noveltune Chapter 190
Chapter 190
In this city, there exists an organization called the Central Committee.
It is a group that decides the major and minor affairs of the city, centered around the three prestigious families of Aegis, Astra, and Dolos, along with several other influential figures.
Among them, the one most recognized by the public is none other than Sylvia Astra, who is known to be the future heir to lead Astra.
Despite being a noble lady from a distinguished family, she attends Aegis Academy and is also known for her consistent community service, giving her a fairly positive image.
However, at this moment, Sylvia found herself bowing her head in front of countless people.
“...I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been affected by this incident. We, the Central Committee, promise to dedicate ourselves to ensuring such a tragedy does not occur again.”
With those words, Sylvia slowly lifted her head.
From the gazes of the people looking at her, she felt a deep sadness and helplessness.
Occasionally, she could also sense a mixture of resentment and anger among the crowd.
Although the ones who caused the harm were not them but rather the witch and the lesser demonic beasts, she could not deny understanding their feelings.
The people gathered here were either directly affected by the recent invasion of the demonic beasts or their family members.
Expecting rational judgments from individuals who lost loved ones or perfectly functioning limbs overnight seemed to be a cruel expectation.
Their gazes felt nothing but sorrowful to her.
Thus, Sylvia bowed her head once more and uttered another apology.
“I will ensure that the victims and their families receive all possible compensations. Once more, I am truly sorry.”
“...We don’t need any compensation, just bring back our mom and dad...”
At the sound of a young girl’s voice, trembling with emotion, Sylvia couldn’t bring herself to lift her head.
What those people truly desired was not monetary compensation, as the girl had stated.
However, as mere mortals, they lacked the ability to return what had been lost.
Perhaps they understood this as well.
Yet accepting such a reality was another matter entirely, and she could feel the resentment intensifying, as if provoked by the girl’s words.
As if in proportion to that resentment, the atmosphere among the people grew heated.@@@@
In this climate, Sylvia thought it fortunate that she had stepped forward.
After all, if someone other than her with a favorable image had come forth, it would not have been surprising if a confrontation had occurred earlier.
Yet, there was no way to remedy the escalating tension.
The whispers of resentment that once seemed soft began to rise in volume.
Left unchecked, this situation could lead to unfortunate events.
However, in that moment, someone’s voice echoed.
“Everyone, please calm down for a moment.”
The crowd’s attention suddenly shifted to the source of the unexpected voice.
The rising murmurs suddenly ceased.
Instead, people began to chatter amongst themselves.
“...It’s Yoon Si-woo, it’s Mr. Yoon Si-woo.”
“If it’s Yoon Si-woo, that’s the one who defeated the witch, right?”
Among the buzz of voices, Sylvia exchanged quiet glances with Si-woo.
Then, politely, she stepped aside, as if willingly giving way to him.
As if entranced, the people’s focus shifted solely to Yoon Si-woo.
The resentful gazes that had been aimed at him vanished, replaced by friendly looks.
As she watched the scene, Sylvia quietly moved to a corner.
She observed silently while Si-woo addressed the people who had centered their attention on him.
“Everyone here has suffered due to this incident. First and foremost, I apologize. I am truly sorry.”
He bowed his head to express his apology.
However, the reaction from the crowd was vastly different from earlier.
“Wait... Why is Mr. Yoon Si-woo apologizing to us?”
“Exactly. There’s no need for you to apologize.”
Despite their bewilderment, Si-woo steadfastly repeated his apology.
“No. If I had worked just a bit harder, I could have minimized the damage...”
“I’m tired. This must be the end, right? I really want to go home and rest.”
“Ah, how dishonest. You could have just said you don’t want to be stuck here and would rather spend even a second longer with Scarlet.”
At Sylvia’s teasing remark, Si-woo turned red and shook his head vigorously.
“T-that’s not it!”
“What’s wrong with wanting to see someone you miss? Speaking of which, if it’s not too much trouble, can I accompany you to your house, Si-woo? Since today is ending here, I’d love to catch a glimpse of Scarlet and talk to her, even if just for a moment.”
At her inquiry, Si-woo’s expression turned troubled.
Initially, Sylvia thought it was because she, an intruder, was about to visit, but she quickly realized from the continuation of his words that it wasn’t the case at all.
“Well, I don’t mind, but I wonder if Scarlet will be okay. She was feeling pretty sick just the other day. When I went home yesterday, she was already asleep, probably very tired...”
“She was sick? Why didn’t you tell me! If that’s the case, I have even more reason to go visit. I’ll just stop by to see her face and check on her, okay?”
“...Fine. If you want to come, feel free. I’m heading straight home without stopping anywhere from now on.”
Even as he said that, his expression remained stiff.
Did the thought of going to see Scarlet really bother him that much?
Perhaps Yoon Si-woo is surprisingly possessive.
Sylvia thought that as she felt a strange urgency in Si-woo’s footsteps, following him to his house.
*
Upon arriving at Si-woo’s house, Sylvia glanced around the exterior of the residence.
‘Is this where Scarlet is currently staying? This place is definitely much smaller than our mansion. But for Scarlet, it must be a sanctuary compared to Astra’s mansion, where someone is trying to poison her...’ Such thoughts made Sylvia feel a bit melancholic.
However, the thought of finally being able to see Scarlet soon cheered her up, and she hastily followed Si-woo as he entered the house.
At the entrance, there was already a pair of shoes placed, signaling that Scarlet was home.
“Scarlet, are you there?”
Sylvia called out for Scarlet with an excited voice, but oddly, there was no response.
Could it be that, as Si-woo mentioned, she was already asleep due to her exhaustion?
If that were the case, it would be considerate not to wake her, and regrettably, she might have to leave quietly.
While Sylvia was contemplating this, she turned her head and inadvertently witnessed a shocking sight.
Si-woo walked straight to the door that presumably led to where Scarlet might be asleep, knocking without hesitation, and entered without permission.
Even if they lived together, entering a girl’s room without asking was quite rude.
Unless they were in such a close relationship that seeking permission was no longer necessary, it was indeed a very inconsiderate act, prompting her to reach out and grab Si-woo.
However, as she peered into the open room after him, Sylvia could only tilt her head in confusion.
Inside the room, through the open door, there was no one present.
“What’s going on? Isn’t Scarlet supposed to be here?”
Thus, she asked Si-woo, perplexed, to which he replied.
“...She should be in here. Or at least, that’s what it feels like.”
With a meaningful answer, Si-woo stepped into the empty room.
Sylvia, too, followed behind curiously.
Then she heard it.
A faint sound of someone in distress resonating from inside the room.
Could there be a ghost in the room?
For a moment, Sylvia considered that thought, but soon realized the sounds were emanating from inside the wardrobe.
Upon realizing this, Sylvia gasped.
This is Scarlet’s room.
That meant there’s only one owner of that sound.
“Scarlet!” “Scarlet!”
Once the thought crossed Sylvia’s mind, she rushed to the wardrobe and flung it open.
Perhaps thinking the same thought, Si-woo did so at the same time.
Inside the wardrobe, they saw a girl curled up, gasping as if struggling to breathe.
“Ah...”
And finally, Sylvia could comprehend.
The one who always seemed so strong and composed was, beneath it all, a person who could cry like a child.