Chapter 86

Hannah had an expression that seemed to say she couldn’t understand why Judith was hesitating.

In response, Judith stammered out an explanation.

“But this might worsen Chase’s relationship with his family…”

Of course, it already seemed bad enough as it was, but that didn’t mean she wanted things to get worse because he was siding with her.

“That’s something he’ll handle himself.”

“…And there’s the problem of whether the noble students will even acknowledge a commoner like me as a professor.”

“Sure, there might be some difficulties like that. But isn’t your direct superior Professor Karel? No matter what they think of you deep down, they wouldn’t dare act out in front of you because they’re too scared of him. So don’t worry.”

Hannah’s words sounded very convincing. It made all the agonizing Judith had been doing seem foolish.

However, reality wasn’t so easy, and Judith couldn’t make a decision lightly. Night fell as she continued to hesitate.

Lying in bed, Judith kept going over and over the matter in her mind.

Eventually, she thought that all these concerns were something she should discuss with Professor Karel during a consultation.

The next day, as soon as her classes were over, Judith went to Professor Karel’s office.

It was the end of the semester, a busy time for professors as well. She worried about taking up his time unnecessarily, but nonetheless, she knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door swung open. Professor Karel appeared with a rather annoyed expression.

“Who on earth— oh, Judith. What brings you here all of a sudden?”

Though surprised and flustered, Professor Karel stepped aside to let her in.

Judith hesitated for a moment before walking in and biting her lip. Finally, she stated her purpose.

“Professor, if it’s all right with you, could I ask for some advice?”

Hearing this, Professor Karel widened his eyes briefly but then nodded as if he understood.

It was as though he had been expecting her to come to him at some point.

As soon as she sat down, the professor carefully brewed tea and brought it over.

“I was actually waiting for you to ask for a consultation. I was worried you might graduate without saying a word, so I’m glad you came to see me today.”

“…”

“Since you’ve come to me, I take it you’ve already talked to Chase? He may not seem like it, but that boy seems to care about you quite a bit.”

“Yes, Chase was the one who first made the suggestion, which gave me the courage to consider it. But there are still a few things I’m concerned about…”

Judith poured out her worries to Professor Karel in detail.

From the challenges a commoner might face as a supplementary professor, to the working hours and environment, she explained everything.

It was as though Professor Karel had anticipated her questions, as he began explaining everything in detail.

“Working hours vary depending on the subject, but accounting isn’t particularly busy on a regular basis. Of course, there are times when it can get very hectic, but I’ll adjust things to suit your circumstances. If you’d like, in addition to assisting me, you can also conduct supplementary lessons at your discretion. And as you know…”

He added that if she became a supplementary professor, he would give her his full support.

Not only that, but he also mentioned that other professors highly valued her diligence and excellence.

“More importantly, if you become a supplementary professor, you could inspire other talented students who, like you, are commoners and feel held back by their status. It would give them confidence.”

The idea that her choice could impact the future of other students was a perspective she hadn’t considered before.

To think that there were so many possibilities for her future.

Unlike the past, when she had suffered from unrequited love for Axel and despaired over her life, Judith now felt a new sense of hope growing within her.

After a long consultation, Judith finally made her decision.

“Professor, I’d like to take on the position of supplementary professor.”

***

At the Fedelian mansion.

After Judith left the drawing room, only a cold silence remained inside.

Madame Fedelian unconsciously glanced at Axel.

Even though quite some time had passed since Judith had left, Axel continued staring at the spot where she had been sitting, as if searching for some trace of her.

No matter how long you look, Judith, who has already left, isn’t coming back.

The words almost escaped her lips, but she held them back.

She had intended to wait for Axel to speak to her first, but seeing his demeanor, she had no idea when that might happen.

In the end, Madame Fedelian broke the silence herself.

“Axel.”

At the sound of his name, Axel turned his head toward her.

His expression was as composed as ever, but Madame Fedelian could sense the turmoil in his eyes.

Was Judith really that important to Axel? To react this way over just a few words.

Seeing the darkness in Axel’s eyes, Madame Fedelian found herself at a loss for words. Her own reflection, looking flustered, was visible in his gaze.

Realizing this, she bit her lip and tried to compose herself. She couldn’t let Axel see her like this.

But then, Axel, who had kept his lips tightly shut, finally spoke.

“Did you expect Judith to respond this way?”

“What?”

“I’m asking if you anticipated Judith would reject me so firmly. Is that why you told me to hide and listen to her, saying we should find out her true feelings?”

How should I answer this?

It was a completely unexpected question. But Madame Fedelian knew what her response had to be. She had to feign ignorance.

Under no circumstances could Axel find out that she had summoned Judith to the mansion with the intent of making him give up on her.

Feigning surprise, Madame Fedelian spoke with as much composure as she could muster.

“…What are you talking about? Judith is a child I’ve watched over and supported for a long time. Her status may be low, but we both know she’s a good person at heart. That’s why, if her feelings were the same as yours, I would have fully supported your relationship.”

Lying so much made her lips feel dry.

Fortunately, the voice that came out sounded natural. Even to herself, it sounded convincing.

Surely Axel would understand and let it go, right?

But after listening to her lengthy explanation, Axel’s expression didn’t soften at all. The small smile he usually wore out of habit was nowhere to be seen.

Seeing this, Madame Fedelian’s fingertips stiffened.

Never in her life had she imagined her relationship with Axel could become strained.

People often said children go through rebellious phases and cause trouble, but Axel had never been like that. He had always been a mature son who never gave her any grief.

But today, the thought that her relationship with Axel might deteriorate because of Judith made her blood run cold.

Axel spoke in a calm and steady tone.

“When I first told you I wanted to marry Judith, you agreed so readily that I found it strange. Because the mother I know isn’t like that. But now that I think about it, you must have known from the start that Judith would reject me. That’s why you acted so magnanimously—not because you respected my choice, but because you knew it wasn’t realistic.”

Even as she listened to Axel’s words, Madame Fedelian couldn’t bring herself to respond.

That’s not true. You’re misunderstanding something.

She wanted to say. But she couldn’t even open her mouth.

“In the end, everything went just as you wanted.”

With those final words, Axel left the drawing room.

Madame Fedelian couldn’t bring herself to stop him. Her hands, which had fallen limply to her sides, trembled slightly.

It was all for Axel’s sake. If Axel, who was destined to inherit the title of Duke, were to marry a commoner, he would be ridiculed by others.

Of course, she knew Axel might resent her if he ever learned the truth. But she believed that even if he did, it couldn’t be helped.

It was better than having him face criticism for marrying someone unsuitable.

You probably won’t understand me now. But someday, when you’re older, I believe you’ll come to understand.

The words she couldn’t say lingered in her throat before fading away.

Earlier, she had thought Axel was being a little pathetic, staring at the empty spot where Judith had been. But now, she found herself doing the same thing.

Even after Axel left, she continued staring at the door.

It wasn’t until she saw her own reflection in the glass opposite her that Madame Fedelian realized it.