Chapter 211Previous
Lil cut her hair with the dagger as if she was cutting a rope. Her hair was tougher than she expected, and she had the impression that it was getting longer and longer as she cut it. After finishing both sides, she brushed through it with her fingers. Her hair was still falling out between her fingers, but it was much less than a week ago, indicating that her health was improving. However, Lils impatience remained the sa. She got even more anxious when she looked around town today.
Lil, whose confidence suddenly plumted, slumped and chose her pyjamas. There were more than ten kinds of formal nightgowns waiting for her, ranging from a nightcap for her head to linen smocks and negligees to shawls and lace gloves. Lil took only the negligee and put it over her head. As she was about to leave the room with a thick gown over her shoulders, she looked back at her desk. The envelope she had received from Cesar caught her attention.
It seems that he has made up his mind during those two months, he appeared much calr than the last ti I saw him. Even so, he mustve been shaken by eting
so unexpectedly I truly felt sorry for Cesar today. He had been nothing but anxious and at a loss for the entire ti we were together. I also feel sorry that it was all my fault Ive been regretting it for a long ti now
But when Lil recalled the painful days, hate was mixed with her feeling of regret.
It was on the other hand botherso that I couldnt finish the things I tried so hard to pursue. I was stuck.
Lil soon brushed off her petty thoughts.
The truth is that we were both suffering ntally. Its not about comparing who was treated more unfairly
She squeezed the envelope tightly.
All I want for Cesar is to be happy If he heard this, he would probably consider it as arrogance that would offend him, but I cant help but wish him well Its kind of ironic that Im now worrying that hell miss
and be unhappy for the rest of his life Thats right. Its probably my pride speaking.
Why arent you coming?
Oh, God.
Surprised by the voice coming from the door, Lil straightened her gown.
It hasnt been that long since they told
you would wait? Why did you already co running here?
Ive been waiting a long ti actually. About an hour now.
An hour?
When did ti pass like that?
Lil put down the envelope, pretending nothing was wrong.
I like the library.
Why?
Its really grand. Ive never seen a place with so many books.
It wasnt empty talk. The library in this mansion was as large as several banquet halls combined. It wasnt an independent library*, but the collection was nonetheless enormous. Rows of bookshelves occupied the two-story high walls, a lounge was made in the centre, and a dark chandelier descended from the vaulted ceiling. If that wasnt enough, various types of desks and chairs were arranged along the lounge as well.
I once told Ed that I envy his access to nurous books. What did he tell
back then?
{ This all is just shaful history. Its the history of inferiority. }
{ What are you talking about? }
{ You shouldnt be saying that youre envious when Im actually the one who should be. }
I used to gloss over words that didnt make sense to , but I still cant figure out what Ed couldve ant even now. Ed sotis says things that I just dont understand, but to be honest, I dont bother to ask either Similarly, Ed doesnt seem to feel the need to add more.
Then I will wait for you there next ti.
After silently closing the door, Ed ca to stand next to Lil instead of standing opposite her.
..?
Isnt it more convenient to look at the map together?
Eds remark made Lil frown, but she couldnt deny that he had a point.
Once in a while, he cos up with such rational argunts that are impossible to refute
She cast a glance at Ed, who was sitting on the desk, staring down at the map. Eds glasses were always a mystery to her.
It amazes
how two glass beads can make people look so different.
The more Lil was captivated by Eds intelligent and lucid aura, the more she forgot she was blatantly staring at him
Just look at
plainly.
Ack!
Lil suddenly ca to her senses and vainly slamd the desk.
Whenever I put them on, you often glance at . Thats why Im wearing them again today.
No way?
Do you like them that much?
Wha, what! What?!
As she opened her eyes, sothing landed on the bridge of her nose.
Glasses.
Caught I got unnecessarily caught up with him again
Lil froze while staring crossed-eyed at the glass beads in front of her, but quickly brushed them off and threw them away.
Nonsense! They only make
look stupid.
Her resentnt was not diminished when she thought of how ridiculous she might have appeared.
You really want to die, dont you? Huh?
It was a threat that obviously wasnt working on Ed, who was already laughing, even to the point he had to cover his mouth as if he was trying to hold himself back while his shoulders visibly trembled. Despite her annoyed expression and pouting mouth, Lil appeared only cute in Eds eyes. It was then that he heard a faint murmur coming from her.
If I get even more enraged, Ill only end up getting caught up with him again. I have to be tolerant tolerant
Lil took a deep breath like a person exercising a great deal of patience. She straightened out the map and reverently placed the paperweights. Roahns unwrinkled land greeted Lil majestically. However, the mont of peace was short-lived because Eds face suddenly intervened and covered the streets of Roahn.
Didnt you say you wouldnt co back in forever?
Lil imdiately pushed Eds face away and snapped at him.
And I thought you were stoned to death?
Lil sat down on the chair she had pulled out. When she fumbled with the edge of the map for no reason, Ed likewise sat down on the chair next to her still hovering his face over the streets. Lil glanced at Ed reluctantly and gripped his shoulder sharply.
Go away.
Instead of complying with her request, Ed spoke without even looking at Lils fingers.
You cut your hair.
I dont think thats important right now, so pull yourself together and help
out here. The ti for pranks is over.
Why?
We have a lot of work to do. Now, look at the map.
What made you change it?
Again, hes unnecessarily obstinate.
But rather than avoiding providing an answer, Lil chose to answer his question roughly. In her experience, this was the better solution when dealing with Ed.
But, just how limitless is this persons curiosity?
Its because Im more comfortable with short hair. Imagine that youre . Would you like to go to Gualtiero with your waist-length hair? And with hair that falls out in clumps every day?
Then why did you let it grow till this point? Werent you uncomfortable sweeping the Bell Rocks deck with your long hair
Ed shut himself up upon realising the reason himself. Lil, on the other hand, pretended not to notice his expression which had turned in one full of murderous intent.
She didnt know what to say.
Should I ask him to forgive Cesar? To forget him? Or should I say that Im sorry because it was all because of ?
I looked around for possible escape routes today.
Really?
Thankfully, Ed joined their conversation in a gentle way.
Look here. Ive been to City Hall Square, but I think the plan needs to be revised. No matter how much we disguise ourselves, it will be impossible to move dozens of people all at once. With bandits and holess people in every alley at night, there are just too many witnesses.
So Why dont we use identity guarantees?
Ed crossed his arms disapprovingly before answering.
Identity guarantees? What guarantees?
This
..?
Lil held out the envelope to Ed but hesitated. She planned to use this to turn the topic around, but this too couldnt be discussed without ntioning Cesar.
I should be the first to admit that we t. It would be even stranger if I remain silent when I have nothing to hide. Nonetheless, Ed will be upset with whatever I say
Lil sighed in resignation.
Today, Cesar
Ed, who was leaning in his chair, raised his upper body. As the chair creaked due to his movent, his face fell out of range of the lantern light.
As the ambient temperature seed to drop, his cold face asked.
Where?
At the market, by chance.
Ed, who had been horribly silent at first, proceeded to speak slowly.
Wasnt sparing his life enough?
Footnote:
Independent library: An independent library (also mbership library or subscription library) is a library that is financed by private funds either from mbership fees or endownts. Unlike a public library, access is often restricted to mbers, but access rights can also be given to non-mbers, such as students.
In the 18th century, there were virtually no public libraries in the sense in which we now understand the term i.e. libraries provided from public funds and freely accessible to all However, during the century, there ca into being a whole network of library provisions on a private or institutional basis. [WIKI]
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