The Death
Warning: mentions of suicide
...
Miss Harlow, I must say! Your gown is splendid. Did you have it sewn from S Boutique?
...
And, my, your partner is very handsome! How did you get Mister Henry Bavin to be your debutante partner?
Karina
Oh, I suppose he was rather smitten with me...
Karina
>lowers voice< He was practically begging to accompany me, of course, I couldn't refuse!
...
Mister Bavin on his knees for a woman! That's a first!
...
Then again, anyone would fall for Miss Harlow here. She's quite the beauty- absolutely divine.
Karina
Oh, please! There are prettier women!
...
Not at all! You are the prettiest, I do believe!
Karina
(Yes...this is how things should be for me, Karina Harlow.)
Karina
(Sorry, dear Barvin, but I had to lie and bring you down to elevate myself!)
Karina
(However, my eyes are on someone else...)
She looks across the room at a tall, well built man, with dark hair and very expensive clothes, talking to some other people, sipping wine.
Karina
(There he is! My target! Duke Victor, the handsome heartthrob and with a high position: he's the perfect package, fit for a beautiful woman as me)
She sails over to him, bows, and flashes a smile at him.
Karina
Good evening, Duke Victor! I'm so delighted to see that you took out time to attend my debutante ball.
Karina
I trust you've seen my mother?
Duke Victor
Ah, good evening, Miss Harlow. Yes, I have.
Karina
That's great! Anyways, don't you think my-
Duke Victor
Miss Harlow, aren't there two people making their debut today?
Karina
(Huh?! How does he know? Mother made sure to tell people it is only my debutante ball...!)
Karina
Ahah, what do you mean?
Duke Victor
What I mean is, where is your sister?
Karina
My sister...fell ill today...! She couldn't attend today's ball, thus, it is only me making my debut today.
Karina
(What is he on to?!)
Karina
Of course. She's up in her room, and doesn't want any visitors, I'm afraid.
Karina
But enough of her, Duke Victor, please...I wanted to ask if you liked our gardens?
Duke Victor
...I have not seen them yet. I will go now.
Her smile turns rather seductive.
Karina
Then perhaps I should take you there? Just...the two of us?
Duke Victor
No, thank you.
Karina
B-but, you might get lost!
Karina
(I was so close! Just a few more words and he would've been enamoured by me...)
Karina
(No, patience, Karina... you'll meet again. And next time, I'll be even more irresistible.)
...
M-Miss Harlow! You look really beautiful today...
Karina
(...I suppose I'll make my ground firm for now.)
Karina
Oh, really, thank you! And would you like to dance later?
Duke Victor
(I am so tired, and dreadfully bored. )
Duke Victor
(Thankfully, I got to settle some affairs with Sir Matheds. He was the sole reason I had attended.)
Duke Victor
(of course, that old fool is only here because of Miss Harlow, isnt-)
Duke Victor
...ah. I've walked too far.
Duke Victor
(These gardens are too huge. I should see if I can find a way out. )
Duke Victor
I think I hear a fountain nearby....
He sees a young lady sitting on the edge of a fountain, staring ahead, lost in thought.
Vanna
So I must die...I must go and die...
Duke Victor
(What is she saying?)
Duke Victor
Why should you?
He came out of the bushes, looking very much startled himself, and bowed his head slightly.
Duke Victor
Pardon, I didn't mean to eavesdrop.
Duke Victor
What do you mean you wish to die?
Vanna
That is no business of yours.
She starts to go away, but he grabs her hand.
Duke Victor
Hold on, I need a clear answer.
Duke Victor
You're not going to commit suicide, are you?
Duke Victor
Because if you are, then I will never let you go.
Vanna
Why does it matter to you so much what I do and what I don't? Who even are you?!
Duke Victor
My lady, you shall not kill yourself!
Duke Victor
Do you know the horrors felt by those who are close to you? You will not end any suffering by dying!
Vanna
I have no one left to grieve me!
Duke Victor
I know not who you are, where you come from, or what your intentions may be.
Duke Victor
But I entreat you, don't kill yourselves.
Duke Victor
What is it that troubles you to the point of death?
Vanna
(He has no clue: I'm killing this body so I can live in my original one! It's not really suicide, it's return.)
Vanna
(But explaining it to him will be absurd...huh?)
Vanna
(His sword...it's by his side. Perhaps I can do it right here. What happens next will most probably be of no consequence to me, since I would have returned as my normal self.)
She took his sword from the hilt.
Duke Victor
Wait, what are you -?
Vanna's body Fell down limpily, having stabbed herself in the chest.
...
(Ah...have I returned to as I was?)
The room was too lavish. The bed was too soft. Her hair was too dark and thick.
Vanna
I'm back to the very day I arrived in this novel....
Thank you for reading! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
Comments
Nori
Why do you enjoy torturing us? We need the next chapter ASAP!
2024-07-10
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