Chapter 93

With a crooked smile, Rodesha suddenly muttered.

“Still, I find it enviable that even Chase has already decided on his career path.”

She continued speaking with a thoughtful expression.

“What am I supposed to do after graduation? You’ve been scouted as an assistant professor in accounting, and Chase passed the Imperial Knight exam… but it feels like I’m the only one stuck in place.”

Judith, of course, understood how difficult it was to decide on a career.

After all, just a few days ago, she herself had spent sleepless nights agonizing over whether becoming an assistant professor was the right choice.

Seeing Rodesha looking so troubled, Judith was reminded of her own past self and cautiously asked.

“Rodesha… have you not thought about what you want to do after graduation?”

Judith had assumed that Rodesha, with her excellent academic achievements, diligence, and the backing of her family, could easily choose whatever path she wanted.

Perhaps she would even take over the Roziena family or work within its domain, given her remarkable talents.

However, upon hearing Judith’s question, Rodesha’s expression noticeably darkened.

“Well… I haven’t thought about anything specific. Honestly, I’d like to continue studying, but my parents are against it. They keep saying that getting married and settling down while I’m young is a more stable life choice, spouting such outdated nonsense.”

Rodesha frowned as if annoyed, but somehow, Judith thought she looked more sad than angry.

“Have you ever had a detailed conversation with your parents about what interests you and why you want to continue studying?”

“No, I haven’t. I just figured they’d oppose it anyway, so I didn’t bother.”

“Even so, why not try talking to them?”

Judith spoke with genuine concern.

“They’re still your parents. If they truly love you, I think they’ll ultimately support the path that makes you happy.”

“…Do you really think so?”

Rodesha seemed to waver under Judith’s persistent persuasion, her expression showing signs of contemplation.

“Yes, and with the same determination you show when you study, I’m sure you can convince them.”

Perhaps Judith’s heartfelt advice had reached her, as Rodesha eventually nodded after a long pause.

“I’ve always thought they were too stubborn to even consider talking to them… but fine, I’ll give it a try.”

With their conversation concluded, the two began selecting various gifts and brought them to the counter.

The gifts were for their fellow students, as this graduation would mark their parting ways.

At some point, Rodesha noticed the music box Judith had been fiddling with earlier and asked in surprise.

“This looks pretty expensive… who’s it for?”

“Oh, it’s for someone who’s helped me a lot throughout this semester.”

Judith smiled softly, thinking of Professor Karel, who had written a recommendation letter for Chase until the very end.

***

Before long, the promised day arrived, and Chase and Judith boarded a carriage bound for the Cardandy estate.

The estate, visible from a distance, was smaller than the Fedelian estate but had a stately, traditional appearance that exuded an air of history.

The overall atmosphere was solemn and sturdy, making Judith’s heart pound as if it might burst.

Clenching her fists, Judith tried to calm her trembling nerves. Sensing her tension, Chase placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“It’ll be fine.”

Judith looked at Chase and nodded calmly.

Soon, the carriage glided through the front gates. A servant who had been waiting for their arrival approached and opened the door.

He helped Judith step down from the carriage with ease, then turned to Chase and spoke.

“Young Master, Miss. The second Madam is waiting for you.”

“What about Father?”

“He’s busy with work today and will return by dinner.”

“…Alright.”

The two then headed toward the annex where Chase and his mother resided. Judith remained extremely nervous the entire way.

Finally, I’m going to meet Chase’s mother.

As they approached, a well-dressed woman was already waiting for them.

“Mother.”

“It’s been a while, Chase.”

Chase’s mother greeted them with a radiant smile as she approached. With every step she took closer, Judith’s lips grew drier.

When she reached them, she plucked a leaf from her son’s hair and said.

“You’re all grown up, yet you’re still so careless. Was the journey difficult? I never thought the day would come when you’d visit the estate with your fiancée.”

“I’m used to it, so it was fine. It was harder for Judith, since it was her first time.”

“Oh my, you two already seem like such a harmonious pair.”

After exchanging a few words with her son, she turned to Judith.

Up close, she was a striking beauty with silver hair and blue eyes that resembled Chase’s.

So this is where Chase gets his good looks.

As Judith was lost in thought, Chase’s mother addressed her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss. Was the journey rough? I still get sick climbing the hills around here.”

“It was fine, thanks to the carriage you sent.”

Upon hearing of their visit, the Cardandy family had sent a luxurious carriage, making the journey quite comfortable.

Judith removed her hat and bent her knees in a polite bow toward Chase’s mother.

“I should have greeted you sooner, but my visit is late. I’m Judith, Chase’s fiancée.”

“There’s no need to apologize. You must have been busy with your studies, yet you made time to visit the estate. Thank you. I’m Annette.”

Introducing herself, Annette gazed intently into Judith’s golden eyes and continued.

“Chase mentioned you in his recent letters, and I was so curious about what kind of lady you’d be…”

After carefully observing Judith, Chase’s mother smiled warmly and said.

“You’re so lovely and charming. For once, it seems Chase’s father’s judgment wasn’t entirely off. Pairing Chase with such an excellent young lady.”

Judith, caught off guard by the sudden praise, fidgeted nervously with her fingers.

After all, given her humble background, she had expected Chase’s mother to disapprove of the engagement.

What on earth did Chase write in those letters?

Annette chuckled softly as she watched the flustered Judith. Then, turning to Chase, she spoke.

“By the way, Chase, could you leave us for a moment? I’d like to have a private conversation with Judith.”

“…Without me? What are you planning to talk about?”

Chase seemed uneasy at the idea of being excluded from the conversation.

Surely, he wasn’t worried that she’d badmouth him in his absence.

At that moment, Chase stepped in front of Judith protectively and spoke in a low voice.

“Even if you’re my mother, I won’t forgive you if you make Judith uncomfortable.”

Judith was so startled by his words that she didn’t know what to do.

She tugged at Chase’s sleeve to stop him, but he didn’t even glance her way.

“Oh my, look at this.”

Fortunately, Chase’s mother simply laughed in amusement. Only Judith was left feeling completely flustered.

“You don’t need to worry so much. I’ve understood your feelings perfectly through your letters. I just want to get to know my new daughter-in-law better.”

With that, Annette turned her gaze to Judith, as if asking for her opinion. Judith nodded and stepped out from behind Chase.

“Yes, I’d be delighted. Chase, you must be tired. Why don’t you go rest for a while?”

At her words, Chase looked down at Judith with a dissatisfied expression.

After a moment of deliberation, he reluctantly turned to his mother and left a parting remark.

“Call me when you’re done.”

As soon as her son disappeared with his hands shoved in his pockets, Annette spoke in a gentle voice.

“Shall we head to my room?”

***

What could she possibly want to discuss with me privately?

Judith sat nervously, her hands neatly folded on her lap and her back straight.

Steam rose from the tea on the table between them.

Annette took a sip from her teacup, then smiled and said.

“There’s no need to be so tense. Although I only heard about you recently, I have no objections to the engagement.”

“Ah… I see.”

Judith inwardly broke into a cold sweat at her words. It seemed Annette had anticipated her concerns about her lowly status and addressed them preemptively.

“Chase recently wrote me a letter for the first time in ages. It seems he was quite worried about introducing you to the family. Honestly, I thought he was only fulfilling a sense of duty toward you…”

Annette pulled out a white envelope from her pocket and continued, fiddling with it.

“But through this letter, I realized he truly holds you dear in his heart.”