If You Wish to Have Me - Chapter 31-40

Chap 31

Focused Attention

How quick. Kisa clicked her tongue inwardly after seeing Daniel’s brazen face.

Although she was bound to run into this person after coming here, she hadn’t expected to encounter him right at the entrance to the banquet hall. On top of that, to hear such absurd nonsense.

Who exactly was getting dressed up to see whom? She wanted to kick him in the shin, but there were too many watching eyes here.

Kisa ignored Daniel and spoke only to Countess Habertz.

“There seems to be some misunderstanding. I’m simply attending to enjoy the banquet and contribute even a little to the Habertz family’s noble charity work.”

Then, with an elegant gesture, she held her skirt and gave a slight bow.

“Thank you for inviting me anyway.”

“Ah, I see.”

The Countess looked somewhat disappointed, and Daniel glared at me as if in contempt.

“Oh, this is my partner Richard. He works as my father’s secretary.”

At Kisa’s introduction, Richard bowed politely.

“I’m Richard Atson. This is truly a splendid banquet.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Atson. I was wondering who Miss Kisa would bring, and it turns out to be the Count’s secretary.”

Having introduced her companion to the host according to custom, there was no need for further formalities.

Before Daniel could become more annoying, Kisa tried to enter the hall with Richard. However, Daniel quickly blocked their path and addressed her.

“Kisa, we need to talk.”

Kisa replied without even looking at him.

“I don’t think so, Lord Lowens.”

“Are you going to keep up this pointless pride? You came all the way here for a reason.”

“Your memory seems poor. Did you forget what I just told the Countess?”

“Why not be a little honest? You desperately need my help.”

Kisa looked at him with slightly tired eyes.

“Good grief…”

From the moment she decided to come here, she’d worried Daniel might develop another strange misunderstanding, and sure enough, how does this man never fail to exceed expectations in all the wrong ways?

“Think about it. This is your last chance.”

“Enough. Let’s stop talking.”

She turned her head, intending to ignore whatever Daniel might say. But then he changed targets, pretending to be friendly as he placed his arm on Richard’s shoulder.

“It’s been a while, Richard.”

“Yes, it has, Young Master Daniel.”

There was no need to address him that way at an occasion like this. But having treated Daniel as a guest of the Vansfelt family for so long, the title “young master” seemed to have stuck to Richard’s lips.

Daniel grinned and whispered in Richard’s ear.

“I’m sorry, but I need to have a word with Kisa alone. May I borrow your partner?”

“Ah… well, that’s…”

“Is that all right?”

Well, would you look at that? It was quite unsightly to see him harassing Richard because Kisa was ignoring him.

Just as Kisa was about to intervene, Richard hesitantly continued.

“Y-Young Master Daniel, Miss Kisa has… already refused to speak with you.”

“What did you say?”

“And Miss Kisa isn’t an object to be… ‘borrowed,’ as you put it. That seems inappropriate.”

Faced with this impeccable logic, Daniel frowned deeply.

“Ah, yes. How very proper of you.”

After sarcastically remarking, he moved away from Richard and approached Kisa again.

“Come to the garden before the banquet starts.”

Then he whispered in a voice only she could hear.

“If you don’t want to be an old man’s plaything, you’d better cling to me now.”

Afterward, he simply passed by Kisa and leisurely disappeared outside, away from the banquet hall.

“Oh, Daniel! What about the banquet?”

Countess Habertz called after him, but his only reply was that he would get some fresh air and return.

“That boy. Abandoning his partner and running off…”

Standing beside the complaining Countess, Kisa irritably touched her ear. It was a gesture to erase the unpleasant sensation of his breath against her fine hair. Why did he have to whisper like that?

“Are you all right, Miss?”

As Richard looked at her with concerned eyes, she pulled up the corners of her mouth pretending nothing was wrong.

“I’m fine. Now, shall we go in?”

Looking around, she noticed five or six guests lingering outside the banquet hall, stealing glances at them instead of entering.

Well, there probably wasn’t a more interesting spectacle. After all, two people who had broken off their engagement amid sensational scandal were meeting publicly for the first time. Each with different companions, no less.

Though it seemed unlikely, Kisa hoped that Daniel wouldn’t return. Let him keep waiting in the garden for someone who wouldn’t come.

Once inside the banquet hall, the two attracted far more attention than before. Some people blinked as if they’d seen something unbelievable, surprised by Kisa’s appearance.

“Oh my, Lady Vansfelt.”

Some of them immediately approached to greet her.

“Is it all right for you to be out like this now? I heard your heartbreak was quite severe…”

Even without mentioning the specific word, everyone’s interest converged on one thing: the broken engagement.

“Yes, I recovered well after resting at home. I couldn’t stay dejected forever, could I?”

Kisa managed her expression while answering the questions with composure. She revealed herself as the victim in her relationship with Daniel while trying not to appear as though her life had ended because of it.

They seemed to want to probe further but couldn’t quite bring themselves to do so out of politeness, and instead offered words of comfort.

“I see, that’s good.”

“Yes, it’s nice to see your face again.”

“Lady Vansfelt has no reason to hide. From what I’ve heard, Lord Lowens was quite terrible.”

Yet they subtly tried to draw out more information by mentioning rumors and Daniel.

“Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad I decided to return now.”

Kisa properly ignored their wishes.

Though she could spend all night criticizing Daniel, gossip in such settings never worked in one’s favor. Even Melissa, who had been so close to her, wasn’t on her side, was she?

“…Haha, yes. But who is this gentleman beside you?”

“This is Richard, who works as my father’s secretary. He kindly agreed to be my partner.”

“Ah, I see.”

Still unable to abandon their curiosity, they showed interest in Richard, but upon learning his identity, they couldn’t hide their disappointment. They had apparently been hoping he was Kisa’s new lover.

Afterwards, about 70% of those who approached Kisa were curious about her broken engagement.

Sadly, the remaining 30% weren’t people expressing genuine pleasure at seeing her after so long.

“Oh, Lady Vansfelt. How long has it been? For a moment, I thought an angel had descended from heaven.”

Kisa forced a smile at the man offering such excessive flattery.

“It’s nice to see you, my lord. Come to think of it, the last time we met was at the Opera House.”

He was the man who had persistently flirted with Kisa on the day she had gone to the Opera House with tickets gifted by Seyard.

“You’ve always been beautiful, but you’re especially radiant this evening. If I were to name the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom of Sorbi, it would be you.”

He briefly glanced at Richard standing beside Kisa, then arbitrarily took her hand and kissed the back of it. He had apparently already judged Richard as an insignificant man.

Since he was someone who had openly tried to seduce Kisa even before her broken engagement, his behavior was even more outrageous now that her fiancé was gone.

“That’s too much praise. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it.”

Feeling no need to tolerate such rudeness, Kisa didn’t hide her displeasure as she quickly pulled her hand from his grasp.

At her uncharacteristically cold response, he momentarily looked confused, but he didn’t back down easily.

“I’ve heard what happened. How painful it must be for you. If it’s all right with you, I’d like to comfort your lonely heart.”

His intentions were so obvious that she didn’t even feel angry.

“I’m fine. It’s all in the past.”

“Come now, aren’t you lonely without a fiancé? I think Lady Vansfelt and I could form a good connection.”

“Pardon? A good connection? But don’t you already have a fiancée, my lord?”

When Kisa asked with an innocent face, the man’s eyes twitched.

“No, that’s not what I meant—”

“Then what kind of connection are you referring to?”

When she raised her voice further, those around them turned to look.

“…Never mind. I’ll see you again.”

With that, he clicked his tongue and left almost like he was fleeing.

Even after that, people like him kept appearing—outwardly pretending to care about Kisa’s loss while trying to satisfy their own desires.

They seemed to think that a woman who had recently broken off her engagement would easily fall for them with a little consolation, drooling at the thought.

The more she dealt with such people, the more she thought of Seyard. She missed his consistently straightforward attitude. His presence had always shone, but it was in his absence that his true worth became apparent.

‘Seyard, when will you come?’

As if in response to her curiosity, the crowd began to stir. It was about five minutes before the banquet was due to start.

“We greet Her Highness the Princess.”

“Princess Arta, have you been well?”

“It’s been too long since we’ve seen you.”

The crowd instantly surged toward the entrance. The actual protagonists of this charity banquet had arrived.

“It’s nice to see you all, everyone.”

Princess Arta entered with a faint smile, receiving everyone’s greetings. Naturally, one hand was placed on the arm of the man standing beside her.

“They truly make a splendid couple.”

As someone remarked, the youngest princess and Duke Hillan were exceptionally well-matched.

Feeling her heart tighten for some reason, Kisa found herself among the group of people greeting the couple before she even realized it.

“Hello, Your Highness.”

At that moment, the princess’s eyes were filled with surprise upon seeing Kisa. And the same was true for the man escorting her.

 

Chap 32

A Feeling of Forgetting Something

Kisa looked at Seyard. Previously, when he first visited the Vansfelt mansion, she had only caught a glimpse of his surprised face.

Ah, so this was the expression he made when encountering something unexpected.

The fact that she had evoked such an emotion from the great Seyard made a strange sense of pride bloom like a wildflower in Kisa’s heart.

“Kisa!”

However, there were too many people here besides the two of them to simply stand there admiring his face.

“My goodness, to see you in a place like this.”

The princess exclaimed with delight as she grabbed both of Kisa’s hands.

“Are you alright? Is it okay for you to be out like this?”

Kisa met the princess’s eyes and nodded.

“Yes, it’s all thanks to your concern, Princess.”

“Not at all. I hardly did anything. Anyway, you must have gone through such a difficult time, but thank you for coming back, Kisa.”

Arta spread her arms and embraced Kisa. The scent of her favorite perfume tickled Kisa’s nose. Despite feeling slightly awkward, Kisa hugged her back.

“Princess, you must have had it much harder than I did….Thank you so much for welcoming me so warmly.”

The body in her embrace had gained some weight since their last meeting, but was still rather thin.

It was just a few days ago that the princess had begun to return to social activities after withdrawing from society due to her fiancé’s sudden death.

At that time, Kisa had entered into seclusion due to her broken engagement, as if taking turns with the princess, and had only congratulated Arta’s return through letters.

In any case, people praised the princess’s silk-like tenderness for worrying about her friend first, despite having experienced an even greater tragedy herself.

“Oh, that’s our princess.”

“How can she be so kind?”

“She truly can’t ignore people in difficulty.”

“Her honesty with her emotions is so charming.”

To Kisa, it seemed half sincere and half flattery.

Kisa suddenly wondered how this gentle warmth embracing her, these warm gazes, would change later. Would they turn into cold daggers after her engagement to Seyard was announced?

A while later, the two women faced each other again. Even after their affectionate embrace ended, Princess Arta gave her friend a tender look and said:

“I have so much I want to talk about with Kisa.”

“As do I.”

“But right now, I need to greet others…”

“I’ll visit you separately another time. We can’t keep all these people waiting.”

Behind Kisa, many people were eagerly waiting for a chance to exchange even a single word with the precious princess.

Moreover, her companion was Duke Hillan. Having the chance to greet the two most prominent figures at this party was well worth the wait.

For a moment, Kisa wondered how she should react if Arta introduced Seyard to her. Should she pretend it was their first meeting since this was a public place, or…

However, it turned out to be a needless worry. The princess showed no intention of introducing Kisa and Seyard to each other.

Hmm. After pondering briefly, she pointed her index finger somewhere in the banquet hall.

“Instead, let’s talk in the lounge over there. After the party starts and Count Habertz finishes his opening speech, meet me in the lounge right away.”

“Yes, understood.”

At Kisa’s response, the princess smiled brightly and stroked her friend’s soft cheek with her hand.

“Anyway, I’m so glad to see you like this. I was worried, but you look healthier than I expected. My lovely Kisa.”

“…I’m glad too, Princess. And I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Not at all. Well then, see you in a bit.”

Thus ended the conversation between the two. After making way for those behind her, Kisa slipped away from the crowd that had gathered to greet the princess.

“……”

“……”

During this time, she felt as though her eyes met Seyard’s for just a fraction of a moment.

However, it was only for the blink of an eye, and his figure quickly disappeared from Kisa’s view, hidden by the crowd.

“Miss, did you have a good conversation with the princess?”

Richard asked when Kisa returned to her original spot. Come to think of it, the moment she saw the princess and Seyard, she had left to greet them without paying any attention to Richard, her partner.

Feeling embarrassed about this fact, Kisa apologized.

“I’m sorry, Richard. I should have gone with you. I could have introduced you to the Princess…”

Richard waved his hands in alarm.

“Are you joking? How could someone like me possibly… with the Princess. If you had really done that, I might have died from my heart pounding.”

“But Richard is my partner.”

“Well, even though it’s proper etiquette to introduce your partner at such occasions, that only applies when the ranks match.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. So you don’t need to introduce me to anyone. In fact, it’s better that way.”

Suddenly, her gaze drifted to Arta in the distance, who was still greeting people.

Though she was too far away to see her expression, the princess was pointing to Seyard, who stood beside her, while having a lengthy conversation with some noblewoman.

Following this, Seyard and the noblewoman exchanged greetings.

Because there were so many people wanting to greet Princess Arta and Duke Hillan, the charity party started about 10 minutes later than scheduled.

Of course, no one would blame the princess and duke for this, and Count Habertz rather delivered his opening speech with a delighted expression.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has joined us today…”

What greater honor could there be for a party host than having the noble princess and Duke Hillan, currently the kingdom’s most talked-about figure, personally attend and grace the occasion?

The fact that many guests were desperate to greet them seemed to elevate the count’s pride even further.

As soon as the opening speech ended, Kisa headed to the lounge the princess had indicated.

“I’ll wait here.”

“Yes, see you later.”

After parting with Richard at the entrance, she entered the lounge and met eyes with two middle-aged noblewomen.

Perhaps because the party had just begun, there were only two people in the fairly spacious lounge.

“Oh, Lady Vansfelt.”

“Hello, both of you.”

“Yes, how are you, Lady?”

“I’m well, thank you.”

Since they were only slightly acquainted, the conversation died after exchanging these perfunctory greetings.

Feeling somewhat awkward, Kisa sat in one of the lined-up chairs to wait for Arta, while the two noblewomen whispered in voices only they could hear.

Though they weren’t particularly glancing this way, they were probably talking about Kisa. Perhaps they were clicking their tongues at her brazenness for calmly attending a party hosted by her former fiancé’s relative.

While Kisa was lost in such thoughts, the door swung open and Arta entered the lounge.

“Kisa, did you wait long?”

At the princess’s sudden appearance, the two noblewomen, unlike before, hurriedly rose from their seats.

“Welcome, Princess.”

“Oh my, Lady Vansfelt was waiting for the Princess.”

Since both had already made their presence known before the party began, no lengthy greetings were exchanged.

“Oh, you two were here. But I’m sorry…”

Arta said with an expression that didn’t look particularly sorry.

“I have something I’d like to discuss privately with my friend Kisa. Could you give us some space?”

“What? Oh, yes! Of course we should!”

“Please have a comfortable conversation with your friend.”

Though their expressions suggested they were internally curious about what conversation the princess and Kisa would have, the two noblewomen hurriedly left the lounge.

Once only the two remained in the room, the princess approached Kisa and made her sit back down in her chair.

“Kisa, I have so many things I want to ask.”

She must have many questions indeed. In fact, even in her letters, she hadn’t hidden her desire to know how Kisa’s engagement had been broken off.

Kisa had avoided answering by making excuses that she didn’t know much since her father had handled the engagement matter entirely.

Since it was true that the count had handled everything, she planned to dodge the question in the same way if the princess asked again.

“Yes, you may ask anything.”

But the princess didn’t repeat her previous questions.

“Is it true that you might become the queen of Chamal?”

“……”

Melissa’s face came to mind. She was the only one who could have passed this false information to the princess.

To be honest, there was nothing new to be disappointed about with Melissa at this point.

She was just a bit stunned by the boldness of spreading unconfirmed information even to a princess of the country.

Of course, even if Melissa had done so, Kisa couldn’t also spread incorrect information.

“No, Princess. There’s no such thing.”

“Really?”

“Of course. How could I dare lie?”

Arta stared intently into Kisa’s eyes, as if trying to gauge whether what she had just heard was really true.

“It’s really not true?”

“Yes, I can swear to it.”

How much time had passed? The princess finally withdrew her gaze and spoke in a cheerful voice.

“Alright. I’ll believe you, Kisa. That’s a relief. I was worried because I heard strange things from Melissa.”

As expected, the culprit was the person she had suspected.

“For some reason, it seems Melissa had a strange misunderstanding. She came to ask me before too, and I clearly told her it wasn’t true, but…”

“Oh my, I wonder how such a misunderstanding arose?”

The princess tilted her head briefly, then grabbed the doorknob.

“Anyway, I should go now. There are unnecessarily many people looking for me. Let’s talk again next time.”

After saying this, Arta left the lounge.

As the tension released, Kisa sighed. Then she felt an inexplicable sense of discomfort.

She had a feeling she had forgotten something, but what was it?

****

Achoo!

At that time, a man standing absently in the Habertz family’s garden sneezed.

“Kisa…”

It had been forty minutes since he started waiting here. There was still no sign of the person he was waiting for.

 

Chap 33

An Increasingly Deep Misunderstanding

“Sigh.”

On a chilly spring evening, Daniel pulled his collar closer as the cold crept into his body. If he had known it would be like this, he should have worn something thicker rather than the fancy ceremonial coat.

“When is she coming anyway?”

He glared at the Count Habertz family’s annex building, which was currently being used as a banquet hall, with eyes full of discontent. As if Kisa might come out at any moment. However, no one emerged from there to head toward the garden.

Just as he thought it should be time for the banquet to start, faint festive music could be heard. It was unmistakably the orchestra’s performance.

Despite the deadline he had set having passed, not a hair of that impudent girl could be seen.

“Damn it.”

Daniel, who unconsciously muttered the curse, decided to wait just a little longer.

You never know. Kisa might have been caught up by someone and unavoidably delayed, or maybe she had just now made up her mind after struggling with her pride.

Daniel took out a case from his pocket and picked up one of the few remaining cigars inside. After cutting the cap with a knife, he lit it with a lighter.

Along with the acrid smoke, after waiting for over twenty minutes, bringing the total time spent in the park to over an hour, Daniel had to slowly admit it.

That Kisa Vansfelt would not come here.

Just what reason had put him in such a humiliating position? Daniel bit his lip as he made his way to the Count Habertz’s annex building.

Even after realizing Kisa wouldn’t come, he had stayed in the cold garden killing time out of sheer stubbornness before heading back.

Though he felt like staying put longer, when he encountered a couple sneaking out of the banquet hall into the garden, he couldn’t bear it any longer. He had zero interest in watching others’ romantic encounters.

Kisa. He murmured the name that had been increasingly disturbing his thoughts lately.

The girl who had long been his fiancée.

The young woman who was supposed to become his match soon.

When that thing that used to flutter around him like a chick whenever he visited the Vansfelt mansion said she wanted to break off the engagement, Daniel had scoffed. As if someone like you could.

In reality, Kisa’s rebellion seemed more fleeting than a chick’s fluttering wings. Until he received the engagement annulment document.

At first, he thought there must have been some mistake. But upon arriving at the Vansfelt estate and speaking with the Count, he learned that they truly wanted to break off the engagement.

Their tiresome relationship was thus severed by a mere piece of paper.

It was unacceptable. Since coming of age, Daniel had never once imagined he would marry anyone other than Kisa.

Regardless of the type or extent of affection he held in his heart, Kisa Vansfelt was the most suitable person to be his wife and the future Marchioness Lowens.

Yet the Count Vansfelt was trying to ruin that ideal future. All to curry favor with that aging lecher of a king who only chased after women.

What was even more ridiculous was that Kisa, that simpleton, was trying to leave Daniel out of jealousy toward Hazel, not realizing her father’s sinister intentions.

So he kindly informed Kisa of the cruel truth. Though at first she stubbornly refused to believe it, she would eventually have to accept it and take Daniel’s outstretched hand.

Between choosing a young, attractive man like him and an old, greedy elder, there wasn’t even a need for discussion.

Moreover, although she had temporarily lost her senses after noticing Hazel’s existence, she loved Daniel.

Therefore, her return was predetermined.

Though she made Daniel anxious by being somewhat late, the runaway chick returned to his embrace as expected.

The moment he read the letter sent by her aunt, the Countess Habertz, Daniel was convinced of this.

And when he saw Kisa here, that conviction grew even stronger.

Though it irked him that she brought another man instead of him, he felt better seeing how she had dressed up more elaborately than usual to see him.

Well, it couldn’t be helped. The banquet required bringing a partner, and it would have been difficult for her to ask him to be her partner so soon after breaking off their engagement.

According to his original plan, he wasn’t going to forgive her easily even if she begged, but in his good mood, he specially modified the plan. If she came out to the garden obediently and apologized, he would pretend to give in and accept.

Humming a tune in the dark garden while imagining such a future, what came back to him was a completely different result.

Something was strange. Why wasn’t Kisa appearing in the garden? He had clearly emphasized that this was her last chance.

This seemed excessive for mere pride typical of a well-bred young lady. Moreover, Kisa wasn’t originally someone with such strong pride.

“Wait.”

At that moment, a suspicion flashed through his mind.

Right, that man. Richard or whatever, the Count Vansfelt’s secretary who came as Kisa’s companion today.

He had forgotten about it because the man seemed so insignificant, but he was the Count’s right-hand, the Count who was trying to sell Kisa off to a foreign country.

Would the Count really send his right-hand man here merely to act as his daughter’s partner?

That couldn’t be. The man was there to act as his master’s eyes and ears, monitoring Kisa.

“So that’s it. That’s what it was…”

Now he understood why Kisa couldn’t come to the garden. How could she slip out of the banquet hall to meet Daniel with a watchdog firmly planted beside her?

At the same time, he also solved the mystery of why she had acted so coldly toward Daniel, her only lifeline, when they met at the entrance before the banquet started.

She had no choice but to act coldly. While inwardly hoping Daniel would notice her circumstances.

Internally reproaching himself for only now noticing this obvious truth, Daniel rushed into the banquet hall.

Inside, the banquet was in full swing, with various couples in the center gracefully dancing to the melody.

“Daniel!”

Just then, a woman called out his name as she approached. She was from the Grache family, who came to this banquet as his companion.

Her name… he couldn’t quite remember. Marie? It felt something like that, but he always just called her Lady Grache so there was no particular need to remember her name.

“Where have you been all this time? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

“I apologize, Lady Grache. I had some business to attend to elsewhere.”

“I’m quite curious what business could be so important that you’d abandon your partner here before the banquet even started.”

“I’m sorry. There were such circumstances.”

While verbally engaging with the woman before him, Daniel thoroughly scanned the hall with his eyes, searching for Kisa.

Lady Grache’s face turned red with anger and humiliation at his obviously perfunctory attitude.

“…Hey. What are you trying to do with me?”

“I’m truly sorry, but my important business isn’t finished yet. So please excuse me for now.”

“Hah! This is absurd! I made the big decision to come with you despite your recent broken engagement and rumors about some commoner, and this is how you treat me!”

Hearing those words, what little guilt Daniel had felt toward Lady Grache until just moments ago completely vanished.

“Yes, this ill-mannered partner who’s treating you poorly will now disappear. Please enjoy yourself and return home as you see fit.”

“Wait! Daniel Lowens!”

Whether Lady Grache called out behind him or not, whether people around them glanced over at the commotion or not, Daniel passed by her and stepped further into the banquet hall.

She was just a woman he had picked adequately because he needed a partner for the banquet.

One of many women who had approached him at some recent banquet, only seeing his looks and background.

Apart from being nobility, how dare she speak so freely about others when her family was unremarkable and she had nothing special about her appearance, personality, or intelligence?

Then, as Daniel clicked his tongue and looked around, his gaze fixed on one spot.

Finally found her. His fiancée who had an impeccable family background and outstanding beauty.

Wearing a lilac dress and absently watching the dancers, she looked like a spring fairy.

Perhaps because he had seen her for so many years, even to Daniel’s eyes which had grown accustomed to her exceptional beauty, there was something about today’s Kisa that captured his attention.

If only it had been just Kisa there.

Daniel’s expression suddenly darkened when he saw the man standing beside Kisa, occasionally exchanging words with her.

He had been the man accompanying Kisa at this charity banquet every year, so why was such a fellow…

Though he felt the urge to immediately pull Kisa away from that shameless man’s side, he tried hard to remain calm.

It was frustrating, but clearly that man was Kisa’s current partner, and Daniel was her former fiancé who broke off their engagement a few days ago.

In other words, if he rashly tried to take Kisa away, Daniel would be the one likely to be branded as a scoundrel.

What should he do? As he stood somewhat apart from where Kisa was, quietly pondering his options, someone addressed him.

“Oh my, if it isn’t Young Lord Lowens.”

Turning around, he hurriedly made his greeting.

“I am honored to see you, Princess.”

Because that someone was the august royal, the youngest princess who received all the love and affection of the royal couple.

Looking in the direction Daniel had been watching until just now, she asked:

“Perhaps you want to meet Kisa?”

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Daniel’s mind. Come to think of it, Kisa and the youngest princess were quite close.

Moreover, she was known as someone who, unlike typical royalty, didn’t adhere strictly to formalities. If that was the case, might it be worth trying?

“Princess, I have an urgent favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

“A very important favor regarding Kisa.”

At those meaningful words, the princess’s eyes took on a strange light.

 

Chap 34

Trap

Princess Arta cautiously opened her mouth.

“What kind of favor is it?”

“I apologize, but it’s difficult to discuss here.”

There were too many watching eyes around.

From the beginning, the princess had been dealing with people who had been approaching her non-stop, and it seemed she had just found a brief moment to acknowledge Daniel.

“Is it really that important?”

“Yes, it is.”

Suddenly, the princess’s voice dropped significantly.

“Is it about the Queen of Chamal?”

Daniel was quite surprised that the princess knew about it.

“How do you know about that, Princess…?”

“I heard it from Melissa.”

Come to think of it, the princess wasn’t only close with Kisa.

Melissa Dos. A woman who was Kisa’s close friend, and with whom Daniel also had quite a connection.

Daniel had previously visited the Dos family to ask her if Kisa would really become the Queen of Chamal or not. Although he hadn’t gained any useful information.

Therefore, if someone were to leak information to the princess, it would likely be Melissa.

‘She’s more loose-lipped than I thought.’

It seems Kisa had a rather indiscreet friend. Making plans to have Kisa distance herself from Melissa after they married, Daniel answered the princess’s question.

“Yes, that’s right. That’s why it’s difficult to discuss in front of others.”

After hearing Daniel’s answer, the princess glanced briefly in a certain direction.

There, a man was engaged in conversation with Duke Oclis, who wore a serious expression.

Though his back was turned and his face wasn’t visible, Daniel immediately recognized who it was.

A red-haired man who commanded the princess’s attention and to whom the notoriously authoritative Duke Oclis repeatedly nodded in agreement—it was the new Duke of Hillan.

He was a celebrity who had recently been attracting public attention, but to Daniel, it was like a story from another world.

Normally, considering his future as the head of the Lowens family, he would have at least exchanged greetings with him since they were attending the same banquet. However, Daniel’s attention was currently focused on only one issue.

Kisa, his little chick who, unlike her usual self, kept causing trouble lately.

The chick should just stand beside him and happily chirp, so what could be the problem?

‘Damn it…’

As he became impatient and considered whether to dare urge the princess for an answer, her lips finally moved.

“Alright. Let’s move somewhere else.”

After saying this, the princess excused herself from the people around her and headed toward the nearest of several exits leading to the corridor.

It was just at the moment when the band’s performance reached its climax and people’s dance movements became more rapid, so it seemed that few people took much notice of the two of them leaving together. Probably…

“What were you saying earlier? Is Kisa really going to become the Queen of Chamal?”

Once they reached an empty corridor, the princess looked at Daniel and demanded a detailed explanation.

“Yes, I’m certain of it. And I need your help to prevent it.”

Daniel voiced his thoughts without a moment’s hesitation.

“Kisa wishes to reconcile with me now, but due to unavoidable circumstances, she’s unable to express her wishes. Please help us.”

“Goodness. What does that mean? Please explain in more detail.”

“Princess, actually…”

After hearing the story, the princess wore an expression of disbelief.

“That can’t be right. When I asked her just before, Kisa clearly said she wouldn’t become the Queen of Chamal. She said it was all Melissa’s misunderstanding.”

Daniel bit his lip lightly.

Kisa, this silly thing. Hiding it from others until the end.

Looking back, Kisa had never clearly expressed her situation to Daniel either.

She had only revealed it through non-verbal means like eye contact, expressions, and actions.

Why? Perhaps she feared that Richard might overhear her conversation with the princess?

Or maybe she didn’t want to expose her father’s shameful attempt to sell off his daughter?

But what mattered now wasn’t the exact reason, but stopping Count Vansfelt’s plan.

Having always believed he could read Kisa’s mind as clearly as his palm, he harbored not the slightest doubt that he might be wrong.

“Kisa is hiding the truth.”

“Kisa is?”

“You know as well, don’t you, Princess? She’s always been the type to suffer alone rather than sharing her worries or problems with others.”

“…Well, she has been that way. I’ve never heard anything negative about Kisa from her own mouth.”

“I guarantee it. Count Vansfelt is certainly planning to make his daughter the Queen of Chamal.”

As Daniel asserted confidently, the princess seemed to become increasingly confused. Time to drive the point home.

“Please help us. All you need to do is free the child momentarily from the count’s secretary who stays by Kisa’s side as her ‘partner.’ I’ll take care of the rest.”

When there was still no response, Daniel appealed with an even stronger tone.

“You’re the only one who can help Kisa and me here!”

After a moment, a look of determination finally appeared on her face.

“Alright. How can I help?”

****

With a particularly impressive, passionate dance tune marking the end of the prepared pieces, the band’s performance came to a close.

As those who had been dancing in the center of the hall scattered in all directions, Richard, standing beside her, spoke.

“I’m sorry, Miss. Because of my poor dancing skills, you’ve only been watching despite coming all this way…”

Kisa shook her head and comforted the deflated man.

“No, it’s fine. Sometimes it’s not bad to just watch others dance.”

It wasn’t a lie. She didn’t dislike dancing, but being someone who had already become the subject of gossip due to her broken engagement, she didn’t want to dance in front of everyone.

“But you didn’t have to reject all the dance offers from other gentlemen because of me.”

“It wasn’t because of Richard, I just didn’t want to dance with them.”

How could she want to dance with those whose intentions were clearly to seduce her?

However, Richard seemed to believe that Kisa was very fond of dancing and appeared quite apologetic.

To be fair, she had practiced dancing until her feet bled since childhood. But that didn’t mean Kisa’s love for dancing was that intense.

It was simply that, among all the abilities her father, Count Vansfelt, desired for his daughter, dancing was the one at which she showed the most talent.

“…”

Having attended the banquet, she was beginning to feel bitter, so Kisa deliberately changed the subject.

“Ah, before I forget, I should give this.”

As Kisa smiled brightly and shook the handbag she was holding, Richard looked around.

“Speaking of which, it’s about time they started collecting.”

Then, pointing to a spot in the hall, he said:

“Oh, there he is.”

The person Richard pointed to was one of the servants of the Habertz family, moving among the guests with a tray.

At a typical banquet, drinks for the guests would have been placed on the tray, but strangely, nothing was on the silver tray.

Additionally, there were several servants like him walking around the banquet hall with empty trays.

“Over here.”

When Richard caught his eye and gestured, the servant promptly approached them.

Kisa took out a heavy pouch from her handbag and placed it on the tray the servant politely extended.

“Fifty gold coins. A donation in the name of the Vansfelt family.”

The servant bowed his head and responded.

“Yes, thank you very much. We’ll check it, and if there are any discrepancies, we’ll let you know separately.”

There couldn’t be any discrepancies. She had counted them out of boredom on the carriage ride over, and there were exactly fifty coins.

After the servant withdrew, Richard whispered in Kisa’s ear.

“This year, with Princess Arta and Duke Hillan in attendance, everyone will likely make generous donations.”

To look good in front of others. There might be ulterior motives, but what did it matter? As long as a lot of money was raised at the charity banquet.

“Who do you think will donate the most this year?”

Kisa asked him with an excited expression.

Along with the unique donation collection method, one of the things that attracted people’s attention at the Habertz family’s charity banquet was the question of who would be the highest donor of the year.

Since it brought both honor and a subtle display of wealth, there were quite a few people aiming for it every year.

Richard stroked his chin and offered his opinion carefully.

“Well, I think it might be Duke Hillan? I heard he has a completely different level of spending.”

When Seyard was mentioned, Kisa instinctively scanned the banquet hall. However, he was nowhere to be seen.

‘Huh? He was right there just a moment ago.’

Well, there’s no rule saying he can’t step away for a moment. Kisa refocused on Richard’s conversation.

“Oh, but for the past three years, Duke Oclis has always been the highest donor. So he seems most likely.”

“Why? It could be Duke Hillan.”

“But according to rumors, he recently spent too much buying an island—”

At that moment, someone interrupted Richard.

“Kisa, here you are.”

It was Princess Arta.

“I’ve been looking for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, I have something important to discuss. Could you spare me some time?”

Though phrased as a question, there was no way anyone could answer ‘no’ to her request.

“Of course. Shall we go to the lounge again?”

“No. I’ve asked Lady Habertz for an empty room. The conversation might be lengthy, so let’s go there. Come, follow me.”

What could she possibly want to discuss? Kisa tilted her head in curiosity but followed the princess.

“Richard, I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, please have a comfortable conversation.”

From behind, Richard nodded with a smile.

 

Chap 35

Listen to Me

The princess led Kisa out of the banquet hall and walked through the corridor of the annex.

“Um, Kisa.”

Just when Kisa thought they were going quite far, the princess who was walking ahead spoke.

“Yes, Princess.”

“I’m curious about something. Why did you attend this banquet today?”

“Pardon?”

“Honestly, considering the relationship between Countess Habertz and Daniel Lowens, isn’t it a bit awkward for this to be the first event you’re attending after breaking off your engagement? I’m sure Kisa would have received many invitations to other nice banquets, so I’m curious why you chose this one.”

“Ah, that’s…”

Kisa was at a loss for words. She couldn’t possibly say it was because you attended as Seyard’s partner.

Count Vansfelt had even advised Kisa that in the worst-case scenario, she should kiss Seyard.

However, fortunately, from the beginning of the banquet, Kisa had been watching the two of them without even dancing, and concluded that the Count’s concern was unfounded.

People certainly considered the youngest princess and Duke Hillan to be a well-matched pair and seemed to expect that Seyard would take over his brother’s engagement, but the two of them didn’t particularly give off an atmosphere beyond that of companions.

In fact, both of them were so busy with people approaching them that they appeared occupied just dealing with them throughout the banquet.

Even Kisa, who had been watching them with wide eyes, found her attention diverted to the dancers as the banquet atmosphere heightened.

It was also somewhat refreshing to stand still and watch others dance, as it had been a while.

“Do you have a special reason for coming here?”

Anyway, for this reason, Kisa couldn’t answer the princess’s question truthfully.

“Well, let’s see. Rather than that…”

When Kisa just trailed off without giving a proper answer, the princess was silent for a moment. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she asked:

“Could it be because of Young Master Lowens?”

“Daniel?”

“Yes, maybe you deliberately chose this banquet for a change of perspective, because of Young Master Lowens?”

Not at all. Daniel’s presence had no influence whatsoever on Kisa’s decision to attend this banquet.

As evidence, Kisa only realized the identity of the discomfort she had felt in the lounge after the banquet had started and considerable time had passed.

Come to think of it, that guy had said he would wait in the garden. Of course, even after recognizing this fact, she had no desire to go to the garden, even later.

The arrogant Daniel Lowens wouldn’t have kept waiting for Kisa who didn’t come, and even if he did wait, it wasn’t something Kisa needed to care about.

Who cares about such a person?

The memories of Daniel still existed in her heart, but the man she actually saw today was such an irritatingly rude fellow that she didn’t even have time to dwell on those memories.

The way he blatantly ignored Richard is still vivid in her mind.

“That’s not it.”

Therefore, Kisa flatly denied the princess’s question. She absolutely didn’t want to be misunderstood as having deliberately chosen this banquet because she was still hung up on Daniel.

“The reason I came here is—”

Just as she was about to make it clear that it had nothing to do with Daniel, the princess stopped walking.

“We’re here. This is it.”

Arta opened the door to a room and went inside.

Kisa followed her without thinking much. But upon discovering the figure inside the brightly lit room, she couldn’t help but open her eyes wide.

“Daniel?”

“Welcome, Kisa.”

Rising from his chair, he greeted Kisa with a welcoming expression, then bowed to the side.

“Thank you for accepting my request, Princess.”

Dumbfounded, Kisa turned to the princess.

“Princess?”

“Kisa, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was afraid you would refuse if I did. You always just keep your worries to yourself. But just this once, how about following your heart?”

Kisa couldn’t understand what all this meant, but she could clearly see that Arta was looking at her with eyes that saw something pitiable.

“I heard from Young Master Lowens. The Young Master sincerely regrets his past mistakes and loves you. He says he wants to restore his relationship with you.”

“What?”

In her astonishment, she looked at Daniel, who whispered without changing his expression, looking slick:

“Kisa, give me one more chance.”

Before Kisa could respond, the princess looked back and forth between the two and said:

“Kisa, you still haven’t forgotten Young Master Lowens, have you? You say otherwise, but if that weren’t true, there would have been no need for you to come to this banquet, right?”

“That’s really not it! The reason I came here—”

“Stop, stop. I know everything. The man who was watching you isn’t here, so it’s okay to be honest.”

They took turns interrupting Kisa and saying only what they wanted to say.

“I’ll be going now. Take your time and talk. You might clear up some misunderstandings that have accumulated, knowingly or unknowingly.”

“Princess, wait a moment!”

“Where are you going? You need to stay here.”

As the princess prepared to leave, Kisa tried to go with her but was grabbed by the arm by Daniel.

“I’ll see you later, Kisa.”

In the meantime, Princess Arta had left, and only Kisa and Daniel remained in the room.

“What is this all about?”

With her head suddenly hot, Kisa glared fiercely at Daniel.

“What exactly did you tell the Princess?”

Now he had gone so far as to lie to a princess of the country to get her to bring Kisa.

Sure enough, Daniel, being exceptionally shameless, didn’t even bat an eyelid.

“I merely asked for her cooperation to save you.”

“Save me…?”

“Yes, because that man was constantly by your side. But now he’s gone, so you can be completely honest.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your father’s secretary was monitoring you.”

“Richard? Richard was monitoring me?”

Daniel had always said nonsensical things, but today it was particularly severe.

After several exchanges of such puzzling questions and answers, Kisa was just barely able to understand what Daniel was saying.

He firmly believed that Kisa had attended this charity banquet to seek his help, but was unable to move freely due to the evil Richard.

“Good heavens…”

She should have realized it from the moment he started talking about the Queen of Chamal. Daniel Lowens went beyond having a rich imagination—he was out of his mind.

“Don’t tell me you also told the princess that ridiculous fantasy?”

“I’m telling you to be honest now.”

With a headache, Kisa pressed her forehead with her hand and leaned against the wall.

What should she do? First, she needed to return to the banquet hall and explain to the princess that this was all just Daniel’s nonsense.

With that decision, she headed toward the door, but Daniel blocked her path.

“How long are you going to be stubborn? Even if we start moving diligently now, it will barely be enough.”

“Get out of my way.”

Kisa spat out in an extremely tired voice. She really wished he would stop now.

Until just a moment ago, her mood had been quite good. Despite some people trying to dig into her private affairs or throwing transparent flirtations, it was still good overall.

Because she had come out for once and enjoyed watching people dance while listening to elegant music. Because she had laughed and chatted with Richard. Because she had seen Seyard, even if from a distance.

“Let’s go to my house first. If you go back to your home, you’ll be inevitably sold to Chamal.”

But the moment she encountered Daniel making absurd claims, Kisa’s mood fell to the dirty ground.

“If we explain the situation well, my father will take good care of you. He’s always considered you like a daughter.”

“…I’m not being sold to Chamal.”

Kisa answered while barely holding onto her sanity, but Daniel simply ignored it.

Ah, she was reaching her limit.

“Kisa, just be honest—”

“Listen to me!”

Daniel flinched at the loud shout that seemed to pierce the eardrums, and stared at her.

In fact, even Kisa herself, who had screamed, didn’t know such a loud voice would come out. Had she ever raised her voice this loudly in her life?

“Listen to me! I’m saying it’s not me in front of your eyes! I’ve said no so many times!”

Kisa shouted, pounding her chest like someone who had lost her mind.

“Daniel Lowens! What am I to you? Do I look like a human being to you? No, right? Yes, I’m sure I don’t! Otherwise, you wouldn’t act so horribly!”

Daniel involuntarily stepped back from her bloodshot eyes that glared at him as if to kill.

“I’m not a puppet brainwashed by my father! Even less am I a womb to carry your child! Nor am I a maid who stays at home to take on annoying tasks while you’re with the woman you love!”

“Kisa…”

“Even if I say this, you’ll just ignore my words again anyway! Distorting, presuming, and looking down on me as you please! Because to you, I’m not a fellow human being!”

Had the anger in her heart finally subsided? After breathing heavily for a moment, Kisa soon spoke in a voice that was calmer than before.

“Fine. I’m sick of even exchanging words with you now.”

The gesture of brushing back her disheveled side hair was more composed than ever.

“Get out of my sight.”

It took Daniel, who had a blank expression due to Kisa’s unexpected outburst, some time to fully understand those words.

“…What?”

“If you don’t want to, I’ll leave.”

As she had no intention of associating with him, Kisa circled around him and headed for the door. However, just as she grabbed the doorknob to turn it, Daniel’s hand slammed against the door.

She looked up at him with an annoyed glance.

“Move.”

“No.”

Daniel answered with an expressionless face, but somehow his tone revealed a sense of urgency.

“I said move.”

“No. I understand that you’re very angry with me, but let’s talk.”

“I have nothing to talk about with you.”

“I have a lot.”

Kisa, who didn’t want to stay in this space for even a moment, tried to force the door open, but the difference in strength was obvious, and the door didn’t budge at all.

“I’ll scream!”

Having no choice but to change her approach, Daniel told her without changing his expression:

“Go ahead and scream all you want. No one will come.”

At that moment, a chill ran down Kisa’s neck.

It was a strange sensation she had never felt before due to Daniel during all the long years she had known him.

“Let go!”

“Kisa!”

Just as Kisa and he were struggling–knock, knock, knock.

Suddenly, there was a knocking sound.

“Are you there?”

It was Seyard’s voice.

 

Chap 36

Possession

“Help me!”

As soon as Kisa realized that Seyard was right there, she instinctively shouted.

“Please let me out of here!”

“Wait…!”

A startled Daniel tried to stop Kisa from speaking as he grabbed her, but at that moment, the doorknob moved.

Originally, there wasn’t any special lock on it; he had just been blocking it with his strength to prevent it from being opened.

So when Daniel’s strength naturally weakened as his attention was diverted to Kisa, the person on the other side could open the door without much effort.

Eventually, the door opened completely, and a man with impeccably perfect attire appeared.

His red hair, which until recently had felt somewhat awkward, was now tearfully welcome at this moment.

Just as Kisa was about to call Seyard’s name without realizing it, he spoke first.

“Is there a problem?”

His face, which had worn a faint smile throughout the banquet, was now completely calm as he gazed at Kisa and Daniel in the room.

“Duke Hillan?”

Daniel, who had stepped back from the door while still holding Kisa’s shoulder, recognized him.

“Why are you here…?”

“I was passing by and heard a loud noise, so I came to check.”

In response to Daniel’s bewildered question, Seyard slowly scanned the guest room before finally resting his gaze on Kisa.

“Do you need any help?”

At the end of his gaze was Kisa’s shoulder, which was being held by Daniel.

“Let go of me!”

Kisa, suddenly coming to her senses, shook off Daniel’s hand and ran to Seyard.

“Please help me!”

“What’s the matter?”

Feeling relieved by Seyard’s usual demeanor, Kisa glared at Daniel.

“That man was trying to forcibly confine me.”

“Kisa! Don’t say things that could be misunderstood!”

Daniel shouted, as if feeling wronged.

“I just grabbed you because you were trying to leave when I still had things to say!”

“That’s the same as confinement!”

At that moment, Seyard stepped forward and stood between the two. He positioned Kisa behind him and asked Daniel:

“Is what she says true?”

His voice didn’t reveal any particular emotion. However, Daniel’s eyes twitched slightly at Seyard’s question, which sounded like a mere formality. Perhaps it was because of his status as the Duke of Hillan.

“This is none of your business.”

When Daniel responded with subtle hostility, Seyard glanced behind him.

“Well, she seems to have a different opinion.”

“She is my fiancée. I know my fiancée’s intentions better than anyone.”

“Not better than herself, I’d think. And I believe I heard that you two broke off the engagement.”

“What?”

“Your claim of being her fiancé seems inaccurate.”

Kisa nodded vigorously, as if completely agreeing with his opinion, and Daniel showed his discomfort more openly than before.

“Oh please. Anyway, Duke Hillan, what brings you all the way here?”

His tone barely concealed the implication: mind your own business and leave quickly.

“The princess…hasn’t been seen for quite some time. I heard someone saw her heading this way, so I was looking for her.”

“Ah, is that so? The princess just arranged a place for Kisa and me to have a heart-to-heart conversation and then left. You must have missed each other, but she should be back at the hall by now, so you should hurry back.”

“I see. I didn’t know.”

What was more surprising? Daniel behaving rudely in front of the great Duke of Hillan? Or Seyard showing not even a hint of agitation despite the unpleasant situation?

As Kisa pondered blankly, Seyard turned as if to leave the place as Daniel suggested. Then, facing Kisa, he asked:

“Then, shall we go back together?”

Daniel immediately widened his eyes.

“Who are you to take Kisa away?”

To this, Seyard, turning his head slightly to the side, replied in a composed voice:

“Rest assured. I have no intention of disregarding the wishes of the person concerned.”

“That’s not it. Kisa still has more to say to me.”

Kisa leaned to the side to look at Daniel and firmly expressed her opinion.

“I have nothing more to say to you. In fact, I don’t want to exchange words with you ever again.”

Daniel’s handsome face contorted.

“Kisa! Now is not the time to be angry!”

“No, it is the time to be angry.”

After momentarily moving her lips silently, Kisa continued with a somewhat bitter tone.

“Actually, I should have gotten angry earlier. Every time you treated me as less than a mongrel raised in your house…”

But she couldn’t. Because she had been thirsting for the occasional moments of affection Daniel would throw her way on his whims.

“Then I might not have crossed this irreversible river.”

“What are you saying? It can be reversed!”

“It’s impossible.”

“…Alright, I understand that you have many grievances against me.”

Daniel swept back his bangs with visibly anxious hands.

“I’ll listen to what you have to say and apologize if needed. So let’s start with a conversation. If we talk things through calmly, we can understand each other.”

“See? It’s impossible.”

A sneer escaped Kisa’s lips.

“Even after I poured out everything I had been holding inside earlier, you still maintain that condescending attitude. What? You’ll apologize if there’s something to apologize for after hearing me out?”

“Don’t nitpick my words.”

“Don’t give me orders.”

It was a moment when Kisa once again clearly realized that she could never be an equal to a person like Daniel Lowens.

People don’t change easily. Daniel probably won’t change either.

‘No.’

Even if he did change, it would be irrelevant to her now. They had no connection anymore.

Currently, Kisa’s heart felt incredibly cold, even to herself.

She had thought it couldn’t get any colder. But when Daniel forcibly tried to keep her in this room, the last bit of trust remaining in Kisa scattered like dust.

Although he had subjected her to all sorts of humiliation, he had never once tried to physically restrain her actions.

She didn’t know if this came from his arrogant values of not holding back those who wanted to leave, but nevertheless, Kisa had inwardly trusted this aspect of Daniel.

Even right after the broken engagement, when she faced him in the reception room of the Vansfelt mansion while he was full of anger.

When he raised his voice in an angry tone, she instinctively shrank back, but the thought that Daniel might physically harm her didn’t exist in Kisa’s mind at all.

But now it was different. Kisa learned that Daniel Lowens was the kind of person who could respond to her self-protective threat of screaming loudly by saying no one would come, so go ahead and scream.

In some ways, this was more unacceptable than swearing eternity to another woman despite having a fiancée, or even than looking down on Kisa.

Because, more than anything, it was an outrage that trampled on a person’s will.

“I am not an object.”

Kisa spat out the words as if chewing them. At first, her thoughts weren’t well-organized, but they gradually turned into clear words.

“I am a human being like you. Not a toy you can handle as you please.”

Simultaneously, a specific memory unfolded in her mind.

“…That day, you definitely said it.”

On a particularly cold late winter day, the late evening when she found out her fiancé had another woman. Daniel, with a disgusted expression towards Kisa who was pressing him, had said:

[I am not your possession.]

Although most of what came out of his mouth that day wounded Kisa’s heart, that statement particularly remained in her heart, causing a dull pain for a long time.

Now she knew why.

“I’m giving those words back to you.”

She had felt wronged. She had never, for a single moment, felt that she possessed Daniel, that he was hers.

Rather, it was Kisa who belonged to Daniel.

Daniel Lowens’ beautiful fiancée. A fairly important part that would someday marry him and complete him as a proper adult. A wife of good lineage who would give him an heir.

Daniel himself treated Kisa this way. When he felt like it, he would give her gifts and behave sweetly, but as soon as he felt even slightly annoyed, he would mercilessly discard her.

Kisa had been conditioned by him over the years. She would wait with her neck stretched out for the time when Daniel would be in a good mood.

Then, if he seemed to be in a good mood, she would dress up prettily and chatter beside him; if he seemed to be in a bad mood, she would keep as quiet as possible and just wait for that time to pass. She fluctuated based on the moods of a man who didn’t even love her.

She was indeed his possession.

How wronged she must have felt. Despite never even having thought she could possess him, she was told not to try to possess him.

Kisa directly faced the man who had dominated her soul for a long time, though in a different way than Count Vansfelt.

“Kisa?”

The man who was always full of confidence couldn’t hide the anxiety stirring within him today.

“I am not your possession.”

Daniel wore an expression as if he didn’t quite understand those words, but Kisa didn’t care and continued.

“I might have been at one point, but not anymore. For that one thing, I’m grateful. Thanks to you dumping me first, I resolved to break free from you.”

“…When did I ever dump you?”

“You did. A long time ago.”

Leaving Daniel, who still seemed to have much to say, Kisa turned around.

“So don’t try to reclaim me.”

Seyard naturally followed Kisa as she headed toward the door.

Just before the door closed, Daniel shouted loudly, “Wait!” but he didn’t follow them out.

He looked as if he feared encountering something terrifying if he did.

Ah, he seems to have finally accepted it.

The fact that their relationship had ended long ago.

 

Chap 37

In the Same Boat

“……”

“……”

Silence enveloped the dimly lit corridor where only minimal lighting was maintained since it wasn’t regularly used.

Kisa and Seyard walked toward the banquet hall without exchanging a word for quite some time.

At first, the lingering effects of her conversation with Daniel weighed heavily on Kisa, making it difficult to speak. But as time passed, she became too self-conscious of Seyard’s presence to break the silence first.

‘Is he disappointed in me?’

From his perspective, Kisa’s behavior today would likely be difficult to evaluate positively.

Despite Seyard conducting himself properly, she had appeared unannounced at the charity banquet without prior notice, and worse, he had caught her alone in an enclosed space with her former fiancé.

Though Seyard probably wouldn’t reproach her for it, by societal standards, it wasn’t appropriate behavior.

Wanting to avoid his gaze even slightly, her steps naturally slowed. She intended to walk a few paces behind him.

When walking with Daniel during their outings, this had been quite normal. Since his stride was faster than Kisa’s, he often walked ahead, showing his back to her.

Strangely, though, Seyard remained beside Kisa. He had matched his pace to hers, deliberately slowing down.

“……”

I see. He’s matching my pace. For some reason, a corner of her heart felt ticklish.

“Um.”

Just as Kisa, encouraged by the thought that he didn’t seem disappointed in her, was about to speak—

“This way.”

Suddenly, Seyard placed his arm around Kisa’s waist and guided her in a direction different from where they had been heading.

Huh? But the banquet hall is that way? With this question in mind, Kisa allowed herself to be led by him.

Shortly after, they arrived at a terrace overlooking the Habertz family garden.

“Why are we here…?”

“Was I being too meddlesome?”

In response to Kisa’s puzzled question, Seyard smiled faintly. It wasn’t the socialite smile he had worn inside the banquet hall, but the casual, familiar smile Kisa knew well.

“I thought it might be better to calm things down in several ways.”

“Pardon? Oh.”

Kisa suddenly remembered that just minutes ago, she had expressed her anger with unusual ferocity, holding nothing back.

Come to think of it, Seyard had arrived shortly after that. Had he perhaps heard her thunderous shouting on his way there?

The thought made her face flush hot with embarrassment, and she lowered her head.

“If you’re talking about anger, it’s already subsided.”

“Why do you look like that?”

“I’m a bit embarrassed.”

“Embarrassed about what?”

His tone suggested he genuinely didn’t understand.

“Well, actually….I was so angry earlier that I ended up yelling at the top of my lungs. You heard that, didn’t you?”

Seyard blinked silently for a moment before answering.

“To answer your question first, I did hear some loud noises while I was looking for the Princess.”

Indeed, Seyard had mentioned hearing a loud noise when he first appeared in that room.

“However, perhaps because of the walls in between, I couldn’t make out the exact content. So you needn’t worry that I heard anything you wished to keep private.”

“No, it’s not that I particularly wanted to hide anything from you, Seyard. It’s just embarrassing that I shouted so loudly.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, it wasn’t very mature of me.”

“That’s not true, Kisa.”

At his unexpected outright denial of her statement, she automatically looked up at him.

“Even adults can certainly raise their voices when they’re angry or upset.”

He said gently, with a rather serious expression.

“Suppressing your emotions in every situation is not a healthy habit.”

This advice sounded new to Kisa’s ears.

Count Vansfelt had always taught his daughter to maintain her dignity as a noble no matter what happened. Openly displaying one’s emotions was considered undignified.

That was the common perception, which was why many nobles maintained a facade of smiles even during arguments.

“A person’s patience is not infinite. If you only endure, you might eventually explode and cause an uncontrollable situation, or your emotions might manifest in abnormal and unhealthy ways.”

Kisa found herself nodding without realizing it. Even though his logic contradicted conventional wisdom, coming from Seyard’s mouth, it was easy to accept.

“I see. Thank you for saying that.”

The embarrassment that had filled her heart until just moments ago had noticeably subsided.

“Now that I think about it, I do feel refreshed. It seems like a lot of my long-held emotions have disappeared.”

After her verbal confrontation with Daniel in the reception room right after their broken engagement, a subtle depression had weighed down her entire body, but now she felt only lightness.

Perhaps it was because she had finally expressed all the words she couldn’t say back then, firing them at Daniel.

“…You really are amazing. Somehow, when I talk with you, just like last time, my troubles seem to lighten.”

At Kisa’s sincere compliment, Seyard scratched his cheek somewhat bashfully.

“You’re too kind. In truth, I’m merely repeating things I’ve seen and heard elsewhere in a plausible manner.”

“Aren’t you being too modest?”

“I mean it. As proof, although I’ve spoken as if I know better to you, I haven’t been able to practice it myself.”

“Really?”

“Yes, how should I put it.”

His reddish-brown eyes briefly gazed into empty space.

“I tend to be rather dull when it comes to my own emotions. Often, I fail to recognize them in the moment, only to realize later what I was feeling at the time. This has happened quite a few times.”

This was new information about him.

“So I’m rather envious of you, Kisa. If only I could respond to my emotions in a timely manner like you do, I wouldn’t have created things to regret.”

Did that mean there were specific regrettable incidents in his past? Although such a question arose in her mind, she didn’t voice it. She was concerned it might appear as if she were prying.

‘Instead, although it might not be quite the same…’

Just as she was about to make a decision, a sneeze escaped from Kisa’s mouth.

“Oh dear, it is rather chilly, isn’t it?”

Seyard opened the terrace door with wide eyes and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought you out here.”

“N-no, that’s not it!”

“Anyway, let’s return to the hall.”

“……”

“Kisa?”

Seyard looked with puzzled eyes at Kisa, who remained motionless in place.

“I’d like to talk with you a bit more here, if that’s alright.”

“With me?”

“Yes, would that be okay?”

Seeing Kisa ask with an uncertain voice, Seyard soon relaxed his expression.

“Why wouldn’t it be? I would be honored.”

Still, worried she might catch a cold, he took off his coat and draped it over Kisa’s shoulders.

The jacket with its luxurious lining carried Seyard’s unique refreshing scent.

Feeling somewhat bashful, Kisa spoke.

“Thank you. I find myself constantly thanking you, Seyard.”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“It’s not nothing to me.”

“Please, don’t mention it.”

Saying so, Seyard leaned against the railing and gazed at the illuminated night view of the capital.

“More importantly, did you have something to tell me?”

“Yes, that’s right. I want to explain how I ended up arguing with Daniel there.”

Kisa voiced the decision she had made earlier.

“We’re in the same boat now. And this relates to our contract as well. So I should explain it properly to you.”

He had the right to know why his fiancée was quarreling with her ex-fiancé in a room alone.

“You don’t have to force yourself.”

“No, that’s wrong. I want to tell you.”

Though it wasn’t a pleasant story, she wanted Seyard to hear it. Also, since he had comforted her when she was feeling down about Daniel previously, she wanted to show him that she was no longer depressed.

“…Yes, actually, I did want to hear about it.”

As if her feelings had been conveyed, Seyard nodded.

“What happened between you and that man, Kisa?”

While meeting his eyes—which she had previously felt possessed a strange power to draw words from people—Kisa began her story.

Despite it being quite a long tale, thanks to the warmth of his coat, she didn’t shiver from the cold.

“So that’s what happened.”

After the story ended, Seyard lowered his gaze.

“The Queen of Chamal, I had no idea.”

“I feel rather ashamed. To think you’d have to endure such false rumors because of that bastard Daniel.”

A runaway bride was definitely not a good label for a woman he would eventually marry. But Seyard shook his head.

“You don’t need to feel sorry toward me. What about you?”

“Me?”

“It’s a scandalous rumor that would be more than enough to feel insulted by.”

He wasn’t wrong. Who would welcome rumors about being sold off to a lecherous old man?

But Kisa was somewhat taken aback that Seyard would worry about her first.

“I’m fine. It’s only spread among a very small group of people, so it’s not really…”

At most, only Daniel, Melissa, and the Princess knew about it.

“……”

Seyard still seemed displeased even after hearing Kisa’s answer. After a moment of silence, he finally made a suggestion.

“Kisa, I’ve been thinking…”

Even after he finished speaking, Kisa didn’t know how to respond and merely watched his expression.

“Why all of a sudden…?”

“I’ve had some complaints about the original plan for a while.”

“You don’t need to do that for my sake!”

“It’s not for Kisa, but for me. My personality is rather impatient by nature.”

After giving this hard-to-believe reason, he suddenly took out his pocket watch to check the time.

“The banquet will be ending soon. Let’s go back quickly.”

Kisa wondered if she should object further, but while his suggestion was surprising, it wasn’t that she disliked it, making it difficult to strongly oppose.

Shortly after, when the two arrived at the banquet hall, they were met by several pairs of eyes.

“Duke Hillan, where have you been?”

Count Habertz approached Seyard with quick steps.

“Everyone has been looking for you. We can’t skip the speech from the highest donor.”

They had truly arrived just in the nick of time.

“I apologize, everyone. There was an unavoidable circumstance.”

The Count and several others looked alternately at the two latecomers with subtle expressions, but Seyard paid no attention and began his speech.

“Highest donor. I am very pleased to receive such an honorable title. And I have another piece of good news.”

He dropped a bombshell statement with a composed face.

“I have gotten engaged.”

 

Chap 38

Surprise Announcement

It took some time for people to react to his words.

The banquet hall, which was quiet at first, began to stir not long after.

That’s how much impact the word “engagement” from Duke Hillan’s mouth had.

Even those who had been suspiciously eyeing the two people who had appeared together just moments ago were now rolling their eyes in surprise.

Kisa recalled the conversation they had on the terrace.

[I would like to move up the announcement of our engagement.]

When Seyard first said this, she simply thought his mind had changed and asked when he was thinking of moving it up.

Then, without batting an eye, he answered that it would be today.

[Today?]

[Yes, to be more precise, right after we return to the banquet hall.]

[W-wait a moment, Seyard.]

[Do you dislike the idea, Kisa?]

[…No, it’s not that I dislike it.]

Was that the wrong answer? But seeing Seyard’s pleading gaze, something she had never seen before, she couldn’t bring herself to say otherwise.

Perhaps it was all his scheme. When Kisa inadvertently said she didn’t dislike it, Seyard hastily moved the conversation forward.

[What about Count Vansfelt? Would your father find it troublesome if we announced our engagement today?]

That wasn’t the case. At least from Kisa’s perspective, he seemed to want to make their engagement an established fact as soon as possible.

In other words, it also meant there was no one left to stop Seyard.

“Hey, engagement?”

Count Habertz’s trembling voice brought Kisa back to the present.

The Count seemed to lack the capacity to respond smoothly to Duke Hillan’s unexpected engagement announcement.

“Suddenly an engagement…So Duke Hillan is saying he is getting engaged…?”

Fortunately or unfortunately, he was soon able to step down from the stage that Seyard had prepared.

“Seyard.”

This was because Arta, with an obviously perplexed expression, stood in front of Seyard with a stiff face.

“What is this about all of a sudden?”

Even as she questioned her partner, for a brief moment, she glanced at Kisa.

Kisa, feeling somewhat guilty, avoided her gaze. Then she suddenly became conscious of the coat she was wearing.

‘Oh no.’

She had forgotten to return it to Seyard.

That was because the entire time they were moving from the terrace to the banquet hall, Kisa’s mind was so full of thoughts about the engagement that she had no room to pay attention to anything else.

It seemed that Seyard, like her, had also forgotten, and this made the picture quite strange.

‘No wonder everyone was looking suspiciously from the beginning.’

No matter how you looked at it, they didn’t appear to be a couple who had coincidentally returned in a similar manner.

To make matters worse, her embarrassment was doubled because she knew what a pair of men and women who secretly left the banquet hall usually did in secluded places like gardens.

Don’t blush unnecessarily. It would only make things look more suspicious. But it wasn’t as easy as saying it, and Kisa felt her face heating up.

No. We just had a wholesome conversation on the terrace. There was nothing unsavory like what you’re all thinking.

The innocent Kisa within her, who had been raised so conservatively that she hadn’t even kissed her fiancé Daniel since she came of age, wanted to say that.

Fortunately, the rational Kisa, who judged that things couldn’t be helped now, restrained her.

Kisa could only try to suppress the intense whirlwind of emotions within her by fiddling with Seyard’s coat.

Meanwhile, the conversation between Seyard and the princess was in full swing.

“Princess, I apologize for informing you only now. If possible, I would have liked to tell you in advance, but circumstances didn’t allow it.”

Despite Seyard’s polite apology, Arta did not relax her rigid expression. No, she actually tensed up even more than before.

“Hmph, so that remark wasn’t a joke after all.”

“I’m not so tactless as to make such a joke at the princess’s side.”

“……”

The princess closed her mouth for a moment, possibly suppressing her emotions.

The stirring among the people grew stronger. When Seyard had mentioned the engagement, everyone had first thought of the youngest princess as his partner.

The commotion was so great that a few words clearly reached Kisa’s ears.

“He’s not getting engaged to the princess?”

“Then who is it?”

“Could it be…….”

At that moment, the princess spoke as if representing them.

“So who are you getting engaged to?”

As the gaze that couldn’t even be described as beautiful in empty words was directed at her, Kisa unconsciously turned her head and again avoided the princess’s gaze.

But coincidentally, Daniel was in the spot where Kisa’s eyes landed.

He seemed to have remained in that room even after Kisa and Seyard had left, and had just returned to the hall, looking around at the whispering people with narrowed eyes.

It was natural for someone who had just arrived to find it difficult to understand what was happening.

In the midst of this, their gazes locked. Daniel looked at Kisa, and Kisa looked at him.

Just as she felt Daniel’s eyes wavering, Seyard called her in a sweet voice.

“Kisa.”

Kisa immediately turned her gaze to the man standing beside her.

Seyard, with a smile like a conquering monarch, placed his arm around Kisa’s waist.

“As some of you may have already guessed, the woman who has promised to marry me is…”

He declared in front of everyone.

“Miss Kisa Vansfelt, who is here.”

In that moment, Kisa felt the urge to squeeze her eyes shut. But she barely suppressed her weak nature and looked straight ahead. She didn’t avoid Arta’s wide-eyed gaze either.

Because now she was the fiancée of Duke Hillan. If she was to stand beside him, who never lost his dignity, Kisa too had to be the same.

Does silence come when shock exceeds a certain level? The hall, which had been extremely noisy, became quiet as if cold water had been poured on it.

While everyone was confused and unable to gauge what reaction to show, only Seyard Hillan continued to speak like flowing water.

“We plan to hold an engagement ceremony at the Duke’s residence soon. I hope many of you will attend and congratulate the two of us on our connection.”

Another silence followed. The person who broke this silence was Princess Arta.

Hahaha, with a voice devoid of any laughter, she displayed flickering emotions in her eyes.

“This is truly surprising. Duke, you’ve prepared quite the eye-opener.”

“You flatter me.”

Seyard smoothly passed off her obvious sarcasm as if it were a compliment at face value.

“…Well. I should quickly return and share this joyous news with my father and mother.”

“It’s an honor.”

The princess’s eyes sharpened at his natural demeanor, but he boldly went one step further and appealed to the princess.

“I understand how busy you are. But I would very much like for the Princess to attend our engagement ceremony as well.”

His eyebrows drooped slightly.

“As my brother, Vischer, has unfortunately become a traveler of no return and cannot congratulate me, I would like for the Princess to celebrate in his stead. Would it be too much to ask? We will leave empty the seat where Vischer should have sat.”

“……”

“Of course, if you don’t wish to, feel free to say so. I don’t want to burden the Princess who has suffered such a deep wound—”

“Enough.”

The princess cut off his words midway, perhaps too irritated to listen further.

She too was not unaware of Seyard’s intentions in particularly emphasizing her relationship with his brother.

“I’ll have to check my schedule.”

She replied in an unusually stiff voice, then turned her gaze.

“Count Habertz?”

“Yes, yes! Princess!”

“I’m feeling too tired and want to go back now. Is the banquet over?”

According to Kisa’s memory of the banquet’s order, after the major donor’s congratulatory speech, there was a time for him, as the host, to share some brief thoughts.

However, perhaps lacking the courage to hold back the princess’s steps in this atmosphere, the count nodded vigorously.

“Yes, it’s over. Please go safely.”

“It was truly an enjoyable banquet.”

With those final words, the princess left the banquet hall, barely acknowledging greetings, unlike when she arrived.

Even after the princess left and the banquet came to an end, instead of heading outside, people awkwardly remained in the banquet hall, looking at Seyard and Kisa.

Though they didn’t express it directly, they seemed to hope that the couple would drop some kind of explanation.

For example, they might want to know how Duke Hillan, who had been predicted to be the princess’s next fiancé, ended up engaged to a woman with whom he had no connection and who even had a history of broken engagement.

Of course, there was no intention to satisfy their wishes. If there was information they wanted to spread in public, it could be disseminated in other ways.

What the two of them needed to do now was return to their respective homes.

“Well, shall we leave too?”

Seyard extended his arm towards Kisa.

“Yes.”

Kisa gladly placed her hand on his arm.

It was her first time receiving Seyard’s escort in front of people, so she felt a bit excited.

The two of them headed towards the exit, receiving the gazes of everyone in the hall.

By the way, Daniel was still standing nearby.

“Kisa…….”

He had a face that suggested he couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. His eyes were demanding an explanation from Kisa.

What kind of answer was he hoping for? She couldn’t tell, but one thing was clear.

Kisa had nothing to say to him.

 

Chap 39

The Aftermath of the Engagement

The news of Kisa and Seyard’s engagement stirred the capital, or rather the entire kingdom, from the very next day after the charity banquet.

Kisa couldn’t hide her inner surprise when she saw her own article splashed across the front page of the newspaper. Although she had prepared herself thoroughly, the scale of the impact far exceeded her expectations.

It was incomparable to her recent broken engagement with Daniel.

If the broken engagement with Daniel was merely common gossip that attracted people’s interest for about three days before subsiding, the engagement with Seyard was a bomb that would inflame public opinion for well over a month.

This was partly because of the great prestige that the grand noble Hillan ducal family held in the Sorbi Kingdom, and partly because Seyard’s very existence was so dramatic.

Born as the younger of twins, he was the unfortunate one who had to surrender everything to his brother who came into the world just a moment earlier, and was forced into virtual confinement at a monastery.

Of course, to maintain the family’s dignity, they had transferred assets so he could live comfortably in the monastery and provided various conveniences, but compared to the total wealth owned by the Hillan family, it was practically nothing.

Moreover, the story that the family’s generosity was conditional on Seyard staying at the designated monastery was quite openly circulated in social circles.

‘Should this be called heartless or meticulously thorough?’

In any case, from Seyard’s position, if he wanted to leave the monastery, he would have had to give up even what little he possessed.

Was that all? Would the people who so coldly excluded him from the family really have lost interest if he had given up what he had and left the monastery?

Moreover, since he was the sole brother of the next head of the family, the moment he refused the fate given to him, he was in a position easily misunderstood as targeting the family.

It was truly a desperate situation. In such circumstances, what could a young man who had been sent to a monastery before puberty and raised in isolation from society do?

The unfortunate one of the Hillan ducal family, who had been the subject of occasional gossip from the time of his birth until the moment he was driven out, was gradually forgotten.

Most people expected that Seyard Hillan would stay in the monastery until his death, and even after death, would be buried in the common cemetery next to the monastery.

Until four months ago, when, as if by a twist of fate, Vischer Hillan died in a fire accident.

The family’s fortunate and unfortunate sons switched places overnight.

Since Vischer was only engaged to the princess, unmarried with no children, Seyard was his primary heir.

The royal family must have been deeply upset. Vischer and the princess were predicted to marry within a year or two.

If Vischer’s life had been just a little longer, if he had died after marrying the princess, his property would have been inherited by the princess and any children they might have had, and the Hillan family would have had a high possibility of falling completely into the hands of the royal family.

In that sense, time had sided with Seyard. The era did as well.

From what I heard, several of Seyard’s collateral relatives opposed him succeeding as the head of the family, and some even filed lawsuits.

Of course, there was no way the trial would result in their victory.

In the old days when the influence of the twin legend meant no rights were guaranteed to the younger of twins, it might have been different, but the current inheritance law didn’t discriminate between twins or anything else.

The problem was just that people’s perceptions couldn’t keep up; the outdated system bound by superstition had been abolished long ago.

It was incredibly fortunate that Seyard wasn’t born decades earlier.

Anyway, after settling the controversies related to inheritance, he succeeded to the title.

It was only natural that public attention would focus on the new Duke Hillan, who had an unusual background and made a dramatic start.

Moreover, he chose the opera house as the public place to make his first appearance or exhibited eccentric behavior such as spending money like water.

While many were secretly expecting what surprising move he would show next, yesterday’s event broke—the announcement of the engagement with Kisa.

‘It’s no wonder the reaction is explosive…’

According to what the Vansfelt servants conveyed, for the past few days, wherever you went—be it streets, markets, or restaurants—you could see people enthusiastically discussing the engagement of the two.

Even commoners, who were relatively less interested in social affairs due to their busy lives, were like this, so how much more would the nobility be?

It was then. Knock, knock, knock, a cheerful knocking sound echoed through Kisa’s room.

“Come in.”

With permission granted, her nanny entered the room with a basket in her arms.

“Miss! More letters have arrived, this many!”

When she poured the contents of the basket onto the desk, new letters tumbled down on top of those already piled up.

“Ah, I don’t want to know.”

Kisa turned away from the mountain of letters with a weary face.

“Does everyone just eat and write letters?”

When Kisa muttered this complaint to herself, her nanny patted her back as if to comfort her.

“Don’t be too displeased. It’s evidence that you’re engaged to someone extraordinary.”

The nanny had been in an extremely good mood lately, often humming from time to time. The cause, of course, was Kisa’s engagement.

The Vansfelt servants learned about their young mistress’s engagement the day after Count Habertz’s charity banquet.

[Oh, oh, oh, Miss! This article in the newspaper! Is this true? Are you really engaged to Duke Hillan?]

The nanny, who came running with the morning newspaper with her mouth wide open, pressed Kisa. And when Kisa answered yes, she jumped with joy.

[Oh my! Why did you only tell me this important news now? Anyway, this is wonderful news! Congratulations, Miss!]

The nanny, who until just the day before had lamented with a tearful face about where else one could find a groom like Daniel, flipped her stance and sang Seyard’s praises.

[It says here that he fell for you when he first saw you at the Opera House. Well, how pretty is our Miss? Oh my, did he really personally come to the Count and earnestly ask to marry you? How romantic!]

[Yes, something like that.]

[Wait a minute. That means he came to our mansion… My goodness! Was the handsome gentleman who came several times actually the Duke?]

The nanny, who had only heard about it from other servants and hadn’t seen Seyard directly, couldn’t hide her disappointment and kept flipping through the newspaper for a long time.

After the engagement announcement, newspapers were decorated day after day with tidbits of information that Seyard gradually released.

Naturally, these were not the unvarnished truth but information that had been modified by his hand or even newly created.

Seyard, who fell in love at first sight with Kisa when he happened to see her at the Opera House, received permission to marry after an enthusiastic courtship.

This fictitious story, which had also been previously presented to Count Vansfelt, was transmitted to many people through newspapers and, as it was discussed countless times, gradually became the truth.

Oh, needless to say, Seyard had changed the time when he first visited the Vansfelt mansion. After Daniel and Kisa broke their engagement, that is.

To a reporter’s sharp question about whether it was related to the two people’s broken engagement, Seyard reportedly answered glibly:

That when he first saw Kisa, although he felt an intense love, he tried to give up because she already had a fiancé. So when she happened to break off her engagement, he felt like cheering.

Frankly speaking, almost no one seemed to believe those words at face value. Especially those who had questioned Kisa’s broken engagement from the beginning, knowing Count Vansfelt’s tendencies.

Without evidence they couldn’t say it openly, but it appeared everyone thought Duke Hillan was the culprit behind the broken engagement.

Paradoxically, as the perception that he had stolen someone else’s fiancée grew, the public’s response toward Kisa became more favorable.

In fact, in the early stages when only the fact that the two would soon be engaged was known, there were quite a few people who subtly criticized Kisa.

The reason was that she had dared to snatch the person who was supposed to be the fiancé of the precious youngest princess.

Whether fortunate or unfortunate, such responses quickly subsided as more information was released.

After all, if the mighty Duke Hillan wanted it and it was beneficial to the family, how could a mere count’s daughter resist?

In some quarters, there were quibbles that Kisa had bewitched him first, but because Seyard had shown such wild behavior so far, suspicion fell more on him than on Kisa, who had lived quietly.

Perhaps he had been showing an incongruous appearance with this situation in mind? Kisa suspected.

If that were true, it was grateful but not entirely easy to be just grateful.

She found herself feeling concerned that Seyard was being criticized by people who didn’t even know him well.

He was truly a good person.

But it was then. With a knock, Richard, the count’s secretary, came to Kisa’s room.

“Excuse me. Someone has come wanting to meet you, Miss.”

Seeing his subtle expression, Kisa tilted her head.

“Is it Duke Hillan?”

“It’s not the Duke.”

If not, then there shouldn’t be anyone special to come? Because so many people wanted to visit with the aim of digging up information about the two people’s engagement, Vansfelt had decided not to receive most guests for the time being.

Richard, who sighed deeply, scratched his head.

“I too actually had a lot of concerns about whether I should inform you about this person’s visit. But since the Count is away from the mansion on other business, it’s a bit difficult to handle on my own…”

“What kind of guest is it that you’re like this?”

“Well, who it is…”

After hearing his subsequent words, Kisa couldn’t help but stiffen her expression.

Then, after being lost in thought for a moment, she answered that she would meet this surprising visitor.

Shortly after, Kisa faced a woman in the mansion’s reception room.

“What business do you have coming here? Your name is….Hazel, correct?”

In response to Kisa’s question, Hazel Turdy, the owner of the Willow Tree teahouse and Daniel’s woman, opened her mouth.

“Please, Lady Vansfelt.”

With an extremely desperate face.

“Please reconcile with Daniel.”

 

Chap 40

Uninvited Guest

Kisa had to doubt her ears for a moment. After all, what came out of Hazel’s mouth was completely unexpected.

She reflexively examined the person before her.

‘Hazel Turdy…’

The woman Daniel would willingly sacrifice his life to protect forever. According to him, a soulmate with no romantic attraction whatsoever.

Although she had briefly spoken with this woman when she first learned of her existence, this was the first time they were meeting face-to-face in such a calm atmosphere.

At that time, due to Daniel’s presence, Kisa hadn’t had enough time to observe what kind of person this woman was.

Gray hair, somewhat pale complexion, and light brown eyes. Not strikingly beautiful, but her features were harmonious, and her small frame with delicate bones could trigger protective instincts. Plus, she had a calm yet mysterious aura.

Kisa felt she could somewhat understand what had captivated Daniel so deeply about her.

Although there had been no contact since their first meeting, Hazel had always cast a shadow over Kisa’s heart. She wondered what qualities were so exceptional about this woman that she had earned the affection of Daniel, which Kisa herself had desperately wanted for over a decade but never obtained.

It was strange. Just as her feelings for Daniel were fading and such curiosities were gradually diminishing, the day came when she would meet Hazel.

Daniel’s woman was currently watching Kisa with a somewhat dejected expression.

“I’m sorry. I must have startled you by bringing this up so abruptly.”

For someone who had just made such an outrageous statement, her manner was impeccably polite.

After moistening her dry throat with the tea brought by the maid, Kisa spoke.

“First, should I call you Miss Turdy?”

It seemed a bit awkward to call someone with a marriage history ‘Mrs.’ when her spouse had passed away.

“You can just call me by my name. Turdy is my ex-husband’s surname.”

“Fine, Hazel. To answer your question, I’m not so much surprised as I am displeased.”

“Ah…”

“From the beginning, the fact that you came to see me like this is unpleasant. We’re not close enough to visit each other without an appointment, are we?”

Hazel’s gaze dropped downward.

“I have nothing to say about that. I truly apologize. In my urgency, I committed a breach of etiquette.”

It wasn’t particularly sarcastic or insincere. She was genuinely sorry.

And Kisa found that fact deeply unpleasant.

“If you’re busy right now, I can leave and come back when you have time. When would be—”

“That’s enough. Just speak. It would be a waste of time to make you come twice.”

Had she never met Hazel at all, it might have been different, but having heard her suggestion to reconcile with Daniel, she would only feel uneasy sending Hazel away now.

In the first place, Kisa had allowed her into the reception room because she was curious why Hazel had come all this way to see her.

For what purpose?

She had kept her distance from the conflict between Kisa and Daniel as if it were someone else’s business until now.

Even if someone had come to express dissatisfaction with the engagement announcement, Kisa had expected Daniel to come, not Hazel.

“…”

She seemed to have trouble speaking, but eventually gathered her courage and began.

“I know that what I’m about to say will cause you considerable displeasure. I also know I’m in no position to say this. But please believe just one thing: I didn’t come here with any other intention or purpose. I ask that you take my words at face value.”

“…Alright. Let’s hear it.”

“Thank you. As I mentioned earlier, I would like you to…”

She paused briefly, exhaled once, then continued.

“Reconcile with Daniel.”

So what she had heard a few minutes ago was not an auditory hallucination after all.

Kisa silently studied Hazel’s face, as if gauging the hidden intent behind it.

Despite her straight posture and calm expression, she couldn’t hide her nervousness, but there was no sign that she wanted to take back what she had just said.

After a moment, Kisa broke the suffocatingly uncomfortable silence with a voice that revealed no emotion.

“Do you clearly understand what you just said?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Did someone put you up to this or force you to come see me and say those things?”

“Not at all. This is entirely my own will and judgment.”

I see. Your will and judgment, you say. Kisa contemplated Hazel’s words for a while.

How much time had passed? Her blue eyes filled with clear hostility.

Kisa spoke, enunciating each syllable distinctly.

“How dare you.”

How could she make such a demand?

Not just anyone, but her of all people.

She took a moment to catch her breath. It was to refine the wildfire of emotions raging inside her chest.

She didn’t want to unleash raw anger in front of this person who had thrown a bomb at her yet remained surprisingly calm herself.

“It’s natural for you to be angry.”

But while Kisa was carefully considering what to say, Hazel spoke first.

“But could you please set aside your anger for just a moment and consider my request?”

She clasped her hands together with a pitiful expression.

“Daniel has been struggling a lot since breaking up with you. Please give him one more chance.”

“…Chance?”

“Yes, I beg you. Please postpone your engagement to Duke Hillan for a while and have an open, honest conversation with Daniel. Even better if you could restore your relationship to what it once was.”

“In other words, you’re asking me to get engaged to Daniel again and then marry him?”

“That’s right.”

“Why should I do that?”

“Because you love Daniel. I’m sure you don’t want to see him go down the wrong path. But since the broken engagement, Daniel has been going astray. After hearing about your engagement to another man, it’s gotten worse—he drinks every day. His relationship with his father has deteriorated completely too. He’s always been a proud person—”

“Stop.”

Unable to listen anymore, Kisa raised her hand to interrupt Hazel.

“That’s enough. I don’t care how Daniel is doing these days.”

Hazel’s eyebrows drooped at those words.

“I fully understand why you can’t help but hate Daniel. But what’s most important is a person’s life. For the sake of saving Daniel, love rather than hatred—”

“You’re not understanding me. When I say I don’t care, it means I don’t love him anymore.”

She repeated it once more to make it absolutely clear.

“I do not love Daniel.”

Suddenly, Kisa realized this was the first time she had spoken these words aloud.

Since when? Since when had she been able to confidently say she didn’t love him without the slightest hesitation?

“Is… is that so?”

As if she couldn’t believe those words, Hazel blinked for a moment.

“Could it be that you still suspect Daniel and I are in a romantic relationship? That’s truly a misunderstanding! We’re just friends. I swear to heaven I’ve never done anything improper with him!”

Ah, on this point, her claim is identical to his.

In the past, Kisa might have shouted at her not to lie, that such a thing was impossible.

But now, for some reason, their consistent claim didn’t seem suspicious.

No, to be precise, she simply didn’t care anymore.

“Hazel.”

She called the name of the woman so precious to the man she once loved.

“Whether you’re Daniel’s friend or lover isn’t particularly important to me.”

“What?”

“Daniel Lowens, who was so stingy with his affection toward me, gave his whole heart to you, whether as love or friendship. That was disrespectful to me, his fiancée. And that day, I discovered that he had secretly been looking down on me as a fool all along.”

“…”

“That’s the end. That’s where my relationship with Daniel ended. In our conflict, what kind of relationship you truly had with Daniel is just a secondary factor. It’s not that important.”

She had finally reached a clear conclusion on an issue that had been troubling her for a long time.

Ah, now no sense of inferiority toward Hazel would torment Kisa anymore.

As long as she didn’t love Daniel, Hazel was just a stranger Kisa barely knew.

“You said Daniel is struggling a lot? Then comfort him as his soulmate. Daniel would probably prefer that anyway.”

While Kisa’s tone became more relaxed, Hazel’s expression darkened.

“Do you truly mean it when you say you no longer love Daniel?”

“Absolutely.”

“Even so, given your long history with him, couldn’t you save him out of compassion at least?”

Seeing Hazel pleading so desperately, Kisa began to feel more curiosity than anger.

“Why are you trying so hard to bring us back together?”

“Daniel needs you, and I want to help him.”

“So you want to marry me off to Daniel, dump all the duties of a wife on me, while you freely enjoy your friendship with him?”

“No, no! If you wish, I’ll distance myself from him. I could become just a casual friend like his other friends—then I wouldn’t be an eyesore to you, would I?”

“You’re still not saying you’ll never see Daniel again.”

Startled, Hazel waved both hands.

“That’s not it. If it’s your wish, of course I’ll obey. I can leave his side anytime.”

Kisa’s eyes narrowed.

“Is it really true that there’s no romantic feeling between you two?”

“Of course. We’re just friends.”

Looking at the seemingly innocent woman’s face, Kisa moved her lips.

“Liar.”

It was a cold, low voice.

“You love Daniel, don’t you?”