Chapter 34 of 100
Chapter 34
6 min read1,577 words
Having managed to escape from Eliza, I hid for a while before returning to my room. It was a good decision to run to a crowded place; Eliza, concerned about her reputation, didn't pursue me too persistently. It was a close call, phew.
Now, a day has passed, and I've greeted the morning, still alive and well. The fact that Eliza hasn't attacked me while I'm in my room suggests that with time, her boiling anger has cooled down considerably. I can't imagine she has forgiven me. After the incident the other day, and especially after yesterday's events, my relationship with Eliza is at its worst. I want to improve it, but it's probably better not to touch it for now. No matter how I think about it, it's clear that I'll end up getting burned.
Just then, a letter arrived in the mailbox attached to my room's door. The envelope was cute, but the name 'Eliza Doville' was written on it in sharp, bold letters. The moment I saw the name, I shuddered, and goosebumps ran down my body.
"So, it's come to this."
I wouldn't be surprised if this letter contained just two words: 'kill you.' No, rather, that would be more expected and even comforting. I hesitantly opened the envelope and took out the sheet of paper inside. It was another cute piece of stationery. Perhaps the content isn't as bad as I imagine.
Well, let's see what comes out—will it be a ghost, a snake, or a tiger?
'Mr. Kururi Heran,
How are you? It's getting hotter outside, and I hope you're not feeling unwell. Yes, I'm sure you're living comfortably without any health issues!
As for me, thinking about you makes me toss and turn at night, and I've been suffering from lack of sleep.
I paused and gently placed the letter on the table. I could feel an unusual atmosphere from the letter, and my throat felt dry from tension. I drank a cup of tea, took a deep breath, and reread the continuation. Still, why is the content written in a letter style?
I couldn't sleep last night either, could you believe it? Isn't that funny? Isn't it? Don't you think so!
By the way, Mr. Kururi Heran, do you know my father? He is the [Prime Minister] of this country, a proud father. He dotes on me and has always eliminated things I dislike since I was young.
I paused again. The writing pressure was clearly heavier. The letters looked as if they were written with a violent stroke. I gathered my courage and tried to read the continuation.
This time, there have been various issues between us. It's a very sad event.
I don't think it's good for this incident to become public, do you? Don't you think so!
Therefore, let's pretend this never happened. It's for the best for both of us.
My reputation will be protected, and your life will be saved. It's a win-win situation, isn't it?
You should think so. No, you must think so.
That's the way it is, so I kindly request your cooperation.
Please take care of your health. Eliza Doville'
It's a threatening letter written in a very letter-like style. In essence, it means 'if you talk, I'll kill you.' I can't help but wonder why it's written in a letter style, but at least it's a more merciful situation than being killed unconditionally.
Well, since I received a threatening letter, and they sent it as a letter, I should respond as a gentleman with a letter. I took a pen from the drawer and started writing on a random piece of paper.
'Ms. Eliza Doville,
How are you? I'm doing well, so there's no need to worry. It's getting hotter outside, and I'm concerned about your delicate health.
By the way, I couldn't sleep last night either, what a coincidence.
Of course, I know that your father is the Prime Minister.
He is a great figure who leads the country's politics, and as a noble, I am grateful every day.
It's a wonderful story that such a busy person is a caring father at home.
By the way, you mentioned various issues, but I don't quite understand what you're talking about.
Especially, I don't remember anything about yesterday's events.
Even if I wanted to say something, I don't know the content, so I can't.
Please don't worry and have a good night.
If you can't sleep, I can send you something to help.
There's no need to worry.
Please take care of your health and maintain your beauty.
Kururi Heran'
There, I wrote it in a letter style. I think the content conveys that I won't say anything while praising Eliza.
I immediately left my room and entered the girls' dormitory. I caught a woman who happened to be there and asked where Eliza's room was.
She blushed and said 'kyaa,' but it wasn't that kind of situation. It was more like delivering a challenge letter than a love letter.
I arrived at the room I was told about and put the letter in the mailbox attached to the door.
This should be fine for a while. It's not a complete resolution, but since they presented conditions and I accepted them, it's reasonable to consider a truce.
I returned to my room and leisurely enjoyed a cup of tea. The high-quality tea from my hometown had a wonderful aroma, and I spent some relaxing time.
However, the mood was quickly ruined when I heard something being put in the mailbox.
I opened the mailbox and found another letter from Eliza.
'Mr. Kururi Heran,
I have read your letter. You don't remember yesterday's events, do you?
As expected of the son of a lord from a remote province. Your memory seems quite weak.
Here, I took a sip of my favorite tea to calm myself.
What is this content!
I considered your feelings and pretended to forget, but I received such a rude response!
I tried to suppress my anger and continued reading.
Still, you might suddenly remember and leak it to someone.
I'm not stupid enough to believe a man like you easily.
Why don't you prove it with something tangible?
I'll finish writing here while enjoying my tea.
Eliza Doville
P.S.
You called me delicate and beautiful. Is that your true feelings?
No, a man like you wouldn't say such things sincerely.
It was foolish of me to check. It was unnecessary. I apologize.'
... Wow, my flattery worked perfectly!
This flattery is too effective.
Is Eliza a pure-hearted girl!?
Well, if that's the case, I'll do this.
I took a pen and immediately wrote a reply.
'Ms. Eliza Doville,
I read your letter. Coincidentally, I'm also drinking tea. It's a famous tea from my province, so if you'd like, I can share some with you.
I was deeply moved by your words, "Prove it with something tangible."
I racked my brain and came up with one tangible proof.
I will share a secret with you. I don't think it will completely offset the issue, but please forgive me.
Actually, I used to be very fat. It's a past I'm ashamed to tell anyone. Please keep it a secret.
I'm enjoying my tea, so I'll end here.
Kururi Heran
P.S.
When I say you are delicate and beautiful, it is my true feelings.
I will prove it with something tangible. I've attached a flower I created with magic, imagining you.
I hope you can believe my true feelings when you see this flower.'
I finished writing the letter and put it in an envelope. I used my magic to create a flower, imagining Eliza. The flower had a yellow center, light blue petals, and a slightly large oval shape with three simple petals. I made the stem the same color as the petals, with thin lines and two small green leaves attached to the stem. I put the flower in the letter and delivered it to Eliza's mailbox.
Well, I hope she forgives me, but what if she makes another strange demand?
While waiting for a reply, I brewed another cup of tea and enjoyed a hot cup. Then, I heard a sound from the mailbox again. This time, the reply was surprisingly quick.
'Mr. Kururi Heran,
Thank you for the beautiful flower.
Does this flower have a name?
You created it with magic, imagining me, right? It's a very beautiful flower.
The only one in the world, just for me. Could you tell me its name if it has one?
Eliza Doville
P.S.
I have indeed grasped your secret.'
The P.S. and the main content are in reverse order!
The flower gift was incredibly effective.
Can I interpret this as her forgiving me for yesterday's events?
Yes, I can.
Because, the letters in this morning's letter were bloodshot, but now they look like joyful, flowing letters. It seems she wrote them smoothly, and the letters make me feel uplifted.
I immediately wrote a reply.
'Ms. Eliza Doville,
I'm glad you liked it.
The flower's name is Einvi. I named it based on its shape.
The flower's meaning is [a moment of light happiness].
I would be happy if you take good care of it.
P.S.
Understood.'
'That's right. Let's put everything behind us.
I look forward to seeing you in class again.'
What a dramatic turn of events.
From a sure loss, I've been granted a pardon.