy:
Alice: "I'm sorry to hear that."

Alice: "I hope I can help you more. I am in the same hopeless situation as you."

Cateline, intrigued, questioned her presence, Cateline: "So, why? Why are you here? I heard your family is quite well-off."

Alice gazed into the flickering candlelight, lost in her thoughts, Alice: "... I fell in love with someone I'm not supposed to. We got caught and his matriarch decided to separate us with all her might. And, of course, I am a mere commoner— not deemed suitable for him at all. Long story short, I've become nothing but a source of shame in my family, and of course in that town." Her eyes reflected nothing but shadow of the memories.

Cateline, her tone tinged with bitterness, revealed a harsh reality, Cateline: "We're merely vessels to give birth to their little devils." Her hands tightened, conveying a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance.

In an attempt to inject some levity, Alice ventured a jest, Alice: "Well, at least our dear sire cannot possibly 'torture' us for too long in bed, considering he's already... old and gold." Alice playfully sported a mischievous grin.

Cateline erupted into laughter, quickly muffling the sound with her hand, finding amusement in Alice's unexpected humor. Cateline: "Alice!" She continued to laugh.

As their laughter echoed within the chamber, the jovial moment abruptly ceased when Madam Mohn's maid, appearing with a stern and suspicious expression, opened the door. She informed Alice that it was time to retire to her own chamber, signaling the approaching bedtime.

Alice bid farewell to Cateline, expressing gratitude for the company, and withdrew to her own room to rest for the night. The door softly closed behind her, leaving the chamber in serene silence.