Chapter 56

Elvin let out a long sigh, feeling frustrated and heartbroken. 

What exactly was Vivi Ferren to Costance?

Even if she was his lover, hadn’t their relationship lasted less than 100 days? 

Yet, Elvin swallowed his thoughts. Bringing up her name in front of Costance would do no good.

“Sir……”

Finn, who usually admired Costance, cautiously approached him. Costance looked down at his junior with lifeless eyes.

“Is this really because of Vivi Ferren? That young lady you barely dated?”

“……”

Elvin nearly screamed at Finn’s tactless remark. He anxiously observed Costance’s expression and was left speechless. He thought Costance had already fallen as far as he could, but now he seemed even more broken. Costance, lost in thought, was holding his breath.

“……Costance.”

When Elvin placed a hand on Costance’s shoulder, he flinched violently.

“Hah…… This won’t do. Finn, stay at his place tonight.”

“No.”

Costance rejected Elvin’s suggestion.

“Just…… leave me alone.”

“Costance.”

“I want to be alone.”

For the first time, Costance spoke with force. Though it was a fragile strength that seemed ready to collapse with a single touch, Elvin hesitated.

“No, Costance, Sir……!”

“Finn.”

The tactless Finn grabbed Costance’s arm. At that moment, a dangerous glint appeared in Costance’s gray eyes. He glared fiercely at Finn.

Even Elvin, who was watching, held his breath at the terrifying expression. Naturally, Finn froze in place, stunned.

“Get out.”

Costance said just one word to Finn.

“Immediately.”

“……”

Finn, who had been standing there blankly, finally came to his senses and scowled. Upset, he turned his back and stormed out. Elvin bit his lip as he watched Finn’s retreating figure, the door slamming shut behind him.

What had Vivi Ferren said to make the strong Costance crumble in an instant?

“Damn it!”

Elvin, unable to contain his anger, left as well. The once noisy house fell silent in an instant.

Costance, pale-faced, stared at the darkened TV and the extinguished lights. In the darkness, Vivi’s face appeared before him, and in the silence, he could hear her words.

〈I…… am a spy.〉

The meaning of the word “spy” was clear. Costance lowered his head, recalling Vivi’s words.

At first, he was simply confused and didn’t believe her. But as time passed, he began to understand the weight of her words. If Vivi was truly a spy, that was a problem. But if she wasn’t, that was also a torment.

For the first time, Costance had someone he loved. The warm feelings he had never experienced before made him certain that Vivi was his future.

Costance gave Vivi his all. It was only natural.

Because he loved Vivi Ferren, he had to give her his best. He showered her with love and devoted everything he had to her.

Of course, he didn’t expect Vivi to return his love with the same level of devotion. He just…… wanted her to understand his desperate feelings and love him even a little in return.

But all his efforts had been in vain. Everything had been for nothing. He had…… been abandoned without any reason. Without any reason at all.

“……Vivi.”

Damn it.

Vivi Ferren……

Even though he was so deeply hurt, he hated himself for not being able to forget her.

***

〈Costance, I’ll be the bridge between you and Eugene.〉

A gentle voice comforted Costance.

〈If the path is broken, I’ll place a sturdy rock between you.〉

〈If you fall, I’ll build a safety rail beside you so you won’t fall again. So don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid of the path that leads to Eugene.〉

Liar.

Costance woke from his sleep, frowning at the vivid image of Vivi’s face in his dream. He hurriedly turned on the radio and the TV. The calm voice of a news announcer flowed from the TV, which was broadcasting the morning news.

[Chancellor Isca Luson emphasized through his aide early this morning that capturing spies disrupting Toramde’s order is currently the top priority. Additionally…… (omitted)…… as a result, Chancellor Luson announced plans to increase the police force…….]

The announcer’s voice was cut off. Reacting sharply to the word “spy,” Costance quickly drank some water. He went to the sink, splashed water over his head, and stared silently at the floor.

As the water dripped, Costance’s eyes turned red. He lowered his head onto the sink. His shoulders trembled. His hand, hovering in the air, clutched his wet hair.

Costance let out a painful groan and cried for a long time. His head remained buried in the sink for what felt like an eternity.

Consumed by unbearable anguish, Costance struggled to breathe, as if trapped underwater. He wanted to sink. As deeply as possible……

***

They say people forget people through other people.

On a weekend afternoon, Costance visited the Canary Church where Alonso was. The distant sound of children’s laughter reached his ears. Hearing Eugene’s voice among them, Costance adjusted his clothes.

His outfit was much thicker than usual. The thick-framed glasses made the handsome Costance look like a studious bookworm.

“……”

Costance didn’t enter the church. Though he had come to meet Alonso, putting his plans into action was difficult. In truth, as soon as he arrived at the Canary Church, Vivi Ferren’s face came to mind, making his head throb.

Of course, he always thought of Vivi, but…… being at the Canary Church made her face appear even more vividly. Costance stood there foolishly until the sound of children’s laughter brought him back to his senses.

“Ah, seriously! Where are you kicking the ball?”

Two boys ran toward Costance. Or rather, a soccer ball rolled toward him before they did.

Costance, focused on the ball, didn’t notice the boys’ faces until later. Only then did he recognize Alonso standing in front of him.

“Hey, Eugene! I got the ball!”

The boy who had come with Alonso held the ball in his arms. Alonso didn’t respond; instead, he stared suspiciously at Costance. For the first time, Vivi’s image disappeared from Costance’s mind.

“Eugene! What are you doing?”

“……Go ahead without me.”

“What?”

“I have something to do. Go ahead without me.”

At Alonso’s words, the boy grumbled but went inside. Now, only Alonso and Costance remained. A subtle tension filled the air between them.

Costance panicked. 

Did Alonso think I was suspicious? If so, shouldn’t he call a nun instead of lingering here?

“Hello.”

Then, Alonso greeted Costance. Receiving his younger brother’s greeting for the first time, Costance froze.

“……Didn’t you hear me?”

Alonso frowned at Costance’s lack of response.

“……I heard you.”

“We met before, didn’t we? When Vivi was sick.”

Hearing Vivi’s name from Alonso’s lips, Costance flinched. Now that he thought about it…… he had met Alonso before. And Alonso remembered.

“Do you always dress like that?”

“……”

“It’s really weird.”

Alonso openly scrutinized Costance’s outfit. Naturally, Costance wasn’t offended at all. He still hadn’t grasped the reality of the situation.

“More importantly, I wanted to ask you something.”

“……”

“Do you know where Vivi is?”

Costance’s racing heart stopped there. At Alonso’s question, his body went cold. Alonso, noticing the sudden dimming of Costance’s eyes, clenched his teeth.

“Did something happen to Vivi?”

“……I don’t know.”

“You do.”

Costance stared at Alonso. 

What was he saying……? 

Noticing his gaze, Alonso clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly.

“You’ve been coming to see me for years, haven’t you? I’m quick to catch on.”

Costance flinched.

“Are you connected to me in some way?”

“……Eugene.”

“Vivi hinted at it. She said someone misses me.”

“……”

“That’s you, isn’t it?”

Costance’s stiff lips refused to move. 

Since when……?

“Tell me where Vivi is.”