Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Buried Resentment
~Sin-Vira's POV~
Talking about the mines and the things that happen there isn't something fond to talk about. Besides the surface-level details, everything else he knew about them came from rumors.
"The workers begin at the bell and continue working until midnight or midday if they're lucky. If they're an adult, they'll be working in the mines. If not, those kiddos are working till midday sorting out mined goods that roll up in mine carts–"
Sibylla grabbed his arm as she stared at him in disbelief. "Children!? You aren't kidding when you say that? Even children are wasting their youth?! They could get hurt!"
Sin-Vira couldn't bring himself to lessen her worry. "Unless they're physically incapable to work or above a noble status, no one is spared. Parents have done… unspeakable things to spare their children from suffering as they did…" he looked away from her.
Ivy nodded her head. "He's correct. Guards do a sweep of the villages early in the morning to make sure no one is hiding. Those who rat out runaways are rewarded with the rest of the day off. So you can imagine how hard it is for anyone to trust easily."
After hearing this, Sibylla removed her hold and folded her arms. "Selling out a neighbor to spare yourself? I can imagine how careful everyone is with their words. Sometimes you want to keep to yourself…" she trailed off. "Please continue. What happens after these gems get processed? Are they to be distributed immediately?"
"Not exactly. The guards who are posted there take into account the size, amount, and rarity of each gem. They're very accurate with their amounts. I've heard the guards report to the king who informs other kingdoms that are interested. By the end of each month, they're distributed and the cycle continues for each year."
"That's ridiculous! There's no way a single mountain has been the sole source for all these distributions!" She objected.
Sin-Vira pointed to an adjacent mountain without lights. "It took two decades before that was completely depleted of resources. This here is the second one that started last winter."
The princess took a glance at the kingdom before looking at him. "Y-you're surrounded by mountains. He's insane. He'll be rotting in the depths and there'd still be resources."
Sin-Vira felt his teeth grit as he glared at her. "That's why he's relying on the next generation to keep it going."
Sibylla flinched before glaring back. "W-we're on the same side… don't act like I'm going to follow in his footsteps."
Hearing that caused a sense of guilt to rise in his stomach. Sin-Vira was more than aware that they were in this together. It couldn't be helped that whenever he looked at her, she had the same soulless eyes as her father. Though they were vibrant, both sent chills down his spine with how emotionless they seemed. It made him question if Sibylla was being genuine, or couldn't care less.
"I-I'm sorry. Thinking about their suffering puts me on edge. I despise that monster…" he felt his chest swell with anger. "If it weren't for our agreement, I much rather kill him."
Sibylla reached up and pat his head gently. It was obvious she needed to stretch just to reach it. "Now now. Let's take a deep breath and ease yourself. When you let anger control your actions, you either live with deep regrets or die like a fool. We'll make him pay. I promise."
"I know I'm assigned to make sure you don't do anything suspicious," Ivy began. Both Sin-Vira and Sibylla looked to see Ivy's stern face. "Make sure you only make promises you can keep."
Sibylla let out a giggle. "Oh, this is something I've been wanting to do for quite some time. But discussing it now is premature. Is this something personal for you too, Ivy?"
Ivy sheepishly looked at her before nodding. "My father was a worker who spent the whole day working. He's been doing it for as long as I could remember. But for some time, he hasn't returned home and the guards wouldn't tell me where he was. Which means he's the few workers who live in there, he's a runaway, o-or he's…"
Without a second thought, Sibylla used her other hand to place it on Ivy's. "Until it's been confirmed. Let's hope he's a runaway. When you have the time, give me some details on what he looks like. In case the guards in my kingdom find him, they'll report to me instead of my father." She was careful with her head pats to make sure Ivy's hair was still presentable.
Ivy tilted her head away from her. "I can't tell if you're trying to win me over or you care. I swear you're both sides of the same coin…" she then looked at her with a small smile. "But if you really mean it, I'll even bring you a sketch of him!"
"I'm simply honest with how I feel! Unless it's for a boring noble party thing. Then it's tolerating others until I snap!"
Sin-Vira recalled the ball and laughed. "Yeah! I witnessed what happened when you shoved that idiot's head in that food! His face was so red!"
"I'm sorry, you did what!?" Ivy asked in disbelief.
"Some jerk poured alcohol on me during a dance and Sibylla lost it on him. She even called out everyone for finding it funny. I knew she could get mad, but even I was a bit worried you'd go after me next for letting it happen!" He laughed.
"Okay okay! She gets it! I was a complete mess during the event. I was just really mad…" she huffed.
Sin-Vira chuckled as her cheeks turned red. "You were pretty scary doing that, but also cool. Doing something so bold in front of many nobles and even your father. It sucked not being able to stand up for myself, so it meant a lot when you did that. I can't thank you enough…" he smiled kindly towards her.
Sibylla turned her head away with a small sigh. "I hate getting in trouble, but I hate being a by standard to unjust actions even more. Which is why I'm going to end this stupid gem mine the moment I can."
"So long as that's your goal, I'll do everything I can to make your wedding day perfect!" Ivy exclaimed before going through her book and writing details down. "Though our side will be pretty tight on a budget."
"I've been to a lot of weddings! I'll make sure to be in charge of funds and gladly go into detail! If I'm lucky, Suni could make us a wedding cake! Wouldn't that be amazing, Vira?" Sibylla clasped her hands together.
Just the idea of a wedding made Sin-Vira anxious. Having so many eyes focus on him, having his mother likely make a scene out of pettiness, and having to kiss Sibylla-
"We're already here! Time flies huh? Let's get your hair fixed before we discuss weddings!" Sin-Vira quickly interrupted their discussion as they climbed the stairs to the castle.
"Oh right! Will it be fixable? I know it's really bad…" Sibylla admitted with a quiet laugh. "I understand if you can only do so much. Regardless I'm thankful for your efforts."
Ivy tucked her book under her arm with a determined expression on her face. "I pride myself in being a perfectionist. I'm not sure how you managed to do this, but I'll make it far nicer!" She assured her. "Vira. That'll take a while, so I will be escorting her to the queen right after. Is that alright, prince?" she asked while opening the door for them.
Honestly, he didn't want her away from his side. Especially with his mother being in the same room as her. He threw his arm over Sibylla's shoulders gently as they continued walking. "Honestly, no. Leaving her alone with my mother is making me anxious."
"Anxious?" Sibylla laughed. "I'm an adult! If I can't speak with my future mother-in-law, then I'll have a hard time proving myself worthy of your kingdom. Thanks for worrying about me! But I'll do just fine." She playfully elbowed him as he removed his arm. "We can go spar when I finish talking with her, so get ready for a good beating!" she grinned.
He could go for a spar. It would be a good chance to show off how well kept it was and prove just how strong he was. Just thinking about her look of astonishment made him smirk. "I'm looking forward to knocking you on your butt."
Sibylla feigned a bashful look and giggled. "How charming! Do you swoon all the ladies this way?" she asked while placing her hand over her heart. She was wearing the necklace he gave her. It wasn't anything too special but it meant a lot to him.
A flick to the forehead made him look back at Sibylla who was now glaring at him. "Watch where your eyes wander if you want them to stay in your empty head. Perv…" she turned her back as Ivy shook her head in disapproval.
"A shame you lack manners in front of a guest. Come with me, Lady Sibylla." Ivy linked her arm with Sibylla who happily walked away from him.
"W-wait! It's not- I wasn't–… ugh!" Sin-Vira threw his hands in defeat and left to his room.
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