Chapter 10 (2/2)

Come to think of it, maybe Lennox was surprised to see my head in the woods?

I touched my head on Chloe’s complicated gaze. But I couldn’t find anything unusual.

I guess the treatment went well, so it was to the extent that it doesn’t hurt anymore?

‘Then, what’s the problem?’

When I tilted my head, Chloe sighed. Then she snapped her finger and flicked it lightly.

“…Daphne, would you look in the mirror?”

Perhaps it was prepared in advance, Lennox took out a hand mirror about the size of my face and placed it in front of me.

“Ah.”

I could see a familiar face in the mirror. A rounded eye with a slightly raised tip and a golden pupil reflected in it. The band on the cheek was uncomfortable, but it didn’t look shabby. But there was something that changed…

“My hair is white.”

“Usually… there is a saying that your hair turns white when you suffer a big shock or pain…”

At my words, Ricarda spoke in a hesitant voice. I touched my white hair and nodded.

Ricarda was gloomy, saying that he could not do anything about my hair. Even if he was gloomy, nothing would change. The result of all of that journey was my hair dyed white, not purple.

“I think my eyelashes are white, too, as if they were the original color. I’ve lost the color that my mom gave me.”

Purple was the only thing my mom gave me.

I felt a little somber, and suddenly my surroundings became quiet.

‘What is it… are they looking at me?’

Chloe’s face was crumpled, and Lennox showed no sign on the outside, but he seemed to be little angry with his fist clenched and Ricarda looked guilty, saying he was sorry that he couldn’t fix my hair color.

“It’s all right because I’m not dead. My legs, my hair, I got it cheap for my life, right?”

I tried to calculate it in my own way, but it seemed like the atmosphere was sinking further. I felt like the atmosphere was sinking because of me, so I changed my words to light the atmosphere.

“I guess my mom wanted to give me a new life. She took purple and gave white to me as a gift.”

I said, pointing to Chloe’s head.

“It’s the same white color. It suits me well as purple, right?”

Chloe’s hair was the same color as mine, so it was a word I could say.

‘Huh …’

I brought it up because I thought the atmosphere would get better, but it’s just getting worse.

“…yes, baby. I don’t think anyone can doubt you’re my daughter.”

Chloe gently smoothed my hair.

I felt a little… good, because she seemed to have some affection for me, though it may not be the case.

“So what am I supposed to do now? What should I do? I can do anything right away if you let me do it!”

I was still receiving her touch and brought it up because I thought it was not the right time, but the atmosphere that had gradually softened became tense again.

I need to prove my worth as soon as possible and secure my place.

Chloe frowned at my words and sighed. And she said firmly,

“It’s good to have a mature mind and quick eye than your peers, but I don’t think it’s necessary for a child to be mature as an adult already.”

Chloe’s voice was filled with worry.

“What you need to do now is just relax and do nothing until your body recovers.”

“But…”

“I’m still full of potential. That means there are no problems even if you learn slowly.”

Chloe smiled bitterly and slowly lifted her hand from me.

“You might think I’m cruel, and you might think I’m making fun of you by suddenly thinking of you as my daughter after giving you such a harsh test.”

It was a self-deprecating voice.

“So I understand that you’re in a hurry like you have to do something.”

“I don’t think you’re making fun of me.”

It was difficult and it was a cruel condition for a small child, but now it doesn’t matter, since I did it.

Even if, it’s because of guilt that Chloe made me her successor, it’s okay because it has produced more satisfying results.

With my stern eyes, a smile rose around Chloe’s mouth. The look in her eyes conveyed sorry, and the smile conveyed relief. I’ve always read people’s negative emotions, so Chloe’s feelings toward me were rather embarrassing.

“I don’t want to take you only as my formal daughter. The beginning was rather unique than other mothers and daughters, but I’m sure we can make a good relationship.”

The words were hopeful. I just blinked and nodded as if I understood.

“We’re going out now, so don’t worry and get some rest. It’s going to be night soon, so you’ll be tired.”

Chloe pulled up the blanket and covered me warmly.

“It’s never too late to do everything gradually once you’ve recovered.”

“…okay.”

“The baby’s going to be hungry, so get her something to eat. Let her rest for now.”

Chloe said to Lennox with a satisfied smile.

“Yes.”

“Then see you tomorrow, my little sister.”

With Ricarda’s humble greeting, three people left the room together.

I looked at the quiet room and everything around me.

The neat and soft pajamas, the cozy room instead of a warehouse, and the warm and thick blanket that prevent the cold were all better compared to the nursery.

I exhaled and looked down at my hand. And soon, I wrapped my face with those hands.

The opportunity that Chloe gave me, Lennox’s little kindness, the purple butterfly’s guide, and Ricarda’s treatment saved me.

The day I had to die has already passed.

I couldn’t stand the overwhelming feeling, and in the end, I burst into tears with a sound.

I’m alive.

I came back alive.

And I will be able to live in the future.

I couldn’t hold back my tears from the rising emotion.