Second Life's Revenge

Black hair? She was sure she didn't hear it wrong but how is it possible? Perhaps there is a land where black-haired people reside. It's just they don't expose themselves because of how the people would bash them. There is no chance for Tine and Laura to be siblings because they were born in the same year but in different months.

"Is that true?" asked Laura who still finds it unbelievable. Helga nodded her head and used her head to signal Laura to follow her. She was brought to the corner where others couldn't hear them. Laura didn't know whether to trust Helga but since she revealed herself to be close with the Countess. She didn't have a choice but to.

"Mariane left me something to read after she died. It was her journal of when she was younger. I'm leaving this journal to you," said Helga as she brought out a dark blue covered journal. It looked as good as new and it was all thanks to Helga for preserving it well. But Laura found it weird. Why did Countess Mariane leave the journal with Helga but not to Count Harrison? 

Larua was sure there wasn't any problem between the Count and the Countess. But at the same time, it's not that unusual to leave important things with your own friend. 

"Count Harrison doesn't know about it. Her black hair" added Helga before leaving as she was called by one of the soldiers. Laura looked down at the journal and didn't know how to feel about keeping the journal. Trapped in deep thoughts she didn't even realize Erwin standing in front of her.

"Laura, it's been decided. Tine's trial," called Erwin as his attention was caught by the journal she held. "What's that?" He asked while pointing at the journal. 

"Countess Mariane's journal do you want to read it with me?" Laura asked Erwin who had a troubled expression while he scratches his hair. It doesn't seem like he's free then Laura thought. "Don't worry. You're going to be busy with you know Tine."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," said Laura who held his hands with a smile. "If we want to end things. Then the faster we should prepare." That's right even if Tine has been captured it doesn't mean it was the end of the race. She'll keep running until she reaches the goal.

For the whole ten minutes, Erwin kept apologizing to her and she didn't know what to say anymore. Laura then sees Blaine standing not so far away from them and it looks like he's just waiting for Erwin but couldn't break into them.

Laura tiptoed and ruffles Erwin's hair making him look like a happy dog wagging its tail in happiness. Laura then spoke, "You should go now." It was late at night but she still had business to finish. Laura covered her mouth before yawning. She was tired and wanted to sleep but she didn't want to sleep in this room where hours ago she was just about to die. 

"Sleep in my room," said Erwin as he grabs Laura's hand and while dragging. "Blaine, bring the papers to my room. I'll work there and you get some rest. Don't worry it'll be finished by the time the sun rises."

Blaine nodded his head and watched the two leave the room. When this kind of time comes he didn't know how to say no. But since the storm has calmed down and they finally could take a breather it would be best to leave them both alone. He turned his back when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

Before he knew it his face was close with another making him jump back a bit. "W-what is it?" He asked Mary who held her laughter in after seeing the expression he made. "Do you need help? I overheard what His Grace said and I thought it might be a lot." But the truth was she just wanted to watch Laura and Erwin in the corner. Mary was smiling stupidly while Blaine didn't know if he wanted to stay by her side.

"If you insist…follow me," said Blaine.

The silver moon estate has finally gone quiet like nothing happened from the beginning. They all looked forward to a new beginning and a new start. But once the sun rises and the people hear about this news. How do you think they'll react?

Erwin sped to the door to open it for Laura to enter but she stood outside as she didn't know if it was alright to enter his room. "Come in," He said gently and she followed as she walks into his room. 

It was her first time in his room and she couldn't be any more surprised to see how neat it is in his room. She stood near the door but later on Erwin pulled her closer to him and walks towards the bed. "Go get some sleep," said Erwin.

Laura slipped herself into his bed and she looked at Erwin who was looking back at her while sitting on the side of the bed. He chuckled as he strokes her hair while she blushed and hid her face under the blanket. 

By the door, Blaine knocked before entering, and from behind, Mary followed, and upon seeing Laura, she waved her hand at her. Then places the papers on the desk that was facing Erwin's bed. The two servants left the room and back to their quarters where Mary was seen smiling ear to ear.

"And you're that happy? He muttered.

"Why can't I?" Mary's brows furrowed as she stopped walking alongside him. Blaine turned his back and looked troubled since he didn't mean it that way. "No, it's just that I…I'm sorry."

"I'm just kidding," Mary laughed and stood beside Blaine. "It's just that I'm happy that there is someone who she could lean onto. It's just frustrating to see her do all the work." Blaine didn't know why but he felt his heart sinking and wanted to comfort Mary but didn't know what to say.

"You can trust, Erwin. He's a good man," Blaine said, and out of nowhere, he patted her head. Realizing his own actions he stuttered while apologizing and walks away at an increasingly fast speed. While Mary was taken aback but she didn't hate it at all. She just laughed it out and tried matching her pace with his.

"Hey, wait for me!" called Mary.

Back in Erwin's room, Laura was holding his hand tightly while her eyes were closed. She was snoring softly which Erwin found adorable. He didn't want to let go of her hand but he promised Blaine that everything will be finished by later. 

He imagines the day where Laura would greet him in the morning after waking up, eating together, and spending time together. That's only if they were to get married. He was patient but not patient enough to wait for years before they could be together. 

It's time to do business Erwin told himself and gently removes his hands from her grip. But before moving to his desk he gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Sleep tight," He said softly and made his way to the desk. 

=====

"I think I should go in," said Blaine as he was holding the doorknob. The sun was out but it was almost afternoon but none of them were awake yet. Mary had many thoughts on what they did but Blaine denied them all. Since Erwin had promised to finish his work. 

"No, don't," Mary said as she leaned onto the door but was startled when the door opened. As the door was opening Erwin yawned and the first thing he sees in the morning are two people trying to do something.

"What are you two doing?" He asked.

"You didn't look like you were awake and I was about to call you. But we didn't want to disturb you so…"

"You stood outside the whole morning?" asked Erwin who later on laughed and walks out of the room. He was wearing the same clothes from midnight and it looks like he didn't sleep either. But he didn't care about not sleeping. "Laura is still asleep and so let her sleep a bit longer," He said as he made his way to the dining hall. He then asked Blaine, "Is there anything you should report?"

"A letter from the palace arrived. It's from His Highness, Prince Elijah," Blaine said as he handed the letter to Erwin.

The latter stated that the date of Tine's trial which was going to be held two days later. It was supposed to be a serious letter but the last paragraph made him chuckle. Prince Elijah said not to worry much about him as he was doing fine despite the people arguing. Though the nobles were more of a problem than the people.

"We should prepare for the trial. Compile the evidences and be sure that everything needed is there."