The Demon and the Healer - Zetro Translation

“Head back to your room, Charlotte.”

Hearing the order from the Emperor I bowed in courtesy before retreating my steps and began walking toward my room with the same blank face I had most of the time during this evening.

I was not told to remain in my chamber but I am afraid the command would arrive soon. There were many things the Emperor has to look out for, in which taking care of the other monarchs involved his major priority. I was getting reprimanded by my mother for closing distance with a demon and not taking the side of Helios during the confrontation but in response, I did not agree with any of her arguments, nor was I raised with such an attitude to refute back either.

I just stood there, listening to all that my mother and my dear friend Grace has to say with my head hanging low and my mind entirely empty. My father, Oh So Humble Emperor, did intervene but only after ensuring that I got enough humiliation over my morality.

I did not shed a tear even though it was my own mother who was doubting whether I was still a maiden or not or if was it because I bonded with Ray back then which made me take his side today.

What could I say to them? It just took a brief visit from a stranger and they lost all their trust and belief in me. I was scolded, reprimanded, and was nearly cursed if not for Helios’ intervention, but I didn’t need his help truth be told.

Was I regretting meeting Ray or getting close to him which resulted in what transpired today? Definitely not.

If not for him, I would never have realized the true faces of those people whom I considered my family and friends. Those whom I have faith in that even if the world stands against me they would never abandon me, are the same people who were questioning my character a little while ago.

Helios also had a doubtful look in his eyes despite he portrayed reluctance toward the interrogation I went through. Of course, he must also be thinking that I was some cheap woman who must have gotten swayed by temptation or something along those lines.

But to be completely honest with myself and not explain to anyone in this entire world…I no longer care about their perception of me, nor do I consider maintaining a reputation in front of the general masses. And I was sure after today, I would only get subjected to more questioning gazes and doubtful stances.

It took me my whole life to create this stature and a single evening to sully it all, just because no one believes a woman’s words nor actually considers a woman’s dignity to be just as important as a male’s.

‘What am I now onto… ‘Sighing I threw away my useless thoughts since I knew nothing would change even I ponder over it.

‘Though…why did he apologize… ‘

Remembering the last of the words Ray whispered before he disappeared I couldn’t help but let my poker face crumble with a small frown creasing my brows.

I had no idea what he apologized for but it was for sure that ever since I first met him, which counts to only two times now, I have never seen that kind of expression on his face.

Mostly he retained indifference and prideful front and when it came to me he had more of a softer touch to his expression. But today he looked…sad.

Despite how things went and now I was practically on the side of demons from most of the perceptions, from the deepest depth of my heart I was glad by the fact that my engagement is now highly likely annulled.

“My lady…” The only servant who greeted me was my personal maid since all the others were stealing glances at me and pretending that I no longer exist.

I am amazed at how fast news spreads in this palace.

“I need some solitary, Hailey. Don’t let anyone inside without my permission.”

I saw her concerned expression and the anxiety building up in her eyes daring to roll down any second now but I am not in the correct mind to console the girl that there was nothing for her to get worried about.

Her job was secured due to her lineage working for the royal family for three centuries and as for her emotional attachment…then I think she might get a new lady to serve, so a short while away from me would heal her.

***DHAK****

**Sigh**

The silence in my room had never felt this relaxing before. All those murmurs, chatters, and back bitching were really irritating. After I realized my new place in society all the gossips were nothing just slow noises that were bugging me continuously.

I stayed for a bit with my back attached to the door, providing my shoulders to get some much-needed rest before I dropped off the shrug and went inside the room.

Some steps ahead, I casually dropped the dress off my shoulder leaving me just in my underwear. I usually like to sleep like this and despite not being sleepy even a bit at the moment I had nothing else to do.

The bed looked comfortable enough to let me forget my manners before I fell on the comfort only to get surprised since against my expectations the bed was not soft and cold but rather it was warm and hard, but not enough to hurt me.

With a frown, I raised my hand to inspect the bed more clearly only for it to get held by another hand.

“Quite touchy you become in isolation…”

“!!!”

My eyes reached their farthest peak before I tried to straighten my back only to fail due to another arm encircling my bare waist.

It took a whole lot from me to not shout at the sudden intrusion since somehow I knew whose this voice belonged to. But for final confirmation, I turned my head upward only to be greeted by the deadliest yet the most enchanting pair of ruby-red eyes I have ever seen.

“R-R-R-Ra-”

“Shhhh….don’t struggle and stay silent for a bit.”

I sensed a hue washing over me, calming my fastened heartbeat and instantly soothing my anxiety. Was it a spell? Probably. However, I would be lying to say I didn’t like this sensation.

This foreign heat I was receiving from his body, despite not going to admit it, I felt nothing could have been more perfect to stabilize this shaken-up mind I currently possess.

Ironically, those whom I considered my own, abandoned me, and the stranger whom I used to hate and deemed the last person on whom I could put my faith, was right now playing the role of that support that I truly desired in my most venerable phase.

Am I really this lonely…

*****

A/N: – Drop a comment~