Chapter 48
“Is that really true?”
“Yes, I’m going to submit the divorce papers tomorrow.”
“Eek!” Lilien covered her mouth with her hands, smiling brightly. Just a moment ago, she had been gloomy, upset over the gardener’s puppy causing trouble in the flower bed. But now, she looked like a completely different person.
I was a bit taken aback by her exaggerated reaction as I leisurely sipped my tea, but I soon smiled back.
Lilien hugged the maid standing beside her and started bouncing up and down. The sudden hug bombardment left the maid swaying helplessly, her face full of confusion. Lilien’s pure and uninhibited joy felt as if she was expressing the happiness I should have felt, making me feel a sense of satisfaction through her.
“Thank you for being so happy for me.”
Lilien sat back down across from me, still excited.
“Of course! It’s your business, Lady Etricia…!”
“I should tell Edmund too,” she mumbled to herself, cupping her flushed cheeks.
“Duke Mipedian has helped me a lot.”
“Really? Edmund never mentioned anything to me…?”
Lilien widened her eyes and pouted.
“If he had told me, I would have helped too.”
It was unavoidable for Edmund. With all the surveillance and information gathering involved, how could he possibly ask her for help?
I reached out and lightly tapped Lilien’s hand, which rested near her teacup.
“You’ve helped enough, Lilien.”
But my reassurance did not erase her sulking expression. She seemed displeased that she had no direct contribution.
And yet, it was true that she had helped. Just by being with her, I could escape the filth of dealing with rotten people and let the refreshing wind of flowers cleanse my emotions.
Just as I was about to speak again, Lilien gave a bitter smile.
“Edmund said it was just a cold, but I knew something was off. What really happened that day?”
“…Ah.”
She was talking about the day I was kidnapped and returned.
Seeing my troubled expression, Lilien smiled gently as if to say it was okay.
“I understand. If you’re not telling me, there must be a reason. But still, I feel a little hurt. And it’s frustrating that I don’t have the strength to help you.”
She looked straight at me and patted my hand.
“You’ve done well, Lady Etricia.”
See? She was helpful. Lilien’s kindness washed away all the lingering unease, and I couldn’t help but smile warmly.
After we continued drinking tea and chatting about simple things, Lilien brought up another topic softly.
“Lady Etricia, why don’t you take a vacation, away from all the complicated matters of the capital?”
“A vacation?”
It was unexpected, but given all the exhausting events lately, it was a welcome suggestion.
The nobility usually took summer vacations. Just as people went to see cherry blossoms in spring, it was a seasonal tradition. The capital, crowded with people and events, was often hotter and messier than other places.
I had planned to take a break after finalizing my divorce and reclaiming my inheritance. If I wanted to develop the Lebron business idea I had thought of at the dress shop, I would need a brief rest period to adjust my schedule.
‘It’s a good idea… but…’
I glanced at the invitations stacked neatly beside Lilien. Of course, I also received letters occasionally, but they were mostly well-meaning but tedious advice from older noblewomen.
‘Even now, there are so many… Will I even have time?’
Summer was the season for garden parties. Lilien, as the daughter-in-law of the influential Marchioness Wickley, would inevitably have to attend at least a few. Unless there was an exceptional reason, nobles were expected to accept invitations.
Noticing my gaze, Lilien smiled awkwardly and quickly pushed the invitations aside, making them scatter onto the floor.
The maid next to her hastily picked them up, exclaiming, “Miss, you’re getting far more invitations than before!” making the situation worse.
Lilien shot a glare at the maid and shook her head rapidly, trying to signal her to stop. Her silver hair, tied in a half-up style, swayed with her frantic head movements.
Unable to hold back, I burst into laughter.
Well, it wouldn’t be bad to go.
Soon, Devon’s trial over the forged will would take place. Once the ruling was made, I would inherit my rightful assets.
Then I could settle down and finally put this chapter of my life to an end. Feeling a bitter taste in my mouth, I smiled wryly.
“Alright, let’s go on a vacation.”
Lilien, who had been exchanging mysterious glances with the maid, turned to me, eyes wide.
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Then can Edmund come too?”
The way she asked sounded like she was asking if she could bring along a younger brother left home alone. If it came from Lilien, even Edmund’s originally cold and ruthless image from the novel would crumble like sand. He would surely indulge her whims.
I smiled warmly and nodded.
Since we had boarded the same boat, Edmund was no longer as cold or wary of me as he used to be.
More importantly, ever since he came to save me, the distance between us had significantly lessened. Honestly… it was also fun teasing the reserved him.
“I don’t mind. It sounds like fun.”
“Yes! It would be beautiful if you two had a wedding by the sea!”
No. That’s never happening. I inwardly refuted her ridiculous thought and smiled awkwardly.
After submitting the divorce papers to the court, I returned home and ran into Edmund, who was adjusting his shirt sleeves as he descended the stairs.
He looked clean and composed. With his neatly styled hair revealing his silver eyebrows and well-defined features, even as a woman, I had to admit he was stunning.
“You’re going out?”
“Yes, I’ll be back in the afternoon. Please take care of my sister until then.”
Just as he passed me with a polite nod, he suddenly furrowed his brows and looked back at me.
“Your outfit…”
My outfit? I looked down. It was a sleeveless square-neck dress, leaving my collarbone exposed.
“It’s thin.”
His calm voice fell gently, catching me off guard. Given everything that had happened, his words, filled with concern, made me pause.
“Are you worried about me?”
“…Am I?”
Edmund blinked, seemingly startled. Then, after a brief moment, his face crumpled as he turned away.
“Nonsense.”
He thought I was teasing him again.
“That was definitely concern.”
“If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll leave.”
He turned and walked down the stairs. His broad, solid back was like an open field—so tempting to just lean into.
Then, I suddenly remembered something.
“Edmund?”
He stopped and turned, looking at me questioningly. I gave a vague smile.
“Could you give me a moment?”
