Even If You Tear Me Apart - Chapter 24
The chapters are split like this so that the TL can update more consistently over time (✿ ＞◡❛)
The rain started falling again at dawn.
By morning, the lord’s manor looked even shabbier than it had the night before.
With the wind seeping through the stone walls, the old stable, and the worn tapestries, it was hard to tell if this place was a manor or a barn.
But from the tapestries, the well, and the crest above the front gate, it was clear this was indeed the Quilluxia estate.
“I’m surprised this place even has guest rooms.”
Étienne yawned, muttering as he woke to the sound of rain. Ezekiel, who had already been awake, answered quietly.
“I heard relatives occasionally stay over.”
“Relatives, here? Huh…”
Though the blankets and mats were damp from the humidity, it was still far better than having none at all.
Étienne fiddled with the straw in his rustling blanket and chuckled.
“If Felicia finds out the two imperial princes slept here, she’d freak out. She’d probably toss me in the river and tell me to wash up immediately.”
They both knew how much Felicia Arbois hated anything unclean. But Ezekiel shook his head.
“It’s just old, not dirty. Lady Arbois has better sense than that.”
“Oho. Speaking so highly of Felicia? Maybe you should take the throne. What a generous heart.”
Étienne laughed at Ezekiel’s slightly annoyed expression.
“Honestly, the fact that they’ve been faithfully paying taxes is more surprising.”
“…I’m glad we came to return the money,” Ezekiel agreed.
Étienne shrugged.
“Let’s hope the rain clears up by the afternoon. The knights must still be searching for us.”
But even by afternoon, the rain hadn’t stopped.
Though it had lightened somewhat, the drizzle was still persistent. At least the wind had calmed.
Despite it being summer, Étienne shivered, saying he felt cold.
Iris, worried, brought over another blanket and a leather pouch filled with hot water.
“Summer rains are always like this in this region. A lot of people catch summer colds. I hope you don’t get sick—”
“Oh, I’ll be fine. I’m more worried about the horses, Ez.”
Ezekiel nodded.
“I’ll go check on them.”
“I’ll come too!”
Iris quickly followed after him.
Ezekiel narrowed his eyes.
“You’re not thinking of crossing again, are you?”
“And you, Ez?”
“I just need to check that the horses are safe.”
“And I just want to see if my father might not be able to cross over.”
“You never back down, do you?”
Étienne chuckled to himself.
In the end, the two of them headed back to where they’d crossed the day before.
Fortunately, the horses on the far side of the river looked safe.
They’d been tied loosely, so even if the water rose too much, they’d likely be able to break free and run.
“Ah, wait a moment.”
Just as they were about to head back, Iris stopped him in front of a bush. Then she took his hand and lifted it.
Startled, Ezekiel tried to pull away, but Iris was faster.
“Ta-da.”
In the palm of his hand lay a pitch-black berry.
Ezekiel blinked, and Iris smiled brightly.
“They’re at their best this season, but if the rain continues, they’ll all rot. There were a few still good ones left.”
“…You eat these?”
“…You’ve never tried one?”
Iris looked baffled, then burst into laughter.
She picked up one of the blackberries and held it up to Ezekiel’s mouth.
“Try it. They’re delicious.”
“But it’s black…”
“That’s when they’re the ripest.”
There was no room to refuse.
Before he knew it, Ezekiel opened his mouth, and Iris popped the blackberry in.
Her fingers brushed his lips.
Ezekiel slowly bit into the blackberry. It tasted green. The crunch of the seeds between his teeth felt unfamiliar.
“Let’s see.”
The girl plucked another berry and popped it into her own mouth with the same fingers. Then she sucked them clean with a pop.
The same fingers that had touched Ezekiel’s lips.
“Tasty, right?”
Iris smiled. Ezekiel had no idea what that blackberry had tasted like.
He couldn’t sleep that night either.
