CHAPTER 6

"IF YOU HATED ME so much, then why did you keep me?" I watched as the duke's eyes widened in disbelief at my sudden question.

His eyes were filled with regret as he moved from his seat. My gaze was stuck on him as the duke approached me closer.

"Elisse," he called as he kneeled in front of me, an act that no nobleman would do.

'Why are you doing this?' I wanted to ask him that very question, but I couldn't.

"I didn't bring you here because I hated you," he said as he reached for my hands, clasping them between his. The duke was teary-eyed as he looked up to me. It felt as if he was begging for forgiveness, at the same time not forcing me to forgive him.

"I apologize for making you feel this way, my child. I had always believed that I was doing the right thing. I had thought that leaving you alone was for the better, so no one would take advantage of you. I was under the belief that providing the necessities you need would be enough, but I was wrong to do that."

It was my first-time hearing someone explain their side to me. Their reasons for doing their questionable actions, and the thoughts they had when they did them. And I wasn't sure how to respond to that.

One thing I was sure of was the duke's honesty.

"I know this isn't an excuse for my incompetence and negligence as your father. I deeply apologize for my shortcomings and ignorance. I will let you do as you please, just ensure that you'll be safe with whatever your choices are."

I could feel the duke's words reaching my heart, and I couldn't move away from it anymore. But why now? Why now when everything has changed for me? Why now of all times when I have decided to focus on myself?

I pulled my hand from his grasp and abruptly stood up from my seat. He watched me with his eyes that resembled mine filled with remorse.

"I don't forgive and forget, your grace. But I will take it to heart, your apology. Just please don't expect anything from me anymore. I'm not the same child who yearned for everyone's affection."

My lips curved into a genuine smile, the realest thing I did ever since the lake incident. Watching him acknowledge his mistakes, and apologizing for them was heart-clenching. And somehow, I felt a sense of relief.

I know things will not get better even after this. And I'm not really hoping for anything anymore. I'm just a little relieved to hear an apology from him.

Our teatime ended with the head butler announcing the arrival of a royal letter. The duke invited me to join them for dinner later tonight, which I declined. I'm not sure I want to stress myself out by being in the same room as those fools.

Marina and Scarlet were nowhere to be found when I headed back inside. And instead of lazing around in my room again, I've decided to venture into the back garden. I should have a conversation with Pandora as well.

I was planning on changing into a new set of clothes, but seeing various layers hanging in my closet made me think twice. I sighed inwardly as I went outside without changing my dress.

I brought the book with me and headed to the garden. I should find a tailor that can make me a one-piece dress. Having different layers hanging on my body feels frustrating.

"Pandora," I called for him as I sat on the grass.

A ball of silver blue energy popped in front of me then Pandora appeared with his small-sized appearance.

"You called, master?" His voice is really comforting to me.

"The thing that you're doing when talking to me, is that telepathy?" I asked while I patted the space beside me. He tilted his head then I motioned for him to sit beside me.

"You're right, master. You can also do that. Just call my name three times in your head, and we'll be able to converse using telepathy."

"Hmm. That sounds cool," I mumbled. "Alright! So can you tell me your abilities?"

I opened my book to the page where I copied the summoning circle I used. I honestly didn't research it beforehand since I was so excited to do the summoning.

I was waiting for Pandora to answer when I heard tiny footsteps coming closer to me. I lifted my head to look at my visitor, and I was a bit surprised to see that fur creature from last night.

"Hi there. Why are you here again?" I asked him, as if he would answer.

"I think he likes you, master," Pandora said. I looked at him and frowned.

"You can hear this creature?" I asked.

"Yes. I think he wants you to adopt him," he added. Is he kidding me or what?

The fur creature only looked at me, his wide eyes looked innocent, as if he was a harmless little guy.

"Enough of that. Answer my question now," I said, glaring at him.

"I had thought that you were aware of my abilities before you summoned me," he started.

I shook my head. "I only know that the summoning circle I used is an ancient one and that you're probably an ancient spirit or beast."

"You're correct, master. I'm one of the guardians of time. My ability has something to do with controlling or manipulating time."

My eyes widened in shock. I didn't know that I had summoned a big shot! "So, can I use your power to control or manipulate time? That sounds cool! How much mana would I need?"

"You're quite the calculating one, master. Using my abilities like stopping the flow of time or reversing the time will not consume a lot of your mana. However, using my ability, time travel, will consume over half of your mana and strength," he explained.

Oh. His abilities sound amazing. I don't think I'll need to use this other ability he mentioned.

"Spirits and mystical beasts consume their master's mana whenever they're summoned from their realm, right?"

"Yes. That's why I changed to my smaller form."

That makes sense.

"But if I summon another mystical beast or spirit, will another seal be carved on my skin?" I was a little worried about how painful it would be.

"Only a vine will appear around the stem of the flower on your back if it's another beast like me. The flower usually depends on the type of mana the summoner has, and that will represent the other pacts made with other beasts."

Hearing this was a bit mind-blowing to me. I didn't know about the seal for the pact since it wasn't mentioned specifically in the books I've read.

"And if you summon a spirit, then a different seal will be placed on the master's body," he added.

Hearing him made me realize how better he was at explaining things. Maybe it has something to do with him being an ancient creature and for living maybe like a thousand years?

"How much mana do you think I'll need to summon a spirit?" I asked.

I'll try to summon a spirit next instead. I've read that you can only summon one spirit and about a maximum of 12 creatures for mystical beasts.

Pandora's dark fur glowed as he assessed me. I felt a surge of light energy flowing inside of me. I looked at my hand curiously as it glowed in a crimson light. What's this?

"That is the color of your mana," Pandora answered. "And master really has a huge amount of mana. More than enough for master's age. You'll just need to stabilize them by doing some mana exercises that you can find in books."

"Oh. That's one heck of a revelation," I said as I clenched my hands a few times. "Alright, Pandora. I'll call you again later, so you can help me summon a spirit," I added while giving him head pats.

He doesn't seem to mind it since he leaned his head more to my palm. "See you later, master."

"I should find a book relating to both spirits, mystical beasts, and stabilizing one's mana," I said as I stood up. I heard a small squeak followed by a soft tug on the hem of my dress.

I was surprised to see the fur creature still here. "Maybe he's right. Should I keep him though?" And before I could really decide on it, I was already carrying the little fur creature back to the manor.

Adding another friend on my list wouldn't hurt, right?

"MARINA? HOW LONG HAS it been since you were assigned to me?" I asked curiously.

I could feel Marina's hands stop moving, as if she was thinking. She was in the midst of washing my hair. Scarlet on the other hand was in my bedroom, fixing my bed.

"It's been two weeks, my lady." She finally answered after a couple of seconds.

I shook my head then she continued washing my hair. Bathing around this time in the afternoon makes me feel sleepy.

"Nothing. I just thought that a couple of things had happened after a specific point of my life," I said. I covered half of my face as a yawn escaped my lips.

Marina didn't answer after that. I thought I'd have a sense of peacefulness after a tiring day, but the bastards proved me wrong.

"My lady," Scarlet called as she knocked on the door of my bathroom. "Young master Eclipse wishes to speak with you."

A groan escaped my lips. "Goodness," I whispered as I stood up. "Tell him to wait outside of my room," I answered her.

Marina handed the towel to me, and I used it to dry myself. We stayed in the bathroom as she helped me wear my lavender chemise and an indoor dress to cover my night dress, while Scarlet waited in the bedroom.

He's probably here because of the commotion I caused earlier with Florence. I already feel where this is going.

I headed out of my room after drying and brushing my hair. I definitely feel this specific kind of annoyance every time I see their faces, and I'm sure that they feel the same thing.

I bowed and greeted Eclipse as soon as I opened the door. And to my displeasure, Caspian was with him.

"Can we invite you over for tea?" Eclipse asked.

Is inviting someone for tea somehow a trademark of them? Or did they pick this up from the duke? I let out a sigh. I didn't even hide the irritation I felt in front of them, which made Caspian frown at me.

"Can't you say whatever it is here? I'm quite busy myself," I answered, crossing my arms on my chest.

But the two of them didn't budge. Eclipse looked surprisingly calm, while Caspian was annoyed. To hell I care about this.

"This will be quick, Elisse. Let's talk in the drawing room." Eclipse was firm the second time. Tsk. Just like his father.

"It's not like I have a choice," I muttered as I stepped out of my room. "Then please lead the way."

I followed behind them as they led the way to the drawing room. I wasn't sure what they wanted to talk about, but I had a feeling that this is related to the incident with the head maid.

"Prepare us some tea," Eclipse ordered the maid waiting for us in the drawing room. "Take a seat," he said, pointing at the couch in front of them.

I shrugged and did what I was told. I sat on the couch, leaned my back on my seat, and crossed my legs. "So, what was it that you wanted to talk about?"

Caspian sneered at my tone, which I ignored. Who cares about you, scumhead.

"Do you hate seeing us so much, Elisse?" Eclipse sighed at his own question.

What is this? I couldn't hide the disgust on my face after hearing his question. Why is he even acting like the victim here?

"Shouldn't I be the one asking this to the two of you?" I cocked an eyebrow as I looked at him. "Anyway, why don't we go down to business already?" I suggested, forcing a smile on my face.

Eclipse let out another sigh before he spoke again. "I know what you did with the head maid earlier, and I hope it won't happen again, Elisse. Kaiser is arriving in a few days from now, and there will be a celebration. I hope you will act accordingly."

I frowned at him. Hearing his words made me sick.

"Didn't you know that the face of the head maid's still swollen because of how hard you slapped her?" And here I thought that this shrimp head won't talk anymore.

I wish I could knock some sense into their pea-sized brains. They sounded so ignorant, and I feel like my ears will bleed anytime just by listening to them.

"Are we done here?" I asked nonchalantly. "I hope we are because I can't continue listening to any of this." I pulled myself up, preparing myself to leave.

But they were persistent like pests.

"Are you really treating this like some sort of game you could play, Elisse?" Eclipse asked. I hate his voice so much.

I shot him a glare. I couldn't control myself from feeling upset because of the way they spoke to me. How could they accuse me of bullying others?

"Look here," I muttered. "I don't care whatever you'll say or whatever you'll believe I did. I don't care about any of your lives, so stop caring about mine. What I hate the most is crossing the lines and boundaries I set." I kept my gaze locked on Eclipse's annoying eyes.

I wanted to burn them so bad, but no. 'Walk away, Elisse. Just walk away,' I chanted in my head as I bowed at them and turned around.

"Elisse!" Caspian called me.

I stopped for a moment, not looking back at them as words came out of my mouth like a threat. "Take the head maid as an example, and just mind your own business."

I shut the door loudly, expressing how upset they made me feel. I should just tell the duke about this before it escalates into a much more annoying situation.

I should also go outside again. I need some fresh air away from this toxic household. And maybe a tailor for my one-layered dress.