Libratum Vitae: Balanced Life

Chapter 5: Let's Play this Marriage Game! Part 2

The next location was at the hotels beachside. Since the next suitor is Mr. Erwin Cloud, the venue is at one of his luxury ship. As we arrived at the port, we can already see his ship. It was named after his last name, 'Cloud'. We saw Mr. Erwin going down the port waving his hand at us.

"Welcome, Ms. Clara. I am Erwin Cloud, your escort for today. Hope we can enjoy our time together." He said while reaching out his hands to me. As a respond, I reached out my right hand. He then grabbed my hand and slowly put it at the top of his lips and softly kissing the back of my hand. I was quite surprised at his gesture since nobody had done this to me.

"Well then? Shall we go?" he asked and I nob and smiled as a reply. He then grabbed me by my waist to bring me closer to him.

"Psst, yo Clara! Mark looks like he's going to explode of anger! He looks angrier than any devil I saw! He looks like he's gonna snap! " Marmog panicked. I turn around I did saw him looking all pissed off. I can almost see his veins popping out of his neck from holding back. I went back to calm him down.

"Big brother Mark! I am going to be alright. Thank you for escorting me, I had a great time." I said while smiling at him to calm him down. It looks like it worked.

"Okay. Your big brother's going now. Take care." He said while patting my head and then walking away. I then proceeded in going to Mr. Erwin and the two of us went inside the ship.

"That bastard Erwin! Keep your hands to yourself! I knew that he's a flirt! If only he does not have so much power and wealth, he won't stand a chance in getting close to Clara! I got to do something!" Mark said to himself while being filled it anger. He then saw some gentlemen dress in all black going inside the ship. Realizing that the bodyguards belongs to my biological big brother. Mark decided to call for my big brother, Dino Frossard, whose 3 years older than him. Apparently they kept contact.

"Hey Dino. Where are you? Count me in." He said while having an evil smirk.

"Come to room 114. Suite floor." He replied.

The two of them seemed to have a strong connection to understand each other without saying much more.

Mark then hurriedly went back to the hotel and leaving the port.

~Inside the Cloud Yacht~

The ship was currently in business and there were multiple people inside. Made me kind of relived because somehow I don't want to be alone with this man.

It has already been 30 minutes since I am together with Mr. Erwin in this ship full of wealthy people. He had dragged me around the ship, touring me and showing me to his classy friends. We went to the ships casino, the game room, took a quick tour and also introduced me to his captain and staff. Instead of having a good time, it was more tiring and suffocating.

"Ahhh~ 1 hour feels so long! I wanna hurry up" I exclaimed shouting.

As I was complaining to myself, Marmog and Ami suddenly appeared before me.

"Yo princess~~ me and Ami did some investigating and we have some news for you about Cloud" Marmog stated. I stared intensely out of curiosity.

"Well apparently, Mr. Cloud once had a fiancé that he deeply loved. What you saw today was not he really was when he was younger. He was once a sweet, gentle and caring young man. The reason for his change it that unfortunately, his fiancé does not feel the same as him. She choose another man to marry despite being together for 5 years, when he was still 18. He felt betrayed and used." Ami exclaimed. I felt quite guilty for judging him solely because of rumors.

"Then what about the rumors about him cheating?" I asked.

"Apparently his parents were disappointed and upset that he failed to get married. His previous fiancé was a high ranking noble. Marrying them would profit their family ya know?" Marmog stated.

"He later then married a slight older high ranking noble, but only for 2 years. His wife was an abusive woman. Would constantly hit and beat up Mr. Cloud as hard as she can and sometimes would use a weapon. She was also a very hard drinker and smoker and had problems with gambling. She only stayed with him because of family connections. Mr. Cloud never resisted his previous wife because he was afraid what his family would think of another failure marriage. He never hit her back because he believed it is bad to hit anyone, especially women and children." Ami added.

While listening to their story, my heart felt cold. It left me an impression that this kingdom still has a lot of flaws despite the fairness of system.

"He finally lost it and drowned himself in alcohol, gambling, smoking, and constant s*x activities when in the first place he never did such things. The things he hated the most. He became one with it. When I first heard that, it was quite sad and pitiful that an innocent went downhill." Marmog said.

"Mr. Cloud and his previous wife was then invited to the Knight's Honor Ball. That's where he met Amber Balthazar, the royal commanding knight's daughter. She was a sweet young lad. She was caring, innocent, refreshing, friendly, kind, smart and beautiful. The complete opposite of his current wife that time. Her and Mr. Cloud only a few moments but for him, it felt like there was a much deeper connection. Given his situation, he became delusional. When the opportunity came, he forced a kissed to the young lad and confessed his love. He started touching her all over her body and ripping her clothes off. Ms. Amber was shocked and scared. She screamed loudly and everyone heard it. They came to the scene witnessing the young lad's clothes were ripped because of the force Mr. Cloud did. Nothing happened beyond the kiss. But before he could explain, rumors already spread. Ms. Amber wasn't able to explain anything because she felt scared." Ami further explained.

"He was accused of harassment and not assault because no sperm was seen. Later on, he was accused of domestic violence for beating up his wife. A crime he never did and never thought of doing. He became depressed, suicidal, and hopeless. He never wanted his life to become that way. Through his connections he was able to avoid heavy punishment and was sent to rehabilitation for 2 months. His family was very disappointed and did not even listen to him. Few weeks after his wife filed a divorce. They all abandoned him but only helped him because of his wealth." Marmog explained.

"Later on when his rehabilitation was done his cousin, Daisy Stoneheart, came to pick him up. He was the only one by his side. She was the one who helped him to get out of punishment because she believed he would never do that. She was the only there and keeping him in check, that's why he was able to survive the 2 years of being married to a nasty woman. She was also 6 months pregnant at that time." Ami stated.

"When they were at the car, his cousin explained that it was all a set up by his previous wife. She said that her previous wife gotten bored in playing around you. The reason she wasn't exposed yet is that she has a good image in public and everyone around her is in her favor. He didn't respond to what his cousin said. Later that night at their mansion, Daisy was worried about her cousin so she came to check on him. When she entered the room, it was a wreck. The bed and curtains were shredded into pieces, broken glasses and vase was scattered at the ground. She saw that her cousin's hand and wrist was covered in bruised and cuts. It was an obvious sign of attempted suicide. He was a complete wreck." Ami added.

"Cloud payed no attention to his cousin and continued slicing and beating himself up. Daisy was afraid but still came up to him to stop him. She was shouting stop and enough don't hurt yourself, but resisted. And because of his resistance, Daisy got hurt because of the broken shred of glass that was at Cloud's hands. Cloud suddenly snapped out of it and remembered that his cousin was pregnant. Cloud started crying out loud and apologizing for hurting her. He was a broken man." Marmog explained.

"Within a month, he was able to calm down. Knowing that he still had a family member supporting him and taking care of him. Daisy and her husband and her family was very kind and understanding. He treated him like a real member of the family. There were still times he would break out of anxiety and hurt himself, but it lessen down. Moments later, Daisy suddenly gave birth on her 7th month. She gave birth early because of stress. Fortunately, Daisy and the baby is healthy and safe. He felt guilty and he blamed himself for Daisy's sudden labor knowing full well that she had been stressed and tires in taking care of him and his issues. Daisy's husband and family told him it wasn't his fault and since nobody forced her to do it. He explained that they helped him out of free will. Although saying that, he still felt guilt. After a while the whole family is now allowed to see Daisy and the baby girl. Cloud saw the baby and it melt his heart and started to cry. Daisy's family got worried on why was he crying. He then said ----

"Thank you for not leaving me. Thank you for being with me. Thank you for not losing hope. Thank you"

"Daisy and her family started crying and hugged each other. That was the event that helped him to step out of his shell. He worked hard in the past 4 years and the Mr. Cloud you see as today is the product of what had happened." Ami explained.

"He's chilling and socializing now. But some old habits die hard. He kind of develop a personality of being a flirt. It must be because he just wanted to feel the warm touch of a person. To make him alive and feel loved. It's quite pitiful honestly. Well, as long as he's happy I guess" Marmog stated.

"I would have never thought that Mr. Cloud's past would be that dark. And that the high nobles would cover that story up just for the sake of their reputation. They ruined him just to cover the issues of their member. The kingdoms system is fair and flawless, but some people aren't." I thought to myself.

Suddenly a knocking at the door was heard. It was Mr. Erwin.

"Ms. Clara? Are you doing fine? It is almost time. I would like us to take a walk at the Lido Deck. I like for you to meet someone" he asked politely while standing outside of the room.

"Yes. Of course." I replied and went outside with him while holding into his arm.

We are now at the Lido Deck. It is a place at the ship where there is a pool and fun activities happen. It wasn't crowded but it wasn't empty too. I also saw someone else wearing a gown by the bar. It was completely normal.

As we were walking, someone was waving at our way. It was a woman with short hair around her 30's and she was together with tall man. It was his cousin Mrs. Daisy and his husband. They were also at the ship.

"Nice to see you doing well, Daisy." Mr. Erwin greeted.

"Silly boy, we saw each other last week did we not." Mrs. Daisy replied.

"Well, a lot can happen in a week. Anyways, meet Ms. Clara Frossard. Clara, this is my cousin, Daisy Stoneheart and her husband, William Stoneheart" Mr. Erwin introduced me to his family and I curtsy to them as a sign of greeting.

"Oh my! The Frossard family? The very successful and influential Frossard family?" she asked all excitedly.

"That's right. You jealous?" Mr. Erwin said teasingly.

"Yeah so what? Anyways, it's nice to finally meet someone from the Frossard family. To be honest when I was in my teenager, I was very influenced by your family to become successful. Your grandparents were very loving, kind and wise." She exclaimed.

"Oh my you flatter us. We did what we must do." I replied. Though I am from the new generation, their victories has nothing to do with me because I wasn't there. I know that she doesn't mean any harm but it's funny that people would respect you so much because of your family name.

"I also would like to congratulate you on winning and discovering a new possible medicine to cure illness. It was announced all over the kingdom when it happened at the Aurum Science Exhibition. I also remember that one time where you discovered another type of plant and on what purpose it could serve when you were just 16 years old. Time sure flies." Mrs. Daisy said all happily and giggly.

"I – I am flattered you remembered those events." I stated in obvious shock. Those events where only like walk in the park for the Frossard head family. So it never really meant anything for me.

"Of course! You are such a charming young lass. How could I not remember? I remember you for your bright ideas and personality. Not for your name." Mrs. Daisy stated while grinning, almost like she knew what I was thinking. I grinned and we laughed it off. The four of us were talking and we were disrupted by the sudden call of the word 'UNCLE'.

"UNCLE~~ UNCLE ERWIN~~ YOU'RE HERE!" a lass around 4 years old came running towards us at full speed with excitement in her eyes. It would seem she was quite wet. Looking back where she came from, she probably rose from the pool.

"UNCLE! UNCLE! I'm here! Mommy? Why didn't you call me when uncle was already here? I was waiting for him." She said all pouting.

"Sorry honey. Me and uncle's companion we're talking." She explained.

"Hey hey uncle. Who's the pretty lady besides you?" She asked while pointing her little finger at me.

"This is uncle's friend. Ms. Clara Frossard. And Ms. Clara, this is my niece, Violet Stoneheart." Mr. Erwin introduced us to each other and I squatted down for her so that we could meet eye level.

"It is very nice to meet you, Violet." I said while smiling. I was about to pat her head but remembered that the child might find in uncomfortable since we are strangers.

"Pat me! Pat my head!" she said with confidence then grabbing my hand and putting it at her head. I was dumb folded but flowed with it.

"Oh my my. Violet, you usually don't like being patted by strangers. What happened?" Mrs. Daisy asked with curiosity.

"I like her smile! And she's pretty!" She replied back with obvious innocence at her face. Then all of us started laughing and enjoyed the remaining time.

I would seem like Mr. Erwin and his niece has quite a close relationship. They would seem like father and daughter. The look on Mr. Erwin's face was refreshing. It can be shown that he really cares for the Stoneheart family.

Mrs. Daisy suddenly left her child with Mr. Erwin and her husband and came to me.

"You know Clara. I am really happy Violet came to our lives. Believe it or not, we have quite a problematic issues with the Cloud family. It was a hard journey for us, especially to Erwin. When he was staying with us, we can see he's happy and settled with us but he still insisted in building a wall between us just in case. But ever since Violet came, the wall slowly started crumbling and everything was finally ok." She stated and looked at me with a genuine smile.

"For some reason I feel like I am being pressured, Mrs. Stoneheart." I said while letting out a sighed and we both laughed after.

While talking to Mrs. Daisy, Marmog suddenly interfered and started talking to me.

"Ouch, a broken Red String" Marmog exclaimed. Confused by it, I asked what it was.

"Well ya know the Red String of Fate right? A red thread that is attached to your pinky and is connected to your soulmate?" He stated. I responded yes.

"Let me explain this, Ms. Clara. There are different types of it. One is what we guardians would normally see, a red thread attached to one person to another. That is their soulmate. Two is when a human doesn't have a red thread yet. It doesn't mean they don't have a soulmate, they just haven't met them yet. And lastly, a broken thread. It represents as that your soulmate died or they had rejected you and choose another soulmate." Ami explained.

"I guess I still haven't met mine yet. Wait what do you mean another soulmate? Aren't they bound to be together forever?" I asked.

"Well princess. Human emotion can be pretty strong. So strong that it would drive Destiny mad. HAHAHA. Destiny is our co-worker back in Aquarion." Marmog replied.

"Oh. Wait. Once it is broken, can it still be connected?" I asked.

"Well dear. That all depends on the person. Healing a broken heart takes quite some time. It is always ok to have mistakes and failures. As long as you get back up again. Though I have a feeling, it won't be long now." Ami explained.

"OH! OH~~ He also have a Blue String. Here princess let me show you!" Marmog explained and suddenly I could see read thread all over the place. And some odd blue thread.

My eyes followed where the blue thread is attached. It was Mr. Erwin's blue thread. And it was connected to Violet. I asked Ami and Marmog what the Blue String means.

"The Blue String is very different from the Red String. It has a special connection between both humans. Unlike romantic love, it can never be replaced. It is a strong bond of trust, loyalty and unconditional love. They don't love each other romantically, but they have a strong connection that cannot be broken. And for some reason, it doesn't connect to their parents. That is what a Blue String is." Ami explained.

"Wow that's deep." I said.

A few moments later. Mr. Erwin came to me and held out his hand.

"Well, Ms. Clara. I believe you have a next appointment?" He stated. I grabbed his hand and smiled.

"Yes, indeed I have." I replied

I then bid my goodbyes to the Stoneheart family.

As we were walking the ship turned and was now headed back to the port.

"Are you allowed to do that? It isn't in the schedule for the ship to return at the port, right?" I asked.

"Well, I do own this ship? Do I not?" He replied teasingly.

We were having small talks until we finally reach the port.

I got of the ship and looked back at Mr. Erwin.

"Take care now, Ms. Clara" Mr. Erwin said with a smile while waving his hand. I smiled back and bowed down.

I am now waiting at the port for my ride for my next location.