Chapter 8 – Part 11

The mansion, like a castle, appeared before her eyes.

‘I’m back here again.’

Just seeing the high walls and the mansion’s gates with the family crest brought back a flood of memories. There was no need to announce her arrival—both gates swung open on their own. It felt as though she was walking straight into the heart of her memories, her steps light as ever.

“Welcome, Lady Leiberte, to the Vartica estate.”

As soon as Eliana stepped through the entrance, the head servant greeted her.

“This way, my lady.”

As she turned her head, Eliana gasped in surprise. Lined up in front of the main mansion were servants waiting to greet her. What shocked her more was that every visible spot was decorated with flowers. Her eyes widened, unsure where to look first.

“Lamot greets you once again.”

A deep, husky voice echoed in her ears. She raised her head and saw the butler, Lamot, standing before her, a familiar face after so long. He bowed courteously as ever.

“It’s good to see you, Lamot. We meet again, after all this time. You haven’t changed at all, have you?”

It was indeed a long-overdue reunion. At Eliana’s words, Lamot smiled quietly.

“Is that so? I was worried you might not recognize me because I’ve grown too old. I’m the same as ever, but my lady, you have truly grown into a beautiful young woman.”

The compliment was no empty flattery. Lamot was genuinely surprised upon seeing her in person. The once frail and delicate girl had grown into a stunning beauty. Her flowing blonde hair, large, lake-blue eyes, and open, curious demeanor captivated those around her.

Not only Lamot but several key servants of the mansion also introduced themselves to welcome Eliana. Many familiar faces could be seen.

“Eliana.”

Just then, footsteps descending the stairs could be heard.

When she turned her head, she saw Calix approaching her. As the people made way, Calix strode directly toward her.

The master of the mansion.

Though he wasn’t wearing his uniform as he did outside, there was still a certain weight about him. The very presence of being at the top of this mansion seemed to emanate from Calix himself.

“You must be tired from your long journey.”

Contrary to the weighty atmosphere, his voice, inquiring about her well-being, was gentle.

“Tired? I had a pleasant trip. I was so eager to see if the mansion was still the same as before. I didn’t expect such a grand welcome from everyone.”

“Of course. How could we not, when you’ve come?”

Standing beside Calix were two young men—Logan, his chief aide, and Thompson, the accountant, both key figures in managing the duchy.

Calix introduced Logan and Thompson to Eliana, and she shook hands with them.

“……”

Lamot quietly observed the four conversing.

‘Is it because new faces have arrived, rather than those who’ve always guarded the mansion?’

Seeing the duke so cheerful was an emotional moment for Lamot. It was rare to see the duke, whom he served, look so relaxed.

For years, Lamot had done everything he could to lift the spirits of the young master who had been left alone. But he had never managed to bring out that kind of warmth from him.

“Oh, I’ve brought a little gift for you.”

Eliana asked the servants who had carried her luggage to bring her the boxes. The servants retrieved several boxes of various sizes. Eliana handed a pink box to Calix.

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing special, really. You gave me a gift last time, and I didn’t want to come empty-handed…”

“I’m curious.”

When Calix opened the box, a sweet aroma filled the air. Neatly arranged inside were small desserts.

“Did you make these yourself?”

“Yes, while baking, I remembered the desserts you liked back then. As I made sure not to leave any out, I ended up with quite a lot.”

Eliana looked slightly bashful.

‘To offer a gift with such a cute expression…’

Calix thought to himself.

“Why worry about bringing a lot?”

“You’re right… After all, you liked sweet things as much as I did back then, didn’t you?”

At Eliana’s words, Lamot and Logan exchanged glances.

‘Did the duke like sweet things?’

As far as they knew, Calix wasn’t particularly fond of sweets. That’s why the skilled pastry chef at the mansion rarely had a chance to showcase his talent. The duke never requested desserts, and there hadn’t been many guests to serve them to, either.

‘There must be something special between the two of them.’

Logan surmised.

“May I have a look as well?” Logan asked.

“Of course.”

Eliana handed another box to Logan, who was standing nearby.

“You have quite a talent! Even if you bought these from a specialty shop, they wouldn’t look this good. Such a thoughtful gift, filled with care for one person—His Grace must be very pleased.”

Logan’s praise lifted Eliana’s spirits, as she had been slightly nervous after such a long time.

“There’s enough for the whole household to enjoy, so I hope everyone will have a taste.”

“How could we touch such a precious gift? His Grace and the young lady should enjoy it together, just the two of you.”

Logan exaggeratedly waved his hands as if declining, emphasizing the words “just the two of you.” Suddenly, Logan felt a prickling sensation on his cheek from someone’s gaze. When he glanced over, the Duke was looking at him with an expression that said,

‘What are you doing?’

It was a look that clearly meant, ‘Stop exaggerating.’

“There’s too much for just the two of us.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind sharing? It must’ve been a lot of work to bake it all.”

“I’d love for everyone to enjoy it.”

“Then let’s share it with everyone.”

Calix handed the box to Lamot and then stepped closer to Eliana.

Standing side by side, the two of them looked remarkable to Lamot’s eyes. The sight of them, now fully grown, overlapped with memories of their innocent childhood.

‘If only the late Duke and Duchess were still alive, they would’ve been so happy…’

For a brief moment, Lamot was lost in a wistful thought. But without showing it, he spoke to Eliana in a cheerful voice.

“Since it’s been so long, would you like to take a look around the mansion? Or perhaps start with some tea?”

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.