Chapter 45: 45
“……?”
Zion, enveloped in silence, accepted the glass of water. Halfnon glanced between the two, then quietly drank his own water.
‘It seems the rumors can’t be trusted.’
He had heard various rumors about Zion and Hanette. Some said one family would suffer a loss, others claimed the Crazy Young Lady tormented Zion, and yet others suggested the youngest son of Marquis Laird would run away first. None of these turned out to be true. In fact, the reality was quite different.
‘It’s not exactly what I thought…’
Despite being engaged, it’s common for couples to speak formally to each other. However, Zion and Hanette spoke casually without any signs of discomfort or displeasure. They might be wary of each other, but in some ways, they seemed quite close.
‘If they’re comfortable enough to wipe each other’s sweat…’
Perhaps they were conscious of him and his sister’s presence, needing to appear close to their betrothed. Yet, he also realized that Hanette wasn’t as wild as rumors suggested. She was simply a noble enjoying her own lifestyle, albeit differently from others.
‘Maybe Zion likes this kind of noble lady…’
Personal preferences couldn’t be generalized. Most nobles adhered to longstanding traditions. Perhaps Zion and Hanette were attracted to each other because they both deviated from the norm.
‘In that case, their families are destined to be linked.’
Their engagement was initially a strategic move. Marquis Laird’s family strengthened their commercial dominance, while Duke Adelaira’s family supported them, consolidating their vassals. This was primarily to counteract the Ternein Duke family, but it also created another destiny.
‘I’m just a temporary part of their fate.’
Halfnon watched Zion and Hanette with a reverent heart. Their forced bond had evolved into genuine emotions. He knew he couldn’t interfere and could only hope for a similar fate for himself someday.
“You two seem to get along well. You look like a newlywed couple.”
Laina Frandique, the youngest daughter of the Frandique family, smiled softly. She had heard about Zion’s regular visits but hadn’t met him until today. She intended to greet him briefly but was surprised to meet his fiancée, Hanette Adelaira, as well.
“Ah, really? Thank you for saying so.”
“Oh… um… I’m glad it looks that way.”
Zion responded calmly, but Hanette hesitated, reluctantly agreeing. She had intervened only because she felt bothered. Normally, she would have watched quietly before approaching.
“What do you think, brother?”
“…They do look like that. They could get married tomorrow.”
“Seeing each other often has made us a bit closer, I suppose. But it’s not quite like that yet.”
Zion smoothly deflected the conversation, glancing at Hanette, who seemed unbothered. She likely felt embarrassed or annoyed inside.
“My fiancé is with us, so I think we’ve grown a bit fond of each other.”
“That’s true. Even if you start as strangers, meeting often makes you familiar. As you get to know each other, affection grows.”
“Hmm… what should I say? It feels like I’ve gained another sibling.”
“Oh, really? So you see him as family.”
Zion listened to Hanette’s words quietly. She spoke naturally without showing any special emotion. Her face was calm, and she occasionally smiled.
‘Was she always this good at lying?’
It seemed like she had become the typical noble lady. Although she always wore formal attire, her tone, manner, and atmosphere felt oddly different. If she acted this way normally, Robbenz and Yenid would be delighted.
‘So she is still a noble lady.’
Zion chuckled, realizing this anew. He had always seen Hanette as the heroine, not as the Duke’s daughter. They would eventually leave Duke Adelaira’s family and never return. They might come to the capital occasionally, but they would hide their identity.
‘Once we leave, we won’t see each other again…’
Zion felt a part of him burying this realization, his eyes showing a dry emptiness. He might never meet another noble lady like Hanette again. He might recall their conversations, wondering what she was doing and where she was.
‘Did we become too close…’
“Zion, are you feeling unwell?”
“What? Oh, no, I’m fine.”
“Your expression looked dark, so I was just asking.”
“Thank you for your concern. I was just lost in thought.”
Zion forced an awkward smile, snapping back to reality. Halfnon observed him briefly before speaking.
“You seem quite tired. It looks like it’s time. How about resting a bit before you go?”
“Oh, you don’t have to…”
“Then we will accept your hospitality. He seems quite worn out and could use a break.”
Hanette interrupted, seeing Zion’s exhausted state. Even a quick glance revealed he was fatigued and looked somewhat gaunt. Marquis Frandique’s family had a friendly relationship with Duke Adelaira’s, so they wouldn’t mind them resting briefly.
“Understood. I’ll prepare a place immediately.”
“No, really…”
“Just stay put. Rejecting hospitality isn’t always the right thing to do. Consider the host’s feelings.”
“…”
Zion, speechless, stared at Hanette. She seemed displeased but kept checking his condition. Laina observed the two before following Halfnon out.
‘They make a good pair. The lady is quite caring.’
Laina had noticed this as soon as she entered the training hall. Hanette had wiped Zion’s sweat and kept an eye on him. Her suggestion to rest at their mansion was clearly for his benefit.
‘She doesn’t seem like a troublemaker.’
Laina knew about the rumors surrounding Hanette. But from her behavior, there was no sign of the so-called Crazy Young Lady. If her personality was truly problematic, she wouldn’t have cared for her fiancé.
‘The Ternein Duke family must have exaggerated the rumors.’
The Ternein Duke family had been rivals with the Duke Adelaira family, likely spreading false rumors. With Hanette behaving independently, they probably aimed to tarnish her family’s reputation.
‘Maybe I should try to befriend her.’
Laina, driven by strong curiosity, smiled faintly. She had avoided Hanette because of the rumors but now felt confident in approaching her differently.
‘I should watch how the lady reacts a bit more.’
* * *
Alain Kingdom’s Capital, Seldrode.
Seldrode was one of the restaurants in the capital, exclusively serving the upper class. It charged high prices, using only the finest and rarest ingredients, and its chefs were highly skilled. Normally, guests made reservations and were admitted according to schedule, but today was an exception. Duke Adelaira had rented the entire restaurant, accommodating just two guests.
“…Do you know why we’re here?”
“Well… I have an idea, but I’m not sure.”
Zion pondered as he sat at the designated table. Hanette followed, looking around. Besides the staff, there was no one else, and soft music played in the background.
“What is it? Tell me.”
“Remember when we were called because of Shchedrin? I think Duke Adelaira arranged this for us.”
“As an apology?”
“What else could it be?”
“Sigh… What’s the point?”
Hanette sighed, looking displeased. She had already forgotten about that incident and expected nothing from Robbenz. While this was likely meant for Zion, it wouldn’t be much help.
“It’s not entirely pointless. It’s something, at least.”
“I didn’t want this.”
“You brushed it off. If you wanted something, you should have said so then.”
“Are you seriously… ugh…”
Hanette fumed but couldn’t deny it. Zion had given her a chance, and Robbenz had responded. But her pride had made her throw it away, leading to this outcome.
“Fine. Let’s just move on.”
“It’s not your fault. You weren’t in a good mood then. He drew his sword because of me.”
“…”
Hanette fell silent, staring at Zion. His violet eyes were sorrowful. Staying like this, she felt she might be swept away by his gaze.
“He should have drawn his sword for you.”
“He can’t defend me. He sees me as a troublemaker.”
“Even if your behavior isn’t ideal, it doesn’t justify the incident. I don’t think you’re wrong, just that you stand out more.”
“Standing out doesn’t change anything.”
“The rumors about you are exaggerated. By that logic, all nobles who drink and gamble are troublemakers. There’s nothing wrong with wearing formal attire as a noble lady.”
Hanette clasped her hands, lowering her head. No one had ever stood by her side or understood her feelings. She had endured years of oppression, imposed ways, comparisons, reprimands, punishment, loneliness, and despair. She had tried to bear it, but Zion’s support made it harder to contain her emotions.
“…Sister?”
Zion, startled, stood up. Hanette’s shoulders were trembling, and she was struggling to hold back her voice. Tears began to slowly spread across the table.
“Sister, use this.”
Zion handed Hanette a handkerchief. She hesitated before gently taking it.
“It’s because of you. If you hadn’t… stayed quiet…”
“Sister, I…”
“I’m crying because of you… but I’m not ashamed. You know why I’m crying.”