Compared to the stiff and cold attitude of Silver Wing Duke, Philia’s letter is exceedingly personal, her choice of words and phrases are gentle and considerate.
Yet Herbert always finds it peculiar, a feeling of discomfort that’s hard to pin down, like a thorn in the throat.
It always feels like something is amiss.
But he can’t quite figure out what that is.
In the end, trying to guess a person’s true intentions based solely on a letter is too difficult.
In a daze, Herbert feels a gentle breeze pass through the room, making the candle flame on the table flicker.
Then, the Evil God, who has been silent for a long time, finally speaks slowly: ["My ally, I can sense that you are somewhat lost."]
["Are you conflicted now?"]
"A little bit, perhaps?"
Herbert furrowed his brow slightly, but eventually relaxed, saying calmly, "It’s alright, just a little bit."
"...Are you curious?"
["Of course, after all, you are my most ~im~portant ally!"] The Evil God giggled, showing no care for Herbert’s faint sorrow.
["So! What is your relationship with the person who wrote the letter?"]
She was purely gossiping.
Herbert curled his lip, a bit helplessly saying, "How should I put it? A relative, acquaintance, friend, close friend... They’re all pretty much the same?"
["That’s all? Isn’t there more? Don’t hold back!"]
The Harmonious God, having sensed gossip, relentlessly pursued: ["Is it an old love?"]
Herbert raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and said somewhat uncertainly, "I guess I might have liked her... once?"
["Why is it a question?"]
"A young boy’s true feelings, how could he understand?"
Herbert originally thought he had no feelings for Philia.
Especially after going through such things, he should have already given up.
Yet upon seeing that letter, the movements within his heart far exceeded his expectations.
He then suddenly realized that he might have truly loved this woman once.
["See, the wise Evil God told you already, love is a curse!"]
The Harmonious God chuckled with schadenfreude: ["Right! You are cursed by love, that’s why you’re suffering!"]
"Ha, nonsense, shut your crooked mouth!"
Herbert snorted unhappily, rolled his eyes and said, "Besides, why do you care so much? Are you listening?"
"If you interrupt again, I won’t say anything."
["Okay, okay~ I won’t say anything~ You speak quickly!"]
"In the past, I indeed liked Philia. After all, regardless of her looks or character, she was the top choice."
Beautiful, gentle, considerate, obedient... The Philia of impression consistently displayed the perfect image of a noble young lady.
It’s safe to say that such an almost flawless princess, no one would rally dislike her for no reason.
If she truly matched her exterior with her interior.
"But those feelings weren’t pure love, more like affection and trust towards a friend."
Herbert kept analyzing his inner self, reflecting on the heart journey of the first half of his life.
Those naïve feelings buried deep within his heart, even he hadn’t noticed.
"Back then, I was merely used to her presence and thought we’d naturally grow closer in the future."
The naive noble youth never considered anything else, just assumed that was the set future.
"So, during that incident, do you know what the biggest emotion in my heart was?"
Herbert’s expression was calm, yet there seemed to be intense flames flickering in his eyes, the suppressed rage burning furiously.
"Why won’t she believe me? Why betray me ? Why frame me?"
As the one involved in all those events, how could Herbert not feel anger?
["So, what are you planning to do?"]
The Evil God’s voice was gentle, wrapped in alluring magic, further inciting the boy’s anger, pushing him to more madness...
However, at the peak of fury, Herbert’s attitude suddenly changed.
"Do what? Do nothing."
Herbert’s abrupt change puzzled Nenasha, who asked: ["So you’ve forgiven her? I never knew you could be so magnanimous?"]
"Forgive? With what kind of forgiveness?"
"Of course, I wouldn’t forgive her so easily."
Herbert sneered, holding the letter close to the candle’s flame, roasting it continuously. Find the newest release on novel(ꜰ)ire.net
"Whether or not she is truly as innocent as she claims, whether she was aware or involved, my stance remains the same."
"Does she really think a letter and a few light explanations can erase everything at this point?"
"Now that things have come to this, how can it be so simple!"
Accompanying a clear sound, flames climbed the paper, slowly burning it.
The rising firelight illuminated Herbert’s face, casting light on the depths of his eyes.
"The broken wound might eventually heal, but the scars and pain left behind during that process will persist eternally."
The fire burned fiercer, finally reaching Herbert’s fingertips.
But he showed no sign of avoidance, slowly holding the flame in his palm and ultimately crushing it.
Letting some crushed ashes fall from his palm.
"After the burning flames, what remains is just a few strands of ash."
With his eyes lowered, the boy looked at those ashes, quietly murmuring:
"It’s already too late..."
Even if she truly wants to make amends, it’s too late.
I’m no longer the person I once was...
Where were you when?Everything has returned to the past.
After a moment of silence, Nenasha inquired: ["So, you’re just going to leave her hanging?"]
"Not necessarily, I will still reply to her."
Herbert took out a sheet of letter paper, picked up a pen, and began writing quickly, the words flowed smoothly and neatly, with no hesitations.
["Hmm? But you said you’re not forgiving her?"]
It was still a normal reply, not showing any anger.
In response, Herbert explained: "That’s the case, but it’s a different matter. Philia still has value that can be leveraged."
"As the Kingdom’s most favored Little Princess, plus her mother owning a Mage Tower in the Northern Lands, her personal wealth even exceeds the Lord King’s little treasury."
"Simply put, she’s a little rich lady."
Under Nenasha’s speechless gaze, Herbert stated matter-of-factly:
"After all, we’ve been friends for years, and now she’s proactively reaching out, how could I not accept this favor?"
"Wouldn’t rejecting her kindness be too disrespectful?"
"Then let her pay some interest first, send me some good stuff, not something like an unused collar..."
Why hesitate when you can get something for free!!?