Chapter 150 - Untenable associations
Scarlett and Evelyne were among the last to leave the ballroom once things had calmed down following the Tribe of Sin’s attack. Evelyne had insisted on helping the injured and restoring order, and only when a large group of guards and healers arrived did she feel comfortable leaving. Scarlett, on the other hand, didn’t particularly mind either way. She continued to ponder the events of the night, trying to make sense of it all.
Together, they navigated the chaotic halls of the castle—the entire place was a hub of activity right now—until they reached the exit and stepped into the wide courtyard outside where they had initially arrived. Most of the other carriages had already departed, but several remained, likely belonging to those who weren’t yet in any condition to leave.
They found their carriage, with the anxious coachman already waiting, and boarded it. Soon, they were on their way back to their temporary guest quarters.
Scarlett glanced down at her clothes. She was still dressed in her ‘adventure’ attire. There had been little point in changing back into her ball gown, not only because something might happen again, but also because the previous mess had made her work up a sweat. Hopefully, she would have a chance to clean up later.
“…I still can’t believe what happened.” Evelyne broke the silence after the carriage had been in motion for a minute. “I’ve never encountered the Tribe of Sin before, but I never thought they would do something so… I don’t know. I just didn’t expect them to do something like this.”
“It is not that surprising if you ask me,” Scarlett said. “Attacking an event with so many powerful people who might oppose them present might be an odd choice, but it aligns with their objectives, does it not?”
“Maybe you’re right…” Evelyne stared down at her legs, seemingly still processing what had occurred. There was a tired look on her face, and she seemed liable to fall asleep any second now. After a while, she looked up at Scarlett and observed her for a moment. “…You handled yourself well during the attack. Astonishingly well.”
“I have had ample opportunity to gain experience in recent months,” Scarlett answered. She paused, studying Evelyne in return. “…You also handled the situation admirably,” she added.
The woman’s eyes widened slightly, and she turned to gaze out the window. “Thank you…”
Another minute passed before Evelyne spoke again. “Did you expect any of this to happen?”
“What makes you ask that?”
“You seem so composed and rational about it all.”