GIVEN THE FACT SHE HAD BEEN DISCOVERED, Yuna found no reason to pretend that she had no idea of what Raskreia was speaking. However, she was still bitter. No matter how much she chose to help the lord, the very fact of their last meeting was still fresh in her mind: those filled with doubt eyes, that doubt that she was brainwashed, manipulated. It made Yuna still bitter and resentful. Had it been somebody whom she did not care for, she would have ignored it, but the matter was aggravated by how close she was to Raskreia. Believed she was. That connection was not there anymore. How could it be when the other did not even wish to listen to her? Did not even allow her explain everything, in spite of what she had as a well-worn mask? Some things not even she could forgive that easily.
“But it will be the last time.” Returning any longer would be pointless. With a sigh, she did not glance at Raskreia anymore, but in a different place. While Lukedonia was not a place she found important in itself, it was for her. For Raskreia. However.. that connection could not be done anymore. That trust and faith had been shattered with those words she still recalled. ‘ Let me read your mind. ‘ and ‘ I was a fool to have ever trusted somebody like you. ‘ were still on her mind. How could she let go of that so easily? No, it was impossible.
“Tell me, why do you care?” Although she had long since moved on from that moment, the hurt was still there, in spite of how well-disguised it was. Tilting her head, Yuna glanced at Raskreia with her eyes filled with nothing but coldness and the very distance she had when they first met. It was the lord who wanted that. She would respect her wishes. “Whatever I do with my life is my own business, not yours. After all, how can you be a fool to ever trust the likes of me and what I am saying?” Indeed, back then Raskreia had hurt her and Yuna said nothing, however it was her turn now. Nothing should have happened this way and it was at that point. She was using the words Raskreia said back then against her now. “Funny, do you wish to read my mind again? Because you sure cannot trust somebody although you claim so. I see now that you looked down on me all this time and thought I cannot defend myself because I am human. I hope you enjoyed your superiority while it lasted. Worry not, not that you would trust or worry over the likes of me, I do not need your assistance or anything alike. I just paid back the debt I had with you, but never interfere in my business again.”
To say that the other’s animosity was unwarranted would be a lie. No, Yuna’s coldness was just what should have been expected after this real confrontation. Even now Raskreia wondered why she would choose to CONFRONT the other woman after having thought she had severed their ties that day. Yes, the Lord who had decided much too hastily that she was met with betrayal...
It was difficult to say that it would not happen again. The Lord was too paranoid, too MISTRUSTING after everything that had occurred to her people and herself. Yet how could she be called a leader if she did not learn to overcome that paranoia completely, especially for someone who had once been a good friend? Looking back on it now, Raskreia realized that the reason for her own doubt was not enough to place such little faith in someone who was her friend. Yet the time for regret was long past, long gone; the Lord had already crossed that line and she was uncertain if she could return from it.
❝ You took a risk... for someone who did not treat you well. Even if it had not specifically been for me. At least, this time my eyes are not blinded. I could see clearly that the information given helped my people more than harm them. Even if those were not your intentions... ❞ Raskreia did not respond to the other’s jeers, seeing as it was only EXPECTED. After all, were these not the same things she had said to Yuna, only spoken under unfair suspicion? ❝ The words I used were ones that must have hurt you. ❞ Yuna did not need to say what her feelings were; the fact that the other was echoing what had been said during that time spoke enough to the Lord.
❝ I wonder. Words I said that were directed at you felt unpleasant to you. And I feel unpleasant thinking of the words I used. ❞ The noble Lord glanced to the side. ❝ Even after I said we should not trust each other anymore, this happened. You claim it is because you are repaying a debt... however, all ties should have been severed once I hurt you with my words. Whatever debt that had been owed should have been left behind along with that former alliance. ❞ Raskreia sighed. ❝ Then you ask why do I care? It is an enigma even for myself. I suppose it is because those words I said... were not the ones I should have used. ❞ Back then, Raskreia knew she shouldn’t have let it go so easily. She had little faith, believing it was only best for the other to only stay associated with that man, and thus she said such hurtful words, believing FOOLISHLY it was for the sake of her friend’s happiness with that person of the Union. Hah, perhaps the Noblesse would be the one to call her an idiot this time.