The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees just from her presence alone. Carmine, who had been arrogantly indifferent moments before, now looked genuinely frightened under the woman’s gaze.
Her whole body was trembling, as if she were staring at her worst fear.
Her ’caretaker’, Captain Rosemary, had gone completely rigid, her hand instinctively moving to her weapon before she seemed to realize the futility of such an action.
The mysterious woman’s violet eyes held a depth of power and menace that made it clear she was far beyond any of us in terms of strength.
Even if I couldn’t sense her aura, I definitely knew she was someone on par with Virion. They both gave the same feeling and pressure.
...Is she really that powerful?
When she spoke again, her voice was soft, but it carried the weight of an avalanche.
"I asked you a question," she said. "What. Did. You. Just. Say?"
"I...I..." Carmine’s face had gone pale, barely able to utter a word.
Even her maids had taken several steps back, clearly recognizing the danger their mistress had just walked into.
I felt Mother’s pulse steady slightly, as if the newcomer’s presence was somehow reassuring rather than threatening her.
A friend? An acquaintance? Or perhaps...
"I..." Carmine’s voice cracked. Her eyes, wide with terror, darted around the room as if seeking an escape that didn’t exist.
Her breathing became rapid, swaying slightly on her feet.
"I... I didn’t... I wasn’t..." she stammered, each word weaker than the last.
Then, as if she couldn’t bear the pressure any longer, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed. Her knees buckled first, then she crumpled to the floor in a graceless heap, her elaborate dress pooling around her unconscious form.
The room fell into an absolute silence.
Then, her maids rushed forward with panicked whispers, but dared not to make too much noise. Captain remained frozen, perhaps struggling to make a choice.
The mysterious woman watched Carmine’s prone form for a moment, then let out a soft scoff that somehow managed to convey volumes of disdain she had for the girl.
"Can’t even answer a single question," she murmured, her voice dripping with contempt. "Yet she dares to act so arrogantly. How pathetic."
The maids flinched but didn’t dare to protest.
Captain finally broke free from her paralysis, stepping forward with her palms raised in a placating gesture, though she wisely kept her distance from the mysterious woman.
"Please, she didn’t mean-"
The woman’s violet gaze shifted to Captain with such intensity that the words died in her throat. Her gesture faltered, and she took an involuntary step backward.
It was then that Mother spoke up, her voice weak and pleading.
"Lady Nisha, please go easy on them. They aren’t the ones at fault."
The mysterious woman, Nisha, squinted her eyes at the captain for a moment longer, as if memorizing her face, and turned toward us, toward Mother.
Her gaze stopped briefly on me, and I felt those violet eyes studying me, before finally settling on Mother with a transformation so complete it was startling.
The cold, dangerous expression melted away like ice in sunlight, replaced by a gentle, warm smile that radiated genuine affection.
The change was so dramatic that if someone hadn’t witnessed her previous demeanor, they would never believe this kind-looking woman could be the same person who had just terrified Carmine into fainting on the spot.
"Sister Selva," she said, her voice soft and caring now. "You are far too forgiving. But don’t worry - I won’t do anything to them."
The contrast was so striking that even Captain blinked in surprise.
"Mm, thank you." Mother then turned to me. "Sir Lumin, can you take a look at her?"
"...Are you sure?" I asked, that girl was the one who made her after all. But looking at her eyes, I couldn’t refuse, even if I didn’t want to do it.
But before I could make a move, Nisha interrupted us.
"There’s no need; she just fainted from fear. She will wake up soon if she’s strong enough as she presents herself to be."
But even she couldn’t endure Mother’s pleading eyes.
"Alright, here," She threw a vial to the captain, who barely managed to react. "Give this to her and she will be fine. Now, take her and leave."
"..." Captain looked like she didn’t know what to say or do.
She looked at the vial, Nisha, then Carmine.
"...Thank you for your generosity." She bowed slightly to Nisha. Then turned toward Mother. "I’m sorry for the harm and inconvenience we caused. Please, don’t take this... girl’s words to your heart. And I express my condolences for your loss. May his soul rest in peace."
Mother nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate your words."
"No, this is the least we should do, especially given our untimely visit and the disrespect shown."
Her gaze flickered to Carmine’s unconscious form, a mixture of exasperation and guilt in her eyes. "We will take our leave now."
Then, Captain carefully lifted Carmine. Maids gathered around her, stealing nervous glances at Nisha.
As they prepared to leave, Cassandra stepped forward smoothly. "I will escort them out." She said. She probably wanted to ensure they left without causing any more trouble. Or she had just something to say.
The group finally left with Cassandra taking the lead, leaving three of us alone in the suddenly quiet room.
"Sister, how are you doing?" Nisha approached Mother while I stood up after making sure she was fine. "It seems like I was a bit late."
Mother lowered her head in sadness and regret. "Mm... It seems like we can’t be in-laws anymore, Lady Nisha. My son... Amaniel..."
"Please, don’t be sad." Lady Nisha smiled faintly. "I heard what happened. But don’t worry, we will still be in-laws."
So she really was the woman Cassandra told me about yesterday...
Mother shook her head gently. "No, you don’t have to do that. Your daughter is still young and beautiful. She deserves to find happiness with someone who can be there for her, who can protect and cherish her. I don’t want her to sacrifice her future for..."
"No, the engagement will remain, no matter what happens."
Huh? What is she saying?