Chapter 25

Cornell’s surprised expression softened as she raised her hand to cup Phyllis’s cheek. Phyllis lowered his head and buried his face in Cornell’s shoulder. Her small hand gently stroked his back.

“It’s okay, Phyllis. Everything will be alright.”

The whispered words lingered in his ears. It was what Cornell always said whenever Phyllis was struggling.

Phyllis forced a smile and pulled himself away from her embrace.

“…Father received an invitation. It seems there’s going to be an event at the Imperial Palace.”

He changed the topic as if nothing had happened, and Cornell nodded, stepping aside. Entering the room, Cornell pulled out the invitation Phyllis had handed her.

Meanwhile, Phyllis sat on the bed. From the looks of it, she had been studying; the desk was piled high with academic texts and research papers. Phyllis felt a suffocating weight press down on him. Cornell, as if accustomed to the sight, sat down in a chair and asked,

“You’re attending too, right?”

“Yeah. What about you?”

The event was one of the Empire’s regular gatherings, held every three years at the start of winter.

It hadn’t been held the previous year due to the Crown Prince’s northern expedition, but Phyllis had attended once before.

“The Princess also encouraged me to go, but… I’m not sure.”

Cornell shrugged as she spoke, indicating that she wasn’t particularly inclined to attend. She was likely busy, given that her research was nearing completion. Phyllis didn’t press further and simply nodded.

A brief silence fell over the room before a soft voice broke it.

“Shall we hold our engagement ceremony after the party?”

“What?”

“On the day of the first snowfall, wearing flower crowns.”

At first, Cornell blinked in confusion, as if she didn’t understand, but then she broke into a bright smile. Phyllis stroked Cornell’s hair as she leaned into his arms.

‘The research Cornell and I have been working on lately has been yielding good results.’

It was something his father had casually remarked before leaving the room. For the first time, Ian Herwin’s gaze had been directed at Phyllis.

‘At this rate, we might see the youngest Chairperson in history.’

“…What exactly are you trying to say?”

Phyllis had barely suppressed the urge to retch at his father’s brazen tone. The only reason Ian Herwin supported Cornell was for his own reputation. That was the kind of man Ian Herwin was—someone who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

‘What I’m saying is, don’t concern yourself with it. Whether it’s the notice of annulment or anything else.’

To Ian Herwin, even his only son’s engagement was just another means to an end. Knowing this, Phyllis could no longer hold onto Karina.

He shouldn’t. He had already caused her too much pain and selfishly turned a blind eye to it.

‘Karina is no longer your concern. To gain one thing, you must give up another.’

The selfish voice of desire echoed in his mind. Holding Cornell in his arms, Phyllis stared ahead.

The walls, covered in notes and papers, looked like a prison to him.

Phyllis bit his lip and muttered unconsciously.

“I’m sorry, Cornell.”

Hearing his voice, Cornell flinched. Then, her small, delicate hands wrapped around his broad back. She patted his back rhythmically, her touch gentle and soothing. Phyllis closed his eyes and repeated the words once more.

“I’m sorry.”

Who was he asking forgiveness from this second time? The guilt weighed heavily on his heart.

***

Karina stood amidst the bustling maids, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror. Her makeup and hair had been finished earlier. All that remained was to put on the dress she had chosen, and she would be ready to leave.

‘It’s an invitation from the Imperial Palace. Check it out.’

Two days ago, Asillis had handed Karina an invitation. It was an invitation to an event being held at the Imperial Palace.

Karina had nodded without giving it much thought. It was a regular event, and she was somewhat familiar with it, even though it hadn’t been held the previous year. The only notable difference this year was that the event was being hosted by the Crown Prince.

‘What if someone asks me to dance again?’

It wasn’t something Karina particularly cared about. She dressed while mulling over such trivial concerns. But just as she finished putting on her dress and was about to pin her hair, something brushed against her foot.

“Oh, you scared me. It’s you.”

Looking down, Karina bent over and picked up Edel. The little creature was still half-asleep, its eyes barely open.

Becky smiled fondly and made eye contact with Edel. Karina gently stroked the small head with her finger.

Edel was the only thing lately that gave Karina a sense of relief. Noah, on the other hand, had been busy lately and hadn’t been in touch much.

‘…This makes it seem like I’m waiting for his letters.’

The thought embarrassed her, and Karina quickly set Edel down to distract herself.

As she left her room and descended to the first floor, the butler Shumian guided her to the prepared carriage.

“His Grace is waiting for you.”

Walking to the main road where the carriage awaited, Karina saw Asillis raise his head.

“You’re quick. Let’s go.”

Karina nodded awkwardly and climbed into the carriage. Asillis closed the door, and the carriage began to move. Inside the slightly swaying carriage, Karina gazed out the window. The atmosphere felt heavier than usual. Sensing this, Asillis broke the silence.

“Are you dressed warmly? It’s cold out.”

“I’m wearing thick clothes. You look colder than I do, Father.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

Karina was already bundled in a thick coat and shawl. Asillis joked lightly.

“If I get too cold, I’ll just take your shawl.”

Karina smiled faintly at the thought, remembering the fur cloak she had lent to Noah.

Asillis, noticing her smile, looked at her curiously before speaking.

“The annulment papers were sent to the Herwin Earldom a few days ago.”

It was sudden, but not unexpected. Karina was surprised at how indifferent she felt as she replied.

“Yes, I heard.”

“There was no objection. Everything will be settled smoothly, so don’t worry.”

Despite his indifferent tone, there was a hint of consideration for her feelings. Karina nodded silently.

It wasn’t something that could be resolved with just a few letters. Some time would likely be needed.

‘I wonder if he got scolded at least a little.’

For a moment, Phyllis came to mind. As if noticing her thoughts, Asillis spoke in a serious tone.

“Just in case, let me make this clear: there’s no need to concern yourself with that boy.”

Karina flinched and lowered her gaze. Asillis, staring straight ahead, continued.

“He chose to break off his relationship with you and pick another woman.”

“…”

“He made his choice, and now he must bear the consequences. You don’t need to waste your feelings on him.”

“…I understand.”

Karina’s voice grew quieter under his firm words.

She understood it all too well, but it wasn’t easy. She and Phyllis had been close for 11 years.

Even if they hadn’t been engaged, they had undoubtedly been important to each other.

But despite their shared history, Karina was resolute.

‘Miss, another letter has arrived…’

‘Give it to me.’

Karina recalled the four unopened letters she had stashed in her drawer. She hadn’t read them, so she didn’t know their contents. All she knew was that they were from Phyllis.

She didn’t have the courage to throw them away, but she also had no intention of opening them.

‘I hope I never have to face you again.’

The courage to distance herself from Phyllis was right in front of her. Karina grabbed it without hesitation.

The carriage sped on, as if urging her forward. When the sound of the wheels began to slow, Asillis spoke.

“It seems we’ve arrived. Prepare to get off.”

Soon, the carriage came to a stop, and the sound of the attendant’s footsteps reached them.

As the door opened, the Duke stepped out first. Karina took his escort and stepped onto the ground.

Asillis extended his hand to Karina and called her name gently.

“Let’s go, Karina.”

At that moment, a familiar carriage stopped behind theirs.

The door opened, and out stepped the very person Karina had hoped never to see again.

“…Yes.”

Karina turned away, leaving Phyllis frozen mid-step as he tried to disembark.

She desperately hoped there would be no reason to look back.

***

Soft music filled the room. Nobles were entering the banquet hall one by one. Karina and Asillis were guided by an attendant to their seats. Their table was at the front, closest to the central stage.

As she gazed at the stage at the front of the hall, she sensed someone approaching.

“Duke Edelin, it’s been a while.”

Turning her head belatedly, Karina saw a middle-aged man extending his hand to Asillis.

“It has been a while, Marquis Brown.”

“Lady Karina is here as well. Ah, this is my son, Gale.”

The friendly Marquis Brown introduced the young man beside him. Karina stood and bowed her head.

Gale, looking stiff and nervous, followed her lead and greeted her.

As Karina returned to her seat, she noticed another group sitting at a table further back. It was Phyllis and Earl Herwin. Phyllis, having spotted her, paused as he was pulling out his chair.

Karina immediately turned her head and sat down.

‘Is it far from starting?’

Asillis and Marquis Brown continued their conversation. They seemed well-acquainted, as there was no awkwardness between them. Karina didn’t find it uncomfortable. What was uncomfortable was talking to people she didn’t want to engage with.

In that sense, the gaze she kept feeling from her side was unsettling. After some hesitation, Karina glanced sideways.

“…Ah, my apologies.”

Gale, caught staring, flinched and bowed his head in embarrassment. His reaction was more dramatic than she had expected.

Karina lowered her gaze without a word and looked forward again. At that moment, a voice rang out from the front.

“His Highness the Crown Prince will soon make his entrance. Please remain seated and quiet.”