Year 3988, 2nd Day of the 9th Moon
Crimson Village, Ember Isle, Fliamma Kingdom, Continent of Humana

THE NEXT morning, Aricson prepared for the burial and invited Elise. It was a perfect day with bright skies but the heavy atmosphere was palpable. It appeared that everyone on the island had come seeing hundreds of people gathering, even the servants in the castle were there.

Aricson led the ceremony as he exemplified Luke's achievements and offered an elegy. After his speech, he laid the urn inside the concrete casket.

Just like how there was a graveyard near the castle, the village has one too. The vast greeneries were filled with concrete boxes to house the urns. He lighted the incense and one by one, people gave all kinds of red flowers and only May had a white one.

It was the longest part of the rite and Aricson advanced to her location while the rest of the white-dressed crowd gradually dispersed. 

"What? Come again?" She gaped at what he had uttered as soon as he was beside her.

"May had no blood relative or familial ties in the isle anymore so she has to forget everything."

"You will abandon a widow?"

"No. They are given a cottage and a job on the mainland but they will have to forget everything so, in the future, you shan't be surprised if she cannot recognize you," he explained.

"What? Why will that be?"

"She needed to take a pill that will erase her memories. It is a special medicine made to forget anything related to Ember Isle."

"Will she forget about her husband too?"

A curt nod was his only reply.

"Isn't that cruel? Why do you need to erase her memories? What's more, it's her loved one! I saw how she truly loves him and yet you—"

"Every Ancient Clan has a secret that they don't want their enemies to find out, Elise," Aricson interjected. "This has been going on for generations to keep the family safe. She had no duty to the isle so there is no reason for her to stay."

She let his sentence sink and discerned something. She owed May and this was the best thing she could do. She did not want her memories to be erased.

"By duty, do you mean work?"

"Yes."

"Then, can you hire her?" she probed.

Aricson appeared contemplating it but once she heard him sigh, she knew he would reconsider it.

"If she agrees then I'll let you."

Upon hearing his approval, she approached May immediately.

"Do you want to work for me?" she spoke the moment she reached her.

May was undoubtedly taken aback yet she smiled with obvious puffed eyes.

"Elise needs a lady's maid, May, and she's eyeing you for the position. Several servants will be replaced soon and a spot will be available for you if you want," Aricson stated.

"It's an honor, Miss Elise, Rei Aricson, but my husband asked me to live a normal life after his death and the best thing I can do is abide by his wish."

Elise's was not able to mouth a response. She did not know what to do to compensate for her fault. With no other way in mind, she grabbed May's hands and looked directly at her.

"I am sorry, May. This is my fau—"

"No need, Miss Elise." She contracted her fingers with a sincere smile still plastered on her lips. "I am very grateful for what you've done. I hope you pardon my impudence."

May closed the distance between them and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Miss."

"I... I wish for your happiness, May."

"I wish for your happiness too, our future Rainha," she whispered.

Elise froze for a moment and May had let her go.

"That's not true!" she denied but it was a late reaction.

May just smiled teasingly and Elise flushed her cheeks. Not a moment later, a servant arrived. Based on the uniform, he was probably a footman.

"The pill has been sent already, sire. The carriage would also come later," he informed.

May faced both of them. "This is farewell, Rei Aricson, Miss. I and Luke will always be proud to serve the Flamion."

THE CARRIAGE gradually disappeared from Elise's view. The noon sun centered in a perfect yellow ring. The scalding warmth was not appropriate for a walk on the beach but she neglected the heat.

She needed to pull herself together. One day was enough to brood and she had no time to be depressed. She had to let this mark as a lesson and never repeat such rash actions once more. The only thing she regretted was that this lesson came at the expense of someone's life.

Her mood dampened once more. No one condemned her but she knew deep inside she was still at fault. She was aware her methods had helped but her sin was entirely raising May's hope. There was nothing more vexing than that. If she had not come, at least May had prepared herself than giving her bliss and only taking it back a moment later.

A hand crept up to her, intertwining their fingers.

"Are you upset?" he inquired out of the blue.

She shook her head. "How about you? Are you angry that I disobeyed you?"

"No. I just don't want you to suffer from guilt. It was a defined case."

"... I know. That's why I'm sorry."

Aricson enclosed his arms around her without warning.

"I told you, it's fine, and May seems happy. I'm just worried about you."

"I thought about it all day... I was too optimistic I can do everything once I set my eyes on it," she spoke her worries and hid in his touch.

"But you did well. I heard that he was able to pass away without pain. That is a miracle by itself."

"But it wasn't enough," she swiftly refuted. If it was enough, that man would not die. 

He thrust her chin and softly flicked her forehead.

"I thought you understood, already? That was plenty," Aricson said and pulled her to his chest again. "You can always improve in the future."

Crashing waves followed his words while she snuggled closely. His words were akin to the brushing winds amidst the peak of the summer season. A sole relief from the fervor of contrition in her heart.

'Maybe he's right.' There was still a future ahead. She may have failed but she would not allow another failure to come again.

"But..." His chest vibrated when he spoke. "This should be kept private. Some people may want your knowledge and use it for their own. Promise me."

She stepped back and raised her finger. She took his right hand and looped his pinky to hers.

"What are you doing?"

With all the consoling words he had said, her mouth curved. "A promise."

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U n S c e n e s

Q: Rei Aricson, did you feel jealous about Exel?

Aricson: ???

Exel: No need to deny, chap. I'm sure your jealous of my carefree lifestyle when your prudence can rival a temple servant.

Elise: Err, guys? I don't think that's what she meant though...