The rise of the strongest woman

Chapter 10

"No, there isn't," Evangeline answered, a tinge of nervousness creeping into her voice as she took a step back.

"Well, I trust you then. Let's go and have our breakfast," Megumi suggested, taking Evangeline's hand in hers.

They arrived swiftly at the dining room, where their parents awaited them. Megumi released Evangeline's hand to join her own parents, and Evangeline did the same, settling next to Azumi.

Azumi couldn't help but express her curiosity. "So, did you manage to apologize, Evangeline?" she asked, her tone questioning.

"No, I couldn't apologize to her. I couldn't bring myself to tell her, and she remains unaware. So, it's not too bad," Evangeline replied confidently, a smile playing on her lips.

Unable to let her daughter's defiance go unchecked, Azumi reached out and firmly pulled Evangeline's ear, a reprimanding gesture.

"Mommy, it hurts! Please let go of my ear," Evangeline pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"You have to go and apologize, Evangeline," Azumi insisted, finally releasing her hold on Evangeline's ear.

Evangeline's heart sank, a mixture of guilt and defiance swirling within her. She knew deep down that she had to apologize, but finding the courage to do so seemed like an insurmountable task.

Misaki's stern voice interjected into the conversation, asserting her opinion. "She is right, you have to apologize," she said firmly.

Evangeline, determined to defend herself, responded with a hint of defensiveness, "Don't worry, I gave her a bracelet. It counts as an apology, right?"

Misaki nodded in agreement, a touch of pride evident in her expression. "You're right. It can work. You're not our girl for nothing," she said proudly.

Feeling a surge of self-assurance, Evangeline couldn't help but revel in her own greatness. "I know I'm great after all," she declared proudly.

Azumi, however, had a different perspective on the matter. With a serious tone and a dark look, she admonished both Evangeline and Misaki, "That's not the way to apologize, Evangeline. And you, Misaki, stop teaching her the wrong things. Besides, you should apologize as soon as possible since we're going back home in a few hours."

Evangeline pouted, her resolve wavering. "I'll apologize later," she grumbled in response.

Azumi, attempting to lighten the mood, pinched Evangeline's cheeks playfully. "That's fine," she said, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

"Mommy, don't pinch my cheeks. I don't like it," Evangeline protested, scrunching her face in discomfort.

After finishing their meal, Evangeline and Megumi found themselves alone once again. They decided to retreat to the garden, seeking solace in each other's company.

"I wanted to tell you something, Megumi," Evangeline began, her tone calm and collected.

Megumi, slightly concerned, looked at her curiously. "What is it, Evangeline?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Yuriko's sudden arrival, casting a shadow over their moment.

"Last time, you were lucky to win. This time, it's me who will win. Fight me now!" Yuriko declared, pointing a finger accusingly at Evangeline.

Annoyance flickered in Evangeline's eyes as she brushed off Yuriko's provocation. "I don't want to fight you. Besides, the result will always be the same. Can't you see that you're just being disruptive?" she retorted, her voice tinged with irritation.

Megumi chimed in, coming to Evangeline's defense. "She's right, Yuriko. Come back later," she urged, her tone firm.

Yuriko, however, remained persistent in his misguided mission. "No, I'll never give up. How can I let you be friends with someone whose face you can't even see? And who is extremely ugly under her mask?" he taunted, a sneer playing on his lips.

Anger surged through Evangeline, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I am not ugly!" she retorted, her voice laced with anger.

Megumi intervened once again, shutting down Yuriko's hurtful remarks. "Yuriko, stop talking nonsense. She's not ugly. In fact, she's much prettier than you," Megumi asserted, her voice filled with conviction.

Their argument stretched on, consuming the remainder of the day. Frustratingly, they didn't have the opportunity to address the apology that needed to be made. As the time to depart drew near, they found themselves standing before a carriage, bidding their farewells. Megumi embraced Evangeline, a warm hug symbolizing their bond, before Evangeline climbed into the carriage.

Azumi, addressing Evangeline, sought confirmation. "So, you were able to apologize to her, Evangeline?"

"Of course, I apologized to her, Mom," Evangeline replied proudly, her words holding a kernel of truth.

(Well, at least that's half true. I did leave a letter of apology in the room.)

Azumi, her belief unwavering, smiled knowingly. "I knew you could do it. And how did she react?"

"I guess she took it pretty well," Evangeline responded, her uncertainty coloring her words.

Misaki chimed in, patting Evangeline's head affectionately. "I see. You can't wait to get back home," she observed.

"Yes, of course. I'm excited to get home and see Julie again," Evangeline exclaimed, anticipation lighting up her face.

After a few hours, they returned to the castle under the cover of darkness. They hurriedly finished their meal and retired to their respective rooms. Evangeline, with a smile adorning her face, settled into her bed and quickly drifted off to sleep.

POV: Megumi

Entering the room she had prepared for Evangeline, Megumi was taken aback by the sight of its partial destruction. Curiosity piqued, she noticed a note resting on the desk. She picked it up and began to read.

Dear Megumi, I'm really sorry for destroying half of your room. Please don't think I didn't like the room. It was an accident. That's what I wanted to tell you before that stupid Yuriko interrupted us. So, please don't hate me.

Sincerely, Evangeline

As she finished reading the heartfelt letter, laughter bubbled up within Megumi. "So, that's why she seemed so stressed. It must be why she gave me the bracelet," she mused to herself.

Walking toward the window, Megumi gazed at the stars, a smile playing on her lips. She glanced down at the bracelet Evangeline had given her, feeling a sense of warmth and appreciation. "You're such a fool, Evangeline, but I will cherish the bracelet and your friendship," she murmured, her fingers gently tracing the intricate design.

Back to Evangeline's perspective, a sudden sneeze interrupted her slumber, jolting her awake.

"I'm sure it's Megumi," she mused, smiling, before closing her eyes once again and drifting back to sleep.