The Return of the Female Knight
CHAPTER 67
Elena finally gave up eavesdropping on their conversation and left. He didn't feel the need to hear more.
So far, Carlisle has helped Elena in many ways. She assigns Kuhn to her, sends her dresses and jewelry, and stops rumors that Helen has spread. She always thought she was a good choice as a marriage partner. But this time, something was different. She really felt like she was really being noticed as a woman. He had never felt this way, and it was strange for him.
"Oh? Brother, are you back? ”
Mirabelle looked at Elena curiously as she approached her. Elena nodded, the numbness in her mind fading.
I thought I would get caught if I stayed too long. They didn't say anything. ”
"really?"
"Yes . Let's go back now. ”
Elena took the lead, and Mirabelle followed behind. He had a strange expression on his face.
"But brother ... Why is your face so red?"
Elena quickly raised her hand to touch her cheek.
"…My face?"
"Yes . Did something happen? "
Mirabelle was anxious about her sister, but Elena shook her head.
"It's really nothing. That ... must be hot. ”
"Eh?"
It was a cold and windy day, but Elena just smiled awkwardly and sped up her pace. Mirabelle followed him with a questioning look.
"There's something strange .. ah, wait for me!"
Mirabelle ran after her sister.
*
*
*
Elena was sitting in her room. He didn't sleep well the night before Carlisle's visit, and he was exhausted. He gathered his thoughts and rested, when suddenly a knock at the door disturbed him. There were so many things to worry about over Carlisle's visit. He thought something might have happened, so he hurriedly straightened his posture and replied.
"Please enter . ”
Door opens. He thought it would be one of the maids, but to his surprise was Carlisle coming in. Elena jumped up from her seat. He had not expected him to have finished playing chess with Alphord, but even so, he should have gone to the living room afterwards.
"How are you-"
“They showed me to your room. ”
"…!"
His mouth was open and he stiffened. Maybe it was the naughty maid who sent him. Although they were supposed to be lovers, it was not their actual relationship and Elena was a little uncomfortable with her sudden visit. He recalled the conversation he had heard between Carlisle and his father earlier and couldn't help but feel more awkward than usual.
"Please enter . ”
It was impolite to let Carlisle wait at the entrance, so Elena carefully allowed him into the room. Carlisle looked around as he entered.
"Is this your room?"
"…Him . ”
“Very simple. ”
It was a short compliment, but he wasn't wrong. It must have looked frugal to a noble in Carlisle's eyes.
“But this is my style. ”
"… Uh?"
Elena looked at him in wonder.
“Maybe because it's your room. I like it for a reason. ”
Carlisle looked around. His face was hot again. In order to avoid being alone with him, he hurriedly made excuses.
"Please sit down . I'll make you some tea. ”
"No thanks . I've had some with your father. ”
Carlisle sat across from her where he stood and looked at her.
"What are you doing? You should sit down too. ”
"Oh yes . ”
Elena had to sit in her chair. The initial plan was to control the situation by drinking tea, but even that failed.
For a moment there was only silence between the two. Carlisle had a knack for making his opponents nervous, but this position was extremely uncomfortable.
"Why are you so nervous?"
"Am I?"
"You nervous? Because I'm here to meet your family? "
He was right, but that's not the only reason. It was also because of the way Carlisle was so emotionally open to his father. It was all done on the terms of the contract, of course, but those words remained stored in Elena's heart, confusing her. After hesitating for a moment, Elena replied a moment later.
"No, it's not that–
Hearing that, Carlisle laughed. Then, he leaned his upper body from the chair towards her. Right now, the two were sitting opposite each other with a small table between them, but when Carlisle leaned in the presence of the table it became meaningless. The two were so close that they could touch each other. As Carlisle narrowed the gap between them, Elena reflexively leaned back. He spoke in a low voice.
"Commun . ”
Elena's eyes widened. Such a word was reserved for a beautiful and charming girl like Mirabelle. Until now, Elena had grown up listening to others say that she was smart or reliable.
"What are you talking about"
“You look cute when you're nervous. Do you think I'll harm your family? It's not like they're against marriage. ”
There was something strange in the meaning of his words, as if he would injure them if that happened. Carlisle's face was getting closer.
"Why do you keep getting so close?"
Elena was about to wake up when Carlisle narrowed the distance even further. Carlisle smiled slightly at her nervous expression.
"What are you thinking? I'm just trying to get the dust out of your hair. ”
"Well…"
“Where did you go when I left? You didn't have this in your hair before. ”
He suddenly remembered that he and Mirabelle were passing through a narrow passageway towards Alphord's study. There may be a lot of dust because people don't go there often. At that moment she was so engrossed that she did not check what was in her hair.
“I'll do it myself. ”
"Silent . ”
Carlisle's long fingers touched his golden hair. His palm was thick and rough from the battlefield, but his fingers were extremely long and smooth. The tendon on the back of his hand strangely looked attractive. Elena stared innocently at the floor, not knowing where to look.
Seueug–
Carlisle swept through the dust, but stopped and looked at his trembling eyelashes. When Carlisle did not move at all, Elena raised her eyes in curiosity. Their eyes met in the air. Carlisle's blue slices were right in front of Elena, burning with a mysterious heat.
At that moment, Carlisle's large hand that touched his hair slid to the back of his chair. He bent his arms, and their faces, which were already very close, drew closer.
Whahuh? I think he took the dust out of my hair? '
Elena's red eyes widened.
Beolkeogs!
There was a loud noise as the door opened and a female voice entered the room.
"Sister, will you and Your Majesty take care of the drink"
He stopped as he looked at Carlisle and Elena. The room was silent as if it was doused in cold water. To Mirabelle and the servants standing outside, it seemed like the couple would kiss each other.
"I'm sorry!"
Mirabelle shouted and rushed outside towards the maid. Elena got up from her chair and pushed Carlisle away.
“No, it's okay. Please come in."
Regardless of Elena's invitation, no one stepped up. They seem to think they're going to get in the way. Behind Mirabelle's back, the servants were arguing calmly with each other.
"Ughh! I told you we shouldn't go! "
"I didn't know there would be a situation like this …"
'Why did he suddenly say he was going to remove the dirt from my hair …'
Elena glanced at Carlisle, who started this without saying anything. Unlike Elena who was very embarrassed, Carlisle was as calm as a lake. No, actually, he seemed to be completely dissatisfied being interrupted so suddenly. Carlisle sat in his original position and spoke in a low voice.
"Just get in."
There was a depressed feeling in her words, and Mirabelle and the servants entered the room as if they had no choice. Elena felt the uncomfortable atmosphere and spoke.
“Please don't misunderstand. He was just trying to get the dust out of my hair. ”
"Yes." Yeah."
Only Mirabelle nodded awkwardly. Elena's gaze suddenly appeared above the drink tray Mirabelle was holding in her hand. Carlisle said he did not care about tea, but the soft-looking snack was quite tempting to him.
“Mirabelle, why don't you join us? Show me what you brought here. "
After a short pause, Mirabelle approached the table where the two of them sat down and placed down a drink.
"I'm sorry I interrupted you. I'll bring you a drink, if you want. "
"You're not interrupting."
Mirabelle looked at Carlisle. Carlisle looked at Mirabelle's face and recalled their meeting at the dance.
"You are a little sister."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I saw you at the dance. Your brother has a lot of compliments for you. ”
A blush crept on Mirabelle's cheek.
"I-I'm flattered, Your Majesty."
It seemed that a huge burden was lifted from Elena's mind when she saw Carlisle talking warmly to Mirabelle. While she expected the same from the other families, there was a strong desire that Carlisle would not treat Mirabelle coldly.
“Sit with us. I want to know Lady Blaise's much loved sister. ”
"Ah .. yes, Your Majesty."
Mirabelle's face brightened as she imagined the three of them sitting in Elena's room and chatting amiably. Carlisle was outspoken but attentive, and while Mirabelle was nervous at first, she was increasingly comfortable talking. As a result, Elena was also able to treat Carlisle naturally as well.
The three of them spent some time together before Carlisle got up from his seat.
"I have to go now."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Bye then. ”
Elena followed and stood up. Carlisle spoke to Mirabelle as she followed them as well.
"Did you say earlier that you want to see the palace?"
"Ah, yes, Your Majesty"
“I'll invite you two next time. I can take you around. ”
"Wow really?"
Mirabelle's face flushed with joy. Mirabelle's feelings could easily be read on her face, and Carlisle smiled at her. Elena, who was watching from the side, spoke first.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Omong empty. Your sister is also my sister-in-law. ”
"Wow! How exciting!"
Mirabelle smirked at Carlisle's immediate answer. He could not help but be displeased that the crown prince of the Ruford Empire was now his brother-in-law. He was also happy to see Carlisle treating Elena well and they seemed to be a good match.
Elena looked at the innocent Mirabelle with a gentle expression, while Carlisle looked at Elena. Suddenly, Elena and Carlisle's eyes met. Elena looked in gratitude, while Carlisle seemed to state that it was nothing.
"Your Majesty, follow me this way."
Elena guided Carlisle. Contrary to his concerns, Carlisle's visit to Blaise's house was successful.
*
*
*
Batori patiently stood nearby. He sustained a major injury when he was chased by Carlisle's troops, but had recovered a lot in a short period of time. In front of Batori was the back of a leather chair, where a man was sitting. The mysterious man spoke in a harsh voice.
“I'm sure your search is correct. Given that the crown prince and Elena Blaise were lovers, it was almost certain that the ring was a Dragon Orb. ”
Batori had never asked about his orders so far. He's fine with just getting paid. But for the first time, he was captivated by an irresistible curiosity.
"My god, may I say something?"
There was no answer, but it was clear that the mysterious man was waiting for him to speak.
“If you want to make me in charge of this mission, please let me know one thing. What the fuck is this ...what the fuck is a Dragon Orb? ”
Kkiiig–
The chair, facing away from Batori, now faced him. The man's identity was revealed, suggesting the man had a strong face with a black beard and dark eyes as deep as an abyss. That's Paveluc, Archduke of Lunen.
"You must be curious."
"I'm sorry."
"I'll leave you, Mrs Blaise, so you should know more."
Batori swallowed the voice of Paveluc. He was a man who could be called a traitorous king.
Batori considered the current emperor Ruford a fox in a tiger-free forest. One day, Paveluc will ascend to the throne and defeat Emperor Sullivan. If Batori could bet on Paveluc, he would bet the entire fortune. That was how tough Paveluc was.
“Legenda says that the dragon can use all kinds of mana with Orb. Orbs only appear on a boy who inherits the blood of the royal family, who inherits the blood of a dragon. ”
"…"
"But because they are not perfect, dragons are complete, they are much smaller in size and have limited abilities."
Dragon's blood? Is the myth of the Ruford Empire real? Batori looked at Paveluc in disbelief, but Paveluc continued without stopping.
“Orb, who did not appear for generations, is considered a legend, but was revealed to Carlisle and he became crown prince. It doesn't matter if it's just sick and tired, but I'm annoyed to hear it's annoying. “
"After the Dragon Orb failed to appear for generations, a mythical jewel appeared in Carlisle, and thus the humble child became the crown prince. I don't care if it's a myth, but I heard that it has a troublesome ability. ”
"A troublesome ability?"
"You can't use it on yourself or your descendants, but you can make requests for others."
As he spoke, Paveluc stroked his beard with one hand.
“Since the crown prince has given it to Lady Blaise, there is a high chance that she made a request for him. So keep an eye out for all the suspicious stuff. ”
Batori could not understand Paveluc's explanation even after hearing it. But when Batori looked into the deep man's eyes, she knew it was no joke. And if Paveluc believed it, it was definitely not something that Batori would take lightly.
"If he made a request for her sake, then it might have already come true?"
"Yes. That's why I can't guess what the prince will do with the Orb. "
"I'll keep an eye on him."
“No need to interfere in what they do. Watch what happens and report it to me. ”
"I understand."
Batori did not fully understand the existence of the Orb, but it should be important if Paveluc cared much. Batori was very happy to know about the hidden secrets about the Imperial Family.
"I'll give you the Blood Killer's orders."
"T-God …"
Batori's voice vibrated. It was a natural reaction for anyone who knew who the Blood Killer was. They are an elite group of assassins raised by Paveluc in Lunen.
"We need to know every single thing that happens between the Crown Prince and Blaise."
"Okay, my master!"
Upon Batori's reply, Paveluc flipped his chair back.
"Go."
Batori lowered her head and left. Left alone in a dark room, Paveluc remembers Elena at the party and mutters to himself.
"… How troublesome."
Elena finally gave up eavesdropping on their conversation and left. He didn't feel the need to hear more.
So far, Carlisle has helped Elena in many ways. She assigns Kuhn to her, sends her dresses and jewelry, and stops rumors that Helen has spread. She always thought she was a good choice as a marriage partner. But this time, something was different. She really felt like she was really being noticed as a woman. He had never felt this way, and it was strange for him.
"Oh? Brother, are you back? ”
Mirabelle looked at Elena curiously as she approached her. Elena nodded, the numbness in her mind fading.
I thought I would get caught if I stayed too long. They didn't say anything. ”
"really?"
"Yes . Let's go back now. ”
Elena took the lead, and Mirabelle followed behind. He had a strange expression on his face.
"But brother ... Why is your face so red?"
Elena quickly raised her hand to touch her cheek.
"…My face?"
"Yes . Did something happen? "
Mirabelle was anxious about her sister, but Elena shook her head.
"It's really nothing. That ... must be hot. ”
"Eh?"
It was a cold and windy day, but Elena just smiled awkwardly and sped up her pace. Mirabelle followed him with a questioning look.
"There's something strange .. ah, wait for me!"
Mirabelle ran after her sister.
*
*
*
Elena was sitting in her room. He didn't sleep well the night before Carlisle's visit, and he was exhausted. He gathered his thoughts and rested, when suddenly a knock at the door disturbed him. There were so many things to worry about over Carlisle's visit. He thought something might have happened, so he hurriedly straightened his posture and replied.
"Please enter . ”
Door opens. He thought it would be one of the maids, but to his surprise was Carlisle coming in. Elena jumped up from her seat. He had not expected him to have finished playing chess with Alphord, but even so, he should have gone to the living room afterwards.
"How are you-"
“They showed me to your room. ”
"…!"
His mouth was open and he stiffened. Maybe it was the naughty maid who sent him. Although they were supposed to be lovers, it was not their actual relationship and Elena was a little uncomfortable with her sudden visit. He recalled the conversation he had heard between Carlisle and his father earlier and couldn't help but feel more awkward than usual.
"Please enter . ”
It was impolite to let Carlisle wait at the entrance, so Elena carefully allowed him into the room. Carlisle looked around as he entered.
"Is this your room?"
"…Him . ”
“Very simple. ”
It was a short compliment, but he wasn't wrong. It must have looked frugal to a noble in Carlisle's eyes.
“But this is my style. ”
"… Uh?"
Elena looked at him in wonder.
“Maybe because it's your room. I like it for a reason. ”
Carlisle looked around. His face was hot again. In order to avoid being alone with him, he hurriedly made excuses.
"Please sit down . I'll make you some tea. ”
"No thanks . I've had some with your father. ”
Carlisle sat across from her where he stood and looked at her.
"What are you doing? You should sit down too. ”
"Oh yes . ”
Elena had to sit in her chair. The initial plan was to control the situation by drinking tea, but even that failed.
For a moment there was only silence between the two. Carlisle had a knack for making his opponents nervous, but this position was extremely uncomfortable.
"Why are you so nervous?"
"Am I?"
"You nervous? Because I'm here to meet your family? "
He was right, but that's not the only reason. It was also because of the way Carlisle was so emotionally open to his father. It was all done on the terms of the contract, of course, but those words remained stored in Elena's heart, confusing her. After hesitating for a moment, Elena replied a moment later.
"No, it's not that–
Hearing that, Carlisle laughed. Then, he leaned his upper body from the chair towards her. Right now, the two were sitting opposite each other with a small table between them, but when Carlisle leaned in the presence of the table it became meaningless. The two were so close that they could touch each other. As Carlisle narrowed the gap between them, Elena reflexively leaned back. He spoke in a low voice.
"Commun . ”
Elena's eyes widened. Such a word was reserved for a beautiful and charming girl like Mirabelle. Until now, Elena had grown up listening to others say that she was smart or reliable.
"What are you talking about"
“You look cute when you're nervous. Do you think I'll harm your family? It's not like they're against marriage. ”
There was something strange in the meaning of his words, as if he would injure them if that happened. Carlisle's face was getting closer.
"Why do you keep getting so close?"
Elena was about to wake up when Carlisle narrowed the distance even further. Carlisle smiled slightly at her nervous expression.
"What are you thinking? I'm just trying to get the dust out of your hair. ”
"Well…"
“Where did you go when I left? You didn't have this in your hair before. ”
He suddenly remembered that he and Mirabelle were passing through a narrow passageway towards Alphord's study. There may be a lot of dust because people don't go there often. At that moment she was so engrossed that she did not check what was in her hair.
“I'll do it myself. ”
"Silent . ”
Carlisle's long fingers touched his golden hair. His palm was thick and rough from the battlefield, but his fingers were extremely long and smooth. The tendon on the back of his hand strangely looked attractive. Elena stared innocently at the floor, not knowing where to look.
Seueug–
Carlisle swept through the dust, but stopped and looked at his trembling eyelashes. When Carlisle did not move at all, Elena raised her eyes in curiosity. Their eyes met in the air. Carlisle's blue slices were right in front of Elena, burning with a mysterious heat.
At that moment, Carlisle's large hand that touched his hair slid to the back of his chair. He bent his arms, and their faces, which were already very close, drew closer.
Whahuh? I think he took the dust out of my hair? '
Elena's red eyes widened.
Beolkeogs!
There was a loud noise as the door opened and a female voice entered the room.
"Sister, will you and Your Majesty take care of the drink"
He stopped as he looked at Carlisle and Elena. The room was silent as if it was doused in cold water. To Mirabelle and the servants standing outside, it seemed like the couple would kiss each other.
"I'm sorry!"
Mirabelle shouted and rushed outside towards the maid. Elena got up from her chair and pushed Carlisle away.
“No, it's okay. Please come in."
Regardless of Elena's invitation, no one stepped up. They seem to think they're going to get in the way. Behind Mirabelle's back, the servants were arguing calmly with each other.
"Ughh! I told you we shouldn't go! "
"I didn't know there would be a situation like this …"
'Why did he suddenly say he was going to remove the dirt from my hair …'
Elena glanced at Carlisle, who started this without saying anything. Unlike Elena who was very embarrassed, Carlisle was as calm as a lake. No, actually, he seemed to be completely dissatisfied being interrupted so suddenly. Carlisle sat in his original position and spoke in a low voice.
"Just get in."
There was a depressed feeling in her words, and Mirabelle and the servants entered the room as if they had no choice. Elena felt the uncomfortable atmosphere and spoke.
“Please don't misunderstand. He was just trying to get the dust out of my hair. ”
"Yes." Yeah."
Only Mirabelle nodded awkwardly. Elena's gaze suddenly appeared above the drink tray Mirabelle was holding in her hand. Carlisle said he did not care about tea, but the soft-looking snack was quite tempting to him.
“Mirabelle, why don't you join us? Show me what you brought here. "
After a short pause, Mirabelle approached the table where the two of them sat down and placed down a drink.
"I'm sorry I interrupted you. I'll bring you a drink, if you want. "
"You're not interrupting."
Mirabelle looked at Carlisle. Carlisle looked at Mirabelle's face and recalled their meeting at the dance.
"You are a little sister."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I saw you at the dance. Your brother has a lot of compliments for you. ”
A blush crept on Mirabelle's cheek.
"I-I'm flattered, Your Majesty."
It seemed that a huge burden was lifted from Elena's mind when she saw Carlisle talking warmly to Mirabelle. While she expected the same from the other families, there was a strong desire that Carlisle would not treat Mirabelle coldly.
“Sit with us. I want to know Lady Blaise's much loved sister. ”
"Ah .. yes, Your Majesty."
Mirabelle's face brightened as she imagined the three of them sitting in Elena's room and chatting amiably. Carlisle was outspoken but attentive, and while Mirabelle was nervous at first, she was increasingly comfortable talking. As a result, Elena was also able to treat Carlisle naturally as well.
The three of them spent some time together before Carlisle got up from his seat.
"I have to go now."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Bye then. ”
Elena followed and stood up. Carlisle spoke to Mirabelle as she followed them as well.
"Did you say earlier that you want to see the palace?"
"Ah, yes, Your Majesty"
“I'll invite you two next time. I can take you around. ”
"Wow really?"
Mirabelle's face flushed with joy. Mirabelle's feelings could easily be read on her face, and Carlisle smiled at her. Elena, who was watching from the side, spoke first.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Omong empty. Your sister is also my sister-in-law. ”
"Wow! How exciting!"
Mirabelle smirked at Carlisle's immediate answer. He could not help but be displeased that the crown prince of the Ruford Empire was now his brother-in-law. He was also happy to see Carlisle treating Elena well and they seemed to be a good match.
Elena looked at the innocent Mirabelle with a gentle expression, while Carlisle looked at Elena. Suddenly, Elena and Carlisle's eyes met. Elena looked in gratitude, while Carlisle seemed to state that it was nothing.
"Your Majesty, follow me this way."
Elena guided Carlisle. Contrary to his concerns, Carlisle's visit to Blaise's house was successful.
*
*
*
Batori patiently stood nearby. He sustained a major injury when he was chased by Carlisle's troops, but had recovered a lot in a short period of time. In front of Batori was the back of a leather chair, where a man was sitting. The mysterious man spoke in a harsh voice.
“I'm sure your search is correct. Given that the crown prince and Elena Blaise were lovers, it was almost certain that the ring was a Dragon Orb. ”
Batori had never asked about his orders so far. He's fine with just getting paid. But for the first time, he was captivated by an irresistible curiosity.
"My god, may I say something?"
There was no answer, but it was clear that the mysterious man was waiting for him to speak.
“If you want to make me in charge of this mission, please let me know one thing. What the fuck is this ...what the fuck is a Dragon Orb? ”
Kkiiig–
The chair, facing away from Batori, now faced him. The man's identity was revealed, suggesting the man had a strong face with a black beard and dark eyes as deep as an abyss. That's Paveluc, Archduke of Lunen.
"You must be curious."
"I'm sorry."
"I'll leave you, Mrs Blaise, so you should know more."
Batori swallowed the voice of Paveluc. He was a man who could be called a traitorous king.
Batori considered the current emperor Ruford a fox in a tiger-free forest. One day, Paveluc will ascend to the throne and defeat Emperor Sullivan. If Batori could bet on Paveluc, he would bet the entire fortune. That was how tough Paveluc was.
“Legenda says that the dragon can use all kinds of mana with Orb. Orbs only appear on a boy who inherits the blood of the royal family, who inherits the blood of a dragon. ”
"…"
"But because they are not perfect, dragons are complete, they are much smaller in size and have limited abilities."
Dragon's blood? Is the myth of the Ruford Empire real? Batori looked at Paveluc in disbelief, but Paveluc continued without stopping.
“Orb, who did not appear for generations, is considered a legend, but was revealed to Carlisle and he became crown prince. It doesn't matter if it's just sick and tired, but I'm annoyed to hear it's annoying. “
"After the Dragon Orb failed to appear for generations, a mythical jewel appeared in Carlisle, and thus the humble child became the crown prince. I don't care if it's a myth, but I heard that it has a troublesome ability. ”
"A troublesome ability?"
"You can't use it on yourself or your descendants, but you can make requests for others."
As he spoke, Paveluc stroked his beard with one hand.
“Since the crown prince has given it to Lady Blaise, there is a high chance that she made a request for him. So keep an eye out for all the suspicious stuff. ”
Batori could not understand Paveluc's explanation even after hearing it. But when Batori looked into the deep man's eyes, she knew it was no joke. And if Paveluc believed it, it was definitely not something that Batori would take lightly.
"If he made a request for her sake, then it might have already come true?"
"Yes. That's why I can't guess what the prince will do with the Orb. "
"I'll keep an eye on him."
“No need to interfere in what they do. Watch what happens and report it to me. ”
"I understand."
Batori did not fully understand the existence of the Orb, but it should be important if Paveluc cared much. Batori was very happy to know about the hidden secrets about the Imperial Family.
"I'll give you the Blood Killer's orders."
"T-God …"
Batori's voice vibrated. It was a natural reaction for anyone who knew who the Blood Killer was. They are an elite group of assassins raised by Paveluc in Lunen.
"We need to know every single thing that happens between the Crown Prince and Blaise."
"Okay, my master!"
Upon Batori's reply, Paveluc flipped his chair back.
"Go."
Batori lowered her head and left. Left alone in a dark room, Paveluc remembers Elena at the party and mutters to himself.
"… How troublesome."
