Chapter 17 – Part 17

There is a military academy on the outskirts of Rosen’s capital.

Next to it, where the sounds of young cadets’ training never ceased, was a smaller institution—a military academy for young boys.

Viscount Brennan watched with pride, knowing that soon Charlie would attend that school.

The thought that Charlie, who had been frail since childhood, wanted to continue the family tradition and become a soldier filled him with emotion. Charlie had grown noticeably taller and more robust, looking increasingly dignified.

“I wonder if Liese is doing well.”

Walking along a path near the school, Viscount Brennan murmured. Mrs. Joanna, pushing his wheelchair, smiled.

“She must be doing well. After all, she’s with the Duke.”

“Even so… I should have said goodbye before coming to the capital.”

“Don’t be disheartened. You didn’t want to interrupt her time with the Duke, remember?”

When Viscount Brennan remained silent, the nanny continued to console him.

“Once Master Charlie enrolls, we can return to Bachmann and visit her.”

“Yes, His Grace must be taking good care of her. Thanks to him, Charlie is so lively.”

Since Liese met Marcus, the entire Brennan family seemed to be enjoying unexpected fortunes.

Even the military academy’s arrangements had been surprising. When they received the news last year that temporary accommodations had been arranged for Charlie, Viscount Brennan had assumed it was just a benefit for the students.

But later, he was astonished to learn that Marcus, who had never visited his alma mater after graduation, had personally visited the school, showed great interest in the curriculum, and even attended a parade review.

Following the Duke’s unusual visit, the school had introduced a system providing temporary housing for new students from outside the capital before their official enrollment.

Naturally, Charlie was one of the beneficiaries. As a result, Charlie had been able to explore Rosen and receive preliminary education with future classmates, becoming more outgoing.

Perhaps the system was created after the school learned that the Duke’s potential heir was about to enroll. Regardless of the specifics, it was a fortunate turn of events for everyone involved. Viscount Brennan and the nanny both beamed with delight.

“The Duke isn’t one to seek credit, so it’s hard to express our gratitude openly…”

“Still, it might be a good idea to visit the Duke’s residence with a gift soon, don’t you think?”

“Indeed.”

“Yes, by then we might have some good news as well.”

Viscount Brennan smiled brightly. He only hoped that his granddaughter would now live a healthy life filled with love.

***

The long night passed, and dawn broke.

Pale blue light poured into the narrow clinic, and the chirping of industrious birds could be heard from outside.

The sound gradually woke Liese. Realizing she had awakened in an unfamiliar place, she instinctively tensed and shivered. Immediately, a figure leaned over her.

“…!”

“Shh, it’s alright.”

A warm palm covered her cheek, calming her. Liese looked up at Marcus, who had risen from the makeshift chair beside the bed.

“It’s the clinic. Remember?”

“Yes, last night…”

Trailing off, Liese glanced over Marcus, who showed no signs of having slept.

“Did you stay up all night?”

“I’m used to sleepless nights.”

He spoke with a light, joking tone.

“Thanks to that, I got to watch you sleep.”

Marcus placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. After a couple more kisses, he sat beside Liese, at the same eye level as the previous night.

Sitting up slowly, Liese tightly held Marcus’s hand. He looked down at her hand, then met her eyes again.

“Would you like to eat? It’s a bit early, but I’d like you to have something.”

Liese nodded willingly.

“Let’s eat together.”

“I’m fine. Is there anything in particular you want?”

Liese hesitated, rolling her eyes, before finally speaking.

“Um… I want walnut bread.”

Her face blushed as she cautiously made her request. Marcus couldn’t help but smile at her shy wish.

“I’ll have someone get it for you. I’d prefer to show my sincerity by going by myself, but…”

He added, planting another kiss, “I need to stay by your side.” As he stood to call for someone, Marcus realized that Liese was still holding his hand tightly.

He looked at her with eyes that seemed to ask why. Swallowing nervously, Liese extended her arms and hugged Marcus.

Momentarily stiff from the unexpected embrace, he soon hugged her back. He held her tightly, ensuring no winter chill could touch her, and buried his face in her neck.

“Are you scared?”

Instead of answering, Liese shook her head. It wasn’t the unfamiliar environment or the presence inside her that frightened her.

The baby, which had been so quiet that she hadn’t realized she was pregnant. She had only learned of its existence last night, yet her affection for the child had grown rapidly. How much time had passed since she tried to deny it? The human heart can change so drastically.

‘…Maybe it’s thanks to you.’

If not for Marcus, if he hadn’t awakened the deep-seated love within her, would she have felt such a strong affection for their child?

Moreover, despite being busy, her health had been poor enough to marvel at how she had stayed healthy, and both she and the baby were said to be safe.

Liese couldn’t ignore those words. She felt proud and sorry for the child who had survived in a body she hadn’t cared for properly.

Marcus seemed displeased with that fact. Though her eyes were closed last night, she had heard every word clearly.

In a calm voice, he had asked the doctor if Liese would recover faster without the baby.

As if the only thing in his sight was Liese, just as it had always been.

“Lieselotte.”

Marcus spoke first, as if he could see right through Liese’s thoughts.

“Even if we have a child together, no one could ever mean more to me than you.”

Liese looked up at him while still hugging him. Marcus cupped her flushed cheeks.

“Honestly, it would be a lie to say I’m happy about the child. To me, it’s just something that could harm you.”

“Marcus…”

“Last night, I wanted to say we could consider other options. Because you’re the most precious thing in the world to me.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed once as he swallowed. Liese guessed he was about to say something truly heartfelt.

“Your will is just as important, and I promise I won’t push you against your will. I won’t do anything foolish again.”

Marcus had come this far because he wanted to cherish her. Liese could sense his determination in his firm voice.

“Tell me, Liese. I want to know how you feel.”

“…”

“I’ll respect whatever decision you make.”

Liese buried her face in his chest again, fearing she might burst into tears if she tried to speak. Marcus seemed somewhat taken aback. Seeing the woman who had faced the news of her pregnancy without fear now on the verge of breaking down surprised him.

“Liese, it’s alright. Everything will be alright.”

His deep voice whispered reassuringly in her ear. His clumsy hand patted her shoulder slowly. Liese felt like crying even more.

“You’ll be okay. I’m here with you.”

When the past suddenly overwhelmed her at the party, it was Marcus who had comforted her, warming her with his embrace and telling her everything would be alright.

Her nose stung, and her eyes grew hot. Whenever she looked back, Marcus had always been the one to offer a helping hand during her most difficult times, always staying by her side.

Leaning her cheek against his broad chest, Liese sobbed quietly. Marcus, keenly aware of her silent tears, held her shoulders and faced her.

“Why are you crying? Does it hurt somewhere?”

“Marcus.”

Liese gasped for breath, almost like she was hiccupping, as sobs threatened to spill from her throat. It was still hard to open up to him completely. But with a sliver of courage, she managed to continue.

“I… I had something I wanted to tell you when you came back to the house.”

It was the truth she had intended to confess before she felt the sudden pain and fainted.

“I missed you.”

Her voice, thin as a thread, carried her confession. She felt it was a pitiful and humble declaration, and her cheeks burned red. Nonetheless, Liese reached out with trembling hands to touch Marcus.

“Not a day went by when I didn’t think of you. Even though it tormented me, I never stopped missing you.”

The emotions she had kept hidden beneath the dark surface, feelings that had grown so large they scared her, she now cautiously revealed.

“I wanted to see you.”

Her hand, trembling, cupped his face. Though her fingers were cold with nervousness, Marcus remained still, his blue eyes softly trembling.

“I’m so grateful you’re here with me now. I’m sorry for leaving you so cowardly. I was foolish.”

Liese regretted doubting if she could fill the void in his heart. It was Marcus who had filled the empty spaces in hers.

All this time, he had never taken his eyes off her. Showering her with love, he had been the first to whisper words of affection. Even if his way was twisted, his love for her had never faded. Liese knew this.

Perhaps that was why she hadn’t realized it. That Marcus was filling her void, and that she needed him just as much. It was only after they were apart that she understood.

“I know how you feel, Liese. I meant it when I said I felt the same.”

Marcus bent to kiss the top of her head.

“That’s why I’m here. So there’s no need to struggle to tell me.”

“I want to say it.”

Liese shook her head, hugging him tighter. She didn’t want to keep her feelings bottled up any longer.

“I’m sorry for only confessing now, Marcus.”

“…”

“I love you.”