Epilogue (Part 2)

“Wait, you’re telling me that you’re the Countess of the Rozes family?”  

Rasilia, who had come to visit Cecilia at the Rozes estate, widened her eyes in disbelief.  

Cecilia hadn’t shared the news with Rasilia for several reasons. She knew Rasilia must have been busy adjusting to her new life in a different place, and she also wanted to tell her in person.  

As a result, Rasilia couldn’t help but be shocked when she finally heard the news.  

“Yes, well… it just sort of happened.”  

For some reason, Cecilia felt embarrassed to tell Rasilia that she was now a Countess, so she scratched her head awkwardly.  

“And your lover is Priest Ian?”  

Rasilia’s finger, which had been pointing at Cecilia, now shifted toward Ian.  

“Yes. Surprised?”  

Feeling even more flustered than when she introduced herself as a Countess, Cecilia nodded with her cheeks slightly flushed.  

“Yeah… You could’ve given me a heads-up, you know.”  

Rasilia, still unable to close her mouth, glanced back and forth between Cecilia and Ian.  

“I wanted to surprise you, so I didn’t tell you on purpose.”  

Cecilia smiled mischievously at her reaction.  

“What did Earl Beaufort say? He must’ve been as surprised as I am.”  

“When Ian resigned from the priesthood, I think he had an inkling.”  

The day Ian visited the Bucklew family, Earl Beaufort had sensed that something was different about him. He had a vague idea that something significant had happened.  

While the Earl was more shocked to learn that Cecilia was Ian’s partner than the fact that Ian had a lover, he eventually congratulated them with an awkward expression after a moment of stunned silence. The three of them had burst into laughter at his reaction.  

Even now, Cecilia couldn’t help but chuckle when she remembered the Earl’s comically flustered face.  

“Wait, there’s more to this, isn’t there? Were you talking about marriage or something?”  

When Cecilia let out a small laugh, Rasilia narrowed her eyes suspiciously.  

“No, we’re not thinking about marriage yet.”  

“You’re not? How does that make sense when you’re already living together?”  

Rasilia looked at her as if she couldn’t understand.  

“I’m still lacking in many ways to lead the Rozes family on my own, so Ian is just helping me out.”  

Since it was difficult to manage the Rozes family while staying at the Beaut family estate, Cecilia had moved to the Rozes estate. However, she still found it challenging to lead the family alone.  

Ian, who had often assisted Earl Beaufort before becoming a full-fledged priest, was now helping Cecilia fill in the gaps. He was a tremendous help to her.  

Of course, it was Cecilia who had initially suggested that Ian move in. Ian had refused at first, saying they couldn’t live together before marriage, but she had eventually convinced him to come.  

Although she had prepared a separate room for him, Ian would always end up in her bed at night. Every evening, after she finished her bath and entered the bedroom, she would find him waiting for her, fully prepared.  

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t you get married first?”  

“There’s still so much to do, and Ian also has an exam to prepare for, so we’re not planning on it for now.”  

Ian was planning to work for the royal court, which kept him busy helping Cecilia and studying for his exam. Cecilia, too, had a lot on her plate and wanted to wait until the Rozes family was more stable before thinking about marriage.  

“Cecilia, I don’t think you have the luxury of time.”  

When Cecilia spoke firmly, Rasilia’s expression turned mischievous.  

“What?”  

“I’ve heard rumors that the social circles are in an uproar ever since Ian gave up his priesthood. Everyone’s desperately searching for him. If you keep being so complacent, one of those ladies might snatch him away from you.”  

Cecilia turned to Ian with a startled expression, but he simply shrugged as if he didn’t know anything about it.  

Since their relationship hadn’t been publicly announced yet, not many people knew they were lovers.  

Young ladies who were still unaware of Ian’s whereabouts continued sending letters to the Beaufort family, inquiring about him.  

As the number of letters increased daily, Cecilia and Ian had decided to focus on their immediate tasks and gradually reveal their relationship later.  

However, the thought of another lady taking Ian away made Cecilia suddenly feel anxious.  

“Enough about me. Let’s talk about you now. I have so many questions.”  

To hide her unease, Cecilia quickly changed the subject.  

“Alright. Ask me anything.”  

“Is being married nice?”  

“Yes, it’s wonderful.”  

Rasilia smiled brightly, and her expression alone was enough to show how happy she was with her life.  

“What’s the best part?”  

“Everything is great, but the best part is that Dein is my man.”  

“Even though you didn’t have a formal wedding?”  

“The ceremony isn’t what matters, so it’s fine.”  

“Did you inform your parents about your marriage?”  

At the mention of Viscount Bucklew and his wife, Rasilia’s expression darkened slightly.  

“They’re both working at the Huntley estate, so I couldn’t visit them. I just sent a letter saying I got married.”  

“What did they say in response?”  

“Mother congratulated me, but Father didn’t reply at all. I guess he’s still upset with me.”  

“Are you okay?”  

“Of course, I’m fine. I do feel bad for how hard they’re working, but it can’t be helped. It’s the fault of the person who caused all this trouble in the first place.”  

Rasilia gave a bitter smile. Seeing her like that made Cecilia feel guilty for some reason.  

“Why are you making that face? I’m really fine. Just being married makes me so happy. But if you insist, I suppose I could hold a wedding ceremony later.”  

Rasilia smiled brightly at Cecilia.  

“You’re thinking about having a wedding? What kind of wedding do you want? I’ll make it grand and perfect, tailored to the concept you’d like.”  

Excited at the thought of being able to prepare Rasilia’s wedding, Cecilia immediately stood up from her seat.  

“If you’re going to prepare it, I’ll gladly accept. But my wedding will only come after yours.”  

“What?”  

Hearing something so unexpected, Cecilia turned to Ian with a flustered expression. When their eyes met, he smiled softly.  

“Cecilia, if you wish for it, I have no objections to whenever you want.”  

“Ah…”  

Cecilia, overwhelmed with embarrassment, found herself momentarily at a loss for words. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to get married. There were just too many things to handle, too much to organize, and so many other matters to take care of….  

As Ian looked at her, he smiled and stood up from his seat.  

“To be honest, things are already perfect as they are. As long as you’re by my side, that’s more than enough.”  

“Ian…”  

“However, there is one thing I’d like to do right now. I’ve been too busy to find the right moment to give this to you, but now seems like the perfect time.”  

Ian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He approached Cecilia, knelt on one knee, and presented the ring to her.  

“I’m not asking you to marry me immediately. I prepared this because I want to start letting everyone know that you’re my woman. I don’t want to lose you to anyone else either.”  

“Ian…”  

Cecilia’s eyes trembled slightly, and tears began to well up in the corners of her eyes.  

He had been thinking about her, yet she hadn’t paid enough attention to him because of how busy she’d been. She felt sorry for that, but at the same time, she was incredibly grateful.  

When Cecilia held out her hand, Ian stood up and slid the ring onto her finger.  

Behind them, Rasilia congratulated them with a cheerful voice, but neither of them seemed to hear her.  

As if they had momentarily forgotten about her presence, their gazes were filled solely with each other.  

Only happiness awaited them now. Thinking of the brilliant future ahead, they exchanged radiant smiles.  

<The End>