Chapter 28: Uncomfortable Situation
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Chapter 28: Uncomfortable Situation
Whats up? Why is everyone so quiet?
Shiron frowned. As he poked his head out to survey the surroundings, not a single person, despite him finally breaking through the ice, offered a word of congratulations.
Its a bit disappointing.
While he wasnt exactly hoping for a raucous celebration, seeing everyone staring him down with such serious faces made the situation somewhat awkward for him.
Given the stern expressions of Lucia and Hugo, that was understandable. But why even Encia, who usually didnt bother with subtleties and was playful, had such a hard expression was beyond him.
The maid that Shiron knew wouldve probably come running, offered him a beaming smile and perhaps even a cup of cocoa.
Sigh, you guys really know how to kill the mood.
Ignoring their gazes, Shiron began to pull himself onto the ice. The ritual wouldnt be complete until he reached the ground.
He had initially worried that the ice might collapse as he departed, but fortunately, nothing of that sort occurred. Nothing happened until he reached the sandy shore.
However, his body felt incredibly uncomfortable. Every movement caused grains of sand to prickle between his damp clothes and skin. He just wanted to dip himself in warm water as soon as possible.
Finally, he crossed the lake and reached the shore.
Considering no one had raised any objections, it seemed he hadnt been caught cheating.
Shiron. Are you alright?
Just as Shiron was basking in his accomplished feeling, Lucia approached him.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
He had expected some kind of commotion due to the murmurs. Still, he couldnt figure out why Lucia had separated herself from the group. Maybe she was worried because of the bond they shared.
Shiron looked down at Lucia and replied,
What kind of answer are you expecting when you ask if Im okay? I feel like I might freeze to death.
No. Not that. Your hand.
Lucia gestured towards Shirons hand with her eyes, and following her gaze, Shiron looked down.
My hand? What the heck is this?!
At the end of his gaze, there was a mangled hand.
Bloodied and slashed, as if cut by something sharp, the fingers and the back of his hand were in such a wretched state it was astonishing he hadnt noticed earlier.
Why is my hand like this?
Was it because he was now conscious of the injury? The numbness was slowly giving way to a burning sensation. This pain was not just from being immersed in cold water for an extended period.
The backlash from breaking the ice, which was as fragile as finely crushed glass. In hindsight, it was obvious. The strength of ice, which wouldnt even scratch when hit hard with a fist, had to be more than that of glass.
Swallowing hard, Shiron stared at his wound.
His frail body, which still lacked endurance and hadnt mastered self-defense, seemed to plead for mercy, sending intense signals to his brain.
Gritting his teeth, Shiron averted his eyes from the injury. The pain traveling up his arm felt so intense that he thought he might lose consciousness.
Shiron. Does it hurt a lot?
Dont talk to me.
Was his pain not evident from his contorted face? Shiron looked at Lucia with resentful eyes.
Everyone has passed. Good job.
The ritual was over.
Yuma looked at the three children and said,
But for some reason, none of you seem pleased. Its okay to show a genuinely happy face, you know.
Perhaps because Shirons expression had eased a bit, Lucia finally found the strength to speak. All the while, she couldnt take her eyes off Shirons hand.
No, its not okay. It hurts so much I feel like Im going to pass out.
Is it that painful?
Yes. Ive never been in this much pain before.
Then why are you smiling?
Having observed their conversation, Siriel posed the question. Shiron suddenly realized that he had been smiling.
Ahem, weve passed the succession ceremony. After enduring all that, of course, I should smile.
While biting his tongue, Shiron erased the smirk from his face. He couldnt tell Lucia that he found her current state amusing, so he made up a reason.
Listen.
Relieved by Shirons relaxed expression, Siriel leaned forward with sparkling eyes.
Can I ask just one thing? Ive always been curious.
What is it?
Shiron glanced at Siriel warily.
Is she going to ask how I escaped through the ice?
Of course, he was ready with an answer. Shiron braced himself for her question.
Are the two of you siblings?
However, an entirely unexpected question came from Siriels mouth.
Why do you think that?
No reason.
Siriel, who was wearing her rings, alternated her gaze between Lucia and Shiron.
The two of you dont have any resemblance. Look, Lucia has red hair, while Brother Shiron has black hair. Even the eye colors are completely different: black and gold.
Well, thats because
Lucia interjected in a flustered manner.
The conversation had taken a serious turn. It was certainly a topic an innocent child might question, but the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
As far as Lucia knew, Shirons mother passed away when he was very young. She didnt want to dampen the mood by bringing up the topic of Shirons deceased mother, especially when the atmosphere was just starting to lighten up.
Lucia and I have different mothers.
But before she could think of a response, Shiron answered first.
Ah! So thats why you dont call her sister!
I knew it was strange! Since the wives of both sides are competitors. Ah, that makes sense!
Siriel nodded in understanding and smiled. However, she had no idea that both of their mothers were no longer in this world.
Lucia wished to silence Siriel, wanting to prevent any words that might hurt Shiron. She was anxious about Shirons reaction, worried he might be hurt.
As expected, Shiron narrowed his eyes, glaring at Siriel.
You, what are you thinking? My mother is dead.
Unable to hold back, Lucia also spoke to Siriel.
My mother is dead too!
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Chapter 28: Uncomfortable Situation
Whats up? Why is everyone so quiet?
Shiron frowned. As he poked his head out to survey the surroundings, not a single person, despite him finally breaking through the ice, offered a word of congratulations.
Its a bit disappointing.
While he wasnt exactly hoping for a raucous celebration, seeing everyone staring him down with such serious faces made the situation somewhat awkward for him.
Given the stern expressions of Lucia and Hugo, that was understandable. But why even Encia, who usually didnt bother with subtleties and was playful, had such a hard expression was beyond him.
The maid that Shiron knew wouldve probably come running, offered him a beaming smile and perhaps even a cup of cocoa.
Sigh, you guys really know how to kill the mood.
Ignoring their gazes, Shiron began to pull himself onto the ice. The ritual wouldnt be complete until he reached the ground.
He had initially worried that the ice might collapse as he departed, but fortunately, nothing of that sort occurred. Nothing happened until he reached the sandy shore.
However, his body felt incredibly uncomfortable. Every movement caused grains of sand to prickle between his damp clothes and skin. He just wanted to dip himself in warm water as soon as possible.
Finally, he crossed the lake and reached the shore.
Considering no one had raised any objections, it seemed he hadnt been caught cheating.
Shiron. Are you alright?
Just as Shiron was basking in his accomplished feeling, Lucia approached him.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
He had expected some kind of commotion due to the murmurs. Still, he couldnt figure out why Lucia had separated herself from the group. Maybe she was worried because of the bond they shared.
Shiron looked down at Lucia and replied,
What kind of answer are you expecting when you ask if Im okay? I feel like I might freeze to death.
No. Not that. Your hand.
Lucia gestured towards Shirons hand with her eyes, and following her gaze, Shiron looked down.
My hand? What the heck is this?!
At the end of his gaze, there was a mangled hand.
Bloodied and slashed, as if cut by something sharp, the fingers and the back of his hand were in such a wretched state it was astonishing he hadnt noticed earlier.
Why is my hand like this?
Was it because he was now conscious of the injury? The numbness was slowly giving way to a burning sensation. This pain was not just from being immersed in cold water for an extended period.
The backlash from breaking the ice, which was as fragile as finely crushed glass. In hindsight, it was obvious. The strength of ice, which wouldnt even scratch when hit hard with a fist, had to be more than that of glass.
Swallowing hard, Shiron stared at his wound.
His frail body, which still lacked endurance and hadnt mastered self-defense, seemed to plead for mercy, sending intense signals to his brain.
Gritting his teeth, Shiron averted his eyes from the injury. The pain traveling up his arm felt so intense that he thought he might lose consciousness.
Shiron. Does it hurt a lot?
Dont talk to me.
Was his pain not evident from his contorted face? Shiron looked at Lucia with resentful eyes.
Everyone has passed. Good job.
The ritual was over.
Yuma looked at the three children and said,
But for some reason, none of you seem pleased. Its okay to show a genuinely happy face, you know.
Perhaps because Shirons expression had eased a bit, Lucia finally found the strength to speak. All the while, she couldnt take her eyes off Shirons hand.
No, its not okay. It hurts so much I feel like Im going to pass out.
Is it that painful?
Yes. Ive never been in this much pain before.
Then why are you smiling?
Having observed their conversation, Siriel posed the question. Shiron suddenly realized that he had been smiling.
Ahem, weve passed the succession ceremony. After enduring all that, of course, I should smile.
While biting his tongue, Shiron erased the smirk from his face. He couldnt tell Lucia that he found her current state amusing, so he made up a reason.
Listen.
Relieved by Shirons relaxed expression, Siriel leaned forward with sparkling eyes.
Can I ask just one thing? Ive always been curious.
What is it?
Shiron glanced at Siriel warily.
Is she going to ask how I escaped through the ice?
Of course, he was ready with an answer. Shiron braced himself for her question.
Are the two of you siblings?
However, an entirely unexpected question came from Siriels mouth.
Why do you think that?
No reason.
Siriel, who was wearing her rings, alternated her gaze between Lucia and Shiron.
The two of you dont have any resemblance. Look, Lucia has red hair, while Brother Shiron has black hair. Even the eye colors are completely different: black and gold.
Well, thats because
Lucia interjected in a flustered manner.
The conversation had taken a serious turn. It was certainly a topic an innocent child might question, but the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
As far as Lucia knew, Shirons mother passed away when he was very young. She didnt want to dampen the mood by bringing up the topic of Shirons deceased mother, especially when the atmosphere was just starting to lighten up.
Lucia and I have different mothers.
But before she could think of a response, Shiron answered first.
Ah! So thats why you dont call her sister!
I knew it was strange! Since the wives of both sides are competitors. Ah, that makes sense!
Siriel nodded in understanding and smiled. However, she had no idea that both of their mothers were no longer in this world.
Lucia wished to silence Siriel, wanting to prevent any words that might hurt Shiron. She was anxious about Shirons reaction, worried he might be hurt.
As expected, Shiron narrowed his eyes, glaring at Siriel.
You, what are you thinking? My mother is dead.
Unable to hold back, Lucia also spoke to Siriel.
My mother is dead too!
Chapter 28: Uncomfortable SituationWhats up? Why is everyone so quiet?Shiron frowned. As he poked his head out to survey the surroundings, not a single person, despite him finally breaking through the ice, offered a word of congratulations.Its a bit disappointing.While he wasnt exactly hoping for a raucous celebration, seeing everyone staring him down with such serious faces made the situation somewhat awkward for him.Given the stern expressions of Lucia and Hugo, that was understandable. But why even Encia, who usually didnt bother with subtleties and was playful, had such a hard expression was beyond him.The maid that Shiron knew wouldve probably come running, offered him a beaming smile and perhaps even a cup of cocoa.Sigh, you guys really know how to kill the mood.Ignoring their gazes, Shiron began to pull himself onto the ice. The ritual wouldnt be complete until he reached the ground.He had initially worried that the ice might collapse as he departed, but fortunately, nothing of that sort occurred. Nothing happened until he reached the sandy shore.However, his body felt incredibly uncomfortable. Every movement caused grains of sand to prickle between his damp clothes and skin. He just wanted to dip himself in warm water as soon as possible.Finally, he crossed the lake and reached the shore.Considering no one had raised any objections, it seemed he hadnt been caught cheating.Shiron. Are you alright?Just as Shiron was basking in his accomplished feeling, Lucia approached him.The debut release of this chapter happened at Nvl-B1n.He had expected some kind of commotion due to the murmurs. Still, he couldnt figure out why Lucia had separated herself from the group. Maybe she was worried because of the bond they shared.Shiron looked down at Lucia and replied,What kind of answer are you expecting when you ask if Im okay? I feel like I might freeze to death.No. Not that. Your hand.Lucia gestured towards Shirons hand with her eyes, and following her gaze, Shiron looked down.My hand? What the heck is this?!At the end of his gaze, there was a mangled hand.Bloodied and slashed, as if cut by something sharp, the fingers and the back of his hand were in such a wretched state it was astonishing he hadnt noticed earlier.Why is my hand like this?Was it because he was now conscious of the injury? The numbness was slowly giving way to a burning sensation. This pain was not just from being immersed in cold water for an extended period.The backlash from breaking the ice, which was as fragile as finely crushed glass. In hindsight, it was obvious. The strength of ice, which wouldnt even scratch when hit hard with a fist, had to be more than that of glass.Swallowing hard, Shiron stared at his wound.His frail body, which still lacked endurance and hadnt mastered self-defense, seemed to plead for mercy, sending intense signals to his brain.Gritting his teeth, Shiron averted his eyes from the injury. The pain traveling up his arm felt so intense that he thought he might lose consciousness.Shiron. Does it hurt a lot?Dont talk to me.Was his pain not evident from his contorted face? Shiron looked at Lucia with resentful eyes.Everyone has passed. Good job.The ritual was over.Yuma looked at the three children and said,But for some reason, none of you seem pleased. Its okay to show a genuinely happy face, you know.Perhaps because Shirons expression had eased a bit, Lucia finally found the strength to speak. All the while, she couldnt take her eyes off Shirons hand.No, its not okay. It hurts so much I feel like Im going to pass out.Is it that painful?Yes. Ive never been in this much pain before.Then why are you smiling?Having observed their conversation, Siriel posed the question. Shiron suddenly realized that he had been smiling.Ahem, weve passed the succession ceremony. After enduring all that, of course, I should smile.While biting his tongue, Shiron erased the smirk from his face. He couldnt tell Lucia that he found her current state amusing, so he made up a reason.Listen.Relieved by Shirons relaxed expression, Siriel leaned forward with sparkling eyes.Can I ask just one thing? Ive always been curious.What is it?Shiron glanced at Siriel warily.Is she going to ask how I escaped through the ice?Of course, he was ready with an answer. Shiron braced himself for her question.Are the two of you siblings?However, an entirely unexpected question came from Siriels mouth.Why do you think that?No reason.Siriel, who was wearing her rings, alternated her gaze between Lucia and Shiron.The two of you dont have any resemblance. Look, Lucia has red hair, while Brother Shiron has black hair. Even the eye colors are completely different: black and gold.Well, thats becauseLucia interjected in a flustered manner.The conversation had taken a serious turn. It was certainly a topic an innocent child might question, but the atmosphere suddenly became tense.As far as Lucia knew, Shirons mother passed away when he was very young. She didnt want to dampen the mood by bringing up the topic of Shirons deceased mother, especially when the atmosphere was just starting to lighten up.Lucia and I have different mothers.But before she could think of a response, Shiron answered first.Ah! So thats why you dont call her sister!I knew it was strange! Since the wives of both sides are competitors. Ah, that makes sense!Siriel nodded in understanding and smiled. However, she had no idea that both of their mothers were no longer in this world.Lucia wished to silence Siriel, wanting to prevent any words that might hurt Shiron. She was anxious about Shirons reaction, worried he might be hurt.As expected, Shiron narrowed his eyes, glaring at Siriel.You, what are you thinking? My mother is dead.Unable to hold back, Lucia also spoke to Siriel.My mother is dead too!
