Chapter 19

“It’s an honor, Duke of Winderton.”

As Edward and Sasha took each other’s hand and stepped onto the dance floor, the nobles watched the pair with intrigued expressions.

There were rumors circulating quietly in the social circles that those two were more than just partners.

“Oh my, look at those two.”

For those in the know, seeing the two of them looking so affectionate was an entertaining spectacle.

Of course, the Emperor and the Duke of Scarlett’s expressions had turned grim.

Sensing the attention, Edward and Sasha danced together flawlessly.

Sasha stared intently at Edward as he danced gracefully with her hand in his.

He was truly a handsome man.

His power, his wealth, his looks—she wanted it all.

‘He’s far too precious a man to give to someone like that vulgar Scarlett girl.’

If only the Emperor and the Scarlett family hadn’t interfered, Edward would have already been hers.

Edward cared for her so much.

‘But it’s fine.’

Edward would divorce, and in the natural course of things, he’d come to her.

She was the one Edward needed.

‘Edward judges people by their usefulness. The Duchess means nothing to him.’

Edward didn’t believe in love. There was no need to worry about him falling in love with Lirie.

Sasha smiled as she pictured herself as the Duchess of Winderton.

“It was an honor, Duke of Winderton.”

“The pleasure was mine, Lady Kidman.”

Despite the affectionate glances, Edward and Sasha parted cleanly and without hesitation.

“Oh my, how disappointing.”

The nobles, who had been hoping for a touching reunion between lovers who couldn’t forget each other, couldn’t hide their disappointment.

“I wanted to see a little more affection between them…”

“Father. Where is Lirie?”

Having finished his urgent business, Kion entered the ballroom and went straight to the Duke of Scarlett to ask about Lirie.

Since Lirie’s marriage, he’d only spoken with her through letters, and he felt she’d loosened up a bit.

That’s why, now that they’d meet again, he intended to reinforce her education.

“She’s not here. She didn’t come. No doubt the Duke of Winderton had a hand in it.”

“She didn’t come?”

“That’s right. They said she couldn’t attend because of her health, but I’m sure it’s the Duke of Winderton’s scheme.”

At the Duke of Scarlett’s words, Kion scowled deeply.

He wanted to ask if she had used the potion he’d sent.

But Edward had acted first, and now even that couldn’t be asked.

“Kion.”

The Duke of Scarlett looked at his son with a cold gaze.

“Yes, Father.”

Kion seemed used to such a look and merely nodded.

“Go to Winderton Castle. See Lirie and come back.”

“Yes, Father.”

Kion gave his characteristic unsettling smile.

“Make sure she doesn’t get any foolish ideas, understand?”

“I understand perfectly, Father.”

He was thinking of his beautiful sister, who would be relaxing at ease, free from the rules of Scarlett Castle.

He wondered what expression she’d show him when she saw him—would she smile? Get angry? Or watch him nervously, as she used to at Scarlett Castle?

‘Just wait a bit, Lirie. I’ll come see you soon.’

***

Peaceful days continued. It had been sad and painful not to attend the ball, but I soon got over it.

Ever since I’d taken sleeping pills and managed to sleep, the insomnia that had always tormented me left me alone.

I woke up early, sipped the tea Betty brought, and glanced around my bedroom with a faint smile.

After the night I missed the ball, I decided to focus on more positive thoughts.

Even if I couldn’t be like Sasha, I wanted to learn about running a household or about business, so that I could stand a little prouder next to Edward.

I’d chosen that path because I still had feelings for him.

‘Yes, if I just endure, things will get better.’

The problem was, there was no one to teach me such things, so in the end, I had no choice but to borrow books from the castle library with Betty and study on my own.

Still, I was happy. It was better than just staying quiet.

“My lady! My lady!”

Just as I was having those thoughts, the door burst open and Betty rushed in.

She wasn’t the type to open doors so rudely, so I tilted my head in surprise.

“What’s wrong, Betty?”

“I think you need to come downstairs right away. Huff… Did someone arrive?”

Betty looked extremely flustered.

“Who’s here?”

“Young master Kion has arrived.”

The moment I heard Kion’s name from Betty’s lips, I froze on the spot.

‘K-Kion?

Why did he come all the way to the Winderton estate?

If he had something to say, he could’ve just sent a letter.

Anxiety filled my head with ominous thoughts.

“Hurry, you need to go down. The young master is looking for you, my lady.”

Betty, unaware of what I was thinking, hurried me along as I sat frozen in place.

“Y-yeah, I should…”

The moment I stood up from the chair, a wave of dizziness hit me.

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

I hated how my body reacted just from hearing Kion’s name.

“Let’s go down. Brother is waiting.”

Kion hated to be kept waiting, so I had to hurry.

If I angered him, things would only get worse.

I quickly got dressed and headed downstairs.

As I got closer, Kion’s figure came into clear view.

Forcing the corners of my mouth upward, I approached him.

“Brother?”

“It’s been a while, Lirie.”

Smile, Lirie. You have to smile.

Pretend you’re a loving pair of siblings.

“Yeah, it has. What brings you here?”

“I just wanted to see my married sister.”

I forced myself to swallow the disgust I felt at his mask.

Kion looked at me with a gentle expression, no doubt for the sake of others who might be watching.

I was the only one who knew the cruelty hiding behind those eyes.

“Where’s your husband?”

“Here I am, Lord Scarlett.”

Before I knew it, Edward appeared and greeted Kion in a calm voice.

The mood instantly soured, even froze, as Winderton and Scarlett, who were not on good terms, faced each other.

“Should I say it’s been a while since the ball, Duke Winderton?”

“It has, Lord Scarlett.”

“I’d like to speak with my sister, if I may?”

“Of course. Please take your time and talk as much as you wish, Lord Scarlett.”

Edward was polite to Kion, and Kion acted the same.

Truthfully, I’d hoped Edward would refuse and kick him out of the estate, but that never happened.

“Thank you for allowing it, Your Grace.”

“Don’t mention it. You value your family so highly, how could I refuse?”

Edward’s sarcasm was directed at me, not Kion.

I didn’t respond further and simply led Kion to the parlor on the second floor.

“Betty? Set the tea and then leave us.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Two cups were set on the table.

Kion and I sat facing each other.

As soon as Betty left, Kion dropped his affectionate brother act.

“You look like you’ve been doing well, Lirie.”

“There’s no way I’ve been well… I’m just pretending.”

Kion’s gaze felt as if it saw through everything.

My body shrank back on its own.

Seeing that, Kion smiled with satisfaction and slowly looked around my lavish room.

“The drug Father sent?”

Kion took a sip of tea and cut straight to the point.

I’d expected him to bring it up, but the thought of answering terrified me.

“I got caught…”

I hid my trembling hands and answered with my head bowed.

“Lirie, tell me the truth.”

At the word ‘caught,’ Kion’s whole demeanor turned sour.

His unique presence filled the parlor and made it hard to breathe.

I tried to drink my tea calmly, but my hands trembled.

“So… the Duke of Winderton found out.”

I forced myself to say the words clearly and closed my eyes tight.

I had no idea how Kion would react to my answer.

‘At least he won’t hit me.’

This was the Winderton estate, not the Scarlett estate.

Both were dreadful, but I’d rather it be here than there.

“So you got caught…”

Kion murmured, tapping his finger on the desk.

“I didn’t mean to! I hid it in my desk drawer, but it looks like a maid found it while cleaning my room. I think she told the Duke and Lady Eteil.”

There was no point lying to Kion.

Before he could say anything, I hurried to explain myself.

“How did the Duke of Winderton react?”

“He was furious, of course, said I’d disrespected him…”

My voice was barely a whisper.

“Idiot.”