Chapter 20: The Castellia Fort

"Hey, it's really bothering us already, you know," Alicia softly said, as if she wasn't rough earlier. "Do you think we could leave peacefully, knowing you died in this place? Are you really trying to kill yourself?"

"What's going on?" Haru, who just recently arrived with Ali, asked. "Is there something wrong?"

Camille just glanced worryingly and Haru slowly understood with the scene unfolding before him.

"I'm sure you would see through my memories sooner or later, anyway. And don't worry, it's not like you could leave right away," Mr. Wang scoffed. "Isn't that right, young man?"

Mr. Wang neared Haru and glared at him. "You know that they're not returning just yet, didn't you?"

"Hey, what the hell does this mean?" Alicia yelled. "Are you trying to avoid talking to us about yourself, Mr. Wang?"

Haru looked down. "It's true… I don't think we're returning just yet even after the 168 hours is up. I didn't mean to lie or hide it, so I'll tell everything I know."

Ali looked up at Haru with an anxious look and gripped his hand tighter, as if to assure him.

They all went to the bedroom and circled around, just like how they did when they're discussing something.

Haru showed them the parchment papers he saw from the treasure box room.

"If we believe everything from these writings," Haru explained. "We could already conclude a few things. First, the one who transported us in this world is a devil."

"A devil?" Camille gasped. "Can we really… believe that? I mean, that's just ridiculous."

"I thought so too. But we are transported in a different world through a portal. We could somehow understand each other when we don't even speak the same language like a spell was casted on us. And we could peer at each other's traumas when we're triggered, as if we're bound by magic. What else can we not believe?"

"You do make a point, but…"

"What are the other things you found out, Haru?" Alicia asked with a serious tone.

--

Meanwhile, in the household of the Rousseau…

"You want to be swallowed by that black thing?" Mrs. Claire giggled at her son's remark. "Darling, I'm sure your sister's been kidnapped as well or something. There's no way that would happen!"

"So you didn't believe me when I said that?"

"Of course not! It must be because I've been reading fiction and fantasy books for you, right? Mommy won't fall for that. Arthur's not the only one's who's bright, you know! Mommy's good too."

Arthur stared at her indifferently.

"I can't really convince you if you don't believe me. But… whether that black thing that I was talking about really existed or not, whether you believe it or not, I still hope that I would get swallowed by it as well. I want to be with my sister."

"You really love your sister, don't you?" Mrs. Claire brushed her fingers over her son's hair.

"Of course," Arthur nodded. "Camille is sincere and kind. She's the only one I could trust in this house. But she's depressed and lonely. She's suffering a lot."

"Depressed? Lonely? What sufferings are you talking about, Arthur? Your sister's happy! She has everything. I always buy her dresses and necklaces. And I always let her go shopping."

Arthur stared at her mother with a firm and bitter look. "Mom, a few months ago, you were the one who kidnapped me, weren't you? You're the one who orchestrated it."

Mrs. Claire Rousseau's eyes were bloodshot. She tried to be as gentle as possible.

"What… What are you talking about, darling? It's not good to accuse people no matter how intelligent you are, Arthur."

"You wanted to rob off of your own husband. Rosalina knew it was you as well. It's because I told her that my sister would never come back home that she left the house. And she also knows what you've done. She liked Camille the most, so he couldn't stand staying in this mansion."

"ARTHUR!"

"I can't stand this place as well. Dad and mom and the others only see value with monetary price."

Mrs. Claire stood up, rage splayed over her expression. "Go to your room! NOW! GET OUT OF HERE!"

Arthur stared at her once again indifferently and that was the last time he looked his mother in the eyes.