Memoirs 277 - Heated recaps

Scarlett’s remaining time in Elystead passed in a relatively leisurely fashion, marked by very few notable events. She accompanied Lady Withersworth on several visits to the older noblewoman’s acquaintances and her daughter at the Ustrum Assembly, but beyond that, Scarlett only occupied herself with minor matters until it was time to return home.

The journey back to Freybrook proper was short and uneventful. Kilnstone travel had been reserved for the nobles and dignitaries who had attended the conclave, both to and from the capital, simplifying the arrangements for the trip.

As their carriage rolled through the gates of the Hartford estate, Scarlett gazed out the window at the winder-bound landscape. Little had changed in Freybrook during their brief absence.

At the back of her mind, the Loci stirred, its nascent awareness seeming to welcome her return. Scarlett took a moment to borrow its senses, surveying the ground to ensure all was in order before gently pushing the Loci’s presence back into her subconscious.

After disembarking and entering the mansion’s foyer, she bid her temporary farewells to her companions and ascended the grand staircase. Her footsteps echoed through the empty corridors as she made her way towards Evelyne’s quarters. Despite the lingering awkwardness and tension between them, someone had to update Evelyne about the conclave’s proceedings, and she supposed it was easiest for her to handle that task.

Pausing briefly before the oak door to the woman’s room, Scarlett took a steadying breath, preparing herself. Then, with a soft knock, she entered.

As before, the room was cloaked in dim light, the heavy curtains tightly drawn. The sharp scent of disinfectant had faded, replaced by a more subtle aroma of herbal remedies. As Scarlett’s eyes adjusted to the gloom, she pointedly ignored the painting in the corner that seemed to demand her attention and kindled fires within. Instead, she focused on the bed, where Evelyne’s figure lay motionless beneath the covers.

Bandages still obscured parts of Evelyne’s face, extending down over her left shoulder. Although Scarlett had been informed that the injuries were healing, the sight still fueled the anger within her.

Evelyne appeared to be asleep, but as Scarlett approached, she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first, before settling on Scarlett.

“…Scarlett?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

“Yes, it is me,” Scarlett replied, keeping her tone even.

Evelyne blinked several times, slowly processing her presence. Then her eyes widened in recognition. With a light grimace, she pushed herself upright against the headboard. “What are you doing here? I thought you left for Elystead?”

“I did. Now I returned,” Scarlett said simply, not really sure of the best way of circumventing the awkwardness her visit carried with it. This was their first real conversation since her return from the Rising Isle, and much from that time remained unresolved.

Scarlett also had no plannings on addressing those matters today.

Surprise flickered across Evelyne’s features. “Oh. I didn’t realise that much time had passed…” Her gaze drifted downward, briefly examining the blankets covering her legs.

Seeing Evelyne in such a languid state triggered another surge of anger in Scarlett — directed both at the Hallowed Cabal for injuring the woman and, paradoxically, at Evelyne for allowing it to happen. Scarlett fought to quell those irrational emotions before speaking again. “The conclave has concluded. I thought you might want to know the results of the proceedings.”

Evelyne looked up, her expression reflecting both surprise and a something akin to gratitude. “You came here yourself to tell me that?”

“Yes.”

“I… I appreciate that,” Evelyne said, her voice softening. “Please, go on.”

Scarlett nodded. “I will share what I recall. The conclave covered various topics, from resource allocation to the distribution of manpower…”

She provided Evelyne with a general summary of the less significant discussions that had taken place, including the reports and minor agreements between lords and factions. While Scarlett hadn’t been able to keep track of everything during the actual proceedings, Lady Withersworth had later reviewed the details with her to ensure she was well-prepared.

Despite still appearing tired from sleep, Evelyne listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with a question or two. Scarlett answered as best she could, though she suspected her responses weren’t as comprehensive as Evelyne might have liked. Still, keeping the woman informed would help when she eventually recovered enough to resume her duties in the barony.

After covering the less pressing matters, Scarlett paused, her expression growing more serious. “While these topics are of some relevance to our barony, it all pales in comparison to what I am about to tell you. In fact, this may have been the true purpose behind the conclave.”

“What is it?” Evelyne asked, reaching for a glass of water on the nightstand beside her bed.

“The loyalists proposed a project called the ‘Empyreal Barrier’,” Scarlett explained. “It involves constructing a network of arrays across all imperial lands to prevent certain forms of advanced translocation magic, like that used by the Kilnstones and the Tribe of Sin. This would be invaluable in preventing the current monster attacks, but the costs are projected to be considerable, and all are expected to contribute. It was, without a doubt, the most contentious topic of the conclave, but His Majesty pushed it through nonetheless.”

Evelyne’s eyes widened again. “Seriously? The emperor went that far? I… I wouldn’t have expected that.”

“Few did, I suspect,” Scarlett replied. As far as she knew, this was the first time this emperor had done something so controversial.

Evelyne studied Scarlett for a moment. “What do you think of this?”

Scarlett was quiet for a brief while, considering her response. “…I do not have a strong opinion on the matter.” It was both a convenience and an inconvenience for her. “For the empire, I believe this is one of the best courses of action that can be taken at present. It may also prove to be a surprising boon for our barony, depending on things unfold.”

“What do you mean?” Evelyne asked.

“The Empyreal Barrier will require several pylons to be constructed near imperial Kilnstones, serving as anchors for the Barrier’s array,” Scarlett said. “These pylons need an immense supply of mana and a number of rare, expensive components, meaning much of the cost will be tied to them. Locations that can reduce those costs by, even slightly, will be prioritised. I have been informed by a reliable source that our estate might be considered as a candidate for Freybrook’s pylon, which could bring several significant advantages to us due to the savings it could offer the empire.”

A slight frown creased Evelyne’s brow. “Is that because of that Loci thing you have in the back garden?”

Scarlett nodded. “Exactly.”

“Can it handle becoming one of these…pylons? If this Barrier is as extensive an array as you say, that’s going to require some serious power.”

“I believe it can.”

Mistress probably wouldn’t have mentioned it if it couldn’t.

“Then…” Evelyne hesitated briefly. “…Are you okay with that? What would it mean for the estate? Will we be able to stay?”

Scarlett’s lips thinned. “…I do not know. However, I am not certain we will have a choice.”

At this point, everything was hypothetical. It wasn’t even clear that the empire was aware Scarlett had something like the Loci, though it would likely come to some people’s attention once they started surveying Freybrook for suitable locations. What happened after that remained to be seen.

Though Scarlett wasn’t sure she would be willing to give up the mansion entirely, if that was what it came to.

“I suppose you’re right,” Evelyne muttered, her shoulders slumping slightly. After a moment of silence, she spoke again. “Was there anything else that came up during the conclave, or was this all?”

Scarlett’s gaze lingered on the younger woman, taking in her bandaged face and the pallor that had settled over her complexion after days of bed rest. Should she mention the part where she and Duke Valentino were brought up for questioning in front of the entire assembled conclave?

“…There is nothing else of significance,” she finally answered.

It was probably easier to keep quiet about that particular incident for now. Besides, it wasn’t important at the moment, and she doubted Evelyne would approve of her plans to teach certain meddlesome nobles a minor lesson.

“Alright,” Evelyne sighed, more of her exhaustion seeping through. She leaned her head back against the headboard, her eyes drifting closed. Judging by her behaviour, the tension between them seemed to have eased slightly. “I guess just this much is already enough to process. Beyond just the Tribe and Cabal’s attacks, it makes one wonder where the empire will be in one year. At least I’ll have plenty to think about while I’m stuck here. It feels like I’m sleeping most of the time, but when I’m not, being cooped up all the time gets to you.”

“That is only to be expected,” Scarlett said, watching her for a moment before turning towards the door. “I have said all I came to say. I will take my leave.”

“…Wait,” Evelyne called quietly.

Scarlett turned back to see Evelyne sitting up a bit straighter, her expression hesitant. “Scarlett…about last time…”

“There is no need to bring that up,” Scarlett interrupted.

Scarlett met her eyes with a firm look. “I do not.”

Evelyne fell silent, studying her intently. “…Why?” she eventually asked, her voice low.

Scarlett remained still, her posture tense as they regarded each other. The silence stretched between them grew heavy. Finally, she spoke, her voice carefully measured. “There are many reasons. But mainly, it is because there is much I do not know.”

The original’s past mostly remained an empty canvas for her.

Confusion flickered across Evelyne’s face. “What do you mean?”

Scarlett held her gaze for a little longer before lifting her hand. With a subtle motion, she activated the [Charm of Expedient Change], and a gold garnet ring materialised her finger. The deep red stone on its face seemed to pulse with a faint, inner light. “Do you recognise this?” she asked, tone neutral.

[Hartford Garnet Ring (Unique)]
{Blessed by an unknown power, this ring has been passed down through generations of the Hartford family, often worn by its head. There appears to be a slumbering flame burning within}

Even after more than a week, she had made no progress in figuring out how to use it.

Evelyne’s lips parted slightly as she stared at the ring. “That’s…” Her eyes moved back to Scarlett. “I thought you’d thrown that away?”

“I had not,” Scarlett replied. “It was locked away in a room in the library?”

“Lockey away?” Evelyne’s brow furrowed. “Why are you saying that as if you don’t know—” She trailed off, realisation dawning on her face. “…Did you forget about this too?”

Scarlett didn’t respond, irritation flaring at having to admit this much.

Evelyne studied her for a long, drawn-out moment, as if waiting for an answer that wouldn’t come. Eventually, she let out a weary sigh, raising her uninjured arm to point at the ring. “Do you know how to activate it?”

Scarlett frowned. What kind of question was that? She was fairly certain the original Scarlett hadn’t known how to activate the ring, and Evelyne would likely have been aware of that fact if she thought Scarlett had thrown it away. So why even bother asking?

She knew Evelyne wasn’t as much to blame as the original for the state of their relationship, but she also knew Evelyne had believed the previous lord—their father—considered her more worthy to inherit. That probably meant she’d been entrusted with the ring’s secrets.

Was she proud of that fact?

Whatever. It didn’t matter. Scarlett hadn’t brought out the ring for this purpose, anyway. It was meant to make another point, but now that didn’t feel necessary anymore.

“I have no need of it,” Scarlett said flatly, turning to leave once more.

“Wha—” Evelyne’s shocked voice broke through. “Scarlett, wait!”

Scarlett kept walking until she reached the exit. There, she stopped, glancing back at Evelyne.

The younger woman seemed to waver, uncertainty written on her face.

“What?” Scarlett asked, her tone sharp.

Evelyne chewed her lower lip, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blankets.

“I am not giving it to you,” Scarlett stated coldly, anticipating the unspoken question.

Evelyne tensed, then quickly shook her head. “I wasn’t even going to ask for it.”

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed, a hard edge settling in her gaze. “Then what do you want?”

She had better not ask what Scarlett thought she would.

There was a period of silence before Evelyne finally spoke. “…Do you want me to teach you how to use it?”

“No.” Scarlett’s reply was immediate, final. Evelyne blinked in surprise at the severity of the response. “I wish to make this clear,” Scarlett continued. “I do not want your help, Evelyne, for much the same reason these visits are challenging for me. That you still do not understand this demonstrates that you have yet to grasp who I was or who I am now. I have no intention of bridging that gap any more than I already have.”

She paused, steadying herself.

The original Scarlett had been a villainess — unreasonable, conceited, callous, with a moral compass that pointed firmly towards self-interest. Her redeeming qualities were, if they existed at all. While Scarlett had no wish to emulate those traits or excuse the woman’s actions, she couldn’t deny the complicated legacy she’d inherited.

This body, this life, even these tumultuous emotions — they all belonged to Scarlett Hartford first. And while her respect for her predecessor was minimal, there were certain elements of the woman’s personality that Scarlett found herself drawn to, almost compelled to honour.

The [Hartford Garnet Ring] had weighed on her mind since she’d found it. A symbol of the Hartford family’s head, yet something the original Scarlett had chosen to lock away. The more she tried to understand its secrets, the more she sensed a deeper disconnect — not just with the ring, but with the Hartford name itself. To the previous Scarlett, it had represented far more than mere leadership of the house; it carried all these burdens and meanings she hadn’t fully unpacked yet.

The mere suggestion that Evelyne, of all people, would be the one to unlock its secrets felt like more than just a betrayal. It was an affront to the very essence of what the original considered it meant to be a Hartford.

Scarlett didn’t blame Evelyne for not understanding this about her sister. In many ways, Evelyne’s attempts to connect and reconcile were commendable. But the cold truth was, they had never truly been close. Even after Scarlett’s arrival in this world, their relationship had remained mostly transactional — shared meals, discussions of baronial affairs, nothing deeper. The chasm between them had always existed, and she had realised, perhaps only recently, that she wouldn’t be able to fully bridge it — especially when so many parts of Scarlett’s past in this world remained blank.

And for once, she also wasn’t going to chalk her feelings up to the remnants of the original’s personality or a quirk of whatever system had brought her here. For once, there had come a subject where she simply, genuinely, didn’t want to fight against her predecessor’s instincts.

Unlike their last encounter, where hurt and confusion had marred Evelyne’s face, now the woman simply looked lost, as if struggling to process the logic of what Scarlett had said.

Scarlett rested her hand on the door’s handle. “Do not take this as a failure on your part,” she said, her voice quiet and deliberate. “…And as for my words from last time — I suggest you do not let them weight on you. They were hardly spoken by someone worth listening to on such matters. I am simply reminding you that there is a distance between us that cannot be closed by casual conversation. That is all.”

With a soft click, Scarlett opened the door and stepped into the hallway, leaving Evelyne alone once more.