18th May, East Borough, in the wealthy villa of Earl Throne.
Skyler found herself in Evelyn's luxurious mansion. Secretly invited by her friend and the esteemed Earl and Countess Throne to celebrate and honor the fourteenth anniversary of the passing of Evelyn's parents.
Sitting on a couch draped in pristine fabric in the living room, she crossed her legs as she read the newspaper. The walls were adorned with ornate moldings, and a large framed painting of Evelyn's family was in plain sight above the fireplace. A majestic golden chandelier surrounded by crystals hangs from the center of the ceiling, catching Skyler's attention.
She took a few seconds to admire the beauty of her friend's living room, remembering once again how elegant it was. As she continued to leaf through the pages, her eyes were immediately drawn to the page title: "A Priestess Committed An Extreme Act."
"Found it." Skyler swallowed hard, her fingers shaking.
From the last conversation she had with Susie, she wanted to dig deeper into the suicide of the priestess in the Duskfall capital.
Duskfall, a Kingdom of golden sand dunes located in the Southern Continent with a rich history, had always surprised her since she was little. Well, though she preferred the Aetheria Kingdom.
"26th April 1439, the priestess Malak Misfud, a 52 year old elderly woman was found dead in her mansion. The corpse was found hanging in the hall by one of the maids around 9:00 am. After carrying out preliminary investigations, the detectives and FB5 concluded that it was suicide, but the reason behind this act still remains a mystery. According to the statements provided by the maids, the evening before her suicide, the priestess went out for a business meeting, but when she returned, she went to her rooms without having dinner. Her death shocked the entire community, and on the 3rd of May, Pharaoh Seti Jechonias organized a funeral in her honor."
"Why would a wealthy and beloved lady commit such an act?" Skyler was aghast by what she read.
She couldn't muster the courage to look away from the image of the crime scene.
"Sorry if I took too long, Miss Skyler."
Just when she was completely absorbed, a female voice interrupted Skyler's thoughts, making her lower the newspaper to her nose.
Peering, she glimpsed at the figure of a young, strawberry blonde woman with blue eyes. She was wearing a black long-sleeved dress and a white apron. The woman placed a porcelain cup with embroidered flowers on the brown table next to Skyler.
"Um, eh, thanks for the tea, Agnes." Skyler thanked, placing the newspaper on the table.
"It's always an honor for me to be able to serve my mistress's friend, and a dear person to me." Agnes advocated, bowing her head.
Skyler looked at the steaming cup, feeling the aroma enter her nostrils. She took the cup delicately.
"Is Evelyn still in her room changing?" She asked.
"Yes, but it shouldn't take long." Agnes sat down on the adjacent couch, her voice became feeble, "It makes me… sad to know that my mistress lost her parents at a young age. I owe her a lot if I can work today."
Skyler looked down, staring at the newspaper on the table. She didn't know the reason, but it was as though she somehow didn't want to see Agnes's melancholy look.
Also because she knew very well what Agnes had to go through before working as a waitress. Living on the streets after losing both parents, malnutrition, sleeping in the streets, and being completely alone were the worst things a woman like Agnes could ever experience.
Skyler took a sip of tea and expressed, "Er, I know what it's like to feel alone… That's why I'm really grateful that you and Evelyn found each other. We've had some amazing times together, and when I see you smile, I can tell how much it means to Evelyn to have you by her side."
"Oww, thanks, I'm really flattered by your words, really. Though sometimes I doubt I've done anything that great." Agnes mumbled softly.
Seeing Agnes clutching her apron, Skyler gently took her hand. It was soft, warm, a slender hand that made Evelyn's life for the better. Skyler was sure of such sensations she was experiencing.
"This hand—no, these hands. They've done incredible things. They've wiped away tears, carried the weight of sadness, and done so much to help Evelyn. Uh, they're small and soft, but they've made her world a better place… I'm sure of it." Skyler confessed, voice soft.
While she placed the cup of tea on the table after voicing her opinion, Agnes raised her eyebrows in response to what Skyler said. As Skyler's eyes were fixed on Agnes's twinkling ones, Agnes smiled softly, her cheeks blushing.
"You're an amazing person, Skyler Hall." Agnes expressed, voice small.
Watching her smile in a gratifying way like she was the happiest woman in the world, Skyler sighed. Although Agnes' words were short, she felt that those words contained a thousand meanings, and therefore, she lowered her gaze.
"You're wrong, I'm not at all what you think. Er, I just wanted to express what I thought." Skyler murmured.
Agnes laughed weakly and added. "Well, if you wanted to speak your mind, then such phrases made my day. Thank you very much for this."
Skyler nodded and gazed at Agnes, thinking back to the good times she had with her with Evelyn. Between piano lessons, reading the stories of the New Testament Century and lots of healthy laughter in company, Skyler couldn't help but treasure these memories, memories that she was fond of from the bottom of her soul.
"Rather, I'd thank you for letting me come before the main guest. I'm sure they'd have looked at me badly." Skyler advocated, smiling sincerely.
Agnes laughed feebly. "Don't worry, Miss Skyler. We're friends after all."
Realizing the tension was dissipating, Skyler laughed. Her heart warmed, and beneath the sweet laughter she felt relieved to be closer to Agnes. As she continued laughing, she heard footsteps coming from the hallway.
"Good morning, Skyler."
A middle-aged brunette woman with long hair and brown eyes, wearing a black gown—Countess Eileen entered the living room, greeting Skyler.
Skyler stood up from the couch, gently shook Agnes's hand, and bowed respectfully to Eileen. "Um, good morning, Lady Throne, it's an honor for me to be here."
Agnes bowed her head and said. "Well, I'm going back to finish the preparations for the official ceremony."
She then took the tea cup that was on the table and left the living room as her footsteps faded.
"Thou don't need to be so formal, thou can simply address me as Mrs. Throne." Eileen said, sitting on the couch, "Take a seat, we haven't seen each other in a while, and I want to apologize if we haven't let thou come in months."
Skyler sat on the adjacent couch, clutching the hem of her black dress. "It doesn't matter. After all, you are a noble family, and I don't wish to harm your reputation."
She understood. She completely understood the boundaries. Although she and Evelyn were very close, Skyler didn't have the privileges of visiting her often due to her status. It was a bitter truth that weighed on her heart but which she accepted.
Countess Eileen placed both hands gently on her knees, straightening her back.
"Thou art well aware, my brother's passing was a harsh shock to me. Despite the diligent investigations of the Wraithcrows and the detective's, nothing was known about the culprits." Eileen said in concern, "Alas, such a misfortune had a negative impact upon my niece, and after their deaths, she refused to step outside, spending most of her days in solitude."
Skyler felt a lump in her throat. Seeing Eileen's sad eyes, she looked away.
"She didn't even eat, and the only time she went out was to go to the bathroom." Eileen continued, "Well, I can't blame her, after all."
"I never… thought… something… like that." Skyler's lips trembled.
Despite knowing her for many years, she was distraught by the revelation. Images of her friend alone in her room filled Skyler's mind. Even if she understood her suffering, Eileen's words still pierced her.
"My husband and I tried in every way to lift her spirits, yet alas, it was all in vain. And then, one fateful day… she even tried to become a Daredevil, risking her life just to be able to communicate with them." Eileen took a breath. "Thankfully, Agnes managed to stop her in time before it was too late."
"A Daredevil?" Skyler was off guard by Eileen's words.
Countess Eileen pursed her lips and added, "We did fear she might remain depressed. Yet one day, thou didst appear. Ever since Evelyn met thee, she gradually returned to being happy. Thanks to thou, well, my niece is now able to smile."
As she smiled, her cheeks blushed, bringing warmth to the entire living room.
Skyler was impressed by what she heard. Those words, sweet and reassuring, tried to wash away the worries that plagued her.
She instinctively raised both hands, "Erm, I don't think I deserve to receive such compliments."
Countess Eileen ignored Skyler's words, raising her hand towards her, and in an even more reassuring voice she said, "Skyler Hall, my husband and I thank thou for bringing happiness into Evelyn's life…"
Skyler looked at the woman in front of her with her arm lowered. Hearing Eileen's words again, a crack formed in her wall full of negativity, releasing a glimmer of light into her soul. Shaking her head, she squeezed her warm hand and looked into her eyes.
"Y-you're welcome… Lady Throne, um, I hope I can make Evelyn's life even better than before." She smiled.
As the silence fell in the living room, Skyler continued to hold Eileen's hand, allowing herself to be absorbed in the warmth of Countess Eileen.
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Skyler was walking down the red-carpeted second-floor hallway towards Evelyn's room. After a few steps, she saw a painting with a bronze carved border with the image of Evelyn as a child with her parents.
"Miss Skyler!"
Then, she heard a familiar voice. She turned, and saw Agnes running towards her, raising the hem of her dress.
Seeing her out of breath, Skyler put her hand on her chest, "Agnes, um, is something wrong?"
Agnes breathed deeply, her forehead sweating as she rested her arm on the wall. Her wheezy breathing echoed in the hallway.
"No, it's just that… I wanted to tell you something… that I couldn't tell you." She stated.
Skyler looked at Agnes puzzled, trying to figure out what she wanted to tell her.
After a few seconds, Agnes stood up composed and smiled, "Thank you for being close to my mistress. Even if she's surrounded by many friends, I think you're the only one who makes her happy, and I mean it."
Skyler was astonished. A while ago, Eileen thanked her for being part of her niece's life, and once again, Agnes thanked her for the same reason.
A feeling of resignation took over her as she smiled sincerely, "No worries, I'm very happy too for being able to stand next to her."
"Well Skyly, we may go!" A voice chimed.
Skyler saw Evelyn wearing a long black dress and a black veil covering her hair walking elegantly. Seeing her smile reassured her soul, but at the same time, she felt a sensation inside her heart, but she didn't understand what it was.
"Mhh… Yeah." She nodded as Evelyn walked past her.
Agnes bowed her head respectfully, "My mistress, your carriage is ready."
As both Agnes and Evelyn walked down the hallway, Skyler followed, still looking at Evelyn.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Walking down the stairs, she thought about what Eileen told her about Evelyn. She sensed a feeling of sadness hiding behind her friend's smile, and although she understood her friend's pain, she was stunned when she discovered Evelyn's desire to become a Daredevil.
The realization overwhelms her and her mind was overwhelmed with emotions. In many years of friendship, Evelyn never mentioned this, but Skyler didn't blame her. She, too, had some secrets she hadn't shared, and the issue with Klein was one of them.
Why didn't Evelyn open up about the Daredevil issue? Was it to keep her from worrying too much? Was it to protect her? Skyler felt a pang in her chest, though someone was squeezing it tightly as the gravity of the matter and their hidden pains led her into a deep reflection.
She glanced at Evelyn, her composed figure was in stark contrast to the storm that was deep within her soul.
"Em… Skyly, is something wrong?" Evelyn asked with worrying eyes turned towards Skyler.
Her words broke Skyler's thoughts, she looked at her with a dumbfounded expression.
"Ah… No no, I just had my head in the clouds." She denied, waving both of her hands.
Evelyn turned, relaxing her shoulders. The tension in the mansion slowly crushed Skyler as she reached the front door.
Eileen, who was standing at the front wooden door, coughed and said, "Please Evelyn, come back before half past two."
"I shall not be long, dare I say." Evelyn nodded, walking out the mansion.
Agnes bowed her head, and said to Skyler and Evelyn, "Be safe, and have a good trip."
Skyler waved her right hand as she and Evelyn entered a royal carriage with wheels and gold embroidery. She sat and looked out the window at the cloudy weather whilst the carriage left the Throne's mansion.
As Skyler leaned out of the window, feeling the wind on her face, Evelyn placed her black bag on her lap, "Finally we have some time for us, I daresay."
"Yea, though traveling with a royal carriage, well, makes me feel queer." Skyler said, looking at Evelyn.
"Uff, thou art always incorrigible, I daresay," Evelyn placed a finger on her lower lip. "Oh, by the way, I heard from Susie that thou went to church to pray for my family, and that thee cried for me."
Hearing what she said, Skyler's body trembled, heat creeping up from her neck to her cheeks.
"B-but it's not true, what are you saying, eheheh." She retorted. "Blimey, why doesn't she ever keep her mouth shut?"
Skyler's mind drifted back to when she met Susie in the Cathedral of St. George a few days ago and what she said to her. The fact she cried while praying made her want to disappear and curse Susie at the same time.
Seeing Skyler's pouting, Evelyn laughed, covering her lips with her hand, "Hahaha, thou hast always an amusing expression."
"D-do you think it's time to laugh? How embarrassing…"
"I always have fun when I'm with thee, especially when thou make those cute expressions." Evelyn paused, her voice softening. "Thou knowst, it makes me happy that thee prayed for my parents, it's a gesture that I really appreciate, even if I'm not a Son of Nature believer."
Skyler breathed a sigh of relief as she looked at Evelyn, "Hah, I always forgot that you believe in the Goddess of Storms."
"Well, it's natural. My family has venerated her for many generations, since the New Testament Century. In fact, it was among the most influential in the Republic as we're great supporters of the Sirion family, I suppose."
While the carriage continued its journey under the gray sky, Skyler smiled faintly. Evelyn's laughter softened her, lighting the mood and easing the burden they both momentarily carried.
"You know Evelyn, I know I'll be too obvious, but I think your parents would be proud of you." Skyler expressed sincerely.
"Art thou truly of such an opinion?"
"Yea. I mean, being with you and Agnes all these years has made me realize how grateful I am to know you."
"Mm, actually, I'm grateful to have met you too, Skyly. Irrespective of what others may think of thee, thou shall forever be my dearest and dazzling friend."
Evelyn's sudden statement made Skyler's heart beat fast—her words came out as though she were saying that Skyler was her most precious friend.
"Even if she's surrounded by many friends, I think you are the only one who makes her happy."
Thinking back to Agnes' words, Skyler gasped, staring at Evelyn who was smiling. She was stunned, like the world around her had become lush.
Evelyn then laughed wryly. "Thine expressions ought to be immortalized in photographs and frames. In fact, they art so memorable, I daresay."
"H-h-here we go again. You wilt never change by saying awkward phrases here and there as though they were commonplace." Skyler's cheeks blushed.
After blinking at Skyler's awkward expression, Evelyn laughed out loud. She continued laughing, not bothering to cover her mouth as her mother taught her, while Skyler's expression slowly transformed into a smile. Skyler looked out the window as the carriage headed at the cemetery.
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Center Borough, at the Eternal Rest Cemetery.
Skyler and Evelyn stood in front of Evelyn's parent's grave.
Evelyn caressed the waving emblem of the Goddess of Storms which was above the stone tomb. A sorrowful expression formed on her smiling face as she took some red roses out of her bag.
Skyler swallowed hard, as if there was something in her throat, and watched Evelyn cover her face with the black veil.
Evelyn hooked her hands together, looking up at the sky, "Hi mom and dad… fourteen long years have passed since thou left me…"
Her lips trembled as she spoke. Her voice became feeble. "Time passes, but my memories spent with thou shall not fade. Mom, I still remember the warm hugs thou gave me as a child. Your hugs melted my problems like snow, as if to tell me that everything will be for the best."
A breeze blew with a whooshing sound, sending the leaves flying around. A shiver ran down Skyler's spine whilst looking sadly at her best friend. Even though the veil covered Evelyn's face, she felt an air of sadness enveloping her like a cloud. She felt like the veil was a mask for Evelyn to hide her agony.
Evelyn took a sharp breath, and continued, "Dad, I admired thee so much, thou hast taught me to respect others, both noble and not, your strength hath given me the courage not to give up, and above all, the courage to fight for what I believe."
To Skyler, Evelyn was an amazing person. From the first time they met, Eveyln was the first person outside of Benson and her father to help her. She had consoled her when she was sad, she had taught her not to keep everything inside and to confide. It was thanks to her that Skyler was able to lead a peaceful life, it was thanks to her that she was able to smile after years of trauma.
Evelyn tilted her neck all the way up, her voice was dim, "There are a lot of things I wanted to share with thee. Carrying on what thou left, managing to go to university, and most of all… all… the experiences I had with Skyly…"
"Evelyn, I…." Skyler's heartbeat quickened.
As she stared palely at Evelyn, she could feel cold drops falling on her slender arms, looking at the gray sky and the birds flying overhead, realizing it was drizzling. Evelyn mentioning her name made her blue eyes twinkle with sorrow while her arms froze.
Evelyn reached down and placed the roses that were in the muddy ground on the grave, "I brought thou some flowers, the ones thee prefer… I love thou, mum and dad, I thank thee for everything… Sorry, if I was… capricious with… thou."
Skyler saw a drop fall under Evelyn's veil, who was raising both hands to the sky. A glimmer of sunlight dimly illuminated the grave along with her. Skyler felt that the scene she was witnessing was symbolic. Like in the stories she read as a child, it seemed as if a golden rope was descending from the sky, trying to invite Evelyn to come up.
Skyler felt like if she didn't do something right away, Evelyn would disappear into that ray of sunshine, leaving her alone.
Without even thinking, she grabbed Evelyn's arm and pulled her into a sweet hug, feeling the sweet scent emanating from Evelyn's neck along with her slender and warm body.
Skyler whispered, "Evelyn… you… you are my dearest friend, and I'll never leave your side for any reason in the world."
That was her honest opinion, grateful to Evelyn Throne for being there for her. Skyler continued to hold Evelyn's figure tightly in a warm embrace, while the rain continued to fall from the sky.
Surrendered completely in the embrace, Evelyn sighed lightly, and with a soft voice she said, "Skyly… thank thou, thank thou so much. I'm truly happy to have thee by my side."
Listening to what Evelyn said to her, Skyler felt her friend's body tremble as she heard her sobs. She gently stroked her long brown hair covered by the black veil until the sobs gradually faded away.
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After Evelyn left her to go receive the guests, Skyler walked into the forest path of the Eternal Rest Cemetery.
Despite the rain, the cylindrical black hat covered her. She raised the wet hem of her dress as she walked towards the exit.
"It was better if I brought an umbrella with me. And to think that Benson had told me that the weather would only be cloudy." Skyler thought.
As she continued to curse herself for the mistake she had made, she heard a loud rustling sound coming from behind. Turning cautiously, she saw a small dog with yellow fur running along the path while barking.
Skyler's brow furrowed, feeling goosebumps as she saw the dog. It was like it was running away—afraid of something. After thinking about it, although she felt a feeling of disquiet on her neck, she still decided to follow the dog's footsteps it had left, trying to understand which direction it came from.
"It's coming from over there." Skyler walked on the muddy forest ground, her feet sinking into the mud with every step she took.
Her soaked black dress stuck to her skin as she occasionally leaned on the tree trunks.
Still walking out of breath, she wanted to understand why the dog was running away. Why did it look scary? Perhaps its owner was ill, and the dog had gone to ask for help? Thoughts flashed through her mind as she followed the footsteps.
Every step she took felt heavier, as if the mud was trying to pull her down, keeping her from discovering the truth. Skyler saw a wooden shed with the door wide open. Since the footsteps were coming from the shed, she slowly walked towards that direction, and then.
"Haa…" She let out a short moan.
Her body trembled at the entrance, her fingers went pale, as if they had shrunk. Skyler stepped back, only to shake her head. The metallic smell of blood brimmed in the air, and the swarm of buzzing flies in the shed that chilled even her, their incessant droning filling her ears. Skyler looked at that thing in front of her, and was disgusted.
The decomposing corpse of a man lay sitting in a wooden chair. His body was in such a terrible state that it made Skyler cover her eyes.
He was sitting with his head and back down, wearing a yellowish-white shirt and brown trousers with suspenders. His skin was blackish-green and swollen. It felt like it'd explode with a simple prod, spewing a foul stench of decay from within. While his body was surrounded by maggots and other parasites wriggling in his skin, blood, and rotten juices, a white revolver with a black barrel rim was on the ground to his right as the vials and a book with a brown cover were scattered on the shed.
"Aah…" Skyler let out another moan, slowly backing away.
Just as her body trembled, the man's eyeball fell to the ground and rolled a few times, leaving a reddish-brown trail as the stench of putrid flesh and metallic blood grew stronger. Brown. His iris was brown.
The urge to vomit was unbearable, and unable to stop herself, Skyler puked the yellowish-green contents in her stomach. Some residue of her vomit ended up on her black dress and legs, along with gastric juices.
"Uh! Guh, blergh…" She continued to puke, tears falling from wet face.
It was the second time she had seen someone's death—no, it was the second time Skyler had ever come face-to-face with a person's corpse. As she wiped away the vomit caked around her mouth with her hand, Skyler eyed the cadaver again and froze on the spot once again.
The rotting body that had previously been sitting, giving off putridity into the air, was slowly rising from the chair.