Chapter 66: Ablia’s Secrets
"Duchess, are you inside? Can I come in?" Vix’s voice broke through the silence, interrupting my contemplations.
"Yes, come in," I replied, granting her entry. She arrived bearing food and fresh clothes for the disheveled woman who had been waiting with eager anticipation.
The woman’s eyes widened as she beheld the array of food before her. "Food! Finally, food is here. All of this is mine. No one is going to touch them. All of this belongs to me alone," she declared, her possessiveness over the meal apparent as she circled it protectively.
Vix looked puzzled as she set down the provisions. "Duchess, who is she? And why is she behaving like this? Didn’t you ask me to bring food for yourself? Then why is she here?" she inquired, her brow furrowing.
"No, I did ask for her. I found her when I went outside. No hotels allowed her inside, and I couldn’t find a suitable place to leave her, so I brought her with me. She kept saying she was hungry, so the food is the only thing that can calm her down," I explained, watching the woman as she began eating with fervor.
Vix tried to comprehend the woman’s circumstances. "How was she living like this?" she wondered aloud, unable to fathom the harsh reality the woman had endured.
"I’m not sure. I’m not sure how everyone keeps living like this. If seeing just one person in this condition affects me like this, how will I feel when I see crowds of people facing the same situation?" I mused, my voice tinged with sadness and determination.
"Crowds?" Vix questioned, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, crowds! She’s not the only one behaving this way. There are thousands of people living in similar conditions. I have to take swift action to address this issue," I declared, a sense of urgency coloring my words.
As our conversation continued, I noticed Grant standing at the door, patiently awaiting my attention.