Memories of the Dark: "Less Of A Perfect Lady, More Of A Deranged Scoundrel"

Peronell Keen,

Making our way through the forest with Harold leading the party members. We're assigned to go inside a cave to find the Statuette of Seduction. I'm guessing that it's a statuette of a naked person. What if it's a naked man? Ahh, just thinking about it makes my heart beat fast.

"You must be thinking of something very significant." I decided to stay right beside Harold for my safety, however, because of my selfishness, it backfired. He has been observing me from time to time.

"Uh, yes. Of course! It is significant because it's connected to what we are here for." Even though I'm just thinking about how defined that statue would be.

"You always seem so optimistic, but it seems like you're a pessimist. I can't quite read you well." Well, suddenly he became honest just like that.

"I— well, yes." It's very stupid, however, those were the only words that could come out of my mouth.

"Will you truly help me out?" I was caught off guard since he suddenly talked about something that I don't recall.

"What do you need help with?" I dumbfoundedly asked him.

"You already forgotten about our conversation at the balcony? Am I that insignificant?" Harold chuckled and I got fascinated by his chuckle. I could feel my heart drop to my stomach, it was that charming.

"Ehem! I remember now, I just have a forgetful memory. Don't take it to heart." It was not only a message for him, but also my heart.

"Don't worry, I won't. So are you going to help?" He just won't drop this conversation, huh?

"I will, I can't possibly take back my words now, right?"

"Well, you do have a choice. I'm not forcing you to do it. However, since you've made up your mind to help. Your help is greatly appreciated." Harold smiled charmingly.

"You just kept talking about it, I wasn't even aware there was an option. So I assumed that I didn't have a choice, since you're royalty." I mumbled to myself, but I think he heard me.

Harold just smiled charmingly as I rolled my eyes at his sight. What I didn't know was someone behind me, there is a person full of resentment.

We have been going on for hours, how come we're not there yet? Is the rumour true? That we're going to find those useless treasures for days and even weeks, possibly?! I can't believe that they set us up like this, a typical corrupted academy.

Before I knew it, a girl tripped beside me. Of course with the kind soul I have, I helped her up even though Harold continued walking without waiting for me. Tsk! These royalties. I thought we were friends, but I guess not.

"Are you alright, Miss—?" I stopped and realized I did not know her name. I've been in Acantha for what? Almost a month and a half? I think so... and I still don't know some of these people?! How embarrassing for me, indeed!

"Beatrix, Beatrix Angmar. Am I that forgettable?" I couldn't tell if she was serious and angry or if she was only joking around.

"I apologize for not knowing your name. I'm just absent-minded all the time, that's why." I tried to laugh it off with her, but her face stays unemotional.

"Don't worry about it. I'll try to be careful so I wouldn't be a burden to the others." Beatrix walked off.

I managed to keep up with the group since the girl I helped left me. She's the reason why I was slowed down and now she left me. What about a thank you?!

All this stress will just keep my skin in bad condition. I don't like this one bit. If this continues my skin will get all wrinkly and full of acne! It's a good thing the beauty products I bought from Axoucuria Beauty Essentials last long, I have them inside my bag of Peronell's essentials. I can't bare having imperfections if my mother and father found out that I'm not taking care of myself. They will kill me.

Nighttime has already arrived. I do not wish to get devoured by a wild bear, I also do not want to let down my pride and tell the gentlemen Aimar how it is dangerous to keep wandering at a time like this. Sarcasm at a time like this, how coarse of me. I blame Cedany for this unwanted sarcasm.

"Consider it time for a break, don't you think? Several of the individuals with us are not accustomed to walking for as long as we have been out and about.'' A guy I haven't yet seen spoke up to Harold while looking at me, which shocked me.

Why is he looking at me? How many people have I not noticed exactly? This man is different. I am familiar with his presence, but unfamiliar with his appearance.

"You have big guts to say that to his Royal Highness." Josef was booming with sarcasm as he says that. I could see Harold's annoyed face despite how dark it is.

''What's your name? And how come I haven't seen you before?" Harold walked towards the man.

"I am Bartholomew Ryder, you can call me Mewmew." As Bartholomew introduced himself, Josef uttered a ridiculing snort.

"You have time to joke around?" At this point, Harold is holding in his anger.

''A bit." Bartholomew answered bravely.

"From which family are you?'' Uh, oh! That is not a good sign.

"That's enough! Bartholomew is one of my father's most trusted knights." Emeline Idla, soon-to-be fiancée or not soon-to-be fiancée of Harold is currently protecting another man in front of Harold at the same time she is shaking in fear.

"I see. Is that why he is going against my commands?'' Harold lifted Emeline's chin as he asks, ''Tell me, Lady Idla. Is this man harbouring unspoken feelings for you?'' This is the first I have seen Harold like this. I must say I did expect it at first, but recently I did not expect this kind of behaviour from him.

''There is no such thing! I only wish to marry you, my Prince!'' What are we? In a romantic play?

''I can't believe I am seeing a real-life play." I muttered.

"You don't say.'' Josef said as I look at him in terror. He heard what I said?

I turned back to look at the love triangle, but I found Bartholomew looking at me. Which scared me more. What did I do?!

"Is it just me or is Mewmew looking at me?" I asked the person near me, who is Josef.

"It's just you. Why would he even look at you? Don't tell me you are also 'harbouring unspoken feelings' for Mister Mewmew?" Josef gave me a teasing grin.

If I could just smack that look off his face, however, that would be only possible if I had a higher title than him.

"I apologize for disappointing you, however, I already 'harboured unspoken feelings' before—" I stopped because Josef looked like he was going to kill me if I continued any further, "It was unrequited love and I already got over it." I finished saying.

"That's a relief." Josef let out a sigh of relief.

What did he say? My agony is a relief to him? How evil can this man get? I thought we left things on a good note.

"It never hurts to be nice for once you know..." I mumbled, I could care less if he heard me or not. Either way, nothing was going to change.

After some time Harold calmed down and finally decided to let us rest for the night. So we camped in a nearby cave. It was not a deep cave, it was just simply a cave where wild bears would usually be.

I settled near the campfire made by Terrin Rey, the quiet guy I have never talked to. And I do not think I will be talking to him soon.

"Are you feeling much more comfortable now?" I turned to my side to see Bartholomew as he put a blanket around me.

"Are you perhaps talking to me?" He nodded at my question and to be honest my heart was fluttering at that small gesture. "I am, thank you for asking..." I looked away trying to hide away my smile.

Fufu... am I finally getting recognition for my beauty? Is someone finally charmed by this perfect lady?

"I noticed that after a lengthy journey, you were beginning to feel uneasy, so I decided to speak up to his Highness." Oh, Bartholomew! What a gentleman.

"You did that for me? How kind of you. And they even thought you did it for Emeline when it is just for me. How humorous!" I laughed, but he did not laugh with me.

If he does not respond soon, I'm going to come across as a narcissistic psycho!

"It is good that you can laugh. I'm delighted you're feeling better, but you should get some rest right away to replenish your energy after that exhausting excursion." Bartholomew showed a slight grin which surprised me because it is the first time he showed any expression on his face.

"You are right, I shall sleep this instant." I immediately laid down on the ground and covered myself with the blanket Bartholomew gave me.

I was aware of how quickly my heart was thumping. I experienced this last time when Lief kissed my hand. How quickly I move past a person. I suppose all I am is a deranged slut. I chuckled at the prospect of that.