Chapter 18: Their True Words

During the time that her brother, Arthur remained captive by the kidnappers, Camille felt a chill, realizing what monster she had been residing with all along.

She was choked to discomfort in a room with Rosalina in it.

Her maid would prepare her meals, clothes, bath, and everything she needs.

On the second day of Arthur being held captive, Camille bravely looks at her maid's eyes through the mirror while Rosalina brushes her hair for her.

"You… have something to do with the kidnapping," Camille spat. "Am I wrong? You know something, don't you?"

Rosalina returned her gaze with coldness. "I did mention to you about eliminating your genius brother."

Rosalina touched Camille's cheeks and eerily smiled. "Don't worry. I'm sure your brother will return safely."

Since then, Camille grew more and more frightened of her maid.

She lived with the culprit while she witnessed her parents struggling and resolving everything with the compensation that was being asked.

Camille slowly lost the will to do everything, even the smallest things that made her life a bit comfortable.

Painting, studying, eating, and sleeping.

Eating with her family has been repulsive after all the words of contempt she heard from them.

Going to school and returning with Arthur has been a burden too.

Constant anxiety haunted her and depression ate her away.

--

Camille stretched her arms and exhaled heavily, feeling refreshed.

She smiled and looked back at the castle.

"I don't know why I was brought here and I still feel nervous a lot of times… but I feel like I can do anything now."

Back in the Rousseau household…

Mrs. Claire continues to read books for her son, Arthur.

She picked out a rather heavy and difficult literature this time around to keep up with him.

"Don't you like this book?" She asked, looking worried at Arthur. "Is this not enjoyable? Or is it not difficult enough? What book do you want me to read for you?"

"I hope my sister would return..."

"Oh, I see… you were distracted because you're concerned for your sister, huh. Don't you worry, okay? We'll make sure to do everything we can to find your sister. And I'm always praying that she is safe."

Arthur looked down, "Before my sister Camille left, I asked her if she knew who my kidnapper was."

"K-Kidnapper? Oh, from the one that happened to you a few months ago?"

"Yes."

"And? What did she say?"

"She said she knew who it was."

"Who was it?"

"After saying that she knew, it was then that she got swallowed by that black-looking sphere."

"I… I see. So that's what happened."

"Mom…"

"Yes?"

Arthur looked up and stared at her mother's eyes with determination. "I also want to get swallowed by that black thing."