Chapter 2: That Night, I Was Allowed to Rest

When I turned around, a man was leaning against a pillar by the staircase, watching us.

Black hair, and deep eyes that reminded one of the night.

A refined face with little emotion.

The duke who governed the northern territories of the kingdom, Ashley Glenford.

Since when had he been watching?

His gaze was calm, and seemed terribly cold.

“This is a formal gathering. Any further will affect the dignity of the Count’s house.”

At that voice, the entire hall fell silent.

But in the next moment, Cecil suddenly lifted her face as if startled.

Pressing the tears lingering at the corners of her eyes, she looked up at Lord Ashley with a frightened, yet still graceful expression.

“Your Grace… I, I…”

Since long ago, Cecil had always obtained what she wanted with that kind of expression.

But Lord Ashley did not spare her even a glance.

As if she was not worth engaging with, he simply walked toward me instead.

“This way.”

Though his voice was low and quiet, it carried a strength that could not be defied.

“My apologies.”

I gave a deep bow.

Taking the hand he offered, I stepped down from the stage.

There was no longer any reason for me to remain there.

Numerous gazes pierced into my back.

But without turning around, I left the grand hall and stepped out into the courtyard.

The moment the night breeze touched my cheeks, I finally felt like I could breathe again.

“…It’s finally over.”

I was more exhausted than I had thought.

And yet, strangely, I felt refreshed.

For seven years, I had worked to be a fiancée worthy of the Valentone Count’s family.

Etiquette, ledgers, social interactions, even studying estate management.

Everything I learned was so that I would not drag him down, and so that I could support him even a little.

But what Frederick wanted was not a fiancée who voiced her opinions.

He wanted a woman who would depend on him, rely on him, and praise him.

“I suppose he’s finally set me free.”

“I agree.”

A low voice fell from right beside me.

When I turned, Lord Ashley was quietly looking at me.

“I showed you something unsightly.”

“It was not unsightly.”

“But…”

“Just because you did not cry does not mean you were fine.”

My breath caught.

I had not intended to show any weakness—yet his voice saw through the fact that I was not fine.

“Why would you go this far?”

“…It simply angered me to watch. In that place, you alone were alone from beginning to end. Anyone watching could understand the weight of what you were made to bear.”

“…”

“At the very least, it is not how one should treat their daughter.”

Those words quietly sank deep into my chest.

Before I could find a response, Lord Ashley removed his cloak and gently draped it over my shoulders.

“…Thank you very much.”

“No thanks are necessary.”

“But…”

“I have no intention of returning you to that house tonight.”

Though his voice was quiet, it held an undeniable firmness.

“I have prepared a carriage. It will take you to my residence in the capital. There are maids there as well.”

“…Why would you do so much?”

“I do not wish to return you to that family in your current state.”

His words were so straightforward that I could not find anything to say in return.

If I returned to my family home, Father and Mother would be waiting again.

As if nothing had happened, they would simply tell me to be considerate of my younger sister.

—Just imagining it was exhausting.

“…May I rest for a while before deciding what to do?”

“That is fine.”

It was a short reply.

But it was enough.

“…Then, I will accept your kindness.”

When I said that, Lord Ashley gave a small nod.

He said nothing unnecessary.

He simply stood beside me as if it were natural, matching his pace to mine.

Even inside the carriage, Lord Ashley asked almost nothing.

He did not offer words of comfort, and simply sat quietly across from me.

That silence was something I was grateful for right now.

That night, I accepted Lord Ashley’s kindness and rested at his residence in the capital.

Following the attendants’ guidance, I bathed, and the moment I sank into the soft bed, the tension within me snapped, and I fell asleep.

It had been a long time since I had slept without being blamed by anyone or expected to do anything.

The next morning, when I woke up, the maid spoke with a troubled expression.

“Lord Ashley has instructed that you rest until you are satisfied. In fact, he told us to stop you from leaving.”

“I am grateful for his kindness. However, there are things I must do.”

Thanks to resting for one night, both my mind and heart were much calmer than yesterday.

And because of that, I understood.

I could not accept everything ending on their terms alone.

That very day, I returned to my family home.

As expected, the atmosphere in the mansion was completely cold.

The moment I arrived, I was led to the reception room, and not a single word of concern was offered.

—Just as I thought.

From the beginning, this house had never cared about my circumstances.

“You’ve done quite as you pleased, haven’t you?”

The first to speak was my mother.