Chapter 229: The Meaning of Emotion
In theory, there is a type of alchemy that can stay inside the body and control a person’s mind. It works like a kind of mental plug, using different materials to change how the brain thinks. It’s very complicated, or rather extremely complicated, but someone with Rachel’s skills could do it.
For example, if Evelia never manages to understand emotions, Rachel could interfere. Sure, it might require knocking Evelia out and embedding an alchemy formula in her brain. But in theory, Rachel could do it.
If she really did that, Evelia could instantly understand emotions overnight. She might even become a lively, cheerful, and funny girl.
…Of course, there would be big risks, dangerous ones.
If anything went wrong during that kind of operation, it could damage her brain, and she might die or end up in a coma for the rest of her life.
Not to mention, it would also be irreversible, just like other kinds of body modification.
But more importantly, Rachel had never done anything like that before, and she never would.
For humans, emotions are the most valuable thing.
Those experiences, those memories… It’s only because of those that someone can be called a complete person.
As for Evelia, yes, she might struggle with emotions. But Armand, Rachel, Anna, and everyone at the manor never pushed her away because of her strange personality. That’s part of her journey, something she has to go through.
True emotion only comes when a person understands it, feels it, and realizes it on their own. That’s the only way it becomes truly theirs.
It’s not just some dull "knowledge" you can force into someone’s head. Whether it's joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness, it has to be real.
People must live in the present. They can’t rely on alchemy or drugs to live inside someone else’s dream.
To be born, to live on. That’s what life is.
From the moment the Second Prince asked that question, Rachel knew that this man’s beliefs clashed with her own.
Rachel had changed her body many times, changed her name many times, looked different many times, traveled to many places, and met countless people. But through it all, she remained herself.
She was the complete opposite of those assassins.
Those assassins had their emotions. Joy, anger, sadness, and fear. Controlled by the Second Prince. They were like surprise toy boxes, only when the lid was opened could they pop out.
But they were always tied tightly to a spring. They’d jump, sway, laugh and dance. But they could never leave the box. And when the prince no longer needed them, he’d close the lid, and they’d stop moving… and stop smiling.
Rachel refused to become someone like that.
Not because she was wise from living a long time, but simply because that’s who she was.
From the moment she ignored people’s strange looks and started studying alchemy, she was already someone different. To be honest, she was kind of stubborn and did things her own way.
The stronger a person’s personality, the harder it is to break them. Sure, she once made a big mistake and nearly lost everything. But Rachel, the lucky one, stood up again. And she continued studying alchemy, studying the human soul, the mind, and emotions.
Because that’s the part of people that truly shines.
Human emotions are powerful enough to create miracles.
And Evelia is the same.
Even though she seems cold and distant, Rachel could see the light inside her, just like a raw gem, waiting for someone to uncover it.
Everyone’s breathing, everyone’s heartbeat, they are all driven by emotion. Because people want to feel emotionally fulfilled, they work hard to live their lives.
Evelia must be the same. She must also be chasing something. What her heart hears when it beats shouldn't be the Second Prince’s endless missions and commands, but the sound of her own heartbeat from deep inside.
“...Mmm...”
While Rachel was thinking about all this, Grey Dove gave a soft hum beside her. She had finally remembered the right word to describe what Evelia looked like right now.
“—So virtuous.”
“...?”
Rachel looked at Grey Dove in confusion when she heard such a strange word.
Virtuous? Her? You mean Evelia??
Please! Didn’t she almost poison us just now with that tomato soup?
If you’d seen the “Tomato Feast” back at the manor, you’d never describe her as gentle or homely!
Evelia is absolutely not someone you’d call “virtuous”!
Of course, Rachel didn’t say any of this out loud. She was still wary of Grey Dove.
As her mind became clearer, Rachel started to recall the earlier conversation between Blue Sparrow and Cyan Hawk. From what she remembered, it sounded like this kidnapping was actually planned by Grey Dove, and this girl now sitting beside her was the very person who kidnapped her.
That’s why Rachel had been keeping a close eye on Grey Dove from the start.
To be honest, Grey Dove was acting like a little follower.
She clearly looked at Evelia with eyes full of admiration. Every few minutes she’d offer something like, “Are you tired? Let me help you.” She was obviously trying hard to win Evelia’s favor. But Evelia turned her down every time.
After getting rejected, Grey Dove didn’t cling to Evelia anymore. Instead, she just sat quietly, watching Evelia calmly wash the dishes.
But as she watched, her expression started to change.
When she finally said the word “virtuous,” Rachel had thought Grey Dove would show that kind of dazed, starry-eyed look that says, ‘Wow! Lord Red Crow is so amazing, so kind, so gentle!’
But when Rachel looked at her, she saw something completely different, a doubt.
— ‘Why has Lord Red Crow become like this?’
That question was basically written all over Grey Dove’s face.
Grey Dove had noticed a change in her idol. Evelia standing there now wasn’t quite the same person she had met before.
Yes, she still seemed cold.
Yes, she was still powerful, maybe even more so than before.
But...
Why did she seem so gentle now?
She wasn’t smiling. Her gaze wasn’t warm. Her voice was calm and clear, but still flat, certainly not sweet or friendly.
And yet... why?
Why did she give off a feeling she shouldn’t have?
Someone like Red Crow should be cold and ruthless. That’s what she’s known for.
But now...
Even though you could still feel her coldness...
She had somehow become... softer.