The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 33.2

Evelyn emerged from the hollow trunk of a towering tree, surrounded by a desolate landscape with fragments of broken statues strewn about. Gazing upon the eerie scene, she murmured under her breath, “The Tomb of Stones, it’s still the same.”

Just being in a place outside of the annex caused her heart to race. She walked barefoot along the dirt path, wincing at the prickly sensations on the soles of her feet. So what if I snuck out of the hot spring? she thought, laughing at the feeling of the earth tickling her toes.

“I’m free!” Her leisurely pace soon turned into a sprint as she held her awkward skirt in one hand, feeling like a playful little girl running wild.

Suddenly, Nikolas, who had been lying still on a large stone in the shade of a tree, sat up and took notice of Evelyn’s playful antics. He had frequented this place since childhood with his friend Nasir, who had spoken of the woman.

“That woman? She’s braver than Nasir let on,” he muttered to himself, watching her hair dance in the wind and her sweat-drenched face. But something strange caught his eye. One, two, three… A variety of flowers started blooming behind the running woman, in shades of pink, pale pink, and white. The round flowers sprouted up everywhere, filling the tombs of abandoned stones with life. The faint fragrance of the flowers carried by the gentle spring breeze tickled Nikolas’s nose. He stood up, as if bewitched by the magical sight, and began to walk towards the woman.

Evelyn’s heart was pounding in her chest as she ran, her feet pounding against the earth and her breaths coming in ragged gasps. She had to keep moving, had to run away from the pain and confusion swirling inside her mind. For a moment, Evelyn forgot all her troubles and just reveled in the freedom of being herself, just Evelyn.

The round flowers on the clear green stems swayed and danced for her, as if celebrating her freedom. She ran faster, even as her lungs burned and her feet ached. But then, she stumbled over a rock and fell to the ground. Blood trickled down her knee, but she laughed it off. It was just a small injury, nothing to stop her from running.

She was about to push herself up when a hand reached out to her. Startled, she looked up to see Nikolas standing over her, his deep voice echoing in her ears.

“Miss, are you okay?”

As she prepared to get up, a hand extended towards her, causing Evelyn to startle. She looked up and saw Nikolas standing over her, his deep voice resonating in her ears.

“Miss, are you okay?”

It was unfair that even his voice sounded the same, Evelyn thought as she bit her lip, fighting back tears.

“Are you going to keep doing this?” Nikolas offered his hand to Evelyn, just like the first time they met. “Take my hand and get up quickly. There are no obstacles now.”

When he playfully shook his hand, Evelyn couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She took the stranger’s hand and stood up. “Thank you.”

Nikolas let out a little sigh. “Just say thank you and don’t cry. Do you remember how surprised I was when you cried like that the last time we met?”

Evelyn smiled wryly as the flowers bloomed around her, seemingly responding to her laughter. Nikolas, who was gazing at her smile in front of him, turned his head away. The gentle spring breeze tickled his ears, and he looked around before whistling.

“I didn’t know you had the power to create hallucinations,” Nikolas said, “That’s impressive, young lady.”

Evelyn looked up at him with an embarrassed expression.

“Please keep it a secret. And… I’m not a young lady.”

“Then what should I call you? Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Ajauntice? Or madam?” Nikolas teased, causing  Evelyn to tremble at the mention of duchess.

“I’m not a duchess. Just call me Evelyn,” she replied with a shy smile.

Nikolas had wanted to hear her name again, spoken in that voice, with that face.

“I’m Nikolas Lauren,” he introduced himself with a courteous smile. “Judging by your surprised reaction to my face, I assume you’ve heard about my relation with Nasir.”

“Yes, I heard you’re his uncle of the same age,” she confirmed, still slightly taken aback by the unexpected encounter.

Nikolas extended his hand to offer her assistance, but then hesitated and furrowed his brow, noticing her discomfort. “Are you in pain?” he inquired, noticing the blackened soles of her bare feet.

Evelyn winced, feeling the prickly soreness on her thighs and knees as well. She attempted to conceal her feet under her dress, but to no avail. Nikolas sighed and scrutinized her attire, pointing out the impracticality of her fashion choices.

“Is it some kind of trend for northern ladies to walk around barefoot?” he mused. Nikolas briefly averted his gaze from Evelyn’s face to glance at her neck, and his face lost its earlier mischief. Evelyn felt embarrassed, and her gaze fell to her feet as she shuffled along, when a somber voice caught her attention. “Would it be too forward of me to carry you?”

Taken aback, Evelyn looked up at him in surprise. How could she, a stranger, let alone a nobleman, accept such a proposal? “It’s alright, I can manage on my own. I’m grateful for your offer,” she replied, declining his offer politely.

“Then let me clear the path ahead, so you won’t hurt yourself on the rocks,” Nikolas suggested, taking the lead as he walked ahead.

His voice was soothing, like a gentle spring breeze, and she couldn’t help feeling a flutter in her chest.