There was something peculiar about the current generation of the Ashford siblings. They were well mannered(?) and elegant(?) on the outside, but complete maniacs on the inside, a trait they inherited from their father Lorenz Ashford.

The older sibling Clive was a rigid young man with natural-born talents. He had a serene temperament which made him seem reliable and he did.

The younger sibling Angelica, on the other hand, had a temperament that was no different from a wild beast. Her stunning beauty and skills in the sword made her an idol among the Ashford knights. She rarely appeared in social events and became the phantom beauty known for disliking any and every method of courtship.

In addition, all important information regarding the daughter of the Ashford house was completely concealed from reaching the outside world by the former Countess Maria Ashford.

While Clive preferred to utilize his brains, Angelica chose brawns. It didn't mean that they lack the other trait. Rather it was simply a matter of convenience.

"NO!"

*WOOF*

Two shadows dashed in front of Angelica from either side before she could reach the door and blocked her way.

"Don't go!"

*WOOF*

Clive stood in front of the door with his arms spread out. Clive was standing in front of him in a defensive position.

Angelica froze on the spot surprised by the sudden onslaught. She blinked her eyes a few times to take in the image before her.

'This is new'

Angelica was astonished by the formation of the most unlikely alliance. Together Chirpy and Clive resembled comic book heroes defending the doorway to stop her from leaving.

It made her want to play with them a little more.

"Oh right! I should probably leave the way I came in" She said, turning around and headed towards the window at a fast pace.

"NOO!"

Clive charged towards her at the speed of light.

But Angelica being faster than him, already had her foot up the window ready to jump out.

However, she was stopped by Clive and Chirpy. She could feel a firm hand clench on her shoulder and a nudge of the clothes from below.

Clive tightened his grip on Angelica's shoulder when he noticed her stifle as laughter.

"Pfft....hahaha" Angelica burst out laughing when she saw their desperate expressions.

*whimper* *whimper*

Chirpy whimpered as he continued tugging her in, till she was inside the room.

"You are doing this on purpose, aren't you?" asked Clive, veins popping out on his forehead.

"You both can be so cute when you are desperate...." Angelica kneeled down and patted Chirpy.

Chirpy put his arms on her shoulder and rested his head on top of hers, intentionally pulling her into a hug. Having dried out, his fur was as soft as a feather.

It was the perfect bait for Angelica. This was a method he often employed to get his way with her stubbornness.

And every time he did, it always worked.

*woof*

Chirpy let out a triumphant bark looking down on his opponent.

Clive gritted his teeth seething in anger. He was annoyed by the smug face of the large dog that was obviously looking down on him.

Angelica on the other hand, oblivious to the silent war behind her continued to bury her face on the fluff.

"What has gotten into you?" asked Angelica, bumping her nose with Chirpy.

*woof*

Angelica chuckled, feeling tickled by Chirpy licking her cheeks.

'He's trying to gain favor'

She could feel her back burning from Clive's intense stare.

"What?"

"Are you going to leave just like that?" He asked with a concerned expression, "Why don't you stay and rest for a while?"

"No" Angelica stood up and looked out the window.

"I need to get on the road if I intend to conceal my identity. There are a lot of people both inside and outside the mansion who could easily recognize me" She continued

"And I have a few more accounts I need to settle"

"How will you manage a living outside An-An? At least take some valuables with you" Clive pleaded.

Knowing his sister, she would be sure to keep her word and vanish for at least five years. That means, this is the last time they will be seeing each other for a long time.

"If it's money you are concerned then don't bother" Angelica picked up a pouch from her pocket and dangled it in front of Clive's eyes.

"I robbed the idiots who tried to kill me" Angelica beamed without an ounce of shame or remorse.

To her, it did not feel wrong since it was money paid to them as payment for killing her. In any terms, she was the rightful owner of it.

"And I have a ride. Courtesy of a very cute boy" Angelica chuckled imagining a rabbit-eared Danny.

*whimper* *whimper*

Chirpy nudged her with his paws.

"I'm sorry baby. But I cannot take you with me"

The novel did not follow anything regarding Edward's unlucky bride after her death. At this point, the story was already a bit distorted since Angelica survived instead of falling to her death.

Even the slightest ripple could trigger a butterfly effect.

Although she staged it as if she had died and set things straight again, Angelica did not want to offset anything else to avoid the possibility of creating a catastrophic future.

It was imperative that the story followed its course to avoid the deaths of her loved ones and everybody else around.

And for that to happen, Angelica had to disappear to steer clear from influencing the story albeit unintentionally.

"I don't know where I'm headed to myself" Angelica got on her knees again and swept her hand through Chirpy's fur.

"I'll draw a lot of attention if we move together"

*whimper* *whimper*

Chirpy whimpered as is if he was crying. He did not like to be separated from her and the short time he did, felt like an eternity.

On the first day of Angelica's disappearance, Chirpy went on a rampage through the household. He turned the entire place upside down in search of her knocking down everything that stood in his way.

He felt restless whenever he was unable to sense her for a prolonged time. He spent his days waiting for her while circling the mansion, till he caught a glimpse of her presence and rushed over.

And now, after a short reunion, they were about to part again.

"Wait for me" Angelica leaned in till their foreheads touched. She could feel herself choke up as tears welled in the corners of her eyes.

"I will come for you when the time is right" A teardrop rolled down her cheek as she continued to talk in a muffled voice. She took deep breaths in between to stabilize herself.

"Wherever I am. I will always think of you. As I will always...." She choked up.

*whimper*

Chirpy licked the tears on her face to tell her not to cry.

Angelica chucked. She had intended to console Chirpy but ended up consoled by him instead.

"I will always love you" Angelica kissed him on the head with closed eyes.

"And whenever you miss me. Just look at the sky and tell the moons your message. For I will do the same..."

Angelica kissed Chirpy's forehead again, this time taking a bit longer to let go.

"Do me a favor and keep an eye on this goose" She pointed towards Clive.

"Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid"

Angelica stood up feeling distraught. She controlled herself so as to not look back.

Because if she did, the wall she had built up to hold her resolve will break down, like it never existed.

"Brother...." Angelica forced a smile, her eyes red from holding in grief.

"I guess this is goodbye"