Chapter 103

However, despite her question, no clear answer came from Chase.  

Moreover, Chase’s face looked utterly blank, as if he were dazed, like someone who had just woken up from a deep sleep.  

Then Chase began to mutter something incomprehensible.  

“Do you think it’s true that people change when they’re about to die?”  

“Huh? What are you suddenly talking about?”  

“When I was talking to Father… he said something so unexpected that I was completely taken aback.”  

“What exactly happened during the conversation for you to say that? Did he say something unpleasant to you?”  

Judith asked with a worried look, but Chase shook his head as if to say that wasn’t the case.  

“No, it wasn’t anything like that. It’s just… he asked me a lot of questions about myself. He seemed really curious about what made me decide to leave the family.”  

Hearing Chase’s answer, Judith sighed in relief and nodded in agreement.  

“Really? Then isn’t that a good thing?”  

“…That’s true. He also explained why he had been so strict with me. So, I’ve come to understand that Father wasn’t harsh to me without reason… but…”  

Chase trailed off with a deep sigh and sat down beside Judith. Leaning deeply into the sofa, he rubbed his face wearily.  

“How should I put it? I feel kind of empty right now.”  

Having grown up harboring resentment in a corner of his heart since childhood, Chase now seemed lost, unsure of what to do with these displaced emotions.  

He rested his head on Judith’s shoulder and closed his eyes. Judith raised one arm, gently stroking his hair and patting his back.  

“Even though I understand everything after hearing Father’s explanation, it’s not like my resentment just disappears immediately… I don’t know what to do.”  

“That’s understandable.”  

Judith quietly empathized with him.  

“I also once admired and respected Madame Fedelian as if she were my own mother. That’s why it’s still hard for me to go against her words… and I find myself constantly trying not to disappoint her.”  

At her words, Chase turned his head to meet Judith’s gaze.  

“Now that I think about it, maybe I’m not the only one being childish. You must have had your own struggles growing up, Judith…”  

“Oh, I’ve already let all that go, so I’m fine now. You’re still in the process of adjusting, though.”  

Fortunately, Chase still had the chance to improve his relationship with his family.  

The Earl, who had been so awkward last time, must have been deeply hurt by Chase’s resentment.  

Although he hadn’t been able to express it outwardly due to various circumstances or embarrassment, there was hope that things could change if they both put in the effort.  

And as a result of those efforts, it seemed Chase was slowly but surely opening his heart to the Earl, even if it felt unfamiliar to him.  

After all, Chase had always avoided talking about the Earl, but now he was the one bringing up the topic himself.  

It was a good decision to revisit the Cardandy estate, even if Chase had opposed it.  

Witnessing the misunderstandings and conflicts that had built up over the years between father and son begin to unravel, Judith couldn’t help but feel proud.  

Just then, Chase suddenly spoke, as if something had come to mind.  

“Oh, right. Father also mentioned this earlier. He said it’s fine to delay the wedding, but how about having a simple engagement ceremony? Just with family and close friends.”  

“An engagement ceremony?”  

“Yeah.”  

Judith furrowed her brows in thought before responding.  

“If the elders wish for it, I wouldn’t mind… but we’ll definitely need to invite Madame Fedelian.”  

“Of course. She’s the one who raised you since you were little, so we should. Oh, and Father also said he’d arrange a house for us to live in after the engagement ceremony.”  

“Ah.”  

Judith had already heard about this offer, but she had been planning to decline, considering Chase’s position.  

“Are you… okay with accepting it?”  

“I’m not sure. Father said he’s offering it as a gesture of reconciliation, so it feels wrong to refuse. And besides, the property he’s suggesting…”  

He reached into his coat pocket, rummaging for something. After a moment, he pulled out a bundle of papers.  

“It’s a villa I used to visit with Father and Mother a few times when I was a child. He said we could choose a new house if we wanted, but if I’m okay with it, we could live there.”  

“…”  

Judith blinked blankly at the documents in her hands.  

When she looked up to gauge Chase’s reaction, it was clear that the place held a lot of sentimental value for him.  

Perhaps Chase had already made up his mind.  

“So… if you’re okay with it, how about we visit the place together when we have some time?”  

“Sure.”  

“What?”  

“I’m fine with anywhere. As long as I’m with you. But where is this house located?”  

Judith tilted her head in curiosity, and Chase, his face turning red, replied.  

“…It’s a few hours away by carriage. It’s on the outskirts of the capital, but it’s relatively close to the academy, so it won’t be inconvenient for your commute.”  

“And you?”  

“I can just ride my horse, so it’s fine. It’ll take me about half an hour.”  

“Hmm, I see.”  

“I think you’ll like it when you see it. It’s comfortable for two people to live in, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful.”  

“Now you’re making me look forward to it.”  

Chase smiled brightly at Judith’s response.  

“The building is a bit old, but Father said he’d renovate it if we wanted. So when we visit, let me know if there’s anything you’d like to change.”  

“I feel a bit bad, like we’re relying on him too much.”  

“You don’t have to worry about that. Besides, I’ll be helping out at the estate by overseeing the Knight Order’s training.”  

After their brief discussion, Chase grinned, looking relieved.  

“Anyway… I was worried about where we’d live after leaving the dormitory, but that’s settled now. Let’s visit soon. We’ll need to furnish it with the necessary furniture and supplies.”  

“Alright. But before we leave, I should pay my respects to the Earl. I want to thank him personally.”  

“Father probably didn’t think much of it, though…”  

“Still, since I’m already here, I’d like to express my gratitude.”  

When Judith insisted, Chase couldn’t bring himself to stop her.  

***

This was the third time Judith had spoken with the Earl, but it was still a nerve-wracking experience.  

When she knocked on the door and announced her purpose, the Earl immediately rose from his seat to greet her warmly.  

“You must be tired from traveling such a long way, yet you came to see me personally. Thank you.”  

“No, not at all. I actually wanted to greet you as soon as I arrived, but I thought your conversation with Chase was more important. Um, Chase told me about the engagement and the house. Thank you so much for taking care of us in so many ways.”  

Judith bowed politely to the Earl, who dismissed it with a wave of his hand.  

“It’s nothing. I had planned to do this from the moment the engagement was arranged. If the house doesn’t suit you, feel free to let me know. I owe you a lot, so I’ll do my best to help however I can.”  

Surprised by the Earl’s words, Judith quickly waved her hands in protest.  

“Owe me? I’m practically part of the family already. And thanks to you, Chase seems much more at ease now.”  

Judith hesitated for a moment before continuing.  

“This was something I couldn’t resolve on my own, so I was really worried. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you two have reconciled. I’m sure Chase is incredibly happy about it too.”  

Hearing her words, the Earl finally realized how much Judith cared for Chase.  

“…I always thought it was just Chase who was deeply attached to you, but now I see that you care for him just as much, Judith.”  

Embarrassed, Judith blushed and replied.  

“Yes, that’s right. While you were the one who arranged it, Chase is such a wonderful person. So… we’ll try our best to support each other and live well.”  

“…Good. If that’s the case, I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you. That puts my mind at ease.”  

The Earl spoke with a bittersweet smile.  

Though the engagement hadn’t started with the best intentions, seeing the two genuinely in love and caring for each other lifted a significant weight off his shoulders.  

For the first time, the Earl felt a sense of true relief.