Chapter 25 - He Doesn't Like Me
Amarthea, Capital city of Rosenhyde.
The two-day journey went away in the blink of an eye.
But Yvonne had to struggle for the most part of it because she was not used to the bumpy roads and the excessive shaking of the carriages.
'I'm just glad I did not hurl.' She rubbed her bulging tummy in circles.
She peeked out the window and took in the sight of the capital city.
Just like how Asmodeus had described in the script, it was gorgeous and breathtaking.
The streets were wide enough for four carriages to move at the same time and there was order on the streets.
'I'm sure they must have some sort of police work in this place. Why was I expecting this to be more chaotic and barbaric?' She wondered.
"Vonna? Are you feeling better?" She heard Rutherford ask in concern.
"Much better than the time we spent on those roads filled with ditches." She retorted quickly.
This elicited a chuckle from her parents and they nodded at her.
Ever since the first day of the journey, they seemed extremely nervous about something and Yvonne just couldn't figure it out.
'It must be some adult business.' She shrugged and turned back to look at the view outside.
The window of the carriage was something similar to the one-sided glass that was common in her world. The people on the inside could see the outside but from the outside, it was just a thick black tinted glass.
The streets were bustling with the commoners rushing to get to work at the stores that were on the side of the road.
The further they ventured into the capital, the fewer commoners she found.
The Palace of the King of Rosenhyde was at the center of Amarthea surrounded by the nobles' estates and after being separated by a large commercial district came the commoners' district.
While the nobles could enter the commercial district whenever they liked they also had exclusive privileges to the stores meant only for them.
The disparity between nobles and commoners was very high in this world.
One could become a noble if they were bestowed the title by the king or by marriage into a noble family, but they would never truly be accepted by the other noble factions.
'I remember reading about that restaurant!' Yvonne jumped when she saw the name 'Willows' carved on the front of a tiny building.
The story said that it had the best apple pie in the city but wasn't very famous among the nobles because it was run by a commoner.
That restaurant was also the secret date spot of the leads until a certain someone came and spoiled their fun.
The carriage moved faster as they reached the large estates of the nobles.
Within a few minutes, Yvonne's carriage came to a halt and she was picked up by her father.
The sight she saw when they stepped outside was spectacular.
There was a huge stone mansion ahead of her which was way bigger than her previous house. It was surrounded by greenery in all directions.
A long line of servants stood with their heads bowed to welcome their masters.
"Welcome back, lord, lady, and miss." A man wearing a butler's costume bowed in 90 degrees before he looked up.
"It's good to be back, Limo" Rutherford answered and held Raylene's hand in his empty hand.
'Limo? Seriously?' Yvonne looked up at the sky and rolled her eyes.
'Why couldn't it be something cool like Sebastian or Alfred? That's more suitable for a posh butler name. Even Butler Powell had a better name!' She glanced at Limo to gauge his appearance.
He was a man who looked quite young for his age. Because according to the shoddy and scattered memories of Previous Yvonne, this man was already in his fifties.
He had grey eyes and a sharp nose and jaw.
'I better take tips from him if I don't want to look old in the future.' She nodded after appreciating his facial features.
"Young master is in his room." Limo informed Raylene when she asked about his whereabouts.
'I wonder how it will be to have a big brother for a change. Rather than that spoiled brat!' She curiously looked around as they moved inside the house.
Calling it a house would be disrespectful because of its grandeur and elegance. The splendid hardwood staircase was the first sight she saw as soon as they entered.
Yvonne always had a thing for great-looking staircases. They were an excellent choice for a dramatic entrance.
Rutherford led them through the foyer to a room that looked like an extravagant waiting room.
"Vonna, why don't you go and freshen up then we can have lunch together." He suggested and Raylene agreed.
"What about big brother? Will he not come to see me?" She tilted her head in confusion when she did not find any trace of her brother in the room.
The St. Claire couple looked hesitant and nervous about something.
"Why has the little genius burdened her brain to think about this insignificant one?" She turned to the door when she heard a snarky voice suddenly speak out.
Walking towards her was a boy who might have been a couple of years older than her.
He had deep ocean blue hair and his eyes were the same color as his hair. His features were excellent but the sneer on his face distorted his beauty.
'Why do I feel like he doesn't like me already?' Yvonne just stared at her 'brother'.
"How many times have I told you not to say such snide remarks to your sister, Howard St. Claire?" Raylene quickly reprimanded the little boy.
His face changed from his previous scowl to a sad and aggrieved face.
"Why do you alwa-" He screamed but shut up when he saw Yvonne get off their father's lap and walk towards him.
Yvonne just stared at him as she walked and then turned to their mother and pouted.
"Is this my big brother?" She spoke in a childlike manner and Howard's eyes widened.
"She doesn't even consider me her brother! But all you do is blame me!" He yelled once again.
This time it was Rutherford who came forward and picked his son up.
'So these two just like carrying little children around? Tsk!' Yvonne shook her head when she saw this move.
Howard struggled with all his might to get away from his father yet he did not forget to glare at her in between.
"She really doesn't know who you are." Rutherford gently smiled at him.
This successfully froze Howard in his place.
Yvonne could see the tears pooling in his eye because of his wounded feelings.
"But she didn't even know who we were, a few days back." He continued his words.
"Son, your sister lost her memories when she fell off during a horseback ride at the summer mansion." He finished his words and Howard's head snapped towards his mother who nodded to confirm his words.
Yvonne stood aside and stared at the family of three who looked so comfortable with each other. This made her feel like she was being left out.
'This body is messing with my emotions.' She frowned and stepped towards her father.
"I'm sorry I forgot who you are but can we make new memories from now? Big brother Howard?" She tugged at his trousers and fluttered her big watery eyes.
Howard looked down at her warily and did not answer her for a long time.
'Previous Yvonne, what exactly did you do to make this cute little creature so guarded against you?' She wondered.