Chapter 49
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
The Male and Female Leads Broke Up - Episode 49
"Have you ever mentioned to anyone that I'm searching for someone?"
"No, I haven't."
So much had happened in the short time since returning from my journey.
In truth, I hadn't even had the chance to tell anyone about it.
"Not even to your sister?"
"No, I didn't tell her either."
The same was true for Adela.
There was no particular reason to, and the circumstances hadn't called for it.
"Then I would appreciate it if you continued to keep it that way."
"Does that mean... it's a secret?"
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll keep your secret."
It was a simple request, so I answered with a smile and without hesitation.
At that, Aiden Byon regarded me with an odd expression before asking.
"You're not curious about the reason?"
"Will you tell me?"
"...No."
"That's why I didn't ask."
"Thank you."
I answered with laughter instead.
After that, we continued our conversation without noticing the passage of time, and before long the Carriage arrived before the Manor.
As the Carriage pulled up to the front gate just as before, Aiden Byon descended, and I followed after him to see him off.
"Thank you for bringing me home."
"I hope to see you again next time."
"Yes, please take care."
"Yes, then."
He mounted his horse that had followed behind, glanced at me briefly, and then rode away.
It was just as his figure disappeared from view that I was about to board the Carriage again.
"Miss."
"Hmm?"
Lian suddenly approached me.
"What is it? Do you have something to say?"
"...No, it's nothing."
His face suggested he had something on his mind, yet his lips remained firmly sealed.
"Let's go inside."
"Pardon?"
"Tell the Carriage to come separately. You and I will walk in together."
"But...."
"I feel like taking a walk. Come on."
And so I set off walking through the main gate with Lian at my side.
I walked ahead while Lian followed behind me.
"Wow, what beautiful weather."
As the sun began to set, the crisp air made it clear that autumn was truly arriving.
"Come here."
"Yes?"
"Walk beside me."
I turned around and gestured with my hand, wanting to face Lian and speak with him directly.
Lian quickly moved to stand at my side.
"You have something you want to tell me, don't you?"
"...No, I don't."
"It seems like you do."
"...."
There was clearly something on his mind, yet he kept insisting there wasn't, which only made me more curious.
"Since when do we hide things from each other? I hear you've grown up now, and frankly, I'm hurt."
"Upon reflection, I thought it wasn't something you needed to concern yourself with, Miss."
"I'll be the judge of that after I hear it. So tell me."
Even after saying this much, Lian still wore an expression of hesitation.
"You won't tell me? Fine, fine. Don't then."
I deliberately pouted and made a hurt expression.
"I'll tell you, Miss. Please don't be upset."
I tilted my chin slightly, signaling him to begin.
"...If someone else were to escort you like today, would I need to step aside?"
"What?"
It was a surprisingly unexpected question—not particularly difficult, but it caught me off guard for a moment.
"Oh, so you're asking about what happened today when Aiden Byon told you to step back?"
"Yes."
"Well, that's only natural. He's a nobleman, after all."
"...I see."
Lian's response felt somehow unsatisfied.
"You weren't pleased? Did it feel like your role was being taken from you?"
"That's not it. It's just that you... Never mind."
"What is it? Speak freely."
It seemed like whatever he was about to say would again deviate from my expectations.
So I quickly braced myself and prepared to listen.
"When you took his hand, Miss, I felt as though you would leave me behind and depart."
"Me?"
No, and in such a situation?
How could he possibly think such a thing?
'Perhaps he's still young—his imagination is quite vivid.'
I was startled at first, but Lian's peculiar thought soon struck me as amusing.
So laughter burst forth immediately.
"How on earth could you possibly think such a thing?"
"...."
I was laughing aloud so freely that it seemed only I found it funny.
"Ah, forgive me for laughing."
I steadied my voice and tried to suppress my mirth.
Once I had composed myself, Lian's face finally came into focus.
Unlike me, Lian gazed at me with an utterly serious expression.
The atmosphere grew solemn in an instant.
I collected myself and considered what to say to him.
After a brief moment of thought, I opened my mouth.
"I'm not going anywhere."
"...."
"I don't know why you thought such a thing, but I will always be here, in this place."
"...."
"If you wish to remain by my side, I will never let you go. Do you understand?"
"...I understand."
At my words, I saw Lian's rigid expression soften slightly.
It was a relief.
To dispel the heavy mood entirely, I opened my mouth with a playful smile toward Lian.
"You're far too serious about everything."
"I'm not particularly serious, Miss."
"No, you really are—truly serious."
I emphasized the word truly repeatedly.
"It is because it concerns you, Miss. You are the most important person to me."
He certainly knew how to leave me speechless.
"I understand. Thank you. I look forward to your continued support."
With those words, I stepped forward toward Lian and extended my hand.
"Come on, quickly."
I meant to shake hands, but when he merely stared at my outstretched hand, I urged him on.
Then Lian lifted his gaze, and my eyes met his—those cool, verdant eyes reminiscent of a lush forest.
Lian grasped my hand firmly.
True to his earlier words, he held my hand for a long while, as if determined never to let me slip away.
* * *
Several days had passed.
The Crown Prince granted me permission for the Orphanage project.
'I suppose I was worrying for nothing.'
Based on the Crown Prince's demeanor, I had thought things might not go smoothly, but I was wrong.
It was a relief.
And now it seemed I would become incredibly busy.
As the first business venture of House Heitz's lady, I felt an overwhelming desire to succeed beyond anyone's expectations.
I wanted to prepare everything carefully, step by step, from the very beginning.
On top of that, I also needed to practice horseback riding for the upcoming equestrian competition.
So, anticipating that my time would become scarce, I sent a letter to the Byon Duke's Household.
As I had mentioned to Aiden before, it contained my desire to visit Adela and inquire after her health.
Not long after sending it, I received a reply from Adela.
It said she wished to see me as soon as possible and that I could visit whenever I pleased.
So the next day, I prepared to go directly to the Byon Duke's Household.
Then I remembered that Adela loved flowers.
I went to the Garden and carefully selected the most beautiful and vibrant flowers blooming there, arranging them into a bouquet.
And with the bouquet in hand, I set off toward the Byon Duke's Household.
When I arrived at the Manor and stepped down from the Carriage, Aiden was nowhere to be seen.
'Has he gone somewhere again on business?'
I thought he had said he would stay in the Capital for an extended period.
For some reason, I had expected him to be here, and without warning, a wave of disappointment washed over me.
No, he's a busy man after all.
I brushed away the thought and instead followed the Butler who had come to greet me into the Manor.
"Lady of House Heitz, before you meet with Miss Adela, the Duke wishes to see you first."
The Byon Duke?
So he was at the Manor today.
"Understood. Please show me the way."
"Yes, this way, if you please."
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org