Chapter 10 – Part 5

“I was worried you didn’t want to, Your Grace.”

“There’s no such thing.”

At those words, her face brightened.

“Viscount Liam Harvey is a benefactor. He once saved your uncle’s life. He reached out to you when other nobles shunned you during your hardships. Make sure his daughter isn’t disappointed.”

“I understand, Aunt.”

Linda had given him these instructions earlier in the day. He had already planned to devote this day to Violet. Even though his body was here, his mind was entirely occupied with thoughts of Eliana.

“I’ll lead the way to a good place,“ Calix said, taking the lead.

During the meal, Violet continued to ask Calix various questions. Her endless curiosity was met with a constant smile.

‘The Harvey family’s lady seems quite proactive with the Duke,‘ thought Logan, sitting across from them and not participating in the conversation. In contrast to Violet’s interest, Calix maintained only a polite attitude. Violet didn’t seem unaware of this, yet she still sought to grow closer to Calix.

‘Hmm… Her effort is admirable, but it won’t be easy.’

In Logan’s eyes, Calix’s reactions were the same as those he had shown to other noble ladies who had approached him. Most eventually gave up after sending letters, gifts, or asking him to dance, though not all.

But none of them had ever broken through the firm wall Calix had built around himself.

‘I’ve seen all those failed attempts.’

Violet seemed to be following the same path as them, except that Calix was a bit softer toward her.

“After I move in, could you show me around town? Lady Linda said you’d do it if I asked.“ Violet had one more card that the other ladies didn’t have—the ‘Aunt Linda’ card. After thinking for a moment, Calix responded.

“Where would you like to go?“

“I want to see the Minon Clock Tower. They say a lucky bird statue appears when the moon rises. I don’t know if it shows during the day, but it’s scary to go alone at night. I’ve lost touch with my childhood friends, so no one in Moira can ask. I’d love it if you could join me.“

Violet’s eyes sparkled.

“Is it possible?”

When Calix remained silent for a moment, Violet asked once more. Logan was curious about how Calix would respond. So was Thompson.

‘I’m betting on a refusal.’

With that thought, Thompson glanced at Logan. As they watched silently,

“Alright.”

Calix agreed.

“Really? Hehe. Thank you, Your Grace.“

‘Unexpected.’

Thompson showed such an expression.

‘Could it be that the influence of his aunt is significant? I thought Duke Calix Vartica liked Lady Leiberte, but maybe that wasn’t the case.’

From what he saw earlier, Logan couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something he didn’t know.

After the meal, two carriages headed towards the Vartica estate.

They sent Violet to her uncle’s estate while Calix, Logan, and Thompson returned to Vartica’s territory. Throughout the ride, Calix rested his fingers against his temple, staring out the window.

“You look tired, my lord,“ Logan remarked.

Calix gave a brief laugh. “Do I?“

“Yes. Honestly, you’ve looked that way since earlier. I thought you’d refuse Lady Violet’s request.“

“I couldn’t. She’s the daughter of one of the few families that extended a hand when everyone else shunned our family. Though she dared to sail to Moira alone, she was still young. I’m sure her words about having no one to accompany her to the clock tower are true.“

“So, that’s why you agreed.”

Calix turned to Logan. “Of course. What other reason would there be?“

“There could be one more reason,“ Thompson answered in Logan’s place.

“And what would that be?“

“Perhaps… affection.”

At Thompson’s words, Calix shook his head as if the idea was ridiculous.

“Nonsense, Thompson.“

“Apologies.“

“Logan, find a few suitable parties to fit Lady Violet’s age. Make sure they’re gatherings where she won’t feel out of place and can make some friends.”

It was a considerate gesture for an outsider.

“I’ll get on it. Since it’s party season, finding one won’t be difficult.“

“Is there ever a time in Moira when it’s not party season?“

“True. It’s always lively here.”

With that, Calix ended the conversation about Lady Violet, but his expression remained somber, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

“By the way, my lord, is something going on with Lady Leiberte?“ Logan asked, sensing that Calix’s mood had much to do with Eliana.

Wanting to understand the situation, Logan questioned him. Calix responded with a brief sigh instead of an answer.

“I confessed and was rejected.“

“…!”

Logan and Thompson’s eyes widened simultaneously. They exchanged glances, too stunned to immediately respond. Thompson pressed his lips together, deciding to leave such delicate matters to Logan.

“When did that happen, my lord?“

“Do I need to report to you before confessing my feelings?“

“You know that’s not what I meant.“

“I know. I was just teasing.”

Calix ran a hand over his face as if trying to wipe away the exhaustion. After taking a deep breath, he lifted his head again.

“Since she rejected you, what will happen between you now?“

“I’ll make her accept my feelings.”

“…”

“I don’t plan on giving up.”

Even while discussing his heartbreak, Calix’s refined face remained as perfect as ever. His right lip curled slightly as if he had made a resolution. The intensity in his eyes made it clear that he had no intention of giving up easily.

* * *

Just as expected, Count Austin was firmly against it.

“You’re not allowed to get a house, nor can you increase the scale of your investments.”

Eliana wondered if there was anything her father wouldn’t oppose her on.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?“

“It seems like no matter what I say, it will become an argument. I’ve already secured a house. I’ve also saved up enough to live on my own. Even if you oppose it, I’m leaving. As I’ve said, if you find me unsuitable for the family, you can consider me nonexistent.“

“Hah.”

The Count let out a deep sigh. It was clear he wasn’t accepting a word Eliana said. It seemed like he still believed she was just being stubborn and would return to how she used to be.

“I can’t understand why you’ve changed so much.“

‘You probably never will, Father. You won’t ever know I’ve been given a second chance at life, nor will you understand why I’ve changed this much.‘

“I like who I’ve become more than anything. So, there’s no chance I’ll become what you want me to be. I don’t have many belongings, so I’ll pack up and leave by tonight.”

Eliana stood up from her chair. The Count’s disapproving gaze followed her. Matilda pursed her lips and shook her head while Sylvia alternated between looking at her parents.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

Eliana walked out.

“You’ll only come to your senses after you’ve suffered out there,“ Matilda said, her voice filled with criticism. She would likely continue living this way, unchanged.

“Now that Eliana has left, please bring Paul back, Count,“ she immediately seized the opportunity, raising her voice to reinstate her son.

“That won’t be happening,“ the Count replied firmly.

“Why not? Hasn’t he reflected enough?“

“Reflected enough? How long has it been since he squandered 10 million gold? And you say it’s enough?“

“Don’t you feel sorry for Paul, who is suffering with no home or support? It was all because of Eliana’s false accusations anyway. She exaggerated and twisted his mistakes…“

“That’s enough.“

“Please, my lord, show some leniency. Leaving Paul out there will only bring trouble for you.“

“Are you threatening me?“

“Threatening? No, I’m pleading with you.“

“Paul has yet to face the full consequences of deceiving me. I told him to figure out how to recover the lost money, yet there’s been no word.“

It seemed Matilda had been in constant contact with Paul despite his banishment. To her, it was an absurd situation.

* * *

“Pack up,“ Eliana instructed Mila.

Everything proceeded smoothly. Three maids jumped in to help pack, finishing the task quickly. Since she was leaving all the furniture behind, all that remained were her clothes, shoes, books, and notebooks.

“Are you really leaving, my lady? It saddens me to see you go,“ Oliver said after they had loaded everything. Though Eliana hadn’t formed any special attachment to the butler or other servants, the thought that she might never see them again brought a bittersweet feeling.

‘It’s ironic, feeling this way more toward the servants than my own family,‘ she thought.

“Yes, but don’t feel too bad. We might meet again someday. Oh, this is a little something I prepared for the staff.”

Eliana handed him the money she had set aside for the butler, maids, and servants.

“Think of it as a parting gift. Even though I wasn’t particularly close to many of the staff, give it to them in gratitude for serving me since I was young.“

“What a thoughtful gesture, my lady.“

“It’s not much.“

“Not much? It’s very generous. Thank you. I’ll make sure everyone knows it’s from you. Oh, I almost forgot, there’s something else.”

Oliver handed her some letters that had arrived for her, including one from yesterday and one from this morning. The first name she saw was Calix Vartica.

“Thank you. I suppose I won’t be receiving letters here anymore.”

Eliana took one last look around the estate.

“The Count won’t come out to see me off, will he?”

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