Chapter 113
Not long after the news of Harbian’s disappearance spread, Aiden announced his decision to return to the Bedeusian family estate. Once everything was decided, he moved quickly. After sending word of his return, Aiden left the Ergen Duchy a few days later.
Only a small group gathered at the main gate to see Aiden off. Although there had been offers from the Bedeusian family to escort him, Aiden had declined them. At the gate, Aiden first greeted Caverion.
“Please take good care of Lady Raylenne in my absence,” Aiden said.
“You’re stating the obvious,” Caverion replied tersely.
Aiden then turned to Raylenne, a subtle smile on his lips. Raylenne frowned slightly.
‘Well… there’s no need to cry, but it’s strange to see him smile now, especially when he rarely does,’ she thought. Her momentary discomfort faded as Aiden seemed to read her thoughts and offered an explanation.
“I’m smiling because it’s our last moment together for now. I want you to remember my smiling face,” he said.
His words made Raylenne sad. “Why are you acting like we’ll never see each other again?”
Aiden stepped closer and embraced her. She tried not to cry, but her nose tingled with emotion. Aiden whispered in her ear, “As I promised, I’ll be back within a year. No, I’ll try to return even sooner.”
Raylenne pulled away from Aiden. “You don’t have to rush. Just don’t push yourself too hard,” she said.
Aiden only smiled warmly, making her feel even more melancholic. His smile was so handsome that it made her heart ache more.
“It’s time to go,” Caverion’s impatient voice interrupted from behind them, clearly irritated by their prolonged farewell.
Aiden bent down to whisper in Raylenne’s ear, “Goodbye.”
As Aiden climbed into the carriage, the coachman spurred the horses, and the sound of hooves echoed as Aiden left the Ergen Duchy. Raylenne couldn’t take her eyes off the carriage until it disappeared from view. Caverion placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“Let’s go inside,” he said.
Only then did Raylenne turn away from the path and silently bid farewell to Aiden in her heart. ‘Goodbye, Aiden.’
* * *
Time passed quickly in the duchy without Aiden. Raylenne kept busy by helping Caverion manage the household. Although Caverion hadn’t specifically asked for her help, she felt the need to stay active to fill the void left by Aiden’s departure. She assisted with managing the household accounts. Though the steward and Caverion’s chief attendant handled the details meticulously, Raylenne thought it wouldn’t hurt for someone in the family to review them.
In addition, Raylenne took it upon herself to revamp the landscaping of the estate. She had always felt that the scenery within the walls was dry and dull. While the view from the high vantage point of the castle was excellent, the interior landscape didn’t match its grandeur. She had asked Caverion for permission, knowing it would be an expensive endeavor, and he had readily agreed.
“If it’s something you want,” he had said.
Raylenne admired Caverion for being such a kind and considerate brother, though she wondered who would eventually marry such a wonderful person. Despite her curiosity, Caverion seemed uninterested in marriage, and she knew better than to pressure him.
‘Well, I should focus on my own duties,’ she thought. ‘He’ll find someone when he’s ready.’
As spring gave way to summer, Raylenne hired landscapers and gardeners to plant new trees and flowers. She chose the designs to her liking, and when Janie saw the changes, she was full of praise.
“Wow, my lady! The new landscaping really brings life to the estate!” Janie exclaimed.
Raylenne continued to fill her days with various tasks. One day, she received a letter from Lavita. Lavita had been busy, and they hadn’t been able to meet, communicating only through letters. The latest letter gave Raylenne a sinking feeling.
‘It’s time for her to leave,’ she thought.
As expected, the letter informed her that Lavita would be leaving the Hamnebu Empire that week. Lavita asked if they could meet one last time before her departure. Raylenne quickly wrote a reply, and a few days later, Lavita visited the Ergen Duchy.
“Raylenne!” Lavita called out cheerfully as she arrived.
This time, Lavita wasn’t alone. She had brought David, who had grown since the last time Raylenne saw him. After exchanging greetings with Lavita, Raylenne also greeted David.
“Hello, how have you been?” she asked.
The infant David waved his hands in the air, a bashful smile on his face. Despite the angelic smile on the baby’s face, Raylenne felt a pang of sadness. It was likely because of David’s shining blonde hair, which reminded her of Harbian. The thought of Harbian brought back unpleasant memories, not just because of their past, but also because Raylenne couldn’t bring herself to speak well of Harbian to David, who might one day wonder about his father.
After Harbian disappeared, the empire was abuzz with rumors for a time. People speculated endlessly about his death, but there was no one to confirm the truth, as he had already become a cold corpse. The vacuum left by Harbian’s absence was filled by the Second Prince, recommended by Merian. The Second Prince had been an overlooked talent, but Merian, who had been watching him, took this opportunity to recommend him to the officials, who then acknowledged his abilities.
Merian had stepped in to take on the role of the emperor, whose health had declined severely. It seemed the emperor was not long for this world, ushering in another era of change for the Hamnebu Empire.
Just then, Lavita spoke, her voice filled with surprise. “Wow, the scenery inside the estate has changed a lot!”
“Yes, I made some changes to keep myself busy,” Raylenne replied.
“It looks amazing,” Lavita complimented, smiling as she looked around.
Lavita suggested they take a stroll around the newly landscaped grounds, bringing along the stroller for David. Despite it being summer, the estate’s high elevation kept the temperature cooler, making it pleasant for a walk. Raylenne and Lavita quietly walked around the estate grounds.
“Lavita, have you talked to your family about David?” Raylenne asked.
Lavita turned her head, a faint smile on her lips.
Lavita’s expression was ambiguous. “My parents reacted exactly as expected. When I revealed David’s existence, they called him a disgrace to the family and demanded that I leave immediately. So, I packed my things and left.”
Raylenne’s eyes widened in surprise. How could she talk about something so distressing so calmly? Lavita had grown a lot in a short time, likely because she had to protect young David as a mother. Raylenne couldn’t help but admire her.
‘Mothers are truly remarkable,’ she thought.
However, one concern nagged at her. “If you left home, where are you staying now? Surely you’re not staying at just any random inn on the street?”
“I found a temporary place to stay. Thanks to the money Caverion gave me, I secured a very luxurious and comfortable place.”
“Still, if you had told me, I would have arranged for you to stay here in the estate,” Raylenne said.
Lavita shook her head. “No, I’ve already imposed on you so much, I didn’t want to overstep.”
“But…”
As Raylenne’s face showed her reluctance, Lavita quickly changed the subject. “Actually, I’m relieved.”
“About what…?”
“About Harbian. I was worried he might do something harmful to you. But now I can leave the Hamnebu Empire with peace of mind,” Lavita said.
Although it was surprising to hear Lavita mention Harbian’s death so calmly, Raylenne appreciated her concern. “There’s also something that saddens me a little…”
Saddens her…? Raylenne waited seriously for Lavita’s next words.
Lavita looked down, murmuring softly, “It’s that I won’t be able to attend your birthday party.”
Oh… What a letdown. The tension that had built up in Raylenne dissipated. “I’ve heard that the party is supposed to be quite grand.”
“Where did you hear that?” Raylenne asked.
“Oh, Raylenne, the entire empire is buzzing about it,” Lavita replied.
Raylenne rubbed her forehead. Her birthday was still a month away, yet it seemed to be causing quite a stir. It was all because of Caverion. Initially, when he mentioned holding a grand celebration for her birthday, she thought he was just saying it. Caverion was usually too busy with more important matters to focus on something like a birthday.
But soon, she realized he meant it. It started with renovations in the party hall. She initially thought it was just maintenance because the building was old and they were updating the landscaping at the same time. But no, the renovations were specifically for her birthday celebration.
And it wasn’t just that. Rumors had spread beyond the duchy, just as Lavita had heard about the grand celebration. Of course, the source wasn’t Caverion—he wasn’t the type to talk about such things. It was the estate’s employees and knights who had spread the news outside, saying preparations were underway for a grand birthday celebration.
‘It’s overwhelming…’ Raylenne thought. It wasn’t just the scale of the birthday that felt burdensome; it was something Caverion had said earlier. He had mentioned that she might find a match on her birthday.
Indeed, it was common for unmarried noblemen to attend the birthdays of young ladies they were interested in, making it an excellent opportunity to find a suitor, just as Caverion had suggested. However, Raylenne wasn’t interested in any of that; she was waiting for Aiden to return.
Raylenne sighed deeply. Lavita noticed the worried expression on Raylenne’s face and blinked rapidly. “What’s wrong, Raylenne?”
Realizing she had let her feelings show, Raylenne quickly composed herself. “It’s nothing, Lavita.”
Lavita, aware of Raylenne’s past health issues, told her to let her know if she ever felt unwell. Raylenne, hiding her inner turmoil, smiled warmly at Lavita’s kindness.
