Chapter 16 – Part 5

“You mean you’re going to join it?”

Kristin nodded and continued,

“Yes. I’ve always wanted to help others. If I don’t take this opportunity now, I feel I might miss it, and with everything going on with my father, getting out into the world seems like it would be beneficial for me.”

As Kristin spoke calmly to Winston, Raphael’s gaze fell upon her. Though he remained silent, Kristin could sense his disapproval.

However, Kristin no longer cared. She no longer felt the need to be concerned about Raphael’s opinions.

“Your presence here will make this organization even better. We work for the benefit of everyone in the Empire, addressing even the most unfortunate circumstances at the lowest levels.”

Kristin was vaguely familiar with the various noble circles that sprang up around the Empire.

Starting with the groups that opposed the Emperor, the nobles were busy building their power by organizing those who could help them.

Within the empire, power was power, and with power came wealth.

The nobles who participated in these societies hosted grand parties in their homes, becoming increasingly indispensable to one another. Yet, these organizations ultimately did little to benefit the Empire, providing no real advantage even to those who attended.

Her father had also been involved in such organizations, drawn to the allure of gambling.

Because of this, Kristin had always been hesitant to join any such society—except for one. She had always been intrigued by the society led by the Marquis of Winston. It was the only noble society in the empire that extended a helping hand to those in need.

While the members supported one another, their strength was not used to exert power but rather to act as a pillar of support for others. Despite her fear of stepping into such a role, Kristin now felt differently.

Kristin made a firm decision in her heart because she wanted to follow the example of her mother, who had always lived for others.

“My late mother would be pleased to see me joining this society.”

“Of course, she would. I’ve heard that Viscountess Elesia also did many wonderful things,” Winston replied kindly.

As Winston spoke gently to Kristin, Raphael, who had been watching them, broke his silence with a cold tone.

“I’ll step back since this is Kristin’s decision, but if you show even the slightest interest in Kristin under the pretext of this society, I won’t stand idly by, Marquis Winston.”

He then addressed Kristin.

“Alright, if you want to be alone, I won’t interfere anymore. Joining the organization is your choice, so I’ll respect that.”

As Raphael spoke, Kristin’s face filled with surprise.

In her previous life, he had dismissed her as insignificant and forbidden her from joining any society.

He was so different now that the more she faced him, the more bewildered Kristin became. However, she could roughly guess Raphael’s feelings.

Since he could no longer marry her, he couldn’t command her as he once did.

Even if it was uncomfortable, they were no longer saying anything to each other, so he could no longer say anything.

Kristin was relieved that Raphael Rodney would no longer interfere in her affairs.

As she was about to speak to Raphael, he spoke again.

“Even if you join the organization, I’ll keep visiting you, so be aware of that. Even though we’re no longer engaged, I will never give up on you, Kristin. Now, I should take my leave.”

Although Raphael was addressing Kristin, his words sounded like a warning to Winston.

Raphael didn’t want Kristin to feel uncomfortable because of him, so he left after saying those words.

Kristin watched him leave without being able to say anything in response.

Winston, who had been watching her, let out a faint sigh and spoke to her.

“I feel the same way, Lady Kristin. I can’t give up either.”

Kristin remained silent for a moment as she looked at Winston. His expression of affection made her feel burdened.

She couldn’t help it—Kristin couldn’t accept his feelings. Kristin wished for Winston to find a more suitable lady.

“I’m not worthy. Although we were childhood friends, I think you should find a lady from a better family. And I should mention that I can’t become a member of the Zenon family.”

At Kristin’s polite rejection, Marquis Winston’s expression hardened.

For over ten years, since she became his playmate, he had only had eyes for Kristin. When he closed his eyes, the only woman he thought of was Kristin Edith.

Yet, hearing her suggest he meet someone else pierced his heart like a thorn.

Kristin hadn’t intended to hurt him; she had spoken out of consideration, but Winston wanted to change her heart with his efforts.

“Lady Kristin, you are far from being unworthy. As someone who has known you since childhood, I can say that even if you were to marry someone more noble, you would still be an extraordinary person. To me, Lady Kristin, you are the most exceptional woman in the Empire.”

After saying this, Winston gazed at Kristin silently for a moment before speaking again.

“Anyway, I apologize for coming so suddenly. I’m sure you’re tired, so I’ll leave for today. I think I’ve already heard the answer I wanted.”

“Are you referring to my decision to join the charity organization?” Kristin asked.

At her words, Marquis Winston nodded.

“That’s right. I want Lady Kristin to be with someone, not alone anymore. I want to see you happy, meeting with other ladies, and no longer lonely. The Kristin I saw in my childhood smiled more beautifully than she does now.”

At Marquis of Winston’s words, Kristin recalled her past self.

Indeed, as he said, the young Kristin had a much brighter personality than she does now. She used to smile often and had a positive outlook, but at some point, her personality began to change.

Unlike before, when she had been full of confidence, she now felt small wherever she went and became extremely reluctant to speak.

At least when she had been Winston’s playmate, she had always been cheerful, but at some point, she had started to hesitate even to smile.

Kristin realized that he knew her very well, and to express her gratitude, she looked at Winston and replied.

“You know me well. As you said, I don’t smile as much as I used to. However, I’ll try to smile more in the future, so please don’t worry too much.”

When Kristin said this, Winston lightly nodded in acknowledgment and stood up.

“I hope so. I’ll send you a letter with the details when the next meeting is scheduled. You’ll need to be informed ahead of time so you can prepare.”

“Yes, thank you, Marquis.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Marquis Winston smiled gently at Kristin before leaving the mansion.

After watching him go, Kristin was about to sit back down on the living room sofa when Lenci and Cindy looked at her.

“Doesn’t it seem like Marquis Winston likes you, my Lady?”

“What?”

Lenci, who was usually quick to notice things, spoke up, and Cindy followed suit.

“I saw him at the debutante ball last time, and he seemed like such a good person. He seems to care about you more than anyone else.”

“I’ve sensed that he liked me since we were children, but Marquis Winston should find a better lady. I’m still not good enough, Lenci. Cindy.”

“Oh, that’s not true, my Lady. Forgive me if this sounds rude, but I hope you marry Marquis Winston rather than Duke Raphael.”

“I agree with Cindy.”

“Marriage isn’t the right option. Our family… well, hasn’t my father’s recent troubles caused enough issues?”

“What about you? In my eyes, there’s no one as kind and beautiful as you in the entire Empire.”

Kristin smiled at Cindy’s words, and Lenci continued.

“Thanks to you, my Lady, we can live comfortably.”

“Cindy, Lenci.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, my Lady?”

“I’ll be sending you two off to the academy in a few days, but there’s a lot to take care of after that. I need to find a manager for Levi Mine, too. It’s already been a month since the mine collapse was resolved.”

“Oh, the Levi Mine.”

When Lenci mentioned the mine, Kristin asked her,

“Would it be alright if I visited the flower shop tomorrow? To become the manager of the mine, you’ll need to start proper training soon.”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“The Levi Mine… is that the place where you helped the workers, my Lady? And Lenci’s brother, is he Oliver, the one who runs the flower shop?”

Cindy asked in surprise, and Kristin nodded.

“That’s right. Lenci told me that he’s very meticulous and good at handling things. I also heard that before running the flower shop, he worked on construction sites.”

“Yes, my brother is much more meticulous than I am, and he did whatever work he could to open the flower shop.”

“I had heard from the head maid and the butler about Lenci’s story… But I’ve always been envious of you, Lenci. You have no idea how much I’ve wished I had such a caring brother. That’s also why I was harder on you before.”

“Just the fact that you’re reflecting on it shows a lot of growth, Cindy.”

Kristin said playfully, and Cindy quickly waved her hands, saying that would never happen.

Kristin had never truly hated Cindy.

When Cindy was deceived by Elena and her stepmother and did all sorts of terrible things, Kristin was angry and felt wronged, but she also felt more pity than anything else.

Seeing Cindy cling to Elena and her stepmother to survive, perhaps not even realizing she was being used, made Kristin feel sorry for her.

Since Cindy’s only support at the Edith mansion had been Elena and her stepmother, Kristin understood her and had already forgiven her for the past.

“I’ll never do anything bad again. I can’t tell you how moved I was when you said you’d send me to the commoners’ academy. There’s no one else who cares about me like you do, my Lady.”

“Alright, Cindy. You can save your thanks for later. I need to rest now. I’m feeling tired.”

As Kristin went upstairs, Cindy and Lenci replied simultaneously.

“Yes, my Lady.”

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

* * *

Kristin was feeling a bit mentally and physically exhausted due to the unexpected guests.

She had slept soundly from early afternoon until the next morning and was now preparing to go to Oliver’s flower shop.

She was also worried that she hadn’t been able to start the training for the mine manager due to the overwhelming number of tasks.

Knock, knock.

As Kristin was putting on her dress, there was a knock on the door, and then she heard who it was.

“My Lady, I’ve prepared the carriage in advance. May I come along as well?”

It was Lenci.

Since Lenci lived almost like a resident servant in the Edith mansion, she could only return home when there was work to do.

When Kristin mentioned she was going to her brother’s flower shop, Lenci felt very excited.

“Then, of course, you should come along. We’re going to see your brother.”

Then Cindy’s voice followed.

“I’m sorry, but may I come along too?”

Cindy spoke shyly, and Kristin could sense her feelings.

Cindy had always wanted to see Oliver, whom she had only heard about, so she understood the intention behind her asking to come along.

“If you want to go, then you can.”

“Wow, thank you, My Lady! Then we’ll wait on the first floor.”

“No, I’ve finished getting ready too, so shall we go now?”

As Kristin opened the door after finishing her preparations, she saw Cindy and Lenci, their faces flushed with excitement, smiling at her.