Resetting Lady

* * *

Relationships between people are exceedingly difficult.

Nothing ever flowed as expected.

But Carynne wanted to approach things more sincerely. She wanted to genuinely feel what it was like to take responsibility for living a real life. It was all the more important for someone like Isella, who was both close and distant.

“Isella, I have something to talk to you about.”

Carynne knocked on Isella’s door late at night. Isella, in her nightgown, opened the door and looked at Carynne with a face showing signs of considerable fatigue.

“If it’s not important, can’t it wait until morning?”

“It is important.”

“…What is it?”

Isella stood at the door, reluctant to move, but not having a good reason to refuse, she opened the door.

“I have things to do tomorrow, so please make it quick.”

“Okay.”

Carynne entered Isella’s room.

“……”

It was messy. There was nothing to be done about it.

Isella had no experience with cleaning, so she lived surrounded by clutter. Yet, just two days ago, Carynne had cleaned everything while helping Isella get dressed.

In just two days, the room was again cluttered with clothes, receipts, and magazines scattered everywhere. Even the bed was covered with magazines. Isella, seeing Carynne standing with no place to sit, hurriedly pushed some magazines off the bed and gestured for her to sit.

“T-Thank you.”

It was hard to believe how different things were in the same room. When Carynne worked at Isella’s house, she would have been scolded for even a speck of dust. But when Isella had to clean up herself, she seemed perfectly content with the mess.

Sleeping in such a room and yet looking immaculate and glamorous when going out was astonishing.

As Carynne gingerly sat on the bed, Isella leaned against the desk and asked her,

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

Carynne steadied her pounding heart and confessed to Isella.

“Isella, the truth is, I’m much older than I look.”

“…That’s quite shocking.”

“In fact, I’ve died and come back to life over a hundred times.”

I want to tell someone. I want someone to understand my situation. I want to share my story.

This desire burst forth uncontrollably. The desire to speak out. It wasn’t enough that only Raymond knew the same situation. She wanted to confess to someone who didn’t know her.

I’ve died over a hundred times. You and I were never on good terms. I’m going to die again soon. Do you know why? Because I can’t get pregnant. The reasons for my deaths vary, but I can never escape this situation. I will live like this forever.

I want to be friends with you.

Because I’ve never succeeded before.

Isella’s face changed in many ways.

She looked pathetic, terrified, and even turned pale.

Carynne carefully left out any mention of her attempts to kill Isella, focusing solely on her own tragedy. Isella might start by pitying her. Perhaps that’s where human relationships begin. By showing mercy to each other.

Carynne’s story went on for a long time, and finally, Isella responded.

“…Alright. I understand.”

“Do you believe me?”

Isella nodded.

Carynne’s eyes widened. How could that be?

Even Raymond couldn’t believe her immediately. Her father didn’t believe her until the very end. The only one who believed was Dullan, who had planned everything. But Isella just believed her? Why? Carynne had come prepared to be slapped, but now she felt deflated. Why do you believe me?

Isella, hesitating, placed her hand on Carynne’s shoulder, who was confused.

Then, slowly, Isella spoke to Carynne.

“Yes. So… um… Carynne, let’s go to the hospital together when the sun rises tomorrow.”

Isella’s eyes resembled those of Raymond in the past.

The past.

“…You think I’m crazy, don’t you?”

Isella averted her gaze.

“…Alcohol addiction isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s a secret, but my father also received treatment for alcoholism in the past.”

“I’m not an alcoholic.”

If anything, it’s a drug addiction.

As expected. Carynne let out a small sigh. She had tried to get closer and even revealed her secret, but the reaction was like this. Maybe this was the normal response. Isella spoke seriously.

“Don’t be too ashamed. The hospitals supported by the Evans family are top-notch. Even the Avon Monastery is under our umbrella.”

“…I’m not crazy….”

Carynne raised her hand to cover her eyes. Was it a mistake to do this so late at night? She had hoped for some sympathy, but being dismissed as crazy was a bit bitter. Especially since she initially thought Isella believed her.

“But isn’t it better than nothing? Let’s at least go to the hospital and get checked out.”

The cross-verification was already done by Raymond a long time ago.

Carynne thought it might not be necessary, but seeing Isella’s serious face, she nodded. No matter the outcome, going again wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“…Yes, I will gladly accept your kindness, Miss Isella.”

* * *

Isella Evans felt a bit creeped out by how detailed Carynne Hare’s delusions were. When Carynne mumbled and gradually became more passionate in her speech, she looked almost mad. The way she spewed out words without even pausing for breath was enough to exhaust the listener.

‘…So young, it’s pitiful….’

But it did evoke some sympathy. Though it was a sympathy that made her want to distance herself. Isella was shocked by what the doctor said.

“…That can’t be.”

“It’s certain. Shall I tell her myself, Miss Isella?”

The elderly doctor spoke to Isella as if it were no big deal. Doctors are so indifferent to everything. But for the listener, it was shocking. What he said was something she couldn’t believe.

“No, no… Don’t tell her yet.”

Isella clenched her fists, thinking of Carynne waiting outside. Isella had brought Carynne for various tests.

‘Admitting she’s crazy might help her a bit.’

Living next door to her, Isella was caught between sympathy and fear. Thinking Carynne was out of her mind turned her mild irritation into fear. But it was also true that Carynne had been kind to her, which is why Isella brought her to the hospital.

Among Carynne’s nonsensical talks, Isella was especially uncomfortable with her obsession with pregnancy. In a country where religion dominated society, it wasn’t something a seventeen-year-old, who was practically still a girl, should be preoccupied with.

“Are you really sure?”

“Yes, I am certain.”

* * *

Carynne Hare is pregnant.

***

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