Newfear

He felt the weight of the moment creeping into him and paused for a few seconds, his eyes drifting away from the fresh grave before sinking into distant memories.

Time pulled him back to another place, Seven months ago, where he and his mother had stood in almost the same spot.

Raymond had been standing there, staring into the distant horizon, where the sea met the sky in indistinct lines. The wind gently played with his hair. Nearby, the voice of his mother, Duchess Sabrina Cypher, could be heard.

She sat on the ground, among the wildflowers, inhaling their scent as if drawing life itself from them.

Sabrina: "When will you come home, Raymond?"

Raymond took a deep breath, one deep enough to cover an old wound in his heart, then answered in a low voice.

Raymond: "...I can't."

Sabrina: "Your father… I can talk to him… So please, come back."

Raymond remained silent, unable to respond, his heart locked away behind the walls he had built around himself.

Sabrina, hesitantly: "Raymond, this is what sons must do. You need to return, to stand by your father."

Then, without waiting for an answer, she added in a fragile voice, one that resembled a cold breeze slipping through a closed window.

Sabrina, more insistently: :If it's marriage that troubles you, we can find a way around it... Don't worry, he'll surely understand when we talk to him together."

Raymond, sighing with a sharp tone: He wants me to be his heir, Mother. "He wants me to inherit his cursed legacy! How will I be of any use to him if I refuse marriage?!"

Silence. The wind howled through the trees around them. Raymond looked down at the ground, struggling to steady his breath, weighed down by resentment.

Raymond, in a harsher voice: "He doesn't see us as his children, but as pawns... tools to extend his influence and preserve his legacy even after his death."

A heavy silence passed. Sabrina gazed at the ground as if searching for words that could calm the storm in his heart.

Then she whispered softly, as if trying to find something alive in the midst of all this emptiness.

Sabrina: "Here, in this exact place… I want you to bury me."

Raymond's eyes widened in shock as he suddenly turned to look at his mother. She was smiling broadly, her expression light and carefree. Then she chuckled.

Sabrina: "Hahaha… I finally got you to turn around. Look at your face!… you look like you've seen a ghost. Hahahaha."

But despite her teasing, the tension and unease never left Raymond's heart. He stared at her as she lay on the ground laughing, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

Raymond: "Mother! That's not funny!"

he said, standing on the tips of his toes as if the ground beneath him was beginning to crumble.

Yet her laughter did not stop. It continued, blending into the horizon, intertwining with the whispers of the wind from the sea, leaving a deep mark in his heart... like a specter that could never be erased. Her laughter, despite its lightness, filled the emptiness around him, seeping into his soul, reminding him of times he could never reclaim.

Then, suddenly, he returned to the present.

Raymond gripped the shovel and threw himself into work, avoiding any conversation. His hands moved automatically, as if trying to escape emotions he couldn't face. Dion joined him, his eyes heavy with silence and sorrow, sharing the task in a deadly quiet.

Eyes followed them closely. The nobles watched with silent curiosity, unspoken questions hidden in their gazes. But none of them approached, nor dared to intervene.

The air was heavy, cold, as if everything around them was waiting for something. Even time itself seemed to slow, clinging to the earth, refusing to move in a place that now bore the very presence of death.

When the pit was finally dug, time became heavier still. Now, it was time to carry the shroud.

They lifted it, and as they moved toward the carriage, Raymond climbed up first. He stood there for a long moment, his thoughts drifting between pain and memory, his eyes locked onto his mother's face... now pale, as if time had drained all color from her.

Slowly, he pulled back the cloth covering her face and stood gazing at her. It was a painful moment, where every memory and sorrow he had buried surfaced all at once. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the silence around him was stronger than his will. Something inside him crumbled. And when his attempts to contain his emotions failed, a single, heavy tear fell onto his mother's cheek... a reflection of the deep sorrow within him.

Dion, watching his brother in that moment, felt something strange. In Raymond's eyes, he saw disappointment, pain, and a helplessness he couldn't describe. He couldn't fathom the weight of Raymond's grief, nor did he know how to comfort him in this suffocating silence.

As Raymond's tear fell onto his mother's cheek, Dion's gaze remained fixed on his brother, as though they were both trapped in the same sorrow... each expressing it in his own way.

Dion could only whisper to himself: Brother… this is the first time I've ever seen you cry…

The moment weighed heavily on him. He had always known his brother as someone strong, unwavering. But now, a different part of Raymond had been revealed... one he had always kept hidden.

His heart filled with sorrow, yet at the same time, something like hope stirred within him. As if, despite the cruelty of this moment, it might make his brother stronger.

Raymond, however, felt a chilling cold seep into his heart, as though the tears that fell onto his mother's face were only the beginning of a new storm of pain.

But it didn't stop him.

Instead, it pushed him forward... down this inevitable path.

He knew the moment of farewell had come, yet it felt as if time was slipping away from him, just like all the moments of his life he had tried so hard to avoid.

Raymond quickly wiped his tears, but his eyes caught something else.

On his mother's neck... there, he saw it.

A deep, sharp wound. Crimson red.

Silence froze the moment. Dion saw it too.

Without hesitation, he climbed onto the carriage and gently covered their mother's face, as if trying to conceal what could not be seen.

Dion: "Come, brother… They are waiting for us."

Raymond took a deep breath, gathered his strength, and lifted the shroud alongside his brother. They walked toward the grave, their footsteps the only sound in the quiet air... like a mournful rhythm played by the earth itself.

At the gravesite, they carefully placed the shroud onto the mechanism that would lower it. As it descended smoothly into the grave, the soil around them was slowly filled in.

And with every handful of earth, the distance between them and their mother grew.

Nearby, Marquis Leon Cypher stood expressionless, his eyes fixed on the emptiness ahead, showing no sign of emotion.

A voice broke the silence.

Lord 'Vyron Rikard', a man in his forties. with black hair and a finely decorated armor, whispered to him in a low, deep tone.

Vyron: "Aren't you going to say anything? She was your damn sister."

Dion caught a quick glance at them, but Leon Cipher remained still for a moment before finally breathing out and replying in a faint voice.

Leon: "House Cypher does not mourn its dead."

Vyron stepped closer, his voice a low growl in Leon's ear, like thunder in the silent moment.

Vyron: "I didn't ask if you'd mourn her, you damned fox. I asked about your duty as family. You should at least say something to her sons."

He spat the words with quiet anger before turning away to speak with Lucas Nightover, leaving Leon Cypher motionless, indifferent... as if Vyron's words had meant nothing.

At that moment, Dion glanced at them briefly, then quickly shifted his focus back to the task at hand.

When the grave was finally sealed, a worker approached the metal plate, raising his chisel to engrave the name.

But then, a voice... soft yet carrying immense weight... cut through the air.

"Just… Sabrina."

The worker hesitated. "…What?"

Dion stood nearby, his gaze unyielding, his lips tight as if restraining himself from saying more.

His eyes held not just anger, but something deeper... contempt, disappointment… and perhaps, a hidden pain.

Dion, sharply: "Just Sabrina."

Then, as if refusing to be questioned further, he added coldly, defiantly.

Dion: "How many duchesses named Sabrina are there, anyway? She doesn't need a noble title to be remembered..."

Dion's jaw tightened, and he took a deep breath, but when he spoke, his voice was weighed down by something indescribable... not just anger, but the heavy burden of emotions struggling within him.

Dion: "My mother wasn't just a name carved into a lineage, nor a title inherited by nobles as if it meant nothing... She was greater than that. The name alone is enough, because it's not the letters that make her memorable... but who she was."

His words were slow, but they didn't need to be shouted to carry their full weight. For a moment, it seemed as though the air itself had turned colder, as if even the carved stone before him understood the magnitude of the loss he spoke of.

His objection wasn't just about the title... it was a complete rejection of everything the name "Cypher" now represented to him.

The worker felt a wave of tension, his eyes shifting between Dion and Raymond. He hesitated but noticed that Raymond didn't object. Instead, he gave him a slight nod. Taking a deep breath, the worker quickly stood up and left without another word.

Leon Cypher remained still, a faint smile on his face despite the deafening silence around him. His smile held many meanings, none of which were spoken. Meanwhile, the inscription on the metal plaque... forever marking this chapter of their lives... read: "The Duchess, Sabrina." The full name remained suspended in the air, just as her death had. The words were carefully etched, embodying both respect and reverence.

When everything was done, the gathering stood in solemn silence, paying their quiet respects.

Amid the scene, Raymond was lost in thought. His mind was clouded with confusion, and his heart weighed with unease. The wound he had discovered on his mother's neck only deepened his suspicions. He no longer believed her death was a mere accident... something dark lurked behind it all.

As the funeral concluded, families slowly began to disperse, but Raymond remained motionless. He stood beside the grave, his eyes fixed on the ground, deeply contemplating everything that had transpired. His mind was methodically rearranging events, trying to piece everything together.

While others drifted away, Dion engaged in a quiet conversation with Talia nearby. However, Raymond couldn't focus on their words. His thoughts remained consumed by the mark he had seen on his mother's neck. It was no ordinary wound... it was clearly the result of a powerful strike. And the question that plagued him the most was…

Raymond: ["Who could have done something like this?....

What should I do?"]... Raymond asked himself, replaying the sequence of events in his mind.

He stood staring at the horizon, his eyes lost in the vast blue of the ocean. The wind howled around him, ruffling his hair, but it did nothing to disturb his thoughts. Instead, it carried him back to the memory engraved deep within him... hours ago, when he had returned and met his mother in this very place.

His mother, Sabrina, had been sitting beside him, tending to the flowers that had grown between the rocks, as if refusing to acknowledge the harshness of nature. She suddenly lifted her head toward him, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Sabrina, warmly: "Is there a girl you like, my son?"

Raymond was caught off guard by the question. For a moment, he was speechless, then he averted his gaze to the ground and muttered softly.

Raymond: "...Yes."

Sabrina set the flowers aside and leaned closer with childlike excitement, placing a hand on his shoulder and looking at him eagerly.

Sabrina: "Who? Do I know her?!"

Raymond lifted his gaze toward Liana, who was adjusting the saddle on his horse. She wore a faded black dress... simple, yet it suited her.

He watched her in silence, but his mother had no patience for his hesitation. She turned with curiosity.

She saw the girl standing there, engrossed in a book, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. Sabrina glanced back at Raymond, her eyes sparkling with realization before she let out a soft chuckle.

Sabrina, excitedly: "Is it... her?!"

Raymond turned his face away, but the slight redness in his cheeks betrayed him. At that moment, Sabrina suddenly stood up and started running toward the girl.

Raymond, flustered: "Mother! Wait!... She doesn't know!"

Sabrina, still walking briskly: "I just want to meet her!"

Liana turned, her eyes widening in panic as she saw Duchess Sabrina and Lord Raymond approaching her quickly. She tensed and muttered anxiously.

"Oh no... They're coming toward me!"

With trembling hands, she hastily adjusted her appearance, smoothing her hair and dress, trying to compose herself. When Sabrina reached her, Liana cautiously stepped forward, glancing at Raymond, who gave her a look that said he had no control over his mother.

Sabrina, slightly out of breath from running, observed Liana intently before gently placing her hands on her cheeks.

Sabrina, warmly: "Beautiful... What a lovely young lady you are."

The girl's face flushed, and she grew flustered, bowing shyly as she stammered.

Liana: "Th-thank you... Your Majesty..."

A brief silence followed before the girl lifted her head, only to see Duchess Sabrina Cypher pressing her lips together as if stifling a laugh. But in that moment, Lord Raymond Vanheim could no longer hold back... he let out a quiet chuckle.

Sabrina's eyes widened in shock. She turned swiftly toward him, stunned by what she had just heard.

Raymond, realizing what he had done, quickly looked away, trying to regain his composure.

Despite herself, Sabrina couldn't suppress her emotions. Her eyes shimmered with warmth, and a silent tear slid down her cheek. She stepped closer to her son, cupping his face with her hand.

Sabrina: "I haven't heard that beautiful laugh in years..."

Liana watched the scene with curiosity... this was the first time she had seen Raymond like this. She couldn't help but comment teasingly.

Liana: "I didn't know you could get flustered like this."

Raymond shot her an irritated look, about to retort. "You...!" But another soft chuckle escaped Sabrina before she turned back to her son, smiling brightly.

Sabrina: "I understand now... Is she the one who makes you happy?"

Raymond tensed and averted his gaze again, avoiding the question. Meanwhile, the girl's eyes widened in confusion, unaware of what was unfolding.

Sabrina turned to her, stepping closer, her gentle approach making Liana feel self-conscious, though she wasn't sure why. Taking Liana's hands in hers, Sabrina asked kindly.

Sabrina: "What's your name, dear?"

Liana hesitated for a moment before answering nervously.

Liana: "its... Liana..."

Sabrina waited for her to continue, but Liana said nothing more. She glanced at Raymond as if seeking help, but he remained silent.

Sabrina, softly smiling: "...And?"

Liana remained quiet, prompting Sabrina to raise an intrigued eyebrow. She turned to Raymond, who stepped forward and spoke firmly.

Raymond: "Mother… that's enough."

He gently took his mother's hand, trying to end the conversation. Meanwhile, Liana had already withdrawn her hands from Sabrina's grasp, turning her face away.

Sabrina didn't understand. She tried to ask again.

Sabrina: I meant your last name...

but in that moment, Raymond stopped her immediately, his voice carrying a stern warning.

Raymond: "Mother!… That's enough already."

When she felt his tightened grip on her wrist, Sabrina realized something unusual was going on. Her eyes widened slightly, and she whispered in shock.

Sabrina: ".... A commoner?... Is she from the lower class?"

Raymond's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he answered coldly.

Raymond shot her a sharp look, his eyes narrowing and his expression growing darker before he responded coldly.

Raymond: "Yes, my mother. And now you know why my father insisted on that marriage… because he would never approve of this."

Sabrina was taken aback, then smiled. While Liana was adjusting the saddle, she mounted the horse, ready to leave. But Sabrina suddenly approached and gently stopped her.

"Wait."

Liana paused for a moment and glanced at Raymond, who gave her a slight nod, signaling her to dismount. She sighed lightly before complying. The moment her feet touched the ground, Sabrina surprised her by pulling her into a firm embrace, holding her close with a reassuring smile. Liana felt warmth in her hug and noticed the tears that had slipped onto the lady's cheek.

Sabrina, in a warm tone: "My dear… I'm sorry if I've wronged you… Don't be sad, it will only harm your beautiful skin."

A faint smile gradually formed on Liana's lips. "It's alright…"

But before she could step back, Sabrina asked her again, this time with a more serious tone.

Sabrina: "Now… who are you?"

Liana felt a strange sense of confusion. She cast a questioning glance at Raymond, but he seemed just as surprised.

Liana, hesitantly: "M… me? I don't understand…"

Sabrina studied her intently.

Sabrina: "Your name… What is your full name?"

Liana, flustered: "I... I already told you!"

Sabrina, firmly: "No… You didn't tell me your full name. Your father's name."

Liana froze for a moment, not understanding her intent.

Liana, puzzled: "You don't know him…"

Sabrina, insistently: "Just humor me…"

Liana hesitated, but when her eyes met Raymond's, she saw him give a small nod, as if telling her to go along with his mother's request.

Taking a deep breath, she answered.

Liana: His name is… 'Peterson.'

Sabrina's voice was quiet as she responded.

Sabrina: "So… your name is Liana Peterson."

Then, with a warm smile, she added.

Sabrina: "Never be ashamed of your origins or your family. Say it with pride to anyone."

She paused, then looked at her thoughtfully before continuing.

Sabrina: "But… if you wish, you may say 'Liana Vanheim.'"

Liana's eyes widened in shock, her entire body tensing. She turned to Raymond in disbelief, but he averted his gaze, avoiding her eyes.

Her breath hitched, and she took a step back, whispering in a trembling voice.

Liana: "N… no… I can't… I can't, my lady!"

But Sabrina did not step back. Instead, she smiled gently and lifted a hand, softly caressing Liana's cheek before whispering in a quiet voice, laced with playful sarcasm.

Sabrina: "I like you… so I'll steal you away."

Liana's eyes widened, her cheeks burning with embarrassment, while Sabrina let out a lighthearted laugh. After a moment of stunned silence, Liana couldn't help but smile along with her, as if an unseen magic had melted her into the warmth of the moment.

Then, with a bright smile and eyes gleaming with excitement, Sabrina leaned slightly closer and said,

Sabrina: "I want you for my son… So, what do you say?"

Liana felt as if her heart had slipped out of her control, pounding wildly, as though the world had gone silent around her. Her lips trembled as she turned to Raymond, who was staring at her just as intently.

For a long moment, their gazes remained locked, time seemingly frozen between them. She tried to speak, but her voice came out as a mere whisper.

Liana: "I…"

But before she could finish, Raymond finally moved. He turned to meet her gaze directly, making her heart race even faster. She couldn't look away from him, and he couldn't look away from her either.

In that moment, Sabrina smiled gently, as if she understood what neither of them had yet said. Then, with quiet confidence, Liana finally spoke.

Liana: "I will accept."

Before Liana could even process her own words, Sabrina let out a delighted gasp and pulled her into a sudden, tight embrace, making the girl stumble slightly. Then, grabbing her hand, she tugged her forward like an excited child dragging a friend into a new adventure.

Sabrina: "Come, there's so much I want to talk to you about!"

They laughed together, caught between surprise and shyness, while Liana glanced back, trying to comprehend what was happening.

And there, in the background, Raymond stood still, watching them in silence. His face remained composed, but a faint smile touched his lips... one he could not… or perhaps did not wish to suppress.

The waves crashed violently against the rocks below the cliff, as if warning of an impending storm. Raymond stood at the edge, his eyes lost in the vast horizon, seeing nothing but the endless ocean merging with the sky. The noise around him was deafening, yet all he could hear was silence… a silence that was broken only by a familiar voice... soft, yet carrying something indescribable within it.

"Won't you even greet me?"

Raymond turned slowly, as if his body resisted movement, only to find Lord Aqua Nightover standing before him.