Chapter 30

Charlotte’s expression briefly showed a hint of confusion at the sudden question.  

Elias, too, had a subtle change in his expression, stiffening slightly in response to her reaction. Apart from Charlotte’s family, Elias was the only one who knew the state she had been in during her divorce.  

“Don’t tell me…”  

“Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not that.”  

Charlotte cut him off sharply. Still unconvinced, Elias pressed on.  

“Then what is it?”  

“It’s simple. Business.”  

“Of all things, why would you get involved with your ex-husband for business?”  

At Elias’s teasing remark, Charlotte glared at him. He raised an eyebrow and shrugged.  

Soon, they turned to the small task that had brought them together that day. After a short while, as things wrapped up, Charlotte spoke.  

“Thanks for helping me out every time.”  

“It’s no big deal. But are you ever going to tell me why you insist on donating anonymously?”  

“Nope. Never.”  

Hiding the bitter feelings in her heart, Charlotte chuckled softly.  

After starting her café business and earning money, Charlotte had begun her activities as an “anonymous benefactor” through Elias. She used the name of the Cherfeld family—known for supporting the cultivation of talent in the music world—to sponsor various foundations.  

By not using her family name, Rothschild, or her own, she avoided unnecessary attention. Since she trusted her reliable friend, the secrecy was guaranteed. Thus, Charlotte regularly sent money to Elias under the guise of donations.  

“As a friend, it’s a bit disappointing, but I’m grateful that the Cherfeld name is being associated with such generous contributions.”  

“Think of it as compensation for keeping the secret.”  

After finishing her sentence, Charlotte wrinkled her nose playfully before lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.  

“I have something to ask you, Elias.”  

“What is it?”  

“It’s not about me, but my friend…”  

“Ha, sure. I mean, okay.”  

Elias barely suppressed a laugh.  

Charlotte’s only friend was him. Though her personality had shifted slightly after graduating from school and getting married, Charlotte, once called the “Princess of Rothschild” by commoners, had always been haughty. Naturally, someone like her hadn’t had friends.  

Yet here she was, claiming to have a friend. It was obvious that whatever she was about to ask was Charlotte’s own concern. Intrigued, Elias clasped his hands together on the table, feigning a serious expression.  

“Alright. Since I’m here, I’ll give you some relationship advice.”  

“I told you, it’s not about me—it’s about my friend.”  

“Whatever you say.”  

After hesitating briefly, Charlotte cautiously began.  

“They both know they have feelings for each other, but their future is already decided. If they’re going to part ways anyway, wouldn’t it be better not to start anything at all?”  

What seemed like a light question turned out to be a surprisingly weighty one. After closing his eyes and thinking for a moment, Elias gave a simple answer.  

“It’s better to regret doing something than to regret doing nothing.”  

At his optimistic response, a faint blush appeared on Charlotte’s face. Still, unable to let go of her doubts, she asked again.  

“Why? If they don’t start, wouldn’t it hurt less later on?”  

Clicking his tongue, Elias muttered to himself about how Charlotte, who had rushed into marriage, seemed utterly clueless about relationships. Then he added,  

“You’re such a novice. Relationships aren’t all about romance. Sometimes, people start something only to be disappointed when the other person turns out to be different from what they imagined. In those cases, there’s no regret when it ends.”  

Charlotte fell into thought.  

She had already spent two years married to Erhen. With him, there was little chance of disappointment. If anything, it would be her own heart that might falter.  

Coming to a quick conclusion, Charlotte said,  

“On the other hand, they could end up being happy the whole time.”  

“Well, that’s even better.”  

Elias responded nonchalantly, as if to say it wasn’t even a question worth asking.  

“If you’re too afraid of regret to even start, you’re just giving up the chance to experience happiness altogether.”  

“……”  

“Doing nothing and regretting it is the most painful thing of all.”  

At his words, Charlotte’s expression grew even more serious. Watching her, Elias also fell into thought.  

Was the Rothschild family strongly opposing a reunion?  

Her marriage and divorce had both been entirely her decision. Even as a friend, Elias wouldn’t be thrilled to see her getting back together with the same person. For her family, the matter would likely be even more serious.  

Concerned, Elias asked his childhood friend,  

“Wait. Is the Duke of Rosenheim asking to start over again?”  

“Hey. I told you it’s not about me.”  

“So that’s why he’s come all the way to Heringen on vacation?”  

“Stop talking nonsense and just leave already.”  

“Oh, how scary.”  

With a scowl, Charlotte issued a command for him to leave. Unfazed, Elias left the café with a dramatic flourish, reminding her to bring the Duke to his performance.  

***

After Elias left, Charlotte remained alone, picking up the sponsorship documents on the table.  

The people she supported were those who had taken on the burdens of her family’s fate. It was the arrogance of a survivor. 

Was I convincing myself that this was enough to atone for my sins? Was this… all?  

The Overseer’s words echoed in her mind like a shadow over her heavy sigh.  

“The only way for you and that boy to live is to sever ties with each other.”  

The Overseer had given her one month. Regardless of the time frame, Charlotte’s decision was painfully clear.  

This wasn’t just about her life; it was about Erhen’s as well. And she already loved him, who had become a part of her life. Perhaps the Overseer had foreseen her decision and was merely giving her time to come to terms with it.  

But still…  

“If you’re too afraid of regret to even start, you’re just giving up the chance to experience happiness altogether.”  

“Doing nothing and regretting it is the most painful thing of all.”  

Charlotte bit her lip. The faint hope she had harbored grew stronger with Elias’s words.  

Perhaps this was the answer she had been seeking all along. Even if the outcome was already determined, she wanted to share warmth with him during the time they had left. She wanted to experience love with him, even if only briefly.  

She wanted to fully embrace Erhen’s love.  

She knew it was a selfish desire, but if they were destined to part anyway, couldn’t she be happy with him, even if only for a fleeting moment?  

Charlotte’s gaze drifted to the blue sea of Heringen visible beyond the window.  

“Let’s do it.” 

She decided.  

For that one month.  

She would love—and then end everything.  

***

When Erhen entered the greenhouse, Charlotte was seated at the table, gazing into a hand mirror. Normally, the table would have been cluttered with papers and documents, as she often worked there. But today, the only thing on the table was her coffee cup.  

Even her attire was different. Usually, she wore lively two-piece sets, but today she flaunted her charm in a pink satin dress adorned with elegant drapes.  

As she checked her makeup in the mirror, Charlotte turned at the sound of Erhen’s footsteps.  

“Oh, you’re here?”  

“Is today some special occasion?”  

Approaching her, Erhen asked. Setting down the mirror, Charlotte looked up at him with a bashful smile.  

“Yes. Today is the day you and I go on a date, Duke.”  

For once, it wasn’t Erhen making the first move—it was Charlotte, striking without warning.  

Caught off guard, Erhen cleared his throat. Charlotte giggled at his reaction and added,  

“The royal decree to recover didn’t say you had to stay indoors all the time. You should enjoy yourself a bit. Besides, I was getting worried seeing you always at home or the café.”  

“……”  

“And Elias gave me tickets to an opera performance.”  

Charlotte blinked her large, round eyes. Her emerald gaze reflected Erhen’s flustered expression. As he struggled to find words, Charlotte asked again.  

“Don’t you want to go?”  

“No.”  

His response was swift.  

“Wait here. I’ll get ready.”  

Erhen quickly left the greenhouse. When he returned, he was impeccably dressed in a black suit that matched his dark hair.  

The suit fit his lean, muscular frame perfectly, and a familiar silver brooch gleamed on the lapel of his coat. His jet-black hair, reminiscent of the night sky, fell delicately over his forehead, and his blue eyes sparkled as brightly as ever.  

He was, without a doubt, exactly Charlotte’s type.