Chapter 110

However, the situation was quickly resolved, thanks to the appearance of a professor with great presence.

As soon as Professor Karel appeared, the female students surrounding Chase scattered like the parting of the sea.

“The graduation ceremony is about to begin. What are you all doing, causing such a commotion? Return to your seats immediately.”

Before Professor Karel even finished speaking, the female students dispersed to their respective seats.

As expected, he was a figure feared by all the students.

‘But when you get to know him, he’s actually quite meticulous and kind… Maybe it’s his stoic demeanor that makes him seem so intimidating.’

Perhaps Judith was the only one in the academy who truly understood Professor Karel’s true nature. Thinking about that made her feel a twinge of pity.

At that moment, Professor Karel approached Judith and her group and spoke to them.

“You all should return to your seats as well. Wandering around like this is what causes such disturbances.”

At his words, both Rodein and Chase, unusually tense, responded loudly, 

“Yes, sir!”  

Judith also thanked him and was about to turn around when Professor Karel suddenly stopped her.

“Wait, Judith.”

“Yes?”

When she turned back to look at him, he responded with a rare, gentle smile.

“Congratulations on your graduation. I almost forgot to say that.”

Hearing those words, Judith felt a lump in her throat.

For a fleeting moment, memories of the past semester flashed through her mind.

Professor Karel had taught her the importance of dreams and had cared for her like a parent in place of her late parents.  

In fact, she felt as though she owed him more for what he had done for her in one semester than for all three years she had spent at the academy.  

With a bright smile, Judith bowed deeply to him in gratitude.

“Thank you so much, Professor!”

***

The graduation ceremony proceeded uneventfully after that.

The principal’s dull speech ended quickly, with Judith stifling yawns and blinking a few times. Before she knew it, Axel Fedelian, the Student Council president, stepped forward as the representative of the graduates.

Standing before the lined-up students, Axel scanned the crowd and began to speak.

“Thinking that today is the last day we’ll wear these uniforms feels strange. During our time at the academy, there were happy moments, sad moments, and difficult moments. But I hope that when you look back, they’ll all remain as good memories.”

Although Axel was addressing the entire crowd of students, Judith felt as though he was speaking directly to her.

Perhaps it was because his gaze remained fixed in her direction.

Regardless, Axel’s speech continued.

“Thank you for trusting me and supporting me as your Student Council president, despite my shortcomings. I sincerely wish you all the best as you embark on your individual journeys. With that, I conclude this graduation ceremony. Congratulations to all the graduates.”

With those words, the graduation ceremony ended amidst loud cheers.

‘I probably won’t see Axel again after this.’

Although she had been invited to Axel and Riana’s engagement ceremony, Judith had no intention of maintaining a close relationship with the couple afterward.

It wasn’t just because she felt uncomfortable—it was also because Chase wouldn’t want that.

Judith had no intention of forcing Chase to do something he didn’t want to do.

Moreover, both she and Chase would be busy adjusting to their new jobs, and Axel would be preoccupied preparing to inherit the position of Duke.  

Judith believed that, with the excuse of being busy, their connections and memories would naturally fade over time.

Still, as Axel had said earlier, she hoped that when he looked back, the time they had spent together would remain as good memories and that he wouldn’t regret it.

As soon as the graduation ceremony ended, Rodesha came bounding over with her younger brother, Rodein.

Today was not only graduation day but also the day the Roziena siblings would visit Judith and Chase’s new home.

Hannah had a prior commitment with her family, so they had already arranged for her to visit next week.

“Wow, that was so boring I nearly fell asleep. Are we heading straight to your house now?”

“Yes, I’ve prepared lots of delicious food, so look forward to it.”

Judith smiled brightly and boarded the carriage with the three of them.

***

After about half an hour of riding in the carriage, they arrived at their destination. As soon as Rodesha saw the exterior of the house, she couldn’t hide her amazement.

“Wow, I can’t believe there’s such a beautiful mansion in the middle of the capital.”

The white-painted wooden house was elegantly wrapped in green vines, and beyond its blue roof stretched a dense forest of conifer trees.

“Even though it’s close to the city, the abundance of trees makes it feel secluded and peaceful.”

“The natural surroundings and the architecture are both so charming and elegant.”

As Rodesha and Rodein each made a comment, Judith responded with a proud smile.

“It’s a renovated building. It’s one of the properties passed down through the Cardandy family.”

Chase, standing behind Judith, grinned at the Roziena siblings’ compliments and led everyone into the mansion.

The once desolate garden had been tidied up over the winter break with the help of a gardener, and new evergreen trees had been planted to enhance its beauty.

Inside, the freshly painted white walls and antique furniture greeted them.

Admiring the polished shine of the old furniture, Rodesha exclaimed in amazement.

“Wow, they must have used high-quality wood. Maintaining this kind of shine must have been a lot of work.”

“These pieces were already part of the house. Since they were in good condition, we decided to restore and reuse them.”

“That was a great idea. It makes the house feel even more sophisticated.”

After exploring the house and admiring its interior, the Roziena siblings eventually collapsed onto the living room sofa, exhausted.

“Wow, just walking around the first and second floors has worn me out.”

“Take a rest. Chase and I will prepare dinner.”

“Oh, right! Judith.”

At that moment, Rodesha suddenly remembered something and jumped up from her seat.

She opened the large bag she had left on the living room floor and began pulling out various items.

“Here, take this, Judith. It felt wrong to come to a housewarming empty-handed, so we brought some gifts.”

Despite Judith repeatedly telling them beforehand that there was no need to bring gifts, the Roziena siblings had stubbornly brought a variety of items.

Inside were beautiful dishes, teacups, wool slippers, and tablecloths—all practical items for decorating the house.

“You really didn’t have to…”

Feeling flustered, Judith broke out in a cold sweat, but the Roziena siblings looked at her with satisfied expressions.

“We specifically chose simple designs that would match your new home. Do you like them?”

Even though she had told them not to bring anything, receiving the gifts did make her happy.

Noticing Judith’s joy, Rodesha nudged Rodein with her elbow and said,  

“See? I told you she’d like it.”

“You’re right. I was worried she might feel burdened, but I’m glad she’s happy.”

In the end, not only were the housewarming gifts perfect, but the housewarming meal was also a great success.

The chef sent by the Cardandy family had already prepared a splendid feast.

Of course, Judith and Chase had to put in some effort to set the table, reheat the food, and serve drinks, but it made the experience all the more enjoyable.

As they ate, drank, and chatted noisily, the night deepened.

Eventually, the Roziena siblings passed out from drinking too much, leaving Chase to carry them to the guest rooms with great effort.

When Chase returned to Judith’s side, she was standing by the window, gazing at the starry night sky.

“You’re back?”

Hearing his approach, Judith turned around, and Chase, instead of answering, wrapped his arms around her waist naturally.

He gazed at her lovingly.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing. I’m just happy.”

As Judith was about to laugh at his silly comment, Chase followed up with a heartfelt confession.

“Judith, I love you.”

Though flustered, Judith hesitated for a moment before responding.

“…I love you too.”

Hearing her reply, Chase gently caressed her cheek as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

Then, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. Judith responded by wrapping her arms around him, deepening the kiss.

At that moment, a long-forgotten memory surfaced in Judith’s mind.

It was from a time long ago when she had angrily scolded Axel for announcing his engagement to Riana.

As she had tried to leave the scene, unable to bear staying any longer, someone had stopped her.

When she turned around—.

‘Hey, isn’t this yours?’

The silver hair, now so familiar, had belonged to Chase, though Judith hadn’t realized it at the time

She had snatched her fountain pen from his hand, muttering a small, “Thanks.”

As she tried to leave again, the boy behind her grabbed her sleeve once more.

Annoyed, she turned to glare at him, and he had said—what was it again?  

‘Take this too.’

What he handed her was a handkerchief.

Pointing to her tear-streaked face, he gestured for her to wipe it.

‘So that boy was Chase…’

Looking up at Chase’s face now, Judith stared at him intently. Surprised, he asked,  

“What? Why?”

“…It’s nothing.”

No matter what had happened in the past, what mattered was the present.  

With you by my side, I’m sure the days ahead will be just as exciting and joyful as they are now.

Thinking that, Judith couldn’t stop smiling with happiness.

*Main Story Complete*