Chapter 3.16

The Unpium competition, which involved horseback riding and jousting, was named after Wade Unpium, the 7th King and a war hero who had contributed greatly to the kingdom’s prosperity. It was one of the kingdom’s oldest and most celebrated sports events.  

Every year, the streets would come alive with a festive atmosphere during Unpium season. While men showcased their riding and swordsmanship skills, women gathered in the stands to watch.  

A unique tradition allowed women to give handkerchiefs to the men they supported. Couples formed this way would often spend the rest of the festival together, strolling by the lake.  

What had once been a competition to display one’s strength had now become a matchmaking event.  

Luette had participated two years ago, pushed by his mother.  

“Yes, two years ago, you stormed out with a grim face and ended up winning the championship.”  

Pavro chuckled, and the others couldn’t suppress their laughter as they reminisced.  

Indeed, Luette had begrudgingly participated in the ridiculous competition and had somehow emerged victorious.  

“Why would I go there again?”  

Luette shook his head, already exhausted at the thought.  

The fools seemed to suddenly recall that he was married, their expressions briefly turning blank.  

“But there are a lot of married men who participate, aren’t there?”  

“That’s right. Even Pavro participates.”  

Their words were true. Unpium, being the most popular sports event, did not restrict its participants to unmarried men.  

Even married men would often take part in the rugged and wild competition to show off their charm.  

“Exactly. I’m participating too, so it’d be disappointing if you didn’t join.”  

Pavro leaned in, whining slightly. As the eldest son of the Viscount Hudson household, he had married early and already had a son.  

“By the way, wouldn’t your wife dislike it?”  

“No. Solnia likes it. What woman wouldn’t like a strong and charming man?”  

Listening to the conversation between Pavro and Alec, Luette couldn’t help but chuckle.  

Solnia would not like strong and charming men. If anything, she might prefer a kind and upright young man.  

Luette stared at the fool who didn’t even know his own sister’s preferences, then suddenly recalled a voice.  

‘Yes. It seems the Madam asked the maids there for a digestive aid, but they gave her the wrong medicine. From what I heard, it was the Lord Alec’s medicine…’ 

The olive-colored eyes, which had been filled with annoyance, were now focused intently on Alec.

***

The inside of the carriage was deathly quiet. Angie, seated across, constantly stole glances at the Madam.  

‘She seemed so cheerful earlier…’  

Indeed, she had. When the Dowager Heston and the Madam were conversing, Angie, standing loyally outside the door, had seen the Dowager smiling kindly.  

Of course, as the Madam had her back turned, Angie could only see the back of her head, but with the grandmother smiling so affectionately, the Madam’s expression must have been similar.  

However, when the Madam came out saying it was time to leave, her face seemed stiff. Even now, as the carriage left the Dowager’s estate and crossed the plaza, she remained silent.  

“Madam…”  

Since the Madam had mentioned stopping by the plaza, Angie cautiously called out to Solnia.  

Lost in thought, Solnia finally raised her head and looked out the window.  

“Ah. Tell them to stop around here.”  

“Are you alright? It seems like your body might be under strain…”  

“I’m fine. I just want to get some fresh air before heading back.”  

At that, Angie quickly knocked on the carriage ceiling and shouted outside.  

The carriage stopped in front of Rainpark, a place known as a grand garden. The beautiful walking paths surrounding the large lake were, as always, bustling with handsome men and women.  

Solnia and Angie joined the crowd. Whether or not she noticed the gazes directed at her, the Madam walked lost in thought, while Angie held her parasol tightly and stayed close to her side.  

Solnia continued walking, neither too fast nor too slow.  

Her mind replayed the scene from earlier, the one she had stormed out of.  

‘Stop this now and return everything to its rightful place.’  

At the Dowager’s words, Solnia had not replied.  

‘I’m giving you a chance. Will you quietly return what’s mine, or will you persist with your futile greed until the bitter end?’ 

‘…’  

‘This is a very simple matter for me. As you said, I’m someone who’s desperate to see you dead. Do you think I wouldn’t go that far?’  

‘No.’  

Solnia shook her head calmly.  

‘You can no longer kill me, Grandmother.’  

‘…’  

‘If you wanted to kill me, you should have done it back then. Not anymore. You missed your chance.’  

No matter how much her grandmother despised her, with so many eyes watching now, she wouldn’t recklessly try to kill her.  

Feeling she had hit the core of the issue, Solnia stood up.  

‘If that’s all you wanted to say, I believe I’ve conveyed my intentions clearly. I’ll be leaving now.’  

Solnia deliberately met the Dowager’s gaze as she bid her farewell.  

It wasn’t too bad. She hadn’t fainted or trembled like a fool in fear.  

She had confirmed her grandmother’s intentions directly and had conveyed her own as well. She thought she had ended the conversation on a decent note.  

‘How ridiculous.’  

A mocking voice stopped her in her tracks.  

‘What, do you think that man would care about your safety?’ 

‘…’ 

‘Foolish girl. That man doesn’t care about someone like you. Not him, nor anyone in the Trovill household. You’re nothing but an unwelcome presence to all of them.’ 

‘…’  

‘Do you know why the Duke and Duchess of Trovill allowed your marriage? It’s all because of my son’s honor. You, who dare to cling to his honor like a parasite…’  

Though not shocking, the words were undeniable and pierced her heart.  

No one in this world truly regarded her as normal, and that was the truth.  

‘Perhaps they might even welcome it. No one wants the offspring of a madwoman. If a nuisance like you were to disappear on your own, what could be more delightful?’  

In the end, Solnia stopped walking.  

As she raised her head, she noticed the glances being subtly cast her way. Beyond them, she saw a familiar carriage.  

Inside the black four-wheeled carriage sat a man with thick black hair, carelessly running his hand through it. Clearly tired, he tilted his head this way and that before lighting a cigar. Solnia watched Luette Trovill from afar for a moment.  

Her grandmother knew all too well.  

She knew that Solnia wouldn’t say anything, even to protect the little honor she had left. She also knew that even if Solnia spoke, no one would believe her.  

Even if she were to die, no one would pay attention to her death.  

That man, too.  

“Madam?”  

Angie’s worried face came into view. Solnia unclenched her fist and took a deep breath.  

“I want to visit that cookie shop you mentioned earlier. Where is it?”  

“Co-Cookies…? Now?”  

“Yes. I feel like something sweet.”  

“Are you sure you’re alright…?”  

“Of course.”  

Solnia smiled brightly and urged Angie to lead the way. Her expression, which had turned blank in an instant, seemed to be holding something back as she occasionally bit her lip.  

She truly was fine. She was used to having no one to lean on, both inside and out. She was used to isolating herself completely from everything.  

Her life had always been that way.  

***

When Luette returned home, he delivered the same message as always to the butler.  

“I don’t need dinner. Where’s my wife?”  

“She’s waiting. However, the Young Madam also said she would skip her meal. Did something happen between the two of you?”  

The fiercely loyal butler asked with concern. Luette’s gaze shifted to the second floor, where the couple’s bedroom was.  

“She seemed fine this morning. Is she unwell?”  

“No, the young Madam said she’s fine, but I’m asking out of worry.”  

“If she says she’s fine, then she must be. Don’t worry.”  

Luette smiled faintly and headed up the stairs.  

‘At least this year, you’re in the capital.’

‘Your father was delighted to hear that too. He said he was happy to have time to spend with you two before it’s too late.’  

The voice of his relieved mother echoed in his head.  

How had things become so tangled?  

Coming to the capital in the first place had been a mistake.  

He should have stubbornly ignored the Dowager’s summons and stayed in Melfir.  

Though he rarely obeyed his parents’ words, he wasn’t cruel enough to turn away from his father, who stood at the brink of life and death.  

Moreover, if his father were to pass away, it would be better to remain in the capital for the sake of the title succession.  

In the end, she had won.

Standing before the firmly closed bedroom door, Luette let out a soft, fleeting laugh before knocking.  

“May I come in?”  

He knocked several times, but no response came.  

After waiting for a moment, he opened the door and stepped inside. The sight of the neatly arranged room greeted him.  

The room was excessively spacious, containing only an oversized bed and a table as small as someone’s head. The simplicity still amused him.  

It was as if the bedroom had been designed solely for sleeping. And there, in that very bedroom, was Solnia.  

Just like that dawn.  

His silent footsteps came to a halt beside the bed. Solnia was lying on her side, deeply asleep, just as she had been that day.  

Luette gazed at her for a moment before placing his hand on her forehead. He could feel her thin skin, the small, round curve of her forehead, and its warmth.  

It seemed she didn’t have a fever. She really appeared to be taking a simple nap.  

“Ha.”  

Luette withdrew his hand, shaking his head. Now that he confirmed she was fine, he felt a bit bewildered. 

How could someone spend half the day sleeping?