#Side Story 8

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The portrait of the Linderto ducal family was finally revealed before Alment’s scheduled return to Kisar.

The entire family had gathered at the mansion—the ducal couple with Ian, Isabella, and Melissa Linderto.

Jeffrey, Higgins, and Monica also anticipated the painting from the back.

When the velvet cloth was finally removed to reveal the harmonious family scene, people clasped their hands together in delight.

“It would be perfect hanging on the staircase wall leading to the second floor.”

Melissa had already thought about where to hang the painting.

“Well, in my opinion, it would be much better to hang it at the entrance of the mansion.”

Isabella also strongly expressed her opinion.

For a moment, it seemed like a battle of wills between the two noble ladies, but when Alment spoke, everyone listened attentively.

“In my opinion, it would be best to hang it on the right wall of the hall, the first thing visible after passing through the entrance.”

At his words, everyone looked at the right wall of the hall.

Now that they heard it, the wall did look somewhat empty. That would be the perfect place to hang the painting.

“If that’s what the artist thinks…”

Both Isabella and Melissa had to agree.

Once the portrait was hung, the mansion felt warmer and more comfortable.

It blended perfectly with the surroundings, making them wonder why they hadn’t hung a painting there before.

Alment, who had given the ducal couple a wonderful painting, adamantly refused the Duke’s payment, contrary to what had been discussed.

Instead, he set one condition.

He asked that if the ducal couple ever visited the country of Kisar, they must come see him. He wanted to invite them to his mansion too.

He also said that when Ian grew older, he would like to paint the young master’s portrait again.

Dominic and Ellin also secured a promise from him.

If he came to the capital again, he must stay at this mansion and nowhere else.

“Well now. After appreciating this fine painting, shall we go enjoy some delicious food and drinks?”

Melissa, excited to be with Alment Garcien, lightly clapped her hands.

Everyone there already seemed like family, having grown close.

* * *

One leisurely afternoon, while having tea with Charlotte as usual, Ellin heard some news from her.

“I’m certain it was Janice. She suddenly hid when she saw me.”

Ellin didn’t understand Charlotte’s words at first.

“Janice hiding? Why?”

Charlotte shrugged.

“I don’t know. But from what I’ve heard, things didn’t end well with that man she eloped with either.”

Charlotte shook her head knowingly.

“My cousin went to the provinces and happened to see him—that slippery so-called writer was with another woman. Since Janice appeared alone in the capital, it’s obvious what happened. They broke up.”

“Then surely she hasn’t gone back to Royce?”

When Ellin made a serious face, not understanding, Charlotte sighed as she put down her teacup.

“Surely she wouldn’t go back to Royce, who threatened to k*ll her. You’re thinking that, right? Me too. But Janice’s situation must be that bad now. Bad enough for her to go back on her own.”

Ellin felt confused.

Could the two continue their married life after such a catastrophe?

When they had become worse than enemies?

She couldn’t help but feel doubtful.

“Still, it seems the Creighton family doesn’t intend to completely cast out Janice.”

“What?”

“Royce has become completely degenerate since getting out of prison. Lost the family business to his brothers. He drinks all day and acts like a wastrel, so his family secretly hopes for a reconciliation with Janice.”

Charlotte shook her head, as if it were a pitiful situation.

“Honestly, I understand. Royce was only successful when he was sane, and now it’s difficult for him to remarry another woman. So the Creighton family probably wants to set them up in a small house somewhere in the countryside.”

Then she whispered in Ellin’s ear.

“They don’t want to see the two of them in the capital anymore. It’s about the family’s reputation, you know.”

Now understanding the circumstances and the Creighton family’s concerns, Ellin nodded slowly.

The two had become a disgrace to the Creighton family.

Royce, who was expected to take over the family business in the future, was completely ruined, and Janice had returned in a miserable state after being betrayed by the man she ran away with.

She had the bitter thought that perhaps now was when Royce and Janice needed each other the most.

While Ellin was lost in thought, the usually talkative Charlotte had been silent for quite some time.

Thinking it strange that Charlotte was quiet for so long, Ellin looked up at her.

Charlotte?

Her friend sitting across from her had her neck turned almost completely around.

She was staring somewhere, as if in a trance.

Ellin’s gaze naturally followed in that direction.

Across the street, officers in uniform could be seen lightly jumping down from their horses.

‘Has the unit returned to the capital?’

Seeing the officers reminded Ellin of Bane.

‘I wonder how he’s doing?’

Even when passing soldiers on the street, she would naturally wonder how her friend was doing.

She occasionally received letters from Bane, and fortunately, he seemed to be doing well at his post.

“Speaking of which, how’s that handsome officer friend of yours? Is he doing well?”

Charlotte asked about Bane, as if reading Ellin’s mind.

“He seems to be doing well there, even got promoted.”

“The Marchioness was so eager to have him as a son-in-law. What a shame. But fate works in its own way.”

As Charlotte said, the Marchioness ultimately failed to welcome him as her son-in-law.

But the Marquis’s daughter had met a young man who ardently courted her, and these days she was growing prettier by the day, surrounded by a pink aura.

Ellin recalled the party held at the Marquis’s house last time.

The scene where a curly-haired blonde young man couldn’t take his eyes off the Marquis’s daughter for a moment, as if he had fallen in love.

It was exactly the same face she had when she was secretly in love with the Duke.

Remembering that scene made her smile.

The Marquis’s daughter, who had been depressed for a while because Bane didn’t return from his post, finally had life back in her face.

The same was true for the Marchioness. She was heard to be decorating the house every day.

Not knowing when the young man might come to propose to her daughter.

“Oh oh. Here they come.”

Charlotte, whose head had been bent at an eerie angle, suddenly straightened up.

Then she quickly adjusted her hat and busily retied her ribbons.

Ahem ahem.

Watching Charlotte clear her throat primly and produce a nightingale-like voice, Ellin couldn’t understand why she was suddenly acting so strangely.

“Charlotte?”

When Ellin called her as if to ask if she was alright, Charlotte winked and gave a peculiar smile.

“What’s wrong?”

“Shh. Behind you.”

After Charlotte’s brief words, Ellin saw several of the officers who had dismounted earlier walking toward the café entrance.

Their eyes must have also caught sight of the beautiful noble ladies sitting on the café terrace on this sunny day.

They ran their hands through their hair or straightened their collars, trying to show their most attractive smiles.

Was it because the afternoon sunlight was so dazzling?

Ellin was momentarily speechless at the sight of the fresh-faced young officers.

She couldn’t understand why Charlotte, a married woman, was so excited whenever she saw young officers.

But for a brief moment, she could somewhat understand.

Was this how the Marquis’s daughter felt when she fell for Bane in his smartly worn uniform at first sight?

The neatly worn uniforms worked magic, making the fresh young men look even more handsome.

“My lady. You dropped this.”

Just then, a blonde officer slightly bent down under the table and picked up a white lace handkerchief.

Only then did Ellin return to reality and assess the situation again.

Charlotte had deliberately dropped her handkerchief at her feet, expecting him to pick it up.

Her cunning quick-wittedness was impressive enough to draw admiration.

“Oh my. When did I drop that? Thank you.”

Charlotte very naturally thanked him as she received the handkerchief. She didn’t forget her sweet smile either.

“The weather is truly lovely today, isn’t it? After being on a foggy ship all the time, coming ashore feels like a different world.”

The black-haired officer standing next to him naturally brought up the weather, winking.

His words subtly included an introduction of themselves as naval officers.

“Thanks to reliable officers like you, we can enjoy leisurely tea time like this. We’re very grateful. Ho ho.”

Charlotte’s voice rose in pitch as she laughed exaggeratedly, almost like performing in an opera.

Watching her friend, Ellin felt extremely embarrassed. She even wanted to hide somewhere for a moment.

The black-haired officer who had just brought up the weather to initiate friendly conversation smiled at the stiff Ellin.

“How long will you be staying in the capital?”

“About fifteen days, I think. Until new orders come down.”

While answering Charlotte’s question, his gaze remained fixed on Ellin from the start.

Almost like he was deeply impressed by the sight of her.