Chapter 14

When she woke up, she might lash out, saying she never wanted to get married in the first place. Even so, he still wanted to help her. Afterward, he sent word to the Baron Ivelia household. He had thought the Baron and Baroness would cause an uproar over the sudden news of marriage, but surprisingly, they remained quiet. 

Thus, he waited for Lyzbel to wake up, and three days later, her eyes finally opened. Nervously explaining the situation to her, Lyzbel’s face showed nothing but shock. In front of her, Felix bowed deeply to express his apology.

“I sincerely apologize. You wouldn’t have wanted to marry someone you spent only one night with, especially under these circumstances.”

“Oh, um, well…”

…Waking up after three days only to find herself an Earl’s wife was certainly bewildering. However, knowing that he had done it to help her made her feel grateful. Her emotions were complicated, making it hard to respond right away, but she also felt a sense of relief.

Could I finally escape the Baron’s household? 

She had often thought about it. And now, the fact that the Baron and Baroness could no longer lay a hand on her filled her with joy. Even if it was out of his pity, she didn’t mind.

“No, I’m just grateful.”

At Lyzbel’s words, the worried expression on Felix’s face quickly softened. Letting out a sigh of relief, he rang the bell. The sound echoed in the room, naturally drawing her attention. After a brief pause, he smiled and spoke.

“There’s also someone here to see you.”

Tilting her head in curiosity, he called for the visitor to enter. As the door opened, Lyzbel’s eyes widened at the sight of the person standing there.

“Miss!”

“Anne?”

Anne’s face was streaked with tears as she saw Lyzbel. Startled, Lyzbel got out of bed, and Anne ran to embrace her. Having spent their childhood together, they had often hugged, but as adults, such displays of affection had become rare. Now, Anne’s desperate hug showed just how much she had been worried.

Felix quietly left the room, leaving the two of them alone. Once he was gone, Anne began to sob. Wiping away Anne’s tears, Lyzbel patted her back, offering comfort. Anne calmed her breathing before speaking again.

“When I found out you were gone, the Baron’s household went into complete chaos.”

After dawn, when the Baroness went down to the underground room, there was no trace of Lyzbel’s warmth. They searched the narrow space several times, but not even a single insect could be found. The chaos that ensued was indescribable.

They suspected someone had taken her and caused a commotion until evening when a guest arrived at the Baron’s estate. The visitor introduced himself as the butler of the Mayer household and handed something to the Baron and Baroness.

It was a marriage contract certified by the temple. Infused with holy power, the document couldn’t be torn or destroyed. When the Baron and Baroness examined it, they saw a familiar name: Lyzbel. It was their youngest daughter’s name. Next to it was another name: Felix Mayer, Earl of Mayer.

The Mayer estate? That was a coastal territory quite far from here.

Lyzbel had vanished, leaving behind a marriage contract. The name of the Earl of Mayer made the Baroness laugh in disbelief. 

So her lover was an Earl? But wasn’t the Earl of Mayer supposed to be an old man?

However, upon checking the birth year written under his name, they realized he was only twenty-five years old.

‘I suppose I’ll need to have a word with my daughter.’

The Mayer estate was rich in mines and other sources of wealth, which the Baroness was well aware of. She decided to change her attitude. After all, as long as money flowed into their hands, it didn’t matter. They began to think of ways to extract a dowry from the Earl. But how would they explain locking their daughter in the underground room? Perhaps they could persuade their daughter instead of the Earl.

As silence filled the room, the butler spoke.

“My lord has asked me to deliver this.”

He handed a letter to the Baron and Baroness. The two exchanged glances before cautiously opening it. The contents of the letter made them frown deeply. Its words were unmistakably a threat.

‘Your daughter is no longer your child. Do not attempt to contact or visit her. She is already receiving treatment from the family doctor for her weakened condition. If you wish to engage in a legal battle, I will not stand idly by.’

The Baron and Baroness were no strangers to such letters, having severed ties with two of their children in the past. However, this one carried a chilling air of finality. They realized that even the slightest provocation could lead to their complete downfall. Silently, they stared at the letter.

The butler cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

“Does Madam have a personal maid? I plan to take her to the estate.”

“…”

“If there are any valuable belongings, I’ll take them along as well. Today will be my last visit to this residence.”

They realized they would never see Lyzbel again. If they refused to send anything, what would happen? No, it was pointless. Their youngest daughter had always been determined to hold onto what was hers. Even if they refused to send her maid, Anne would likely quit and follow Lyzbel anyway.

The Baroness, her gaze cold, finally spoke.

“Head maid.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Summon Anne and have her pack.”

“…Understood.”

“And sign these documents, both of you.”

The butler presented a restraining order certified by the temple. Violating it would result in severe punishment. The threat was clear, leaving the Baron and Baroness pale-faced as they silently signed the documents.

Anne left the Baron’s household abruptly. Yet, she was overjoyed to leave and join her lady. She had been so worried when Lyzbel suddenly disappeared, especially knowing her poor health.

When she arrived at the Mayer estate, she wasn’t able to meet Lyzbel immediately. After handing over her luggage to the butler, Anne was assigned a new position. Unlike the Baron’s household, she was given her own room.

Two days later, while tidying up the bedding, she heard the bell ring and rushed to Lyzbel’s new bedroom. Seeing her lady, who still bore traces of her illness, brought tears to her eyes.

“I missed you so much, my lady. I was so worried when I saw how swollen your cheeks were.”

Anne clasped Lyzbel’s hand tightly and pressed it against her forehead. Then, she smiled brightly and began talking about how beautiful the estate was.

“Oh, and the Earl is famous around here for being so kind, even though he’s only recently become the lord.”

Talking with Anne put Lyzbel at ease. Soon, she remembered how long it had been since she had bathed. After being bedridden for so long, she must have been filthy. She turned to Anne and said,

“I’d like to bathe. Could you assist me?”

“Of course, my lady. Please wait just a moment.”

Anne’s response puzzled her, as she had always been the one to assist her with bathing. Anne excused herself and left the room, leaving Lyzbel alone in the spacious bedroom. In the sudden stillness, Lyzbel gazed out the window.

The view outside revealed a vast, blue sea. Such beauty was unimaginable in the capital. She couldn’t take her eyes off the breathtaking scenery.

Even now, everything felt like a dream that would end when she woke up. Somehow, she had severed ties with her dreadful parents and escaped. Clenching and unclenching her fists, she stared at the crescent-shaped nail marks left on her palms, a tangible reminder that this was no dream.