Volume 7, Chapter 63 – The Shadow That Cannot Be Spoken

“Woof, woof!”

“Master, today’s dinner is roasted rabbit~”

With the help of the Charleses, Mary, holding a rabbit by its ears, ran up to Yisi. It was less a rabbit and more a calf; its massive size required Mary to drag it with both hands. Even though several hours had passed since she had slit its throat, the rabbit’s body was still convulsing reflexively.

So full of life.

Laxy, standing with Yisi in the stone pavilion, couldn’t help but marvel.

This was the courtyard of the Ymir Temple on the surface of Gota. The neatly trimmed lawn glowed golden under the sunlight, and the trees in the courtyard rustled in the gentle breeze. The afternoon was the quietest time of day in all of Gota. Weary laborers would close their eyes for a short rest, while nobles would have their servants set out tea and snacks, slowly enjoying the brief and peaceful time.

“Onee-sama, I’m back.”

“Yes, you’ve worked hard. I’ve already prepared lunch. Would you like some tea first?”

Taking the staff from Camilla’s hand, Yisi, who had been waiting in the stone pavilion for a long time, poured her a cup of cooled black tea. Although black tea was best served hot, it was now early summer, and her companions had just returned from a long journey in the labyrinth. Overly hot tea would not quench their thirst.

“How could I let Onee-sama do such a servant’s…” Before she could finish, Camilla was stopped by Yisi’s actions. After tidying her messy golden hair and magic robe, Camilla took the teacup and mumbled with her head lowered, “…Thank you, Onee-sama.”

“Well, that’s how it is. You just got back from the labyrinth, Camilla. It’s just pouring tea. As your older sister, it’s what I should do.”

Rеαⅾ оn KаtRеαⅾіոɡСafе

“You only pull out your ‘older sister’ status at times like this, Onee-sama…”

Although she expressed her dissatisfaction verbally, Camilla still drank the tea Yisi had handed her and sat down on the stone bench beside her. On the table were already prepared pan-fried steaks, vegetable salad, red wine, fruit juice, and some bread in a basket.

“Hoh, more like a married couple than sisters.”

Edith, who was slightly behind Camilla, let out a soft huff upon seeing them. This huff was not one of jealousy or dissatisfaction, but an amused and interesting tone. As long as it wasn’t too intimate, Edith didn’t mind the interaction between Yisi and Camilla. The reason for this was somewhat similar to how Yisi viewed Edith and Refina, only Edith was more aggressive—since Yisi was her wife, then Camilla was also her concubine. This was her line of thinking.

In fact, if Yisi hadn’t intervened, when Edith came of age and took over the Count of Pescia’s position, even if he had repeatedly warned her not to make a move on Camilla, Edith would not have held back any longer. In the past, Camilla’s cold temperament and pet-like personality had teased Edith like a kitten. Unfortunately, because of Yisi’s appearance, all of that had come to nothing. But there was one thing Edith had to admit: the current Camilla was much more charming than before. A cat with self-awareness was far more interesting than a doll that could be played with at will.

“Forbidden love.”

“This is an adult topic. Tiffany, cover your eyes.”

As she spoke, Mary hopped off the stone bench and pulled Tiffany down to sit beside her.

As for Camilla, she had changed from her shy demeanor just now and proactively took Yisi’s arm, leaning tightly against her.

“Onee-sama, which dish did you make for lunch today?”

Rеaԁ on КαtRеαԁingСafе

Probably just cutting the bread?

I’m still not proficient at pan-frying steak, so I had to leave it to Laxy. Although Laxy doesn’t need to eat, she knows some simple cooking from having taken care of the First and Second-Rank Angels who had dietary needs in the past.

Seeing Pepe’s hand holding her dining knife begin to turn white, Yisi quietly released Camilla’s arm and had her sit up straight.

“Today’s head chef is Laxy.”

“Tsk.”

A very displeased click of the tongue.

Even if you’re not happy, you don’t have to show it…

Yisi couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. This little sister of hers was as sharp-tongued as ever.

Perhaps because she thought of the angel as just a construct, Camilla hadn’t minded her being by Yisi’s side at first. But as they spent more time together, Camilla began to feel that the angel was not much different from a human. In addition, Laxy, with Yisi’s permission, had the right to stay in her room, and even to watch her sleep. Thus, Camilla had become unhappy—to avoid any accidents, Yisi had always forbidden Camilla from staying in her room at night.

Yisi turned her head to look at Laxy sheepishly, but before she could apologize, she closed her mouth because of Laxy’s state.

Laxy was looking worried and lost in thought again.

Rеaⅾ оո КаtReαԁіոɡСаfе

Although a week ago, after their training session, Laxy’s condition had improved a lot, she still had moments of absent-mindedness like now.

“Laxy?”

“Eh? My lord, is the food not to your liking?”

“No, I just saw that you looked dazed. Are you really not feeling unwell? If it’s serious, after we find the Source of Mana, I can skip going to the Hels Kingdom’s capital and search for traces of the Kingdom of God instead. It’s no trouble for me. You can just tell me directly, Laxy.”

“Find the Source of Mana…” Laxy subconsciously bit her lip and shook her head lightly. “There’s nothing wrong with me… You don’t have to worry, my lord.”

“Really?” Edith, who was sitting opposite Yisi and thus opposite Laxy, looked up, a hint of doubt flashing in her azure eyes. “For the past few days, all of us have noticed that you’ve been acting strangely. The reason I allow you to stay by Yisi’s side is that you are useful to her. If you have other intentions, even if Yisi is unwilling, I will drive you away. That is the premise of your existence here.”

Laxy’s expression became dangerous.

“I have never had any thought of betraying my lord. A God-Forged Angel will never abandon their master. Even if you are my lord’s family, I will not allow anyone to trample on the meaning of a God-Forged Angel’s existence.”

“It would be nice if your actions were as beautiful as your words. At the very least, I would not allow a servant who is constantly spacing out and does not explain the reason to stay by my side.”

“I would like you to re-explain what you just said, Miss Loiswell.”

Rеaⅾ оո KatReаⅾіոɡСαfе

“Miss Edith… Miss Laxy…”

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Mary quietly put down her fork, her gaze wandering worriedly between the two.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough. I’ll talk to Laxy in private about her matter later. For now, just enjoy your lunch, Pepe. If it gets cold, it won’t taste as good.”

“I’m worried about you.”

With a soft, dissatisfied huff, Edith said no more.

And Laxy, after Edith had finished, bowed her head to Yisi.

“My lord, I just remembered that I forgot to tidy your study when I woke up this morning. May I be excused for a moment?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Thank you very much.”

Laxy turned around, unconsciously clutching her chest, and quickly walked away.