Chapter 12.3

Afterward, Liam borrowed a suit from Etienne in a hurry. The Conrad estate had not a single piece of his clothing. They had tried to erase all traces of him after expelling him, leaving the room untouched because they couldn’t manage it otherwise.

He couldn’t go to a boutique to buy new clothes either. The ball was that evening, leaving no time, and he didn’t have the energy to get fitted for clothes with his ailing body.

“At least we’re similar in build, and it’s early summer, so it’s fortunate. If it were winter and you needed a jacket, it would be difficult. Your shoulders are broader than mine.”

“I could borrow Brother Benoit’s jacket.”

“I trust you’re not serious. If he finds out you touched his clothes without permission, he’d want to kill both you and me. He’s sensitive about those things.”

Etienne laughed, handing Liam a cravat tie. Liam also laughed as he tied it.

Finally, after taking the antipyretics and painkillers left by the doctor, he finished preparing and boarded the carriage with Etienne.

“Though it’s late, thank you for your kindness.”

“It’s nothing.”

Etienne shrugged. He kept looking at Liam with a curious gaze, as if his appearance was unfamiliar. It was understandable, as Liam was a brother from whom it was hard to hear a word of thanks. That he had changed so much was astonishing.

‘They say becoming a parent changes you.’

Etienne had thought this would never apply to Liam. He never imagined his brother would marry and have a proper family.

‘I wonder what kind of woman he married to make him like this.’

Etienne suppressed his curiosity. Liam’s pained face suggested he didn’t have the energy for idle chatter.

The carriage stopped in front of the Rozier Earl’s mansion. As Etienne and Liam entered the ballroom, the chatter ceased. Only the music played by the band softly filled the hall.

Etienne wasn’t surprised by the silence. He was currently the most popular bachelor. A gentleman with an excellent family, handsome appearance, and kind, courteous nature.

Whenever Etienne appeared, people stopped their conversations and quickly gathered around him. So the attention and silence were not unusual.

The difference this time was that people’s eyes were all on Liam beside him.

Despite the burden of concentrated stares, Liam didn’t mind. He had grown weary of excessive attention since visiting the Conrad Marquis estate.

Instead, Liam and Etienne surveyed the ballroom. Soon, Etienne spotted Lady Rozier and led Liam towards her. As they moved together, people began whispering softly.

“My goodness. Who is that? Isn’t he the Conrad family’s prodigal son?”

“I thought I was seeing things.”

“They said he was banished to the countryside… When did he return?”

The whispers reached Julie de Rozier’s ears clearly.

‘He really came.’

Julie hid her mouth with her fan as she watched Liam and Etienne approach. Otherwise, she might have shown a wry smile.

“It’s been a while, Mademoiselle Rozier.”

“Yes, and there’s a face I haven’t seen in even longer.”

Julie’s gaze shifted from Etienne to Liam. She had heard the news of Liam’s return yesterday. Her new personal maid was very talkative and loved street gossip.

Rumors that Liam had knelt in front of the Conrad Marquis estate for over two days in the rain, becoming a spectacle, had reached her ears.

Not long after hearing this, the Marchioness of Conrad visited the Rozier family during the day and obtained an invitation to the ball.

The Marchioness had declared she would take a break from social gatherings. Yet, she suddenly asked for a ball invitation, which was unexpected.

“I didn’t think I’d see you again, Monsieur Conrad.”

“You are as beautiful as ever, Mademoiselle.”

“Oh, please. How is your cheek?”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Still as thick-skinned as ever.”

Julie couldn’t hold back a scoff. Was it early last spring? Like many young ladies of society, she had been captivated by his handsome face and smooth talk.

Of course, Julie wasn’t unaware of Liam’s dissolute nature. She knew well enough. With ears, it was strange not to know, so she approached it lightly.

If there was one thing she overlooked…

‘I thought he at least knew some decency.’

Liam turned out to be more of a jerk than expected. She never imagined he would be involved with both her and her personal maid simultaneously.

It was a severe insult. It made her realize that the thought she might be his true love was purely her delusion.

She felt ashamed and humiliated for being briefly intoxicated with a sense of victory. Changing her long-time personal maid was a bonus.

“I’d like to speak privately for a moment, if that’s alright?”

“Sure. Follow me.”

Julie turned around. Etienne also tried to follow, but Liam shook his head, stopping him.

Liam followed Julie out of the ballroom. They walked a little down the corridor until Julie stopped, and so did he.

“Now, speak freely.”

Julie said, meeting Liam’s eyes.

“What business makes you think to show your face before me?”

“I apologize for the past, Mademoiselle.”

“Do you even know what you did wrong?”

“I was not gentlemanly.”

“You were inhuman. How could you… with both me and my personal maid at the same time… It’s really outrageous.”

“I am truly sorry.”

“Because of you, I had to let go of a maid I considered a long-time friend. Of course, it left a scar on my heart.”

“…”

“When I confronted you with the same words last year, you were shameless. I can’t understand why you’re apologizing now. What do you want from me?”

“I heard the Rozier family is researching Lazunis disease and monopolizing its treatment.”

“The disease that turns the whites of the eyes and face yellow. And?”

“I seek the Rozier family’s help.”

“You don’t seem to be the one afflicted.”

“You see correctly. It’s not me but my child who is ill.”

“Child…?”

Julie’s mouth opened slightly in shock. Her eyelashes trembled with the surprise.

“You have a child? Since when?”

“Born this year. Please, Mademoiselle Rozier, I ask for your help.”

“…”

“I am willing to pay any cost for the treatment. Please speak to the Earl of Rozier and help my child receive treatment.”

Julie was still unable to contain her astonishment for two reasons.

First, that Liam had a child. Second, that the scoundrel who never bowed to anyone was now bowing to her.

“So you’ve changed because of that…”

A child? Did he marry in the meantime? Or is it an illegitimate child?

Julie was confused but didn’t want to pry. It was too humiliating.

Her heart still fluttered at his handsome face, but she had no desire for someone else’s man.

However, she felt she needed to release the grudge and resentment built up over time.

“Alright. I’ll speak well to my father.”

“Thank you…!”

“No, don’t thank me yet. There are conditions.”

Julie closed her fan and raised her chin haughtily.

“Kneel and apologize to me.”

“Is that really what you want?”

“Why? Can’t you…!”

Before she could finish her mocking question, Liam knelt before Julie. Though it was a corridor, it wasn’t entirely deserted.

A few servants and nobles passing by could see, but he didn’t care.

“I’m sorry for hurting you. I mean it.”

“Wow…”

Is this man really ‘Liam de Conrad’?

Was he truly the same arrogant jerk who, after being slapped last year, told me to leave if our business was done?

Julie de Rozier was the youngest daughter of the Earl of Rozier, who had six sons.

Raised as a beloved only daughter, she once thought it natural for others to love her. The notorious scoundrel was no exception. She lightly thought he would fall for her charm.

It was Liam who shattered that arrogance and pride. Though her pride was hurt when she learned the truth, that was all. In fact, Liam didn’t mean much in Julie’s life.

She had only harbored the notion of putting him in his place someday, but…

“You’ve really changed.”

Julie couldn’t hide her disappointment. It was hard to pinpoint, but she knew this wasn’t what she wanted.

“How boring you’ve become.”

“…”

“Pathetic.”

Her interest waned upon realizing he was someone else’s man, but even if he weren’t, she would have reacted the same way. Liam felt incredibly unattractive now.

He was better off being arrogant. If she had known he would change like this, she wouldn’t have bothered at all.

“Well, a promise is a promise, so don’t worry. I’ll help your child get treated.”

Julie reopened her fan and fanned herself.

“Bring your child to the specialized clinic our family runs tomorrow. I’ll persuade my father as promised, so don’t worry.”

“I won’t forget this kindness…”

“Oh, stop! I don’t want your thanks, so don’t give it. And here’s another piece of advice: don’t apologize. It’s really pathetic and disappointing.”

Liam flinched. But Julie, who was looking elsewhere, didn’t notice and continued fanning herself.

“I feel foolish for dreaming of this moment. It was better when you were a jerk.”

“…”

“I don’t want to see you, so enjoy yourself and leave. Goodbye.”

Julie turned without hesitation. The sound of her heels echoed down the corridor.