IWETR 9

Chapter: 9

By the time Seria arrived at the monastery, quite a lot of time had passed at the castle, and the sun was already low in the sky.

Seria walked slowly into the monastery, the dimming sky behind her.

Her stomach churned. What should she even say when she met the abbess?

“Did you really know that Theodor would come looking for me? Is it true that you handed me over to him in exchange for patronage? Was I not a cherished family member to you?”

The more she thought, the stronger her emotions became.

She was suddenly terrified that she might blurt out something harsh.

She didn’t want to hurt someone she had been close to—and she didn’t want to be hurt herself.

Maybe it would be better to leave quietly instead.

By now, everyone should be asleep, and if she just grabbed her things quickly, it wouldn’t be impossible.

Seria entered the monastery quietly, taking care to make no sound.

“Welcome back, Anna.”

“Ab-bess…”

The abbess, who should have been asleep, was sitting in the very spot where Seria had encountered her last night, waiting.

Startled, Seria hesitated, observing the abbess’s expression.

As always, the abbess wore a warm, gentle smile. She didn’t even react to Seria’s changed hairstyle.

She still called Seria by her given name, “Anna.”

Seeing the abbess just as she had always been, Seria found it difficult to speak.

“Anna, Sister Vanessa has already packed your things. You’ve worked hard. You’re still just a child.”

“No… it’s okay…”

The abbess didn’t ask Seria any questions.

Just as Theodor had said, the abbess already knew.

Packing her things ahead of time meant that this was truly the last time.

Seria had decided to leave secretly, but she hadn’t expected to be informed in this way.

Her eyes trembled with a pitiful sadness.

“I sensed from the very beginning that you didn’t belong here. I also knew that a day like this would come.”

The abbess stepped closer to Seria and spoke gently.

“But Anna, no matter where you came from or who you are, you are precious to me. That will never change.”

The abbess smiled at Seria.

Precious child. That was a phrase the abbess always repeated.

A kind, loving person who cared for all the children in the monastery—this was the abbess.

Had she misunderstood everything?

Just because of Theodor’s words, she had nearly resented someone who had lived alongside her for years.

Overwhelmed by guilt, Seria lowered her head.

“I’m sorry, Abbess…”

“Anna.”

“You’re always so kind… I shouldn’t have just believed his words…”

The abbess placed a warm hand on Seria’s head.

Silently, as if to forgive everything, she gently stroked Seria’s hair.

Tears fell one by one from Seria’s eyes at that tender touch.

“Don’t worry about the monastery. Sister Vanessa and I are still going strong, more than you realize.”

“Sniff… uh…”

“Today, Sister Vanessa wants to show off her skills, so make sure you have breakfast first.”

After an unusually lively breakfast, the monastery children gathered around Seria.

Each child held a treasured item in their hands.

“Sis, this is my most precious thing… I’m giving it only to you.”

“Me too! I’ll give you this. Don’t lose it!”

The twin brothers, Toris and Thomas, placed a foal doll and a wooden sword on Seria’s lap and then hugged her tightly.

“Sis, I’m giving this to you.”

The youngest, Alicia, showed Seria a small, shiny acorn while hugging her tightly around the neck.

“Thank you so much, everyone…”

Seria embraced the children who had nestled into her arms.

But for some reason, she couldn’t see Daisy.

She seemed a bit down during breakfast. Was she crying alone in her room?

Just as Seria was about to look for her,

“Sis! Siiis!”

Loud footsteps sounded down the hallway, and Daisy appeared.

Holding a small box in her hands, she ran quickly and threw herself into Seria’s arms.

She ran so hard that Seria nearly fell backward.

“Gasp. Sis, sorry!”

“You need to be careful, Daisy. What if you’d gotten hurt? Where were you anyway?”

“Hehe.”

Daisy didn’t answer with words but held the box out to Seria, her eyes sparkling as if urging her to open it.

Inside was Daisy’s most treasured light purple ribbon.

“Daisy, this is…”

“It’s my gift, Sis! You’re important to me, so I’m giving you something I love!”

Daisy snuggled deeper into Seria’s arms and hugged her tightly around the waist.

“You have to be well. Write me letters often!”

“Thank you… Daisy. I’ll cherish it.”

Of all the monastery children, Daisy was the one who clung most to Seria.

She would come by her side when Seria was struggling, cheer her up so she couldn’t feel sad, and always stay positive. Daisy had been a huge support during Seria’s monastery life.

Because of that, Daisy held a special place in her heart.

Though all the children were precious, Daisy was a bit more unforgettable.

Seria stroked Daisy’s head and held her tightly.

After packing her things, Seria left the monastery, followed by the other children.

The children, who had been composed while giving their gifts, now stood side by side with tearful faces.

Seeing them, Seria felt a pang in her nose.

“Anna, you’re so capable, I believe you’ll do well wherever you go. Stay healthy.”

Rarely, Sister Vanessa praised her instead of lecturing.

Seria’s eyes widened at this unfamiliar side of Vanessa.

Seeing the usually stern Sister Vanessa smile so warmly made it feel real.

She was really leaving this place.

She would leave those who had been with her, whom she had thought would always be around.

“Anna, if you ever want to come back, you’re always welcome. This will always be your home, so don’t worry.”

The abbess stood beside Sister Vanessa and smiled kindly.

“Sister Vanessa, Abbess…”

Seria’s voice trembled, heavy with emotion, but no tears fell.

The monastery would always be her home, and she wouldn’t be gone forever, so she wanted to greet everyone with a smile.

She smiled as brightly as she could and waved.

Leaving the monastery’s farewell behind, Seria headed down the back path.

With each step, her heart pounded.

The deal with Theodor was practically a gamble with her life—so it was natural to feel nervous.

Seria stopped for a moment and took out Daisy’s light purple ribbon from her pocket.

She tied her hair with it and continued walking forward.

At the end of the path stood a carriage, with Theodor waiting in front of it.

Seria stopped in front of him with a reluctant expression.

“Running a bit late. Is that all your luggage?”

For some reason, Theodor’s tone sounded soft.

Seria flinched at the unusually different atmosphere but nodded.

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Theodor took the luggage from Seria’s hands and handed it to the driver. The driver efficiently opened the carriage door.

“Let’s go. Who knows when it’ll snow again.”

Theodor, standing beside the carriage steps, extended his hand toward Seria.

She found the overly polite gesture amusing.

Seria shook her head, signaling it wasn’t necessary.

The slightly tense atmosphere made the driver glance around nervously.

Ignoring him, Seria glared at Theodor with furrowed brows.

“You’re so stubborn…”

Theodor muttered softly and reached out, taking Seria’s hand.

“You! What is this—”

Seria’s grip tightened as she glared at him, but Theodor, completely unfazed, spoke with a deeply regretful expression.

“Sorry, Seria. Can you forgive me now? Huh?”

Is he insane?

Seria couldn’t hide her shock at Theodor’s behavior.

She wanted to unleash every insult she could think of.

Just as she tried to pull her hand away, Theodor gestured for her to look to the side.

The driver was standing nearby, head bowed.

“You are no longer Seria Ajenta. You must become Seria Velbart.”

The words Theodor had said last night flashed through her mind.

Seria squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again.

“You’re just angry because I came too late to pick you up, right? I’m really sorry, Seria.”

“Ah, haha… I-I… okay, I forgive you…”

Seria barely managed to speak, feeling like she could collapse from the relief and frustration all at once.