Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 143: Children of Mana, Part Twenty-Seven

{Caroline}

Caroline’s footsteps echoed against the cobblestone streets as she made her way to the grand estate of one of Garriden’s esteemed houses, House Astorfell.

Caroline’s mind buzzed.

[I don’t expect too much from this... But, I need to do my part in gathering information. This is as decent a place as any to start.]

The reason she was here was because this family was known for its connection with Garriden’s church. Many of the sons and daughters this family produced ended up as priests.

If Caroline was going to acquire some knowledge about the church without going directly to them, she figured this was the best way to do that.

After a firm knock, the iron gates swung open, granting her passage into the sprawling grounds beyond.

As she made her way through the meticulously manicured gardens, Caroline couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at the edges of her consciousness.

[... This could end up getting violent. Perhaps I should have gotten some help.]

Upon reaching the grand entrance of the estate, Caroline was ushered inside by a procession of servants, their movements precise and silent as they led her through the opulent halls of the mansion.

The entrance hall stretched out before her, its marble floors polished to a gleaming shine, while towering columns of intricately carved stone soared overhead, supporting the weight of the ornate ceiling above.

The walls were adorned with priceless works of art, each piece meticulously chosen to enhance the elegant ambiance of the space. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, depicting scenes of myth and legend, their vibrant colors catching the light that streamed in through the tall windows.

Finally, she was escorted into a lavish drawing room, where a group of distinguished figures awaited her arrival.

"Ah, Lady Caroline," greeted the matriarch of the family, her voice warm and welcoming as she gestured for Caroline to take a seat. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Caroline returned the woman’s smile with a polite nod, taking a seat opposite her. "Thank you for receiving me," she began, her tone measured yet polite. "I’ve come seeking information about recent events in the city."

The family exchanged a curious glance amongst themselves, their interest piqued by Caroline’s request. "Of course, my dear," the matriarch replied, her eyes alight with curiosity. "What is it that you wish to know?"

Caroline wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter.

"Well, I hope my words do not alarm you, ma’am, but I’m investigating the activities of the church," she explained, her voice tinged with determination. "I’ve heard troubling rumors about their involvement in certain... unsavory practices."

The family’s expressions shifted, a shadow of concern crossing their features at Caroline’s words.

[Hm. I need to tread carefully here. It seems like they’re aware, but if their knowledge on this matter comes from the wrong place, I could be attacked.]

"Would it be safe for me to assume you know what I’m talking about?"

The older woman nodded.

"As... As I’m sure you know, the church has always been a powerful institution in Garriden," one of the family members remarked, their tone cautious. "But lately, there have been whispers of... strange ambitions."

Caroline leaned forward, her interest piqued by the family’s response.

"What kind of ambitions?" she pressed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It has to do with-"

Before anyone could respond, the door to the drawing room swung open with a flourish, and a familiar figure stepped inside.

Caroline’s breath caught in her throat as her eyes met those of the woman who stood before her, her face a mask of surprise and disbelief.

"Klara?" Caroline whispered, her voice barely audible above the din of the room.

The woman’s eyes widened in shock, recognition dawning upon her features as she took in Caroline’s presence.

Indeed, there she was.

The Child of Mana that Caroline could call her very first lover stood there in the flesh, a far cry from the servant she once knew.

No, this lady looked polished and refined.

"Lady Caroline," she stammered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I... You..."

Caroline’s immediate suspicion had been that the Astorfell’s had let her know she was coming for some reason and had her show up just to spite her.

But, no. It looked like she genuinely had no clue Caroline would be here today if her wide-eyed, frozen look was anything to go by.

The matriarch’s inquisitive gaze shifted between Caroline and Klara, a silent question lingering in the air.

"Do you two know each other?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Caroline nodded quietly, her expression guarded as she glanced at Klara.

"Yes, we do," she replied, her tone measured. "But... Please, continue."

The matriarch seemed to sense the tension between them but listened to Caroline’s quiet plea.

"As I was saying," she resumed, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "there have been rumors circulating about the church’s intentions. Some say they seek to... bring back Saren."

Caroline’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the mention of the revered deity.

"Bring back Saren?" she echoed, disbelief coloring her voice. "But how? That- that sounds preposterous."

The matriarch nodded solemnly.

"Indeed, it does. Yet, there seems to be a fervent determination among the church members to pursue this goal, despite the skepticism of others. It’s a troubling development, to say the least."

Caroline mulled over the information, her mind racing with the implications of such a revelation.

"Thank you for sharing this with me," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude. "It’s... certainly something to consider."

An awkward silence descended upon the room, the weight of unspoken tension hanging heavily in the air. Sensing the discomfort, the matriarch cleared her throat, breaking the silence.

"Well, I suppose I shall leave you two to catch up," she announced, her tone light but with a hint of understanding. "Please, don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything else we can assist you with, Lady Caroline."

With a polite nod, the matriarch excused herself from the room, leaving Caroline and Klara alone with their thoughts.

For a moment, silence stretched between Caroline and Klara, the weight of their shared history palpable in the air.

Caroline’s mind flashed back to fleeting moments of intimacy shared with Klara, memories of stolen kisses and whispered promises. But those memories now seemed like fragments of a distant past, overshadowed by the bitterness that lingered between them.

"It seems like you’re doing fairly well for yourself," Caroline finally remarked, her tone guarded as she observed Klara’s composed demeanor.

Klara offered a small, hesitant smile in response.

"I’ve... found my place," she admitted softly. "I’ve been working. A more... dignified job than my previous one. And, I’ve befriended the Astorfell’s daughter, hence why I am here."

Caroline’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the unexpected revelation.

"Befriended her?" she repeated, a note of skepticism creeping into her voice. "Is that what you call it? Like how you ’befriended’ me?"

To Caroline’s astonishment, Klara nodded, her expression surprisingly earnest.

"Yes, exactly like that."

The bitterness that had been simmering beneath the surface boiled over, and Caroline’s tone turned sharp.

"So it’s only a matter of time then before you betray her too," she spat, her words laced with venom.

Klara’s gaze faltered for a moment, a flicker of remorse crossing her features.

"Caroline, I... I’m sorry," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret. "For hurting you back then."

Caroline scoffed, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Sorry? Is that supposed to mean something now?" she snapped, her tone biting. "I doubt anything you have with your current lover is real."

Klara’s shoulders slumped in resignation, her gaze falling to the floor.

"I’ve... learned from my mistakes," she declared. Caroline glared. The way Klara’s back straightened, the way her eyes didn’t stray from Caroline’s own. It almost looked like she believed what she was saying. "I’ve tried my hardest not to make them again."

Caroline’s retort was sharp, filled with bitterness and resentment.

"You shouldn’t bother," she shot back, her words dripping with venom. "It’s in your nature, is it not? The fault lies squarely on my shoulders. I should have known better."

An uncomfortable silence settled between them, the weight of their shared history hanging heavily in the air.

Klara’s next statement made something within Caroline’s heart snap.

Finally, Klara spoke, her voice barely audible as she offered a final apology.

A different kind of apology.

"I’m sorry for something else as well. I’m sorry for turning you into such a jaded person." Caroline’s eyes widened. "You... You don’t even seem like the same human being I loved back then. I guess I hurt you more than I thought if this is what you’ve turned into."

Now, that was something Caroline could not handle.

Without another word, Caroline turned on her heel and stormed out of the house.

Hands balled up into fists, she bit down on the insides of her cheeks so hard she probably drew blood.