Melina's Visit (3)
Her bewilderment lasted only a moment before hatred flickered in Elisha's eyes. Her expression grew even colder, that gaze brimming with possessiveness toward Arnold, as if staking her claim.
"Why are you coming out of Arnold's room?" Suspicion and disgust laced her voice. This wasn't a casual question—it was a fierce demand to uncover the truth.
"Don't tell me... you weren't scheming some shameless ploy to go after him, were you?" Elisha took another step forward, her words laced with force.
But Melina's face twisted in response, her eyes flashing sharply. Caught off guard by the provocative question from this unexpected intruder, her features hardened like ice.
"What's it to you? Then again, what brings you here looking for Arnold~?" Melina's voice sank like a frozen tundra, edged with sharp irritation.
"Hmph, what's wrong with a fiancée visiting her man?"
"I just came by as a friend with some free time—what's the problem?"
Elisha shot back defiantly at Melina's sharp query, as if she were utterly blameless, and Melina countered just as fiercely. Their exchange grew razor-edged, their glares like sharpened blades thrusting at each other.
Melina's stare fixed on Elisha without a tremor, signaling the start of battle, while Elisha openly sneered at her with a mocking smile.
"Anyway, if you'll excuse me."
"Hold it—who said you could?"
Melina blocked Elisha's path. The air thickened with tension in that instant.
Elisha shoved her shoulder aside without hesitation and strode into the room. "Normally, I'd ask the master's permission, but now that I've confirmed you're here, I have to go in."
With that, she stepped inside, her footsteps resolute. The two left behind locked in a fierce standoff, refusing to yield an inch. Each brush of shoulders sparked like beasts sizing each other up, a chill tension settling over the air.
"What do you think you're doing?" Melina warned, but Elisha ignored the pressure entirely. She turned her head slightly, replying with deliberate nonchalance.
"What business is it of yours? You're not even the owner of this room."
Her words dripped with sarcasm, widening the rift between them.
"Ugh! This is ridiculous...!"
The peaceful weekend had turned into a frozen minefield with the arrival of one person. The ominous vibe between them promised no easy resolution.
What in the world was going on?
"Uh, Elisha?"
Returning to the room teacup in hand, I froze at the scene before me. The atmosphere crackled like the calm before a storm.
On one side stood elegant yet icy Melina; on the other, Elisha glaring daggers at her. An invisible blade shimmered between them, slicing the air.
"Hmph..." Melina propped a hand on her hip, tilting her chin up with a snort. Behind her haughty smile lurked thick disdain.
Elisha, arms crossed, stared her down piercingly. Her face was frozen, but boiling rage simmered beneath.
"What brings you here? Or more importantly... did you two get into a fight?"
When had Elisha even arrived? But that wasn't the point. I forced an awkward smile, trying to defuse things, but their gazes remained locked on each other.
"I just dropped by to see your face since I had time, but Melina came out to greet me... couldn't stand the suspicion."
"Her constant overreach toward you is just an eyesore."
Elisha spoke first, her tone soft but barbed with condescension. Melina smirked, one corner of her mouth twisting.
"Overreach? I'd love to throw that right back at you. You're the one barging in everywhere with your flimsy 'fiancée' excuse."
Melina's retort was firm. Elisha's face twitched subtly at the jab, the ominous tension thickening.
I set the teapot on the table and sat between them, my head already throbbing from the exhaustion.
"Elisha, Melina, come on, enough—"
"Hold on, Arnold!"
They both shouted at me in unison. It wasn't dismissal—it was resolve to settle things with each other first.
"I can't just let that slide."
This was no mere spat. It felt like a brutal war over me.
"What? 'Flimsy fiancée'?"
Elisha's temple pulsed at Melina's words, her snarl like a feral wolf baring teeth, ready to tear into her rival.
"......"
But Elisha soon moved silently from her spot. With swan-like grace, she approached and gently placed her hand on my arm.
"Arnold, you know who the woman closest to you is, right?"
Her touch was soft and warm. She tilted her head up at me, her voice sweet yet laced with quiet desperation. A faint perfume wafted from her, tickling my senses.
But the sweetness didn't last.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
Melina surged forward, seizing my other arm. Her grip was firm and intense, unlike Elisha's—her emerald eyes blazing. (Not to mention the plush volume brushing like a water balloon, but let's ignore that...)
"Quit the nonsense. You think your tantrum will cover up reality?"
"Elisha, no matter how you dress it up, Arnold won't fall for your empty words."
Melina stared down Elisha's hand with unyielding resolve, then turned to me. "Arnold, I've always said it—you're my fated savior. That's the oracle's decree. You don't think that's wrong, do you?"
Caught in their scorching glares, I was utterly lost. No clue how to defuse this.
One arm wrapped in Elisha's softness, the other in Melina's heat—they held fast, deadlocked.
"Elisha, Melina, please calm down."
My plea fell on deaf ears; they stood firm, centered on me, refusing to budge.
"Hmph. Can't figure out why some elf keeps pushing her luck."
"Some elf? That label might be too good for you."
With me sandwiched between, their merciless verbal barrage raged on. I felt trapped in the crossfire.
"Arnold."
Their voices called my name in sync, glares like warriors before a duel.
"Who will you choose, Arnold?"
Realizing it wouldn't end between them, they thrust the decision on me with pleading eyes—like abandoned kittens begging to be picked.
"......"
So the arrow turns to me...
Running wasn't an option, nor was answering. But I knew what to say.
"First off, both of you, let go."
My suggestion had zero effect.
"...I'm the one who suits Arnold best!"
"...No way?! I suit him better!"
They paused in sulky silence at my words, then—as if on cue—resumed tearing into each other. Their eyes still burned with wary hostility.
I sighed inwardly. Was this hell? Or paradise for some men? For me, definitely the former. Watching their feud day after day was exhausting.
"Mother, it's been too long."
Meanwhile, at Stenman Mansion, neatly dressed Eily bowed politely to her mother, whom she hadn't seen in ages. Her voice blended joyful reunion with professional poise—a far cry from her formerly clumsy self.
"Oh, Eily. It's really been a while. How have you been?"
Arina, Eily's mother, responded with dignified warmth, her eyes brimming with the urge to embrace her daughter.
"Yes, Mother. I'm doing well, faithfully carrying out my duties without issue."
Eily replied in the calm tone of a seasoned maid, though suppressed excitement tinged her words.
"I'm so glad to hear you're well."
Unable to hold back, Arina pulled her daughter into a gentle hug.
"Your sister's doing great too."
"Sister? That's wonderful. I'm so happy she's healthy."
Relief and joy lit Eily's eyes. Arina nodded softly, continuing.
"You won't believe how much better she's gotten thanks to Master Arnold. We're endlessly grateful to him."
Eily's shoulders straightened, eyes sparkling at her mother's praise of her master. Pride swelled within her.
"So, you're here for the quarterly settlement, right?"
Arina smoothly shifted to business.
"Yes. I got Master's permission in advance and told him I'd be out for the day."
Eily nodded calmly, though her excitement lingered.
"Well, I've got good news."
Arina gazed at her daughter, a smile playing on her lips.
"Good news?"
"The settlement should wrap up quicker this time."
"Really?"
Eily's eyes sparkled with surprise and anticipation.
"Yes. We're getting reports the day before now, so we just finalize on the day. And unlike before, when the head maid handled it alone, the assistant head maid is helping out too—makes it so much smoother."
Arina explained smoothly, smiling leisurely.
"So... it could end even sooner than expected?"
"Exactly. Might even finish by midday."
Eily could no longer hide her thrill. Her face glowed with delight, energy buzzing to her fingertips.
Then I might get back to Master Arnold sooner today.
Aaah, knowing I can return to him soon... my heart's overflowing just thinking about seeing his face!
Her mind wandered to Arnold—kind, reliable. Imagining his face brought a natural smile and blush to her cheeks.
"That's great! Such wonderful news!"
Eily tried to stay composed, but her voice brimmed with excitement. Arina chuckled, taking her daughter's hand affectionately.
"Seeing you so happy makes me happy too."
Eily beamed again. Her heart had already raced back to her master.