While she contemplated their complicated situation, Camilla's attention was drawn to a carriage that had just arrived. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted Francis disembarking from it. His unexpected presence raised questions and left her wondering about his intentions.
Anesthesia's spirit, always quick to comment, added a layer of complexity to the situation. "What's he doing here?" She murmured, her curiosity evident in her tone.
Camilla's response was tinged with annoyance as she watched Francis, unable to hide her unease. "How do I know?" she replied with a heavy sigh.
Anesthesia's spirit couldn't resist prodding Camilla further, a mischievous chuckle escaping her lips as she asked, "Hey, does your heart still ache when you see him, knowing that he loves Adela?"
Camilla's irritation deepened as Anesthesia's spirit continued to needle her with questions and comments that dredged up complicated emotions. She couldn't help but plead, "Would you please stop it?"
Anesthesia's spirit, seemingly unfazed, let out a lighthearted laugh, her teasing tone persisting. "Ah, haha," she chuckled. "Hey, tell me one thing. Don't you ever feel the urge to make him jealous?"
Camilla arched her brows in response to the spirit's inquiry, the suggestion stirring a mixture of emotions within her. Anesthesia's spirit's relentless chatter was becoming increasingly exasperating, and Camilla decided it was best to ignore her words. With a sigh, she resumed her walk, heading toward her room in search of solace and respite.
But Anesthesia's spirit was undeterred, her voice chiming in once more, "But you know what? I like that boy."
Camilla paused for a moment, her breath hitching as she grappled with the complicated web of emotions that Francis's presence had stirred within her. She finally replied, her voice tinged with resignation, "You made me kiss him. Now I can't even look him in the eyes."
Anesthesia's spirit seemed undaunted by Camilla's response, maintaining her playful demeanor as she continued to prod. "Ah, yes, because I couldn't control myself," she admitted, almost mischievously. "Why don't you try it with him?"
Camilla, now settled in her room, sat on the edge of her bed.
The spirit's relentless probing and comments were causing her distress.
Camilla, her voice soft and filled with empathy, murmured, "Would you please not say that? He is suffering from Asmodeus's curse."
Anesthesia's spirit hesitated for a moment, then continued with a proposition that left Camilla shocked and incredulous. "I want you to make him work in your favor."
Camilla couldn't hide her astonishment as she retorted, "What? Are you out of your mind?"
But before she could react further, Camilla felt a sudden, sharp pain in her chest. Her distress was so great that she whimpered in agony and clutched her chest, her body physically reacting to the emotional turmoil that was gripping her.
"Stop it," she implored, her voice trembling as she sought relief from the physical and emotional pain that wracked her.
Anesthesia's spirit, undeterred by Camilla's distress, responded with frustration and a raised voice. "Idiot, why can't you understand? The more allies we have, the closer we are to victory," the spirit shouted.
Camilla, slowly regaining her composure, remained seated on the bed, her hand still on her chest. She mustered the strength to stand and, with a conflicted expression, stated, "I don't know if he still likes me."
But Anesthesia's spirit scoffed at Camilla's uncertainty, taunting her with biting words. "Stupid, that boy is crazy about you. Just admit your feelings to him. And I know your heart races when you two lock eyes," she remarked in a mocking tone.
Camilla, overwhelmed by the tumultuous emotions and relentless chatter of Anesthesia's spirit, chose to close her eyes and block out the relentless voice that echoed within her mind. She needed a moment of respite and solitude to collect her thoughts and find some semblance of peace.
Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Francis had been waiting for David. The young Marquis had arrived early, and his eagerness was apparent as he stood to greet his uncle with a polite smile.
"Sir, good evening." Francis greeted David with the utmost respect.
David, his face adorned with a welcoming smile, reciprocated the pleasantries. "Francis, how are you?" he inquired, displaying a genuine concern for his nephew's well-being.
Francis, now seated on a nearby couch, acknowledged the pressures that came with his position as a Marquis. "Yes, uncle. It's just that, as a Marquis, I find myself handling a multitude of responsibilities," he admitted with a soft smile, reflecting the weight of his duties.
David, aware of the many demands placed on Francis, took a seat and continued the conversation. "I understand the pressures you face. But why have you come at this hour? You could have sent me a letter if you needed something. Is everything all right?"
David's concern extended to the state of the borders, as he wondered if Francis's unexpected visit was related to a problem in the border regions. It was a topic that could be a source of constant concern for those entrusted with the region's security.
With a reassuring tone, Francis addressed his uncle's query. "It's nothing, uncle," he began, seemingly prepared to delve into the matter at hand.
Curiosity piqued, and David pressed further, seeking clarification. "Then what brings you here?" he inquired, his interest evident.
Francis, about to reveal the purpose of his visit, began speaking, but before he could elaborate, several of his attendants entered the room. They carried with them a multitude of flowers and presents, leaving David visibly taken aback by the unexpected display.
As Francis's attendants began placing the assortment of gifts and flowers in the room, David's surprise and curiosity were clearly evident. He couldn't help but ask, his tone filled with shock, "What is it, Francis?"
Francis, showing the utmost respect for his uncle, rose from his seat and offered a curtsy before he spoke with unwavering determination. "Uncle, I want to marry Camilla."
David's astonishment was palpable, his voice reflecting his shock as he echoed, "What?"
Francis, resolute and composed, continued to explain his intentions. "Yes, so I came here first to present the proposal to you. If you grant your consent, I will then approach the king. My father is currently occupied with his duties, which is why he couldn't personally meet with you."
A faint smile began to form on David's face, revealing a sense of satisfaction and understanding. He may not have been particularly close to his daughter, but he had a deep understanding of her feelings and knew that Camilla cared deeply for Francis.
In a tone that conveyed both disbelief and joy, David inquired, "Like, really? Francis, are you sure about this?"
With unwavering resolve, Francis confirmed his commitment. "Yes, uncle."
David's smile broadened, a warm and genuine expression of approval and happiness. He reminisced about the bond that had formed between the two young people from childhood to the present. "You two have been childhood friends. I've known you since you were both children."
Overwhelmed with emotion, David's voice conveyed his heartfelt sentiment. "So, will you accept my proposal, uncle? I can promise that I will provide her with everything she deserves."
David's response carried a mixture of nostalgia and understanding. He acknowledged, "I know Camilla has liked you from the beginning, though I might not have paid much attention to it."
Francis, whose gaze had been focused on the ground, lifted his eyes to meet David's. His expression was resolute as he asked, "Then, Uncle, can I take this as a 'yes'?"
A warm and approving smile graced David's face, signifying his acceptance and support. He affirmed, "I will send this news to the king as well."
Francis responded with a slight smile, though there was a hint of sadness hidden within it.
Then David said, "Please have a seat. I will summon Camilla."
But Francis, with a gracious and polite demeanor, declined. "It's okay, Uncle," he assured. "I will go now. Another day, I will come to meet her."
David nodded, appreciating Francis's understanding, and watched as the young Marquis made his exit from the castle.
Ruby entered the chamber and positioned herself behind David, her presence going unnoticed until she addressed him. "My lord," she said respectfully.
David, still immersed in the joyous revelation he had just received, turned to face Ruby with an air of contentment. He shared the exhilarating news with her, saying, "Ruby, send these gifts to Camilla's room."
The unexpected request left Ruby puzzled and concerned. She couldn't help but inquire, "But, my lord, what is happening?"
With an affectionate smile, David shared the source of his joy. "It's great news. Marquis Francis has presented a marriage proposal for Camilla," he announced with enthusiasm.
Ruby's initial shock gave way to a mixture of emotions as happiness and anxiety warred within her. Her voice trembled slightly as she stammered, "Marriage?"
David, undeterred by Ruby's evident astonishment, maintained his positive disposition. "Yes, it's wonderful news. The Marquis is a fine man," he remarked, his voice filled with pride.
Ruby struggled to regain her composure and offered a response that didn't betray her mixed feelings. "It's... It's wonderful news, my lord," she managed to say, her face carefully concealing the unease that still lingered.
David, who was now deeply engrossed in other matters, continued to smile as he summoned his butler to attend to some pressing business. He had to convey the delightful news to Alfred, and time was of the essence.
To be continued.