The outdoor garden of Cliff Castle was unlike that of any other noble estate.

There were no ornate sculptures, meticulously landscaped trees, or vibrantly arranged roses. Instead, the garden boasted a natural, unrefined charm.

It resembled a small forest more than a traditional garden.

Towering, time-worn trees stood proudly, their graceful forms shaped by the years. Birds and insects hidden within performed a symphony of nature.

Under the largest tree—one that had likely stood for centuries—two figures sat across from each other, a pristine marble table between them.

It was Astrid and Chase.

“This garden has a unique charm, different from artificially landscaped ones.”

“Doesn’t it? Hestian gardens are unlike Croatan’s. They’re delicate and quaint. But I prefer this one.”

Astrid’s eyes shone with pride as she gazed at Cliff’s garden. Watching her, Chase allowed a smile to linger on his lips.

“You seem to have great pride and affection for Cliff. Is it because of your feelings for the Grand Duke?”

Chase’s eyes glinted mischievously, as though teasing her. Instead of answering, Astrid quietly lifted her teacup to her lips.

“Forgive me if I was rude. I can’t help being curious. I admit it—I don’t have a particularly good personality.”

“…It seems you’ve decided to wrap up the business discussion.”

“Yes, I think we’ve talked enough about that.”

Chase didn’t bother to hide his intentions, readily agreeing with her remark. Astrid let out a small sigh as she set her teacup down.

“…So, what exactly is it that you want to discuss? Why did you invite me here, Marquis?”

“Why? Can’t I? Your lab is nice, but I wanted to enjoy the view in an open space. Tea tastes better in a place like this.”

Chase shrugged playfully, his manner reminiscent of an actor in a religious play Astrid had once seen at the Holy See during her childhood.

That play, praised to tears by many, had left Astrid unimpressed.

Maybe it was because she had spent years interacting with the straightforward people of Cliff. Chase’s aristocratic demeanor felt particularly contrived to her today.

“Marquis, I…”

“Oh dear. Is it that my jokes don’t work on you? You seemed tense.”

“…”

“That must have been a dull joke. Let me get to the point.”

“…Go on.”

“I’d like to make a personal deal with you.”

“What?”

“Would it be presumptuous to say you and I are in similar situations? I believe we share the same sentiment.”

Chase’s eyes were serious as he looked at Astrid. The playful attitude he’d displayed earlier had completely vanished.

“The same sentiment? What do you mean?”

“Do you truly believe the Grand Duke and Elena are lovers?”

“…!”

The unexpected question made Astrid’s eyes widen.

“I don’t believe it.”

Chase’s voice was full of conviction. His self-assured expression unsettled her for a moment, but Astrid quickly regained her composure.

“That’s impossible,” she thought.

She had heard it herself.

“Don’t refuse me, Caleb. You’re obligated to keep your promise to me.”

“…Fine.”

“We love each other, don’t we?”

It had been when Astrid visited Caleb’s office to disinfect his wound. She had unintentionally overheard the conversation between Caleb and Elena, and all the hopes she had held onto crumbled in an instant.

She had considered the possibility that there might be unspoken circumstances. Caleb and Elena were undeniably a well-matched pair, yet their interactions didn’t seem particularly affectionate.

They seemed more like long-time friends than lovers. Besides, ever since Caleb had returned to Cliff, he seemed strangely attentive to her—sensitive to minor injuries and offering unsolicited advice.

Matilda had pointed out that no man would behave that way toward someone he didn’t care about. Matilda was convinced that Caleb’s feelings were directed at Astrid.

Astrid had dismissed it as nonsense, but secretly, she couldn’t quell the glimmer of hope that had taken root in her heart.

After all, the man she had yearned for over two years stood alive before her. How could she suppress her feelings when her heart raced every time his touch lingered?

‘How could I possibly hide my feelings?’

No matter how hard she tried, her stubborn heart found meaning in Caleb’s smallest actions.

‘Maybe he has feelings for me.’ 

She wanted to believe it. But the man she loved with all her heart belonged to someone else.

After overhearing their conversation, Astrid had to leave immediately, as if running away. As she distanced herself from Caleb, she resolved not to torment herself with futile hopes anymore.

It hadn’t been long since she had made that resolution, yet Chase’s words had shaken her resolve.

Astrid was afraid of her own weakness, unsure how much more she had to endure before her painful yearning would end. It felt as though she were trapped in a maze with no exit.

“Lord Chase, they are indeed lovers. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve seen and heard enough to know. Please stop letting yourself be consumed by false hope. If my advice seems arrogant… please forgive me.”

Astrid spoke bitterly to Chase, confessing something she hadn’t told anyone else. That Chase, of all people, would hear it embarrassed her. Yet, strangely, she felt slightly unburdened.

“…So, does that mean you’re giving up?” Chase asked.

“That…”

Astrid couldn’t continue and simply stared at Chase. In his eyes, she saw an unshakable certainty, unyielding to anything she might say.

“I don’t know why you are so convinced, Your Grace. Whatever you’ve heard or seen doesn’t matter to me. I have no intention of giving up on Elena. Not even a little.”

“…Lord.”

“I don’t believe that the Grand Duke and Elena are lovers. This isn’t some delusion; it’s my conviction. Elena would never give her heart to another, one she hasn’t given to me.”

“…”

Even at this point, Chase’s unwavering conviction began to unnerve Astrid. People wouldn’t call this love. Most would probably label it obsession.

‘…Am I obsessed with Caleb, too?’

She was confused. She found it harder and harder to understand Chase. Was he blinded by love, refusing to see reality? Or unwilling to admit it? Or did he truly have grounds for such certainty?

And why was he sharing all this with her? She couldn’t say, but one thing became clear.

‘His feelings for Elena are earnest.’

Even if it was obsession, Astrid could tell the sincerity of his longing. She recognized it because she, too, had yearned for something deeply for a long time.

Chase noticed the tinge of pity in Astrid’s gaze and let out a small chuckle.

“Do I look like someone whose mind is broken, lost in delusions? Your Grace, are you afraid of me? Or do you pity me?”

“…Marquis Chase.”

“Even if the Grand Duke and Elena are lovers, it doesn’t matter to me. I haven’t given up yet. It’s not over until I decide it is. And I’m not ready to end it. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”

She was taken aback. What was he asking her to do when she couldn’t even control her own heart?

“I’m in no position to help anyone. As you know…”

“Your Grace, please become my lover.”

“…!”

Chase knelt on the ground. His fine, tailored clothing became stained with damp soil, but he didn’t seem to care in the slightest.

“Don’t do this, My Lord.”

Gently, Chase took Astrid’s hand, bowed his head, and brought his lips to it.

“Marquis Chase!”

Startled, Astrid quickly tried to pull her hand back, but Chase didn’t budge.

“I’m begging you, Your Grace. Help me win Elena’s heart. This is my last chance.”

“…Are you insane?”

Astrid’s voice, unusually sharp, slipped out, but Chase remained unfazed.

“Yes. Do I seem mad to you? Then feel free to call me crazy.”

“My Lord!”

“I’m willing to do anything to have Elena. Becoming your lover, Your Grace, would be an honor.”

“This is absurd!”

“Even if this is your last chance to separate them?”

“…!”

Chase’s final remark struck a deep chord within Astrid. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, it was both painful and a tempting proposition.

“You won’t regret partnering with a madman like me if the reward is the Grand Duke’s heart.”

“…I can’t understand you.”