Le Malheur de Solutide (3)

The room was deathly quiet, even Elroy couldn't hear himself. He only knew that he was now telling everything he had been hiding from his best friend. After all that had happened, he felt Ferdinand also needed to know.

Ferdinand didn't interrupt at all. Maybe because of the shock. Maybe Elroy just didn't hear it. What was clear, Ferdinand remained in place with a fluctuating expression of surprise.

"Oh, man–oh my," muttered Ferdinand after Elroy had finished with his story. His friend covered his mouth. "I–I've been teasing you and making ridiculous comments about Viscountess Tierney and you. I… I'm sorry."

Elroy let out a long breath, then nodded weakly. "I didn't tell you on purpose. But today, Her Ladyship got hurt. Sooner or later, Prince Louie and Princess Louisa will find out. I just… wanted you to know first, so you can calm them down later."

"Yes–yes, of course. You needn't worry," said Ferdinand. "Then… how is Her Ladyship doing now?"

"Fortunately, the sword didn't hit any vital points. So you could say the situation is fine," explained Elroy. Tears and guilt returned to her body. "But… But Viscountess Mariette was injured because of me. At that time, His Majesty the King was clearly targeting me. But suddenly, she came forward and got up. I… I… All I can do is look at her."

Flashes of that incident were still vivid in Elroy's mind. The large, strong hand that drew the sword, the muffled scream, and the appearance of Mariette…

The fluttering of her dress, her back, her hair that then fell…

Then blood stained the floor, the dress, and Mariette's pale skin. It was the same scene from when Elroy first found her in the snowy forest last season.

Elroy didn't expect him to see Mariette like that again.

"Elroy, man, it's not your fault," comforted Ferdinand. "Anyone would be shocked when they see such an incident."

Elroy shook his head. He hid his face with both palms then. "This is the third time I've seen Viscountess Mariette injured. The curse says that the person who loves her will surely die. All this time, I thought it wouldn't matter if I died. But… what if Mariette dies too?"

Ferdinand looked at Elroy sadly. He came over and patted Elroy on the shoulder, comforting him.

"I just want to see her live happily. Is it not allowed?" Elroy began to sob. "This is all so unfair."

Yes, it is very unfair, thought Ferdinand.

He kept accompanying his good friend to cry all night.

***

"What's with today? Father was not present at dinner yesterday and breakfast this morning. And now Uncle Valent wants to see us," Louie said demandingly. His eyes stared intently at Duke Valent.

"I haven't seen Mariette this morning either," Louisa said in a worried tone. "Is Mariette sick again?"

Duke Valent suddenly got up from his seat and knelt before Louie and Louisa. The twins rushed to their uncle, asking him to get up. But Duke Valent persisted in his position.

"Your Highness, forgive me–"

"Uncle!" interrupted Louie in a horrified tone. "Don't be like this. You scared me."

"No–please listen to me first," said Duke Valent. "I have done you two a terrible mistake. After this, I will accept any punishment from you."

"Wh-what big mistake did Uncle Valent make?" asked Louisa timidly.

Duke Valent clenched his fists tightly. "Actually, the late Queen Odette caused Viscountess Mariette's illness. She–your mother–cursed Viscountess Mariette!"

"W-what–"

"That curse made Viscountess Mariette's heart freeze. The curse can be released only if one of you is killed with a sacrifice," he continued.

Louie and Louisa fell silent for a moment. Louisa fell to the floor with Duke Valent while Louie was still trying his best to find his balance.

The mother they never knew cursed the woman they had considered as their older sister.

No. Doesn't this all make sense? whispered a corner of Louie's heart.

King Vallotton doesn't like to talk about their mother, Mariette who is always cold, and Count Lavaud who is always careful when talking to them. It was all because they were hiding something from them!

"That's impossible, right?" Louisa asked quietly. "That's impossible, right?! After all, Mariette has always been nice to us! Even Linda and Emmanuele too!"

"Your Highness, Viscountess Mariette was kind to you both because she learned how to treat people well. The good it's been… all the attention it's been giving is the result of modifications. Viscountess Mariette neither feels nor harbors any feelings for anyone," explained Duke Valent.

"But why?! Why did Mother curse Mariette? I-I thought Mother…" Louisa stared at Louie with teary eyes.

They thought, since Odette was the only witch of her time, she always did good. They often imagine that their mother helps many people, cures various diseases with the potions she makes, and builds this kingdom for the better. Who would have thought that it was quite the opposite?

Their mother turned out to be a person who could curse innocent women. Even Odette sacrificed her own child.

"The late Her Majesty the Queen–no, Odette always loved the late Viscount Tierney. But that love… was not conveyed," said Duke Valent.

"The late Viscount Tierney?"

"Yes." Duke Valent nodded. "Father of Viscountess Mariette, Viscount Gardet Tierney."

Louie and Louisa knew no one in the Tierney family apart from Mariette herself. They had met his uncle, Viscount Tierney before Mariette. It was only for a while because at that time he was sick.

"Don't-don't tell me the deaths of the Tierney family members were also because of Mother," Louie said timidly.

"Unfortunately, yes. Le Malheur de Solutide–the name of the curse–only asks for life." Duke Valent lowered his head. "First is Odette herself, then Viscountess Mariette's father and mother, then her uncle, then… The curse will kill Mariette along with those who love her."

Louie was left speechless. Mariette will die together with the people who love her? What kind of cruel curse was that?

"Why… only now have we been told?"

"Because… His Majesty the King doesn't want you to live while harboring hatred for someone you've never met. And I… don't want you both to live while hating my sister," said Duke Valent. "Your Highness, I don't deserve to say this, but please forgive my sister. Odette–she just wants to be loved the way she has liked for a long time."

Louie clenched his fists. No, I can't, he thought, holding back anger.

Because right now, he feels that he has been betrayed by his parents.