Chapter 44
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The Male and Female Leads Broke Up - Episode 44
I took a moment to collect myself before continuing.
"I'd appreciate it if you would regard whatever the Duke says or does to me going forward as having nothing to do with my own intentions. That doesn't mean I'm going to do anything to help you and the Duke get along. If you still have feelings for the Duke and wish to win his heart, then do so. I have no interest in the two of you whatsoever, so please don't concern yourselves with me. You understand what I'm saying, don't you?"
"Yes... I understand what you mean."
"I'm glad. If you want our relationship to remain harmonious, I think it would be best if both you and I set aside external matters and focus only on each other. If we do that, we can become good friends."
"Friends... ?"
"Yes, friends."
As I finished speaking, a sense of relief washed over me, and I found myself smiling slightly without thinking.
"Actually, I have one more request to make of you...."
Upon hearing the word "friends" from me, Adela's expression shifted subtly.
"Please, go ahead."
"How would you feel about us calling each other by our names? Instead of Heitz Lady and Byon Lady, I'd like us to call each other Belita and Adela."
"I'd like that."
"Yes?"
"I'd like that, Belita."
Calling her by name was not difficult.
I immediately responded by calling Adela's name.
"Thank you, Belita."
We gazed at each other and smiled softly.
* * *
After that, we shared many stories with each other.
Adela was curious about my travels, wondering if my previous mention of wanting to travel had been sincere.
Most of our conversation revolved around what I had seen and where I had gone, but it was an enjoyable time nonetheless.
"Well then, I should be going."
"Next time, I'll visit the Heitz Duchy."
"Let's do that."
"Then take care, Belita. I'm sorry I can't see you off properly."
"No, it's fine. Take good care of yourself, Adela."
After exchanging farewells with Adela, I stepped out of the room.
Aiden Byon stood before the door.
"Why are you here?"
"I'll escort you."
"That's not necessary. I can go alone."
"Still, it would be improper not to. Let's go."
Without waiting for my response, Aiden Byon took the lead.
Thinking it would be good to hint at my conversation with Adela to him as well, I held my tongue and followed behind him.
As I quietly followed from behind, Aiden Byon slowed his pace and walked beside me.
"Did you have a pleasant time with my sister?"
"Yes, it was nice."
"I see."
"Adela and I have agreed to call each other by our names."
"Is that so."
"Yes, I had misunderstood Adela greatly. Of course you'd understand—there were reasons for it. Given the circumstances. Did Adela tell you about our relationship?"
"Yes, she did."
I suspected his demeanor was slightly different today, and now I understood that Adela had spoken to him about it.
"Then I trust you understand to some extent why I felt that way. So I wasn't particularly fond of Adela, nor of her brother, Prince Byon. But after talking with Adela and hearing her thoughts, I've come to understand each other much better."
"I'm grateful that you've reconsidered my sister. However..."
"Yes?"
"You've agreed to call my sister by her name, yet you continue to call me Prince Byon."
"That's because... Prince Byon is your proper title."
This sibling pair was remarkably particular about titles and forms of address.
From Adela's behavior earlier and now from Aiden Byon's words, it seemed he too wished for us to call each other by our names.
"I would also like to call you by your name."
He spoke without hesitation, directly stating his wish.
"I'm not sure about that."
"Why not?"
Aiden Byon asked with a displeased expression.
When asked why, I had no particular answer. Yet still, calling him by his name felt...
"I don't think our relationship is close enough yet for us to call each other by our names."
I simply answered him with my honest thoughts.
"In truth, the lady met me before she met you."
That was a fair point.
But knowing who he was, I wanted to be cautious about becoming unnecessarily close.
"Still, it's not quite right yet."
At my refusal, Aiden Byon's expression darkened sharply.
"I understand. It would be discourteous to continue pressing someone who dislikes it, so I shall desist."
His voice seemed to have grown cold as well.
In the carriage on the way home, we exchanged only the bare minimum of conversation.
They were words of little substance.
Observing his expression throughout the journey, he appeared to be in quite a poor mood.
Though I wondered if I had needlessly created friction between us, I reassured myself that I had done the right thing.
And when the carriage arrived at the Manor's gates, Aiden Byon prepared to descend.
Since his horse had followed the carriage, he intended to ride back to Byon Duke's Household.
But before he stepped outside, he turned back.
"Something has come up, so I shall be away from the Capital for some time."
"Ah, I see."
It seemed he had mentioned it before.
That he didn't typically remain in the Capital for long.
But he had stayed quite a while this time, so it appeared something had finally come up.
"Travel safely."
"...Yes, then."
His voice seemed to lack vigor.
So when I saw him about to step down from the carriage, I felt I had stared at him unnecessarily.
Even after Aiden Byon opened the door and descended, his expression lingered in my mind.
'Why such an expression...'
Merely because I wouldn't allow him to call me by my first name, he looked so dejected.
Though I didn't know him well, it seemed unlike him.
'Perhaps a name matters little to him.'
After all, whether it was Adela or Aiden Byon, there seemed no harm in becoming reasonably acquainted.
It was just as the carriage was about to pass through the gates.
"Stop!"
I halted the carriage and hurried outside.
Fortunately, he and his horse remained motionless where they stood.
"Wait!"
I called out to Aiden Byon loudly, lest he depart.
Aiden Byon turned to look at me from atop his horse.
"There's something I wanted to say."
I approached near the horse.
As Aiden Byon began to dismount, I stopped him.
"No, there's no need to dismount. You can hear me as you are."
Aiden nodded.
"Next time we meet, let's call each other by our real names."
His eyes widened at my words.
"...Truly?"
"Yes, so take care of yourself on your journey."
"Understood. I'll finish quickly and return as soon as possible."
Not that there was any need for him to rush...
But seeing him smile with such an elated expression, the pitiful look from moments ago completely gone, I couldn't help but smile in return.
"But which name should I use? You have two, after all."
"What?"
"I know two names for you."
"Ah, please call me by my real name. I'll do the same."
"Very well, Aiden."
He suddenly called my name.
Hearing my name unexpectedly flow from his lips, I found myself staring at him in wonder.
"Then I'll be going, Belita."
He mounted his horse and rode away swiftly.
Watching his retreating figure, I murmured to myself without thinking.
"Farewell, Aiden."
* * *
These days had been far from unpleasant.
Yet even after a month had passed, Adela's health showed no signs of recovery.
Her body seemed far more fragile than I had anticipated.
Though she couldn't visit the Heitz Family as promised due to her condition, we still exchanged letters frequently.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org