Lazarus Peirsaly

15. A Prelude to Destruction

"Exhaustion has been catching up to me. It's fine, I can push through it."

"You may be able to do such a thing, but you should not do it. Rest is important to all creatures, from human to insect." She lightly squeezes me. Today is different from usual, so I'm more drawn into the conversation than when I think of it another moment in a cycle.

"I'll keep that in mind. How was that little gathering?"

"So it was you... I did eye someone that I believed to be you in the crowd, but I was unable to tell for sure due to the speed at which they left."

"What, were you looking for me?"

"Of course I was. The events are unenjoyable since I am barred from doing anything other than sitting there. Seeing you would grant me happiness to indulge in whilst I await for it to be over."

"You should've told me that in advance. I would've been there to stay."

"I am sorry, I keep forgetting about your lack of memory. I had assumed you would be there to begin with, but to be clueless about your past may lead you to not care about the gathering..."

"Yeah. Took the words out of my mouth." She saved me from having to make up an excuse. In truth, I just had a feeling it would be boring. Who would want to sit there and listen to people blabber on about politics and the sorts for hours? I guess I do work and live alone now so something like that would be important to keep up on, but it doesn't matter until it personally affects me.

"Then next month, I would like you to attend. How fares your living situation?" She finally releases me as we sit side by side.

"I've moved out. Renting a room in an inn now."

"Such a way of living shouldn't be what you settle for... You are still free to live in the castle if you so wish. It would be no trouble to have you become a maid or some other position."

"And I'll turn it down again. Having to act prim and proper isn't who I am. Curtsying and bowing whenever some rich people walk by... Just the thought annoys me."

"Your stubbornness will never change, it seems. I admire your ability to stand by what you believe in."

"It's probably more stupid than stubborn. Tossing away luxury for laziness."

"Lavish living does not bring you happiness. You should live the way you want to, not force yourself to slave through life for no enjoyment."

"Yeah, I think that's my mindset..."

"You're more receptive. Thank goodness..." Hiev suddenly hugs my arm again.

"Where's this coming from all of a sudden?"

"I can tell you were listlessly drifting along these past nights. It was as if you weren't fully here." Huh, I thought I hid it well. My skills are failing me.

"I was, but how'd you know?"

"Because you are the one that I love. It is only natural that I would sense any change."

"Scary, I'm being psychoanalyzed."

"Don't joke it off, Ansietria. But speaking of that... I do find myself curious about you, even past my devotion. I am happy to simply be with you, but I do wish to learn more. I want you to tell me everything, a chance to speak your heart out. I feel that you have lacked the ability to do so. If you are fine with me, I wish to be the one who can hear what lies within it."

"An interrogation then? Ask away." I close my eyes and lean back to relax and focus.

"Your dreams for the future. I would like to know them."