Free Web NovelThe train raced along the edge of the Alpine Mountains, the scenery outside the window gradually shifting from plains to rolling hills.
Pavela leaned back in the soft velvet seat, listening to the rhythmic sound of wheels on the tracks.
The compartment was large.
Larger than it had any right to be.
Crimson velvet curtains, oak wall panels inlaid with brass decorations, a crystal chandelier, and a round table large enough for eight people. On the table were delicate tea sets, a three-tiered dessert stand, fresh fruit, and a bottle of red wine of an unknown vintage.
"Pavela, would you like to try this?"
Victoria suddenly held out a small cake drizzled with chocolate sauce.
"It's a specialty of Eisenburg called 'Moonlight Truffle.' You can only eat it at its freshest on the train—"
"...Thank you."
Pavela took the cake and took a bite.
Sweet.
Very sweet.
So sweet she suspected its sugar content might violate some public health regulation.
"Is it good?"
"...Very sweet."
"Then it's delicious!"
Victoria nodded with satisfaction and began rummaging through the dessert stand for her next target.
Pavela watched her busy back, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly.
Victoria's passion for sweets was probably on par with Eileen's passion for mechs.
Both were that kind of irresistible, pure joy.
She sighed, put down the half-eaten cake, and stood up.
"I'd like to get some air."
"I'll accompany you."
Eleanor also stood up, setting down her teacup.
"Sister—" Eileen started to speak.
"You stay here," Eleanor's tone brooked no argument. "Look after Victoria and Cecilia."
"But—"
"Eileen."
"...Alright."
Eileen pouted but obediently sat back down.
Pavela watched the scene, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly again.
Eleanor's protectiveness towards Eileen sometimes felt like she was treating a puppy that might run off at any moment. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
Then again—
Eleanor's protectiveness towards her didn't seem much different.
...
The two of them left the compartment and walked down the corridor.
This carriage was reserved for nobility. The corridor was carpeted with thick rugs, landscapes hung on the walls, and brass wall lamps were placed every few meters.
Occasionally, uniformed attendants passed by. Upon seeing Eleanor's military uniform, they would bow respectfully.
Pavela noticed Eleanor was wearing her service uniform today.
No medals, no epaulettes, just simple dark blue tailoring and silver buttons.
Compared to the ornate formal dress uniform, this one was clearly more suitable for daily activities.
"What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking about why you came too."
Pavela voiced the question in her heart directly.
"The Royal Knights Academy is for students. Surely you don't need to accompany me for enrollment?"
"Because I have a lot of free time right now."
"...Free time?"
"The Seventh Knight Order has been disbanded."
Eleanor's voice betrayed little emotion. "The remnants were merged into the Third Knight Order, but I wasn't reassigned."
Pavela stopped walking.
She turned her head to look at Eleanor's profile.
"Disbanded?"
"The Night of Calderburg."
The corner of Eleanor's mouth lifted slightly, but there was no warmth in that smile.
"Twelve mechs deployed, only three returned. As the acting commander, I bear undeniable responsibility for that outcome."
Pavela fell silent.
She knew, of course, what had happened during the Night of Calderburg.
Because the monster that caused it all was herself.
"The military gave me two choices."
Eleanor continued.
"First, accept an investigation by the court-martial and take responsibility for the deaths of those knights. Second, 'voluntarily' apply for indefinite leave, pending reassignment."
"You chose the second one."
"I chose the second one."
Eleanor nodded.
"After all, I still want to «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» pilot mechs. If convicted by the court-martial, I'd never touch a lance again in my life."
Pavela lowered her head, looking at the intricate patterns on the corridor carpet.
She didn't know what to say.
Those dead knights were killed by her.
Those survivors who lost their comrades were hurt by her.
And the one bearing the consequences—was Eleanor.
But even if she had to do it all over again, she might still have no choice.
"Don't make that face."
Eleanor's voice suddenly became lighter.
"I'm not complaining. Honestly, a long vacation isn't bad. A break from the front lines is good for one's physical and mental health."
"...Are you comforting me?"
"I'm stating facts."
Eleanor shrugged.
"Besides, it's a good chance to see how you perform at the academy. In case you cause any trouble, I can deal with it promptly."
Pavela looked up, meeting Eleanor's eyes directly.
"You don't trust me."
It wasn't a question, but a statement.
"Yes."
Eleanor didn't deny it.
"I still remember two weeks ago, when I found you, you were covered in blood, your eyes were red, like..."
"Like what?"
"Like someone I knew."
"So," Eleanor's tone returned to its usual calmness, "until you learn to control yourself, I don't plan on letting you stray too far from my sight."
"...Aren't you afraid I might hurt you?"
"Yes."
Eleanor's answer was unexpectedly frank.
"I saw you that day. If you truly lost control, I'm not sure I could stop you."
"Then why—"
"Because you are my sister now."
Eleanor cut her off.
"No matter who you were before, what you did, from the moment you became Pavela von Schwartz, you are my family. And protecting family is my responsibility."
Pavela opened her mouth but found she couldn't speak.
"Let's go."
Eleanor gently patted her shoulder.
"I'll show you the rest of the train. This is just a small part; the truly interesting scenery is further back."
...
They passed through three noble carriages.
Each was lavishly decorated, occupied mostly by noble families in fine attire or business magnates.
Some were playing cards, some drinking tea, some watching the scenery by the windows.
Occasionally, someone would recognize Eleanor and rise to salute or nod in greeting.
Eleanor responded to each one, her demeanor so graceful it seemed she was born for such occasions.
Then, they reached the connecting passage.
The decoration between the two carriages suddenly became sparse.
The carpet vanished, revealing rough metal flooring.
The landscape paintings on the walls were replaced by regulations and notices.
The air carried a scent of coal smoke and machine oil.
"Ahead are the common carriages."
Eleanor's voice was somewhat muffled by the wind noise.
"If you don't want to go, we can head back—"
"Let's go."
Pavela didn't hesitate.
She wanted to see.
She wanted to see the empire's true face.
