Second Life's Revenge

Laura was in the study room alone as she gazed forward, enjoying the scenery that laid in front of her. After the storm passed, it became peaceful, but it was a peacefulness that brought her uneasiness. Speaking about worries, there was another thing she had been worried about.

The fact that Septus had not been calling for her was one thing that worried her to no end. The only time she last saw Septus was when she was in the church, but the god who appeared in front of the people wasn't the real person. In fact, it was an illusion made by Gusion.

For some reason, she felt bad deceiving the people, summoning Septus right in front of their eyes, but there was nothing else they could have done in order to push Tine's status away. Speaking of Tine, it looks like her life is about to come to an end. She looked ruined, and her appearance is horrifying. Not to mention, word got out about Tine's personality.

But to think her rampage would start earlier than expected, Laura liked it. It means that the earlier it happens, the earlier she could rid Tine out of her life. Laura sighed and reminded herself not to get cocky. If she does, Tine might take advantage of that, and who knows what will happen next.

The last thing Laura wanted to happen in this world would be if another incident she doesn't expect happens out of the blue, leaving her unprepared. Just like how she was confined out of nowhere. Fixing the past was already a mess, and yet it became messier when insanity possessed Tine.

"Miss Laura, the lady from the Smythe family, has arrived," The servant announced outside of the door and waited for Laura's response.

A smile formed on Laura's face, thinking, 'how could she forget about her own friend?'. However, she was scared about what Serena was going to do especially if she flashes that smile. Laura closed the book that laid on her lap and returned it back on the bookshelf.

"Please escort her to my room," Laura said as she opened the door and made her way back to her own room. She entered her room and called for Fiona, asking her to prepare some refreshments.

Laura went on daze mode and only went out of her daydream when she heard the door open and entered Serena, who had the smiling face she had expected. The smile on her face was basically screeching to Laura, saying she has some explaining to do.

"S-Serena! Come take a seat," Laura said in a courteous manner, and Serena followed. Laura gulped as she sat across Serena and spoke, "I'm sorry. I'll do the explaining so, please don't show that smile. It scares me more than Tine."

"Good, at least you know," Serena said as she continued smiling.

Time passed as Laura began telling what happened that day, no, to be exact, it was four days, and the things she noticed strange about Tine. At first, Serena didn't know what to say at first and sat on the couch like a statue. As she finally was able to process the information, Serena sighed out loud and crossed her arms together.

For Laura, the cool and composed Serena might have been an act all along. After all, the real Serena was the opposite. She laughs when she's happy, and she cries when she's sad, just like any normal person.

"But Erwin told to assign Mary as a caretaker in the orphanage, and I decided to take it," Laura continued while, on the other hand, Serena was seen grinning. Laura noticed the grin on Serena's face and rolled her eyes. She denied, "It's not like that, Serena."

"You keep denying it, and I'm starting to get annoyed with you. He doesn't treat you like any other guy friend, and you know that" Serena huffed and took a small bite from the muffins she held. Laura avoided Serena's eyes and muttered, "I know, but if you do telling him. He will be the weakness Tine will try to take advantage of."

"Oh, just ignore that girl. For once, enjoy what you desire. It's alright to be selfish sometimes," Serena said as she raised her brows.

"Next time…" Laura paused then continued, "If ever I'll be able to meet him." She lowered her head a bit to hide her blushing face. But deep down, she didn't know if it was alright to be selfish.

"Laura, trust me. I've regretted not having the courage to accept his proposal," Serena smiled, but her smile wasn't happy, but rather she looked in pain. Laura frowned, remembering Serena's situation. Breaking the silence, Serena clasped her hand together and spoke, "It's alright. I'm fine now. Plus, there are more other men out there. Maybe ones even better than Prince Winston."

Serena giggled, but Laura didn't. It was her fault that Serena wasn't able to be with him. Instead, he's with someone else, and to think that someone was the person they both disliked. Laura sat beside Serena and held her hand gently. All she could do was apologize and do nothing.

Time flew fast, and it was time for Serena to leave. For the last time, Laura apologizes to Serena as she couldn't forget their talk earlier. Serena sighed and scolded Laura saying, "If you continue to put on that face and not bring me results, I will not forgive you."

"I will bring you good results, and so I hope you will stay happy," Laura chuckled.

"Don't worry about me and worry about yourself," Serena said as she took a step into the carriage. While Laura giggled as she waved her hand and watched the carriage exit the gate.

When Laura turned her back, she noticed someone watching her from the window. When she looked to see who it was, she saw Tine, glaring at her. Instead of giving a smile or responding to her, she pretended as if she did not see anyone.

"Lester, keep an eye on her," Laura said and made her way back to the room.

Lester bowed and took a look at the window and saw no one there. He tilted his head as she followed Laura back into the estate.

When Laura arrived in her room, she noticed something shining from the secret cabinet. She immediately shut the doors and got the journal out. Once she opened the journal, a bright light flashed to her face. Out of reflex she squinted her eyes.

What's this? It isn't the usual gentle light. It was more on the intense side. When she tried closing the journal, the journal itself opened wide, which forced her to shut her eyes.

'This is weird. The light won't stop glowing.'

The intense pressure from the light continued longer. Then all of a sudden it stopped, and everything felt calm. She slowly opened her eyes and lowered her arm that she used to shield herself.

"I know this place," Laura muttered. The floor filled with water and above her was the sky. This must be Septus's place. The endless mirroring of the floor and skies indeed it was a place where the gods would live. "Septus? Are you here?"

"Laura, I'm sorry to call you here," Septus answered back.

"It's alright. Is there something wrong? Why did you send me here instead of showing the clue in the journal?" Laura asked as she walked on the never-ending floor.

"In fact, I'm here to thank you."

"Thank me?" Laura questioned herself and stopped walking. "What is there to thank me for?"

A burst of laughter came out of Septus and he spoke, "You silly child. You set those children free." Laura shook her head in denial it wasn't her who did the job. The person he should thank was Erwin not her. Laura answered, "It isn't me you should thank bu-"

"Erwin? But risking your life just to expose your sister. It's a shame there was nothing written about her."

"It's not like the answers will be brought to me. That's why I'm not going to give up. Not until I get my revenge," Laura said as she clenched her fist. Still not done with her sentence she continued, "However, I'm not going to be like her. I'm not going to stain hands with blood just to reach what I want." Small laughter slipped out of Septus while Laura felt a bit flustered for saying those words.

"You've gotten stronger," Septus told Laura while Laura stopped walking. "I was watching you in the past. I pitied you for living that way but to see how you grow into a fine lady. I couldn't be any prouder to have chosen you."

Laura laughed and said, "It's because I'm not alone anymore and I won't be. I've stepped out of my cage like that butterfly that flew to the never-ending skies."

"What is that you desire. I shall grant it as your reward."

"Reward? When were you that kind of person?" Laura teased as she sat on the ground.

"If you don't want to take it then don't. I'm just saying I can grant you anything asides from turning back time and reviving the dead," Septus warned.

"There's actually one thing I've been curious about."

"What is it?" Septus asked curiously.

"I want to know if my parents are still alive."