"What are you doing, Sir Ascania?" Still gasping for breath, Elaine's body shifted to look at Cecil. She mustered her remaining strength to shove him back. "Don't hinder me. I need to know..." Elaine staggered forward. Her legs wobbled, unable to maintain their balance.
"Milady, please." The blond-haired young man caught Elaine's waist and prevented her from falling.
"No, I am fine—" she wheezed, struggling to escape his constraint. "I command you to release me."
“Milady,” Mariam called. The young maid ran toward Elaine with a worried expression.
"I agree with your guard, Lady Estella," Elias interjected. His hand swiftly drew in the air and distributed a secondary physical barrier, denying Mariam entry and preventing anyone else from interrupting their conversation. "We cannot continue our discussion with your current condition."
"But…I need to know." Elaine's heart thundered as she clutched her tightened chest. She understood Cecil's well-meaning intention. However, these vile portal creatures had been terrorizing her psychologically and physically for the past year. They dominated her senses for their grotesque amusement and carved themselves into her nightmares. "Please…" Elaine's lips quivered, shoulders trembling. After enduring for so long, the emotional trauma she fought to suppress had spiraled outside her control.
The black-haired young man's hand reached out and held Elaine's. "I do not know what causes your distress, milady. However, please trust that I will honor my words. Once you recover your health, I will answer all your questions with the utmost priority."
Elaine's gaze lowered, biting her lips. Her freed hand balled into a fist, its nails dug into her palm. Though unwilling to end their conversation, she had no grounds or energy to contest the male protagonist's suggestion. The abrupt panic attack had drained her strength, rendering her body exhausted. "I apologize for my incongruous behavior from earlier." Elaine recoiled her other hand from Elias' grasp. "You are correct, milord. Let us resume another time, for I must retire to my quarters," she panted, then glanced at Cecil. "I have realized my temporary lapse of judgment. So you can rest assured and release me now, Sir Ascania."
The blond-haired young man let go of her waist but then bent down and swept Elaine off the ground, carrying her in his arms. "Forgive my impudence, milady. Please allow me to bring you back to your chamber."
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Cecil's unexpected move startled Elaine. She hastily wrapped her arms around his neck to avoid falling. After securing her balance, she lifted her head, staring at her guard with disapproving eyes. Elaine could perceive the curious gazes of onlookers, Étoilean and Caispean alike, each person speculating on the situation within the barriers. Her initial interaction with Elias had already attracted unwanted attention, and she did not want to cause further commotion. Yet, the blond-haired young man's actions had negated her efforts and pulled even more scrutiny in her direction. "I am only weakened, not incapacitated. I can walk by myself." Elaine frowned and pushed him, attempting to break free. Yet, in contrast to her obstinacy, she barely had the energy to move.
Cecil's grip tightened and did not release her. "I will accept all penalties you bestowed upon me later, milady. However, at this moment, I cannot follow your command," he stated, then bowed to Elias. "Please allow me to return Lady Estella to her chamber."
The male protagonist nodded. "We shall resume our dialogue soon, Lady Estella," he said to Elaine.
Elaine stayed silent. Fussing was futile since the two men had already decided for her. She closed her eyes and rested her head against the blond-haired young man's chest as he carried her back to her quarters. Mariam heeled them after they stepped outside the barrier.
Once Cecil placed Elaine on her bed, he immediately stepped back and knelt before her. "I have acted insolent and overstepped my bounds. Please serve my punishments, milady."
Elaine sighed and looked out the window. "You are not at fault, Sir Ascania. I understand your disposition." She waved her hand, dismissing him. "I would like to be alone. You may leave."
It was a long stretch of silence before she heard his reply. "As you wish, milady. "
"You too, Mariam."
"But, milady—" the young maid protested.
Elaine's tone lowered, emitting authority. "I do not want to repeat myself." After everything that had happened, she wanted time to collect herself.
Mariam shuddered. Elaine's voice tolerated no objection. The young maid bowed and meekly exited the room.
The sun soon retreated behind the horizon, replaced by the twilight hues and double moons. Darkness blanketed the sky, ushering in a serenity opposite the morning's hustling and bustling. Yet, instead of enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the night evoked unpleasant memories within Elaine as anxiety overwhelmed her. She dreaded the shadows and the conniving creatures hiding within them, always waiting for the opportunity to ensnare her. Incoming footsteps from the outside snapped Elaine back to the present and drew her attention from the window.
"Milord?" Outside the hall, Mariam's voice gasped. "M, milady is resting and does not wish to see anyone. Please return in the morning."
Elias? What is he doing here at this hour? It was late in the evening. Considering their ranking and unmarried status, it was inappropriate for him to visit her unannounced at night. Even if he spent most of his youth on the battlefields, Elaine suspected he was aware of the basic noble etiquette.
"I will assist Sir Ascania in guarding Lady Estella tonight," the male protagonist declared.
Upon hearing the black-haired young man's preposterous declaration, Elaine immediately left her bed and marched to the door. "I pray you realize this is improper conduct, Sir d'Amboise." She glowered, careful to minimize the volume of her voice. Elaine did not know what Elias was planning but had no patience to follow along.