Chapter 19

Late at night, in the Duke’s manor parlor.+

“The young lady has fallen asleep.”+

Having finished her report, Hana stepped out of the parlor.+

Alone in the parlor, the Duke slowly exhaled. His taut nerves began to settle, little by little.+

Simply from the fact that Olivia Madelaine was in his manor.+

At the hour when twilight rippled across the sky, he had received word that Olivia, who had left for the imperial palace, had vanished.+

That Olivia had disappeared alone from the heavily guarded imperial palace—the Duke felt his vision whiten before his eyes.+

With eyes wild, the Duke’s entire garrison had searched for her. When they finally found her, Olivia looked up at him, her usual sparkle extinguished.+

“Why are you here?”+

Olivia’s pale face, gripping the hem of her robe tightly, flickered in his memory. The trembling voice, as if holding back tears, echoed again in his mind, and the Duke’s red eyes darkened deeply.+

He had nearly made her cry alone.+

The mere thought was horrifying. Containing his surging, dangerous killing intent, the Duke picked up the oldest letter among those on the table and checked the signature.+

Leav Green.+

The Duke’s lips curved upward gracefully. He recalled the first time he’d encountered that neat handwriting—eighteen months ago.+

It was during the war against Heperti, when the Emperor, using the White Quartz Mine like a leash, had conscripted him. Among the bleak military mail, one day a single violet letter had begun arriving.+

It always carried the same sentence.+

– Please stay safe and unharmed. Yours, Leav Green.+

It was a letter from a benefactor who sent relief supplies. After the fifth letter, the Duke sent a formal note of thanks.+

Only after he replied did he learn that the benefactor’s letters were also a required part of the aid process.+

After a long silence, another letter arrived from the benefactor. This one was slightly longer.+

It was filled with heartfelt gratitude for his reply. From that letter onward, correspondence with “Leav Green” began.+

A curious recipient—worrisome, cold, yet full of warmth.+

After about half a year of exchanging letters, that was how the Duke had come to describe Leav Green.+

Each time he read a letter, his curiosity about this enigmatic benefactor grew.+

Unlike nobles who donated money to advertise their names, this person anonymously sent the finest relief goods. Whenever Leav Green’s supplies arrived, armor and tent cloth—always in short supply—became plentiful overnight. Even blankets.+

This anonymous benefactor never spoke carelessly about themselves. From the glimpses offered in their letters, the Duke could only infer they led a happy life.+

Stories of praying with loved ones for knights to return safely. Or feeling down because a younger sibling was unwell. Or going on a date with their fiancé and wishing this happy moment would soon reach the knights as well.+

The benefactor always ended their letters the same way.+

– Wishing your utmost efforts come to fruition. Yours, Leav Green.+

It was an unfamiliar phrase—“your utmost.” Each time he read it, the Duke pondered that peculiar wording.+

He had fought across battlefields to reclaim the White Quartz Mine, so cherished by his mother. He had given his all for his family, cast down and plundered by the Emperor.+

By that measure, his “utmost” should have been fulfilled to some degree.+

Yet strangely, the emptiness inside him remained unfilled. For a long while afterward, the Duke kept thinking about “utmost.”+

Then one day, he witnessed Jade Madelaine, deputy captain of the Imperial Knights sent by the Emperor, tear up a letter in a blaze of fury. Though the hot-headed man’s anger was familiar, his face—seen only in passing after the outburst—looked oddly sorrowful.+

It wasn’t hard to guess who had sent the torn letter. The Madelaine Duke family’s illegitimate child. A half-Madelaine. The Crown Prince’s fiancée. Rumors circulating in the barracks about Olivia Madelaine were always negative.+

Arrogant, shameless, covetous of others’ possessions.+

That was all he’d believed—until the day two letters arrived from his benefactor.+

Sending two at once—just as the Duke was oddly pleased, he realized one letter had been misdelivered.+

One was from Leav Green to him, a knight on the battlefield.+

The other was from Olivia Madelaine to Jade Madelaine.+

Both written in the same neat hand on fine stationery.+

When Leav Green’s identity—someone who had so carefully hidden their personal life—was revealed as Olivia Madelaine, the Duke felt no joy. Instead, his heart ached.+

That Leav Green, whose fleeting daily moments had seemed so happy, was Olivia Madelaine. He wished he’d never heard the rumors about her. It troubled him needlessly that the Leav Green he knew stood in stark contrast to Olivia’s real circumstances.+

How should he reply? After much deliberation, the Duke was suddenly transferred to another battlefield before he could send a letter.+

No matter what he wrote, no reply ever came from Leav Green. When the war ended in victory, the Duke sent one final letter to his dear benefactor.+

He wrote that he hoped to meet them on Luhayrn Street.+

It didn’t matter if the letter never reached her. Once she entered society, they would surely meet.+

The Duke headed to the appointed place, carrying the faintest sliver of hope.+

And unexpectedly, he met a young lady.+

A young lady with beautiful green eyes, who had oddly drawn his gaze from the very first moment.+

The instant he realized that young lady was Olivia Madelaine, the Duke felt a shiver run through him.+

The fools in the palace, raised without lack, couldn’t recognize true worth—but he was different.+

If she came to his side, he was certain he would cherish her above all others.+

His red eyes, set within softly curved lids, grew steady and intense.+

It was the dim hour before dawn. Hana, gently opening the door, widened her eyes.+

“Young lady?”+

“Hello.”+

Olivia, seated on the bed, gave an awkward smile. Hana blinked in surprise.+

“You’re already awake? You came back so late last night!”+

Olivia shrugged. Waking early was a habit. There was much to do and only one body, so she had no choice but to cut down on sleep.+

This was the first time she’d done nothing in the morning. She usually reviewed her journal as part of her routine, checked her conduct as a noble lady, and inspected the household. Not doing her usual tasks left her with a strange feeling.+

“Shall we go eat? Our head chef is thrilled you’ve arrived! What food do you like best?”+

Hana, finally finding something to do, spoke with renewed energy. Eating—this would be the first time Olivia ate breakfast without having inspected it herself.+

Olivia began to nod slowly, then paused. When Hana looked at her curiously, Olivia’s cheeks flushed slightly as she asked,+

“Does His Grace always eat breakfast?”+

.+

.+

.+

Olivia stood by the dining room door, peeking inside. The delicious aroma filled the air, but the Duke was nowhere to be seen.+

“It varies,” Hana’s answer echoed in her mind. “Some days he eats, some days he doesn’t.”+

Today seemed to be a “doesn’t eat” day.+

Thank goodness. After making such a spectacle of herself yesterday, facing him again at breakfast would have been unbearably embarrassing.+

“Looking for something?”+

“For His Grace—”+

Olivia, answering absentmindedly, jumped in surprise. Behind her, the Duke smiled brightly and held out his hand. Olivia instinctively placed hers in it.+

Like an escort, the Duke pulled out a chair—smooth as flowing water.+

“Were you looking for me? You should’ve said something—I’d have come sooner.”+

Sitting across from her, the Duke grinned playfully, acting as if nothing had happened the day before. Olivia slowly parted her lips.+

“Your Grace.”+

“Yes?”+

“…Thank you for bringing me here yesterday.”+

Olivia spoke as clearly as she could. She knew one should look into the other’s eyes when expressing gratitude, but shyness kept making her lower her head.+

“I don’t know how long it’ll be, but I’m afraid I’ll be imposing on you for a while.”+

“…”+

“If there’s anything I can do here, please let me know. I’m not entirely useless.”+

She’d managed the finances of both the Duke’s household and the Crown Princess’s palace. She’d even resolved matters for the Imperial Princess before.+

Confident she could handle anything, she met the Duke’s gaze—but his expression turned slightly awkward.+

For a moment, fear gripped her. Had she said something wrong again?+

Then the Duke’s face softened gently.+

“You really said you could do anything, didn’t you? Well, I have three wishes.”+

“…Nothing illegal, though.”+

A bit frightened, Olivia drew a line. The Duke chuckled softly. His warm, low laugh brushed against her ear like a caress, easing her tension. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes.+

“First: eat your meals properly. Second: sleep well. Third: do whatever you please, my lady—and if you’d be so kind as to make use of me, even better.”+

“…”+

“Can you do that for me?”+

His sweet voice asked Olivia.+

To Olivia, who was used only to calculating costs and benefits, the sudden appearance of a man offering to do anything for her was truly strange.+

She didn’t need to guess whether he was joking or serious—she knew his words were genuine.+

Her chest tightened. Even though she clenched her fists on her lap, her nose stung.+

Afraid she’d truly make a scene, Olivia murmured quietly.+

The Duke leaned in to catch her faint, halting words. As he pieced them together, his face twisted slightly.+

“…Are you asking me to leave right now?”+

Olivia jerked her head up in shock. What? No! She’d only meant she was a little embarrassed and wanted him to step away for a moment. Before she could react to this serious misunderstanding—+

“Puhahaha!”+

A hearty laugh echoed through the dining room. Startled, Olivia looked toward the door. Without a sound, servants—including a brown-haired knight—had silently gathered there.+

Everyone was trying hard not to laugh, except the brown-haired knight, who was oblivious to the mood and chuckling away.+

“After going through so much trouble to bring her here—huh huh.”+

“…Winstor Kalter. What brings you here?”+

Gritting his teeth, the Duke slowly called out to the knight. Winstor, who’d been laughing through his nose, abruptly stopped, then gave an awkward “Ahaha” as he glanced around nervously.+

“You told me to come greet the young lady at this hour. Hahaha.”+

“…Right. You should’ve listened better at times like this.”+

Looking flustered, the Duke ran a hand through his hair. As Olivia thought how soft his raven-black strands looked spilling between his fingers, the Duke turned to face her and smiled gently.+

“Didn’t I say yesterday? Everyone in the manor has been waiting for you with bated breath.”+

It was true. From Hana to all the manor’s staff, everyone was gazing at Olivia with sparkling eyes. Their stares tickled her so much that Olivia burst into laughter.+

Unlike the warm atmosphere at the Duke’s manor, the Madelaine Dukedom was filled only with coldness.+

Because Essela, having awakened, had locked her door. At her order to let no one in, the maid Veronica stamped her foot impatiently.+

It was all the elder young lady’s fault. Veronica glared resentfully at Olivia’s closed door.+

In Veronica’s mind, all memory of Olivia hearing harsh words that night had vanished completely. The other servants in the manor felt the same.+

“Young lady, a tailor from Madame Pluto’s shop has arrived.”+

A maid rushed over and whispered. Veronica glared at her irritably.+

“Can’t you read the room? Send them away at once.”+

“But… Miss Olivia said she summoned them to fit clothes for Miss Essela.”+

The maid stammered. Instantly, Veronica’s gaze sharpened.+

Just then, the tailor climbed the stairs, groaning under the weight of various fabric patterns, and announced proudly,+

“Lady Olivia Madelaine placed an order with us at Pluto’s for Lady Essela Madelaine!”+

The mood instantly turned icy. The tailor, used to warm welcomes, looked bewildered and glanced around nervously.+

“Um… is something wrong?”+

“…I’m sorry, but not today.”+

Veronica was about to speak, pressing a hand to her forehead, when—+

The firmly shut door opened, and a hoarse, cracked voice spoke.+

“What’s going on?”+

Veronica gasped in surprise. It had only been two days. Essela, who hadn’t opened her door even when the Duke begged, now emerged with a gaunt, hollow face.+

Before tearful Veronica could speak, the tailor answered,+

“Greetings, Lady Essela Madelaine! Lady Olivia Madelaine sent us as a gift for you!”+

Essela’s expression darkened. Veronica quickly snapped,+

“Is she trying to force her way back in like this after leaving?”+

At Veronica’s words, the maids exchanged glances and began whispering criticisms of Olivia one by one.+

“Using material gifts to cover up her wrongdoing!”+

“She must’ve booked this yesterday the moment she left, planning to return!”+

“Something seems off here.”+

Flustered, the tailor raised the order slip and explained,+

“This order was placed two Wednesdays ago. We were supposed to come last week, but our schedules didn’t align, so we informed you we’d come today.”+

At the tailor’s words, everyone flinched. Two Wednesdays ago—that meant the reservation at the famously busy Madame Pluto’s had been made before any of this had even happened.+

The maids, who had been aggressively cornering Olivia, faltered.+

“Lies!”+

Veronica cried out without thinking. The Duke and the eldest young master had always warned her to be wary of Olivia Madelaine. They couldn’t possibly be wrong.+

“It’s true!”+

Suddenly, a maid appeared from somewhere. Her face was swollen from crying—it was Sally, Olivia’s personal maid.+

“Our young lady reserved this place two weeks ago, saying she thought it would suit Miss Essela well.”+

Sally, choking back sobs, finally burst into tears as she spoke.+

“I don’t know much else, but our young lady truly didn’t book this for any ulterior motive. She always thought of Miss Essela. Truly!”+

I should’ve followed her that day. Sally wailed.+

She resented her young lady for not sending even a single word about where she’d gone. She knew the dukedom hated her mistress, but after two whole days without returning, no one had even looked for her.+

Overwhelming sorrow surged. Leaving behind Sally, collapsed in tears, the flustered maids, and the bewildered tailor, Essela returned to her room.+

Though it was morning, the curtained room was dark.+

Essela squeezed her eyes shut. No matter how hard she tried to think of something else, the Imperial Princess’s voice kept echoing in her ears.+

“How can you treat the daughter of the dancer who killed your mother like a real elder sister?”+

Her hands, covering her ears, clenched tighter. Tears gathered again in her violet eyes, now dull and blackened.+

I wish she weren’t my sister.+

If she were truly a stranger, I could hate her with all my heart.+

She was my only sister. My proud, wonderful sister who always held my hand and worried about me.+

Even when she began distancing herself from me one day, it was fine. I’d believed I could protect her whenever my brothers tormented her.+

Why did it come to this?+

Did Mother really… because of Sister…?+

Each time she imagined that dreadful possibility, her stomach churned. Trembling with surging resentment and bitter hatred, she felt sick.+

As Essela turned back toward the bed, something glittered in her vision—a pink diamond necklace inside a velvet box left slightly ajar.+

Absently, Essela picked up the necklace. Suddenly, she remembered the pink gemstone necklace she’d once given to Olivia.+

She’d wished for it to be filled with happiness. Essela bit her lip hard.+

Sister ruined everything. Olivia Madelaine ruined everything.1

In a fit of anger, her arm had shot up to grab the necklace—but now it slowly lowered. Her face, twisted with venomous curses toward Olivia, crumbled.+

In the end, Essela burst into tears once more.+