Chapter 5.4

Ryan blinked in surprise, not expecting such a reaction from Lucas, especially not from Jayden.

“Whether it’s half a year, a year, or longer, are you going to tie Wendy down and make her wait all that time? No.”

“……Lucas. You really sounded like Wendy’s brother just now. Almost like Jayden.”

“If it were Jayden, he’d have grabbed you by the collar already.”

“Ah, he would.”

That’s why I called you, Lucas.

Ryan fiddled with the empty glass in his hands. It was the first time Lucas saw him struggling and contemplating like this.

Lucas poured a drink into his glass.

“I didn’t know you’d be like this. I feel like I did something unnecessary.”

“Hm?”

“His Highness the Crown Prince asked for an objective opinion, so I recommended you. I thought it was a good opportunity for you.”

“Wow, I’m touched. You did it for me?”

For you? Could that be true?

The Crown Prince asked for an objective opinion, so he answered candidly. Ryan’s competence was undeniable, and his past achievements sufficiently supported that fact.

So naturally…

“I can’t say I did it for you. I just recommended the right person.”

Yes, that was it. Among the three candidates, Ryan was the most suitable, and it just so happened that Ryan was his friend.

“That’s like you. Still, I should thank you for valuing my abilities.”

Ryan smiled, and Lucas fell silent.

When he saw Ryan Serandon’s name on the candidate list. Before checking the credentials of other candidates, he suddenly decided to send Ryan. 

Was it because he is my friend or…

***

“I was assigned a mission on short notice. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

She had been nervous, thinking he had something important to say—only for him to suddenly announce his departure. The unexpected goodbye had left her bewildered. As Wendy stared blankly, Ryan had looked terribly apologetic and regretful.

“I feel bad about proposing, and I don’t have the nerve to ask you to wait for me.”

She knew it was Ryan’s way of being considerate. It was unfair to tie her down with an engagement when there was no promise of a return. So, part of her was relieved he didn’t propose. Leaving was as sudden as an engagement would have been.

“When I return, if there’s no one else for you, would you look at me then?”

What did I say then?

She couldn’t remember. 

Did I even answer?

Did I nod? Shake my head? Or just stand there blankly?

“Wendy.”

Lucas approached Wendy, who was staring endlessly at the garden. Without a word, he draped the shawl the Dowager Duchess had sent over her shoulders and sat beside her.

The Dowager Duchess had invited her to introduce a guest visiting the Duke’s residence today, and Wendy had gladly come. But after having just a cup of tea, she went out to the garden for some air and hadn’t returned.

The flowers Wendy liked had all fallen, and more than half of the colorful autumn leaves had dropped, so there was nothing much to see.

“Why are you so down?”

“Ah.”

“Because of Ryan?”

Wendy just smiled quietly. She realized she had expected a lot from Ryan. She thought it would be okay with him, that things would go well.

But on the other hand, she felt relieved. 

Was this really okay? Could I really accept it as it was? 

She had those insecurities.

Wendy truly didn’t know what her heart wanted or what she wanted to do. Whether she knew it or not, the conclusion had already been reached.

“It’s a good thing for Ryan. I should be happy.”

Wendy smiled as she tightened the shawl.

It was indeed a good opportunity for Ryan. That’s why, even with a face that seemed neither smiling nor crying, he decided to go.

“Cheer up. Winter is coming soon. You like winter, don’t you?”

Lucas’s large hand gently patted Wendy’s round head. Wendy didn’t bother to avoid his touch and opened her mouth.

“I do like it, I really do.”

Wendy’s face turned slightly mischievous as she looked at Lucas.

“But this winter feels like it’ll be especially cold. Looks like another year of missing out on couple dates with my friends.”

“Oh dear. Want some help?”

“From you, Lucas?”

“Wouldn’t I be better than Jayden?”

“No, thanks. Where would you even find the time for that?”

“Well. I’m not particularly busy at the end of the year.”

Wendy stared intently at Lucas, as if asking, ‘Are you forgetting something now?’ However, Lucas had no idea why Wendy was looking at him that way. So, he waited for her to speak, but the butler hurried over.

“Your Grace, the Dowager Duchess is calling for you.”

“Hmm?”

“Lady Seira Brighton has arrived.”

“……”

“See? I told you, you wouldn’t have time to spend with me.”

Wendy got up first. Then she urged him to get up, seeing his puzzled face.

“Hurry up. You shouldn’t keep an important guest waiting.”

***

“Hello, Your Grace.”

The long silver-haired woman, who had been greeting the Dowager Duchess, turned around.

Her soft silver hair fluttered like a curtain made of snow, revealing her face. Her blue eyes, reminiscent of the cold northern sky, gently curved as she looked at Lucas.

“Welcome, Lady Seira.”

Having already exchanged greetings before, Lucas gave her a short nod. Seira curtsied slightly in return.

Meanwhile, Wendy was staring blankly at Seira.

She was calm and elegant as she conversed quietly with Lucas. Wendy already knew from the portrait shown by the Dowager Duchess that she was beautiful, but in person, she was even more stunning.

Her cool impression made her seem well-matched with Lucas. Anyone else would have surely felt the same.

As the brief conversation ended, Seira’s gaze turned to Wendy, who stood next to Lucas.

“Miss Wendy Rosewood?”

“Oh, yes. Hello. Nice to meet you.”

Caught off guard, Wendy hurriedly greeted her. Despite the rushed greeting, Seira smiled gracefully.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Seira Brighton. I’ve heard a lot about you from the Dowager Duchess. I’m not familiar with the capital, so please take care of me.”

“Oh, yes.”

“I’m going to see the Dowager Duchess. Would you like to join me for some tea?”

“Oh, yes.”

Like a parrot learning to speak, Wendy only managed short replies.

Seira smiled sweetly and turned first.

“……”

What is this feeling?

Wendy wasn’t nervous. Seira wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. Nor was she shy or reserved enough to be considered introverted.

If she had to describe it, maybe it was a resigned acceptance mixed with understanding. She thought, ‘If it’s a woman like her, she’s more than enough to be by Lucas’s side, and I really can’t compare.’

“Wendy?”

“Let’s go, Lucas. You shouldn’t keep an important guest waiting.”

Wendy moved lightly.

Somehow, she felt relieved. It seemed the time had finally come to let go of even the remnants of her lingering feelings. Now she could sweep it all away.

***

“Is she that beautiful?”

“Yes. She suits Lucas well.”

“That’s a problem.”

Helen crossed her arms seriously. However, Wendy, unlike Helen, indifferently picked up a chocolate.

“Why is it a problem?”

“Well, you know. As soon as Sir Ryan left, the Duke’s fiancée appeared, so you must feel troubled.”

“They’re not engaged yet.”

“But if she came all the way from the far North to see the Duke, it’s practically decided, isn’t it?”

“I suppose.”

Despite the conversation between Helen and Bestie, Wendy was focused on the chocolate. The chocolate melting on her tongue was sweet yet slightly bitter.

Maybe there was brandy inside. It wasn’t a taste Wendy particularly liked.

“Wendy, what are you going to do now? The social season is almost over, and it’s hard to meet other men. Won’t you be upset if the Duke marries before you?”

“Is this a race? Why does it matter who gets married first?”

“Bestie, you’ve already crossed the finish line, you should stay out of this.”

With her friends bickering as usual, Wendy was engrossed in the chocolates in front of her.

The chocolates, shaped like hearts, squares, circles, and decorated with coconut powder, almonds, and other colored chocolates, were pretty but tasted just okay.

Helen snatched the box of chocolates from in front of Wendy, who was pondering what to try next.

“Is this the time to be distracted by chocolates?”

“So what? Not eating them won’t change anything.”

“Why are you so calm?”

Even though she had become much more indifferent, Wendy sometimes felt down or discouraged because of Lucas. Whether it was lingering feelings or something else, Helen thought that unrequited love was really persistent and worried about Wendy this time.

It was upsetting enough that Ryan, who seemed promising, left without a promise of return, but then, a fiancée, or rather a prospective fiancée, appeared for the Duke of Devon.

The timing was impeccable.

Yet Wendy was so calm, almost indifferent, it was surprising.

The problem was, instead of feeling reassured, it made Helen more anxious. She wondered why Wendy was like this.

“Lady Seira is my ideal type. Like a single lily blooming on a snowy field.”

Seira was close to the ideal lady Wendy imagined.

Elegant, mature, calm, and intelligent. She was so dignified and noble that she blended into the stately Devon Ducal Household without being overshadowed.

She was a woman who seemed to fit the position of the Duchess of Devon with Lucas, and it would be strange if they didn’t end up together. At least that’s how Wendy felt.