Chapter 12.5

Yvonne was inwardly amazed at the sight of the mansion she saw for the first time. The mansion was so large it took a long time to reach the entrance from the main gate even by carriage.

‘Could this be the royal palace?’

Having never seen or been to a royal palace, it was a thought she could have, not knowing what a real palace looked like. The mansion was that beautiful.

There were many maids and servants lined up at the entrance to welcome them. At a glance, there seemed to be more than ten.

To have this many just for receiving the household members and guests.

The actual number of other servants working in the mansion would be unimaginable.

Yvonne understood why Liam didn’t particularly like Rivette or any other place, calling them rural. Growing up in such a place, everything else must have seemed trivial.

“Welcome, Young Master.”

A woman who appeared to be the head maid bowed politely.

“Where’s Mother?”

“She’s waiting for you in the parlor.”

“Because of Liam?”

“It seems so.”

“Hmm…”

Etienne looked troubled.

“And who is the lady beside you?”

“Oh, this is Liam’s wife. Sorry for the sudden request, but could you prepare a guest room? And we need a maid who can take care of the baby since we didn’t bring a nanny.”

“I’ll assign a maid right away. But wouldn’t it be fine for the lady to share the third young master’s room?”

“Liam is sick now. He might pass the cold.”

“Oh… I was short-sighted. I’ll prepare it immediately.”

“Madame, I’m sorry for the sudden request, but it would be best to meet Mother. Will you come with me?”

“Oh, yes.”

Yvonne followed Etienne. Entering the parlor, they saw a woman with an elegant demeanor.

“I’m back, Mother.”

“You brought an unfamiliar guest. Who is she?”

“She is Liam’s wife.”

“Nice to meet you. My name is Yvonne.”

Yvonne hesitated before only stating her name. The Marchioness frowned slightly and stood up.

Yvonne couldn’t hide her tension at the negative reaction.

“You’ve come well.”

Unexpectedly, the Marchioness patted Yvonne’s shoulder.

“It must have been hard to bring the child… You’ve done well. I hope you find this place comfortable.”

“Oh… Th-thank you.”

“Don’t feel burdened and rest well. Head maid, take good care of this lady. Make sure she’s comfortable.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“And Etienne.”

The Marchioness glanced at Etienne and turned away.

“See me separately. Come up to my room.”

“Yes, Mother. Madame, excuse me.”

Etienne followed the Marchioness. The head maid approached Yvonne, who was left alone, and suggested she rest on the sofa until the room was ready.

With the unexpectedly warm reception, Yvonne finally relaxed and sat down.

The next morning, Etienne greeted Yvonne cheerfully.

“Did you rest well, Madame?”

“Yes. Thanks to you.”

Yvonne replied politely. The guest room provided by the Marquis family was undoubtedly a good room. The maids were also kind.

However, she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable, like wearing clothes that didn’t fit. Even though she knew staying here was the right decision for Claude, she regretted coming to the Marquis’ mansion.

“The carriage is here.”

While talking with Etienne, the coachman brought the carriage. When the servant opened the carriage door, Etienne offered his hand to Yvonne.

“Please, Madame. Let me help you.”

“Thank you.”

With Etienne’s help, Yvonne boarded the carriage. Only after she received Claude from the maid did Etienne follow. Sitting across from each other was rather boring, so Etienne struck up a conversation.

“Have you looked around the Marquis’ mansion?”

“No, I’ve been taking care of Claude…”

“Oh dear. I didn’t think of that. Still, please take a look around while you’re here. Our mansion’s scenery is considered beautiful even in the capital.”

“I will. Thank you for your concern.”

“Please feel at ease. You are my brother’s wife, so you’re family.”

Yvonne smiled awkwardly. She was no longer Liam’s wife. In fact, she had never been his wife. It was a sham marriage using her cousin’s name.

Etienne and the Marchioness treated her well because they didn’t know this. They wouldn’t if they knew.

“Um, is Liam still sick?”

“They say he keeps waking and falling asleep. The medicine seems strong.”

“I see…”

Yvonne debated whether to ask more about Liam. 

What had he been doing to get caught in the rain, and why hadn’t he returned for over two days?

She was curious but didn’t want to know. She didn’t want to care, yet she couldn’t stop thinking about it. Like a hangnail.

Silence lingered for a while. Yvonne held Claude in silence. If Etienne hadn’t spoken again, they would have remained silent until they reached the Rozier family’s clinic.

“By the way, Madame, how did you meet Liam?”

“It just happened… You could call it a coincidence.”

“All relationships start with a coincidence, but could you tell me more?”

“Well…”

Yvonne hesitated and closed her mouth again. Before learning Liam’s true identity, recalling their first meeting wasn’t difficult.

He was kind and very gentlemanly, especially in the early days of their marriage, when she thought he was the new head of the Arthus family.

Looking back, those were still happy memories that made her heart race. However, additional things tainted those memories, covering them in darkness and pain.

“I’m sorry.”

“No need. I understand if you don’t want to talk. It seems like you want to keep it private.”

Yvonne smiled awkwardly. It was far from precious, but it wasn’t bad to change the subject now.

* * *

In conclusion, visiting the clinic with Etienne was the right choice. Even early in the morning, the clinic was crowded, and a woman holding a baby wasn’t unusual.

However, the staff who recognized the Conrad family crest on the carriage and Etienne treated Yvonne and Claude with great care.

Soon, a doctor examined Claude thoroughly and informed them of the diagnosis.

“As expected, it’s Lazunis disease. Fortunately, you came in time.”

“Can it be cured?”

“I can’t guarantee it, but the chances are high.”

“Oh, thank you… Thank you so much…”

Yvonne repeatedly thanked the doctor. Even when the doctor said it wasn’t necessary, it didn’t stop her. She then listened to the doctor’s explanation of the treatment.

However, most of it was difficult to understand. What Yvonne grasped was that Claude needed to stay at the clinic for nearly two days.

“Um, should I stay here too? I need to feed the baby…”

“Oh, it’s fine. The baby’s meals will be replaced with goat milk. Madame, you can return and rest, then come back in two days.”

Despite the doctor’s words, Yvonne couldn’t shake her unease. She wanted to stay close to Claude, regardless of her own discomfort.

But with the clinic full of patients and unable to accommodate someone healthy, she had no choice but to leave Claude there.

“Don’t worry, Madame. You’ll see a healthy baby in two days.”

Yvonne hoped so as she listened to Etienne’s reassurance. 

When she returned to the Marquis’ mansion, she ran into Liam descending the stairs.

“Yvonne?”

Liam was very surprised. He quickly descended the stairs and stood before Yvonne.

“How did you get here… What about Claude?”

“I left him at the clinic. They told me to return in two days.”

“The treatment? Will it go well?”

“Probably.”

“Um, Liam? Can’t you see me?”

“I was indebted to your brother. He visited the inn yesterday to bring news of you and accompanied me to the clinic.”

“You’ve had a hard time. Thank you, Brother.”

“Oh, right.”

Etienne couldn’t shake the feeling that he was reluctantly acknowledged. Perhaps it was because Liam’s gaze was fixed on Yvonne.

“Then let’s go back now.”

“Huh? Where?”

“Where else? Back to the inn.”

“In your condition? You still have a fever.”

Etienne lightly touched Liam’s forehead. Although Liam moved aside as if annoyed, the moment was brief.

“Anyway, Liam, stay a bit longer. Your child is still being treated, and your wife moved yesterday.”

“Moved? Didn’t you just arrive?”

“I suggested it. It’s more comfortable to stay at the Marquis’ mansion. It’s the same for visiting the Rozier family’s clinic.”

“The Marchioness allowed me to stay. Thankfully.”

Liam felt conflicted. He had hurriedly come down, thinking he had to return to the inn as soon as he regained consciousness after a night of suffering.

He hadn’t expected things to turn out this way. Even his mother had permitted it.

“Let’s talk.”

Liam grabbed Yvonne’s wrist and led her back up the stairs. Yvonne followed him without resistance.