10. The Other Half

"Cecile Scottfield, the third daughter of the family, carries with her the responsibility of continuing the long tradition of her ancestors..."

What I was told about my own future, was forever determined by others.

They just need me to be quiet, "obediently" follow their expectations, throw away the little remaining will of mine to continue to maintain this crazy cycle.

Raymond, my older brother, in the name of Viscount of Routze, also participates in the play.

That's the only person I fell in love with, as their prediction.

And it's ironic that he's completely lost his mind, or because of me, a loner who can't change a thing.

"You've been standing there for more than five minutes already. Too busy thinking of a grand escaping plan?"

Ray was leaning against the wall, squeezing my wrists.

"Don't make yourself the dumbest person here, whore! I have not allowed you to step out of your room. Prepare yourself mentally, I will teach you how to live like the failure you are… What a waste of my precious time."

Twenty…

The number that I will soon have to face, is my last dead end.

And giving up is not one of those options.

In order to "take care" of the relationship with the Royal Family, every year, the families of the ordained Nobles must pay their respects in the Sanctuary, at the same time as the Bishop.

Early in the morning, my father and I set out on the road.

The caravan that had escorted Raymond from the night before had probably arrived now.

Seen from afar, the Holy Sanctuary is amazingly magnificent, the carriages enter the gate one after another. The laughter of people inside the Great Hall, outside the costumes are shiny badges…

Step by step slowly, this noble girl couldn't seem to take her eyes off the captivating beauty, which I understood the disgusting nature behind.

Exquisitely carved pillars lined either side of the row, extending along the corridor that stretched to the end of the Holy pedestal.

Around are large windows, where the light shines through, highlighting the magnificence in each feature depicting the beauty of God.

The paintings of the "Book of Knowledge" of the "Wise" Saint - Intellectuel, the sculpture of the Second Pope, the scene of the world protected by God or the Seal of the Third Church, all are visible, appeared everywhere as if to emphasize the absolute power and influence of the Church and the monarchy in the politics and life of the people of this kingdom.

Light reflected through the crystal-like panes of glass, glowing red on the stone floor.

The dome is neither round nor pointed, but built in the shape of a pear connected to the oval ceiling, highlighted by the meticulous, detailed and sophisticated architecture, from the curving lines of the long walls to the ceiling, small corners.

Exaggerated streams of light, intense emotions in motion, and the reverberation of even the slightest sound make this place a labyrinth where lies can't get out.

The sound of my name echoing somewhere.

"Miss Cecile of the Scottfields, it is an honor for me to see you here!"

A young man about 20 years old, well dressed, with an eye on the right side of his chest.

I replied with a smile on my face.

"It is an honor for me, sir! So what's your title?"

"Baron Albert de Crusein of Haltz. Your brother and I used to socialize when we were still unordained, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

Ray stepped forward, smiling uneasily.

I silently walking away, a hand pulls me back.

"We still have a lot to talk about your sister. Don't chase her away, okay?"

Taking advantage of Ray's exasperation, the baron took me into the adjoining rest room.

He pulled up a chair, gestured very kindly and politely.

Taking a sip of tea, Albert put a notebook on the table.

"Sorry to bother you, but I have something to talk about, and it's not very convenient in front of Ray or in a crowded place..."

Interlaced fingers, I glared in the opposite direction.

The man raised a lock gun in front of his face, holding a vial of crimson liquid in his left hand.

"So what do you mean? I don't think you have a specific reason for this."

"Don't panic. I have to make sure you sit still and listen. Enlightenment has lasted for more than 200 years, the first generations of our family had to participate as executors. I have witnessed many bad things with my own eyes, learned things not to look at… This bottle and the notebook, please read and memorize it. We'll see eachother tomorrow night, in the east tower of the Sanctuary."

"How can you be so sure I will come as your expectation?"

Albert handed me the gun, as a sign of trust.

"I just know, I guess."

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door came from outside.

Ray entered, looking at we both with sharp eyes.

"What are you and my sister doing here blocking the door?!"

Albert held me out, then just laughed, his attitude completely different from before.

"What do you think? Can I flirt a little with her? Well, forgive me…"