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47.72% I Choose The Heroine's Route / Chapter 21: Family Is Not Only About Being Related By Blood

Capítulo 21: Family Is Not Only About Being Related By Blood

Amy Taylor Point Of View

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My name is Amy Taylor. I'm a mere maid working for the Euridice family – and if there's something I'm proud of despite being a 'mere' maid and a commoner, it's being my lady's personal maid. Aksia Euridice, that is the name of the lady I'm serving. All I could say is that she's... lovely. Too lovely and precious for this world. Although other people say that I'm naive, and even though I also agree with them, I'm not that naive to not see the suffering of the lady I'm personally serving.

I started working as a maid for the Euridice family when I was still in my twenties. At age twenty-five, I met lady Aksia who was ten years old at that time. I was just promoted, and soon after that, I was immediately assigned as lady Aksia's personal maid which I didn't expect.

Why would they assign a newly promoted maid as the young lady of Euridice's personal maid? Shouldn't they find a more experienced one? I was confused.

Then the day where I would meet the lady has come. The meeting... was a traumatizing experience, to say the least. I was on my way to meet the lady at that time, but when I arrived outside her bedroom, I saw that the door is slightly open. I can also hear some muffled noise.

Hesitant and curious at the same time, I silently walked closer to the door as I took a peek at what's inside. I know it was rude and improper of me to do that, but my twenty-five-year-old self didn't think about any of that at that time. I was... simply curious.

However, what I saw made me gasp. I couldn't help but raised one of my hands to cover my mouth. It was a horrifying sight. A child, who seems to be barely ten years old, is sitting on the floor with her back exposed. Her raven hair – that is almost black, only reaches past her shoulders. All I could see is her back, so I can't see her face.

From where I'm standing, I could see the Duchess back and she's holding a... whip or some sort. Frozen in my place, I didn't know what to do.

"It's your fault. It's because you were born that I lost his love!" The Duchess lashes out, raising her hand that is holding the whip as she strikes, "Why do you have to have that cursed Magic out of all Magic?! No –" She paused before striking again, "Why are you even born?! You're not my daughter!"

With every strike, the child whimpered in pain. With every strike, a new injury was added to her back. With every strike, I flinched.

Trembling as I feel tears streaming down my face, I took a step back. This... this is child abuse! Why is the Duchess doing this to her own daughter? Does anyone know about this? Why is no one stopping her?!

Earlier, all I was feeling was curiosity, and now, I'm feeling a lot of emotions all at once. I was horrified, scared, sad, mad – and a lot more feelings that I can't properly explain into words.

I'm... a mere maid, a commoner. I'm not from a poor family, but we're also not rich. Just average. My mother died because of an Illness when I was fifteen, and my three siblings and I were left with our father who was devastated by mother's death. Wanting to help, I applied as a maid of a noble.

I really didn't think that I can become one. I'm usually clumsy, naive, and slightly slow at picking things up. I'm basically useless considering how I also don't have any Magic. But unexpectedly, I was accepted. My first work experience was at a Count's house. Then when I turned eighteen, I went to another place – until I found myself working for the Euridice family.

As a maid, what could I possibly do in a situation like this? I... I can't possibly go against the Duchess, can I? I have my father and siblings relying on me. I can't do this, right?

However, before I could even think of an answer. My body was already moving, I abruptly opened the door and it made a loud noise. The Duchess looked at me, shock. I wasn't really thinking at that moment, it's as if my mind and heart were functioning separately as my body moved before I can even process what's happening. Ignoring the Duchess, I run towards the child. I kneel down to her level as I gently hold her shoulders, I made her face me and when she did – I saw the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.

It was color pink. The only person I've seen with pink eyes is the Duchess. Now, looking into this child's eyes, I can't help but be stunned. It was in the same color as the Duchess, but it was also different. It was more bright, too bright that it was almost red. However, what really caught my attention is the way she's looking at me.

Her eyes, despite being beautiful... looked so empty and lifeless. Seeing them, I feel my heart being squeezed. A child's eyes shouldn't be like that – they should be full of wonder, curiosity, happiness, adventure, and such. And yet this child... her eyes are so sad.

My tears never seem to stop as It continues to stream down my face freely.

I only looked away when I suddenly felt a pain in my back. I immediately turned my head while still holding on to the child. I trembled in fear and rage at the same time – if that is even possible. The Duchess glared at me as her hold on the whip tightened.

"What are you doing?! How dare a mere maid interrupt me?! Move if you don't want to die!" She shouted, raising her hand once more to strike. I hugged the child gently and I silently groaned in pain when the whip hit my back again. It hurts. It's painful and yet... this young girl has been enduring it the whole time.

"I won't move!" I said, determined. In my mind, I was apologizing to my father and siblings. I would surely be fired after this, or maybe I'll die. But no matter what, I can't simply ignore a child being abused. No one deserves to be treated like this! And such a young child at that!

"Oceana!" Hearing Duke Lancer's firm voice, I looked at them again. The Duke was standing near the door. He looked at me then at the child I'm holding – his daughter. A sigh escapes his lips as he gave the Duchess a blank look.

"I told you to stop causing trouble. Stop being so childish." He said, voice cold.

"But Lancer –!"

"I don't want to hear any excuse. We'll talk about this." The Duke said before the Duchess can even say more. He then looked at me and I froze. Nervous, I avoided his eyes, still holding on to the young lady Aksia.

"You are her personal maid, are you not? Never speak about this to anyone, if you do, you will regret it." He said, his voice remained cold, "Fix her as well." He added after noticing the state young lady Aksia is in. He then took hold of the Duchess's wrists and pulled her with him as he walked outside the room, leaving me alone with the young lady.

I was... beyond mad and shock. The Duke – even after seeing his own daughter like that, didn't even show any sort of worry or emotion. It's like it was something that's been happening for a while. Lady Aksia is their... daughter, right? Then why? Why are they treating her like this?!

I just... don't understand. How could they do this to a child? To their own daughter? Do they have no heart?!

What's even more frustrating is that... I can't even do anything about it. They're the Duke and Duchess of Euridice, the sword of the Empire. And I'm nothing but a maid. Before I can even start to stand against them, my head would already roll on the ground. Being this powerless made me mad even more.

I clenched my fist tightly, however, I was startled when a felt a hand on my closed hand, gently opening it. I looked at the young lady. Her face looks so innocent and adorable and yet, her eyes were lifeless. She wasn't even showing any kind of emotions and that made me felt sick. For a ten-year-old child to act like this...

"Don't hurt yourself." She said in a soft voice, almost whispering. Her voice was as cute as what you would expect of a child's voice would be, but somehow, it sounds more mature to me than it should be.

I never stopped crying, my tears were streaming down my face since earlier. But hearing her say that when I should be the one comforting her when she should be the one who is crying, for the first time in my life, despite being twenty-five years old – I wailed like a kid.

– That was probably the time I swear to myself, to all the gods and goddesses, and to anyone who could hear my promise, that I will stay by that child's side no matter what. I promised that I would do everything in my power to protect her even if it costs me my life.

I was able to stay as her personal maid. I didn't know why, but the Duke didn't fire me. And the Duchess glares at me whenever she sees me, but I couldn't care less. I was simply happy I can still stay by lady Aksia's side.

It was painful seeing her grow up without freedom, abused and hurt by her own family. I always suggest that maybe we could seek help or just run away, but lady Aksia would always say no. There are times when I became so desperate that I suddenly thought of informing the royal family without lady Aksia's permission.

I was naive. I didn't think of the consequences. Fortunately, I didn't do that.

And now... that child – lady Aksia has grown up into a splendid and wonderful lady. She was cold, showing no emotions and showing no weakness, but inside that cold facade is a sweet child. I was extremely happy when she started smiling at me. It was just a small smile every time, and it rarely happens, but I was still beyond happy.

My only wish is for her to be happy, to live freely and without putting up her guard all the time. That's all. I don't need anything else, because serving her is an honor itself.


PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES
emoisreal emoisreal

Hariz POV is next week then we'll focus on the plot.

next chapter

Capítulo 22: The Good Child

Hariz Euridice Point Of View

---

"Hariz." I blinked. Closing the book I'm reading, I looked at Prince Anakin who called me, "You are not close with your older sister, right?" He asked – but it sounds more like a statement to me.

"When did the Second Prince become so interested in my family?" I asked back as I stare at the empty teacup on the table in front of us.

We're currently in Prince Anakin's private study room and we're sitting in front of each other with a table between us. I'm always helping the Second Prince do his duties, and I'm considered as his closest aide. The King, their father – King Haise Lansera decided that he would give both Crown Prince Deor and Second Prince Anakin their own respective duties and responsibilities which made everyone confused.

The Crown Prince is Prince Deor, there was no need to divide it. Thus, everyone thought that Prince Deor being the Crown Prince isn't permanent yet – that there's still a chance for Prince Anakin.

"Do you hate your sister?" Prince Anakin asked and I frowned. Do I... hate my sister? Do I hate Aksia?

I don't hate her. But that doesn't mean I like her. To me, she's just a family. My older sister that I rarely interact with. There's only a two-year difference in our age, but we're so different from each other. I just... can't understand her no matter how hard I try to. She's always acting cold, not showing any weakness or emotion.

I kind of envy how she can show no weakness despite everything. To me... she's the strongest person I know. Even though I wouldn't admit or say it verbally to anyone, I... kind of admire her.

Compared to her, I'm just a coward. They say I'm the perfect child but that's not true at all. I'm just putting on a show, a facade, pretending that I was strong when in reality, I was just someone worthless who desperately clings to the attention and help of others.

– When I was about nine years old, I asked mother about Aksia out of curiosity. Even though I'm still young at that time, I remember it clearly, because for the first time, my mother glared at me as if I said something I shouldn't have. She... never glared or looked at me like that before, and as a child, I was shocked and terrified.

So when I saw her raised her right hand, I thought she was going to hit me. Instead, she patted me on the head.

She smiled, "Hariz, listen well. You shouldn't speak about that cursed thing again. You're different from her, you are going to become someone great in the future." She smiled at me and yet, her eyes stared at me with so much intensity as if telling me that I should never go against her wishes.

That I did do just that, I will be... punished.

– At that time, I didn't really understand why our family is like this... I was young and still ignorant of things. But I guess, even now, I am still ignorant, and it was by my choice. I clenched my fist.

I don't really mind her having dark Magic. If anything, I think it's wonderful. Although I'm good at using a sword, I'm not that good at Magic. I do have earth Magic which I inherited from father, it was said that it was the Magic the Head of the house usually holds but... I have no talent for it. All I can do are the basic attack and defense. Mother and father didn't really talk about it, but I know they're disappointed.

Our family... is far from ideal. We're broken, and I don't think it can even be fixed. While growing up, I realized that mother and father always ignore Aksia. I wasn't exactly raised with 'love' from mother and father, but they always give me everything I want and needed. To mother and father, the most important thing to them is probably power.

That's why I thought that I have to do better – because I can't disappoint them. I was scared. What would happen if I made a mistake? Would they cast me away as well? Would they look at me with hate? Will they no longer see me as their son? The thing I feared the most is mother and father hating me – I just don't think that I can handle that.

I'm selfish, I knew that Aksia was suffering and yet, all I'm thinking about is myself. In the end, this was just me making excuses.

I forced myself to believe that it was alright to ignore my older sister too, that since father and mother are doing it as well, then it's the right thing to do. I wanted to forget about Aksia and tried to think less about her.

As we interact less and less, I realized that... it was wrong. I shouldn't be treating her like this, we're siblings and yet I'm not doing anything to help her. I questioned myself. Why am I even scared of being hated by mother and father when I don't even know if they actually cared about me?

That's why... when I had the chance to talk to Aksia again, I asked her why she was so desperate. It was confusing to me, she was trying so hard to earn father's and mother's love. But I guess I'm kind of the same, I have their acknowledgment and I was scared that I would lose it. I guess I'm also desperate for love, I was beyond foolish.

I thought my older sister hated me because of the way I acted towards her. But I was shocked when she still smiled at me – I know it wasn't a real smile... nonetheless, she still smiled. She was being polite despite my attitude towards her. It was actually the first time I saw her smile, although I'm not sure what has changed, I felt slightly happy.

After that... I tried to apologize to her. I was already expecting it, and I know I deserved it, but when she simply ignored my apology, I was dejected.

Scared that this time she will hate me, I run away like the coward I am. Since then, I wasn't able to talk to her again. I needed to immediately return to the Castle with Prince Anakin. And right now, Aksia is probably in the Academy already.

"Hariz, are you still breathing?" I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard the Prince's voice. I looked at him and he smirked.

"I thought you died, you weren't responding. What were you thinking?" He asked, narrowing his eyes as he looks at me with curiosity.

"My sister." I answered without thinking but it was already too late to take back what I said. Hearing my answer, Prince Anakin was taken back. It seems like he didn't expect me to actually answer honestly. He tilted his head slightly as his finger went to his chin as if thinking.

"Hariz, you actually like your sister, don't you? But you made a terrible mistake." He said as the corner of his lips curled up, "Right now, you're feeling lost. Frustrated, scared, and angry." He said before standing up, "You made a mistake, but that wasn't entirely your fault. You were just... scared. If there's someone I would blame, it was your parents. But of course, I'm not saying that it's just your parent's fault, it was yours as well."

I looked down as I clenched my fist, "I'm a coward. I don't deserve to be forgiven."

"Then you just have to do better." He said and I looked up, frowning, "If you feel so bad about it, just do everything in your power to apologize. Suffer in return, cry if you must, do anything. Beg." He added before smirking.

Then he frowned, "I was interested in you since we're kind of the same but... I guess everyone changes. I don't dislike you, don't worry." He said as he chuckled.

"I'll leave you alone now, I have a date." He said before walking towards the door. He gives me a final wave before leaving me behind. I wasn't even able to scold him about going on 'dates' because I was thinking about something else.

Staring at the door, I decided. I'll do everything I can to somehow fix my relationship with my sister. I want to at least truly became a family of Aksia, I want us to be real a brother and sister. I... I'm not expecting to be forgiven since I don't even deserve it in the first place.

This is my own selfishness as well because I want to atone, for my guilt, and to make up for the sin I made. Mother and father surely won't be happy, but this time, even if I'm scared... I can't run away – I shouldn't. I must face it this time even if it means giving up everything I have.


PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES
emoisreal emoisreal

"Being family is determined more by behavior than blood."

Take note that even though Hariz know Aksia is being abused, he doesn't know to what extent. I'm not saying that he will be forgiven though, that's still undecided.

The next chapter might be boring since I'll just mostly give information about the Royal Academy.

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