Chapter 10 – Part 6

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

“It seems he’s too upset. Please don’t take it to heart.“

‘I’m not upset. I expected this,‘ she thought.

Although she had told Oliver they might meet again, it was just a polite farewell. She had no intention of returning.

‘When I think of this place, all I see is the image of a crying child—that’s me.’

All her memories here were unhappy ones. Clutching the letters tightly, Eliana climbed into the carriage.

“Take me to Revan Street.”

“Yes, my lady!”

As the carriage picked up speed, she glanced back at the mansion but quickly turned away.

On the way, she opened the letter from Calix.

– I regret that we didn’t get to talk much when we last met. I’m very curious about how your move is going. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

‘…’

Despite the hurt she’d caused, he still expressed a willingness to help her.

Soon, the carriage arrived at Eliana’s new house on Revan Street. As soon as she arrived, she wrote a reply to Calix.

– I’ll reach out if I need anything. Until we meet again, take care.

“Mila, could you send this letter?“

“Yes, my lady, I’ll take care of it.“

“Thank you.”

After Mila returned from the post office, new furniture arrived on time.

“I think the wardrobe would look best over here. Put the small table by the window.”

Eliana directed the arrangement herself. Everything was brand new, from furniture to dishes, household items, and supplies for her maid and knights. She was so busy with the move that she barely had time to breathe.

“Ah, my shoulders,“ Eliana said, massaging them wearily.

Two days passed quickly as Eliana finished organizing everything. Once the people she hired for the task had left, she could finally take a breath.

“Are you tired, My Lady?“ Mila approached and massaged her shoulders.

“You did most of the hard work, but I feel more exhausted.“

“Well, all I have is strength, and it’s your first time overworking yourself, so it’s only natural. Still, it was worth it. Now, the house finally feels like a real home.”

Mila shrugged her shoulders as if she was also relieved.

“You’re right. It’s quite impressive, considering we rushed through it.“

“It’s all because you have a great eye, My Lady. The furniture looks like it was custom-made for the house. The colors match perfectly.”

Like Mila said, the furniture and the house harmonized beautifully, making Eliana proud.

“Take a seat. I’ll prepare dinner.“

“Sure, let’s keep it simple tonight.”

They had a simple dinner of bread and soup, which they had bought earlier in the day. While most things were fully stocked, the pantry remained empty.

“We might run short of food for tomorrow.”

Eliana knew that the shops in the bustling area stayed open a little later. She thought about resting momentarily and heading out with Mila to buy groceries.

“Mila, shall we go grocery shopping together?”

When she went to Mila’s room after tidying her desk, she found Mila fast asleep, lying diagonally on the bed, exhausted. She seemed so tired that Eliana decided not to wake her.

“Since the town is nearby, I can manage by myself.”

Eliana wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. It was nighttime, but compared to where the Leiberte estate was, there were many lit street lamps here, so it wasn’t pitch dark.

“Being out in the city at this hour feels so new.”

It felt like she was in a tourist destination. Thanks to the strictness of her family, nighttime outings, except for parties, were rare.

Step by step, Eliana walked toward the center of the city. In the distance, she could see the famous Minon Clock Tower, a popular spot for couples. Next to it was a large grocery store.

Minon Clock Tower was a well-known place in Moira, often visited by couples on dates. Tonight, too, she could see several couples standing by the tower, with the moon as their backdrop. As Eliana was walking towards the grocery store, she noticed one couple.

“…”

Her steps slowed involuntarily.

“Is that…?”

Even from behind, she could recognize the man. And the woman, whose face she’d seen not long ago. Eliana immediately knew who they were, even without getting closer.

“It’s Calix and Violet.”

They were undoubtedly standing in front of the clock tower, waiting for the statue to emerge from the small door.

This was the second time she’d seen them together since spotting them in the city. But this time, they were alone, not in a group of four. They were standing quite close to each other, both looking in the same direction.

Then, as the music began to play, the door at the top of the clock tower opened, revealing a new statue. At that exact moment, Violet took hold of Calix’s arm.

She leaned in close, whispering something to him. Eliana couldn’t see Calix’s face, but she could see Violet’s expression—her eyes fixed on him with a longing look.

Calix replied to her, his voice low enough that Eliana couldn’t hear the music, but she could tell his tone was quiet.

They continued talking intimately, exchanging words. At one point, it looked like Violet might lean in even closer, her lips almost brushing Calix’s cheek.

“…”

Eliana hurriedly turned away. Her heart started pounding, and she instinctively pressed her hand against her chest to calm it.

She felt out of place in that moment. Anyone could see they were together as a man and woman, sharing that atmosphere.

Suddenly, she realized that the same feeling had overwhelmed her the last time she had quickly walked away after seeing them.

“Anyway, it’s best for me to leave quickly.”

Eliana quickened her pace and soon entered the grocery store. Unlike the cold air outside, it was warm inside.

“Welcome. We’ll be closing soon, so please make your purchases quickly.”

Eliana filled her basket. Bread and juice were among the items; before she knew it, the basket was full. She had absentmindedly picked up more things than she originally intended, and the basket became heavy, making it difficult to carry.

Before stepping out, she looked out through the glass doors. The two were nowhere in sight. Even after they had disappeared from view, her heart still hadn’t returned to its normal pace.

‘Is it because I feel strange seeing Calix so close with the woman Lady Linda introduced to him, even though it wasn’t them who treated me poorly?’

But it wasn’t the two of them who had been rude to her—it had been Lady Linda, so there was no reason to feel this uncomfortable.

‘Or is it because I feel disappointed that Calix, who confessed to me not long ago, already seems to have found someone new…?’

She shouldn’t feel that way since she had wished for Calix to meet someone suitable.

Eliana shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the strange feelings that couldn’t be easily defined.

***

“Your Grace, Lady Linda has arrived.”

Lamot informed Calix. It was early for a visitor.

“My aunt?”

Lately, she had visited the mansion more frequently without notifying in advance. Calix knew this had happened more often since Violet stayed at the mansion.

“Tell her to wait for a moment.“

“Yes, Your Grace.”

He changed his clothes and headed to the parlor.

“You’re here. Have a seat.”

Calix approached Linda, who was sitting there with a visibly displeased expression.

“What brings you here so early in the morning?“

“I don’t think you’re asking because you don’t know.”

Calix twisted his lips slightly.

“Is this about the young lady from the Harvey family?“

“Yes.”

Linda adjusted her posture as if she was finally ready to speak her mind.

“Didn’t I tell you to treat her well? She’s the daughter of someone benefactor to our family.“

“I believe I’ve treated her well enough.“

“Well, enough?“

“I helped her get a house in the capital and even accompanied her to see the Minon clock tower. We had meals together when she wanted, and since she was feeling lonely, I arranged parties for her to mingle with people her age. I don’t know what more you expect me to do.”

Until now, Calix had never done that much for anyone—except for Eliana.

Calix wasn’t the type to forget a favor, and because he cared about Linda, he paid attention to Violet, with whom he wasn’t close. He had maintained his manners as much as necessary.

“Violet hasn’t left her room and has been crying the whole time. She’s even skipped meals and keeps crying.”

“…”

“You rejected her confession outright, didn’t you? You told her it wasn’t even worth considering. How could you say something like that?”

Calix crossed his legs in silence, his expression slightly colder as he gazed at Linda.

She had been trying to push him toward Violet as if she were his guardian, but whenever Calix wore this expression, it reminded Linda that he was no longer the child who used to cry in her arms.

“Aunt, I’m willing to repay kindness with kindness but don’t expect anything more. I’m asking you to stop pushing Violet toward me that way.“

“Stop trying? I’m only trying to introduce you to a good woman. A kind and pure woman who would make a good partner for you.“

“I already have someone I love. It’s Eliana Leiberte. I have no intention of letting anyone else into my heart. So, please stop pushing this.”

At the mention of Eliana’s name, Linda’s face hardened. Her disapproval of Eliana was evident, even though they had only met once. Linda had never hidden her dislike for Eliana.

“Isn’t she the crown prince’s former fiancée?”

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