15.4 ▌Fading

                                    

                                          
Year 3988, 2nd Day of the 9th Moon
Crimson Village, Ember Isle, Fliamma Kingdom, Continent of Humana



THE NEXT morning, Aricson prepared for the burial and invited Elise. It was a perfect day with bright skies but the heavy atmosphere was palpable. It appeared that everyone on the island had come seeing hundreds of people gathering, even the servants in the castle were there.
Aricson led the ceremony as he exemplified Luke's achievements and offered an elegy. After his speech, he laid the urn inside the concrete casket.
Just like how there was a graveyard near the castle, the village has one too. The vast greeneries were filled with concrete boxes to house the urns. He lighted the incense and one by one, people gave all kinds of red flowers and only May had a white one.
It was the longest part of the rite and Aricson advanced to her location while the rest of the white-dressed crowd gradually dispersed. 
"What? Come again?" She gaped at what he had uttered as soon as he was beside her.
"May had no blood relative or familial ties in the isle anymore so she has to forget everything."
"You will abandon a widow?"
"No. They are given a cottage and a job on the mainland but they will have to forget everything so, in the future, you shan't be surprised if she cannot recognize you," he explained.
"What? Why will that be?"
"She needed to take a pill that will erase her memories. It is a special medicine made to forget anything related to Ember Isle."
"Will she forget about her husband too?"
A curt nod was his only reply.
"Isn't that cruel? Why do you need to erase her memories? What's more, it's her loved one! I saw how she truly loves him and yet you—"
"Every Ancient Clan has a secret that they don't want their enemies to find out, Elise," Aricson interjected. "This has been going on for generations to keep the family safe. She had no duty to the isle so there is no reason for her to stay."
She let his sentence sink and discerned something. She owed May and this was the best thing she could do. She did not want her memories to be erased.
"By duty, do you mean work?"
"Yes."
"Then, can you hire her?" she probed.
Aricson appeared contemplating it but once she heard him sigh, she knew he would reconsider it.
"If she agrees then I'll let you."
Upon hearing his approval, she approached May immediately.
"Do you want to work for me?" she spoke the moment she reached her.
May was undoubtedly taken aback yet she smiled with obvious puffed eyes.
"Elise needs a lady's maid, May, and she's eyeing you for the position. Several servants will be replaced soon and a spot will be available for you if you want," Aricson stated.
"It's an honor, Miss Elise, Rei Aricson, but my husband asked me to live a normal life after his death and the best thing I can do is abide by his wish."
Elise's was not able to mouth a response. She did not know what to do to compensate for her fault. With no other way in mind, she grabbed May's hands and looked directly at her.
"I am sorry, May. This is my fau—"
"No need, Miss Elise." She contracted her fingers with a sincere smile still plastered on her lips. "I am very grateful for what you've done. I hope you pardon my impudence."