Silence is always heavy.
The thickened air pressed on my lungs, hindering my thoughts. I hesitated like that, clenching and unclenching my fists.
Whether to grip the hatchet handle or not.
The time needed for my firm resolve to waver like this was merely a few seconds.
Lady Lupesia.
Honestly speaking, she was an awkward opponent.
It was because I owed her a debt of heart personally.
A few months ago, Lady Lupesia was despicable and cruel. She had hurled verbal abuse and violence just because Emma was a commoner, and in anger, I punished Lady Lupesia and her group.
By severing all their limbs.
Though Lady Lupesia was at fault first, it was hard to deny that my response was excessive.
Using that as a pretext, hadn’t Cien tried to expel me?
But Lady Lupesia ultimately forgave me.
Perhaps her heart was moved by Emma’s sincerity in visiting the infirmary multiple times. After that, I hadn’t heard how things went, but who would have thought she would become one of Emma’s close friends.
I was grateful.
That’s why I couldn’t bring myself to draw a blade.
I merely flinched, gritting my teeth.
I have to kill her.
While I was…