Chapter 95

As soon as Chase finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the dining table.

The Earl, who hadn’t seemed in a bad mood earlier, furrowed his brows for the first time.

“That’s quite the sudden statement. And unless I’m mistaken, it doesn’t sound like you’re asking for our opinion, but rather informing us of your decision.”

“…I sincerely apologize for not telling you sooner. However, I fully support Judith’s choice, and I believe one’s career path should be decided by oneself. That’s why I’ve come to you with only the conclusion.”

At Chase’s words, the Earl frowned deeply.

The previously relaxed atmosphere, which had been lightened by the news of Chase passing the Imperial Knight exam, suddenly turned cold.

Judith swallowed nervously, feeling as though she were walking on thin ice. The Earl shifted his gaze to her, his eyes scrutinizing.

“I’ve been aware for some time that your fiancée is a bright young lady with excellent academic achievements and an admirable attitude. That’s why I thought she was suitable as your partner, and why I proceeded with the engagement.”

“…”

“But no matter how capable she may be, isn’t she still a commoner? There are clear limitations to one’s status. How could someone like her become an assistant professor?”

“…Her supervising professor recognized Judith’s academic abilities and offered her the position. If it were impossible, he wouldn’t have made the offer.”

Chase’s voice grew firmer, as if angered by his father’s condescending tone toward Judith’s status as a commoner.

“There’s no law stating that a commoner cannot become a professor at the academy. That’s not something you need to concern yourself with, Father.”

The Earl stared coldly at Chase, unwilling to yield. He then spoke in a heavy tone.

“How is that not my concern? Once you graduate, you’ll immediately join the Imperial Knight Order. If your fiancée works, when will you marry, start a family, and have children? And while working, how will she manage a household?”

“But—”

“Don’t be stubborn like a child, Chase. Even though you’re not the eldest, you’re still the second son of the Cardandy family. For someone in your position to have a wife who works alongside men… the entire social circle will ridicule us.”

The Earl picked up his knife, signaling the end of the conversation.

“Forget about this nonsense of being an assistant professor. If you understand what I’m saying, let’s just continue eating.”

“…”

Chase glared at his father, clearly dissatisfied, but the Earl ignored him and resumed his meal.

The other family members, sensing the Earl’s mood, stayed silent and focused on their food. Judith, feeling conflicted, quietly stabbed her fork into her salad.

She hadn’t expected it to be easy to gain the family’s approval.

Just like Rodesha Roziena, who struggled with her parents’ opposition to her desire to study, most students at the academy were expected to marry partners chosen by their parents and start families after graduation.

In fact, girls were often sent to the academy not to become part of society, but to form connections with better families.

The better a girl’s conduct and grades were at the academy, the more desirable she became as a bride in the marriage market.

Given this reality, Judith knew it would be nearly impossible to persuade the Cardandy family if she insisted on working at the academy.

If the Earl continued to oppose her, what would happen to me? Would I have to give up on becoming an assistant professor?

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Chase’s voice broke the silence.

“In that case, I’ll leave the family.”

What?

Judith, startled, dropped her fork, which clattered loudly against her plate.

But no one paid attention to the noise. Every family member was staring at Chase with shocked expressions.

Chase had once said he would leave the family if that’s what it took to support her becoming an assistant professor, but she never thought he would actually say it out loud.

As all eyes focused on him, the Earl asked in a chilling voice.

“…What? What did you just say?”

“I said I’ll leave the family.”

“Do you even understand what that means?”

Chase briefly glanced at Judith before responding with a faint smile.

“Yes, I do. Once I join the Imperial Knight Order, I’ll receive sufficient compensation to support a household. Honestly, whether you approve or not doesn’t matter. I was already planning to leave this house after graduation.”

Chase’s words continued to shock everyone at the table. His expression showed no trace of jest.

The Earl let out a disbelieving laugh and shook his head.

“You were already planning to leave? Why? After all the training in Cardandy swordsmanship you’ve received?”

“That’s because I no longer intend to rely on you, Father.”

“…You don’t understand the true meaning of leaving the family. That’s why you can say such absurd things so easily.”

The Earl sighed deeply, as though dealing with a headache, and glanced at the Countess.

Then, turning back to Chase, he spoke in a coaxing tone.

“Leaving the family means giving up all the rights you enjoy as a member of Cardandy. Do you realize how much protection and privilege you’ll be forfeiting?”

“I don’t care.”

“…Ha, this is truly absurd.”

The Earl let out a bitter laugh, rubbing his temple in frustration. Meanwhile, the Countess, who had been watching with amusement, finally spoke.

“Dear, is there really a reason to oppose this? After all, this family will be inherited by our eldest son, Alec. If Chase insists on declining, there’s nothing we can do.”

The Countess turned to Chase with a smile.

“Chase, it’s admirable to see how much you care for your fiancée. Passing the Imperial Knight exam proves you’ll do well wherever you go. I’ll continue to support the two of you.”

Watching the situation unfold, Judith realized something.

The Countess didn’t seem to genuinely care for Chase as her child.

For most parents, the idea of their child giving up all family privileges would be unacceptable. Yet, the Countess welcomed it with open arms.

She seemed pleased that Chase was leaving the family and marrying a commoner.

Chase, too, seemed unsurprised by her response. With a crooked smile, he replied.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Then, turning to Judith, he said.

“Let’s go, Judith. There’s no reason for us to stay here any longer.”

As Chase pushed back his chair and stood, the Earl’s voice, low and trembling with suppressed anger, stopped them.

“You insolent boy. After everything I’ve done for you…”

Chase turned to face his father, his expression calm. Then, in a quiet voice, he spoke.

“Father, please stop using the excuse of doing things for me to try and control me.”

“You don’t understand what you’re giving up.”

At those words, Chase let out a bitter laugh.

“And you don’t understand what I truly want.”

With that, Chase took Judith’s hand and helped her to her feet.

Judith hesitated for a moment, worried that this might permanently sever Chase’s ties with his family.

But seeing the resolve in his eyes, she decided to follow him.

It didn’t seem like a decision he had made lightly.

***

It wasn’t until they were completely outside the estate that Chase finally stopped walking. Judith, still shaken, opened her mouth to comfort him.

“Chase…”

“You must have been really surprised. I’m sorry. I wanted to handle it more politely, but I couldn’t help getting angry.”

He ran a hand roughly through his hair as he spoke.

“Hearing my father insult you to your face because of your status… I just couldn’t stand it.”

“I’m sorry. This is all because of me.”

“Why are you apologizing? The ones who were rude were my family.”

“But still…”

“To be honest, I wanted to argue with my father even more. But I held back because I didn’t want to put you in an awkward position.”

Judith felt a warm sensation in her chest. Despite the difficult situation, knowing that he had stood up for her made her heart feel lighter.

Chase gently stroked Judith’s cheek and said.

“And don’t feel guilty about how things turned out. I didn’t tell you everything, but I’ve been at odds with my father for a long time over other issues as well.”

He frowned slightly.

“Ever since I was a child, he would get furious if I didn’t act according to his wishes. I’m sure my brother suffered a lot because of him too.”