The Demon's Bride

Fair-I

Elise pulled a rounded chair next to the window and took a seat. She leaned her head on the hand that was resting in the window sill and glanced to see a fire torch aglow from the house beside her and remembered the little Sulix that she befriended was also able to use fire magic.

"Aryl, are you there?" Elise asked a little hesitant. Although she couldn't see the Sulix for nine years, she remembered that Aryl had always stayed by her side after she left the Mansion.

To her disappointment, Aryl didn't reply. Even if Aryl did reply, Elise wouldn't be able to hear her with the red bracelet on her wrist surpassing her power. She knew it yet couldn't help herself to feel disappointed. "I'm guessing that you're here." Elise pulled a cheerful guess and leaned to continue her chatter.

"The test to work in the Church would be held next week, the day after my birthday. I hope I could do well." She hummed a melody that she learned in White's Mansion for a few moments. It was a song That man sang all the time. Her eyelashes fluttered down a little and when a small yawn escaped Elise decided to tuck herself in to end the day.

When the small chickadee came to hang on the yellowish branches near her house, they sang out a bright melody and brought the morning to the land. Elise began her day with a light stretch for her sore body and followed by making breakfast. As today the house had an extra two people, the dishes that she made were a little extravagant. She was too delighted by the little baby that would soon be born from her aunt and couldn't help but make nutritious food with them in thought.

Diana who woke up a little late after her unending chat with Sharon went to the kitchen to see various food had been made in the early morning. "Elise."

Elise heard her mother calling her and turned her face to see her gazing at the food that she made and scratched her head with a giggle. "I guess I was a little too worked up today."

"I've told you to take easy, didn't I?" Diana scolded but her tone had a sense of proudness in it. "Did you forgot that you studied too much two days ago until you fainted? You should be resting not working when you had the chance to do so. I can take care of household care."

"This isn't too much." Elise wiped her hand on the white apron above her dress. "It's a rather simple dishes and I'm stronger than what you thought, mother." She gave a peck on Diana's cheek and left the kitchen to serve the food in the dining table.

When she was on her way to the dining room, William appeared out of nowhere and clutched his hand on his older sister's skirt. "Good morning. I'll help you, sis."

"Good morning, Will. You don't need to help me, ah could you just take the plate there?"

William turned her drowsy eyes and nodded adorably. "Uh-huh."

Elise turned back to see her little brother walking in drowsiness toward the dining room and giggled. No matter how old William is, his adorableness is always endearing.

After the family ate their breakfast, Russel and Sharon had to go back to their house. They waited for the coach to arrive with their small trunk that they prepared to stay for a day.

"Are you sure you wouldn't want to stay a little longer here?" Gilbert asked and saw Russel shooking his head.

"I have to go and bring my darling to her mother's house now. Their town is near here so we thought to stop for a few days, but the weather wouldn't do well if we travel late. Don't worry, we will come next week to attend Elise's birthday." Russel promised.

Elise half-knelt in front of Sharon to rub her aunt's stomach gently and at some occasion placed her ears to hear the sign of life that was inside Sharon's stomach. "What would you name her, aunty?"