He couldn't comprehend it. How could a daughter of a count love a man who had nothing to his name? Mirabelle was not aware of Kuhn's true ident.i.ty. To her, he was a man who was involved in something dangerous in the past, but was still low enough to work as a servant in a mansion. No, even if she knew his true ident.i.ty, their differences were too wide to overcome. No n.o.bleman would ever allow their daughter to be with someone like him. 

That did not mean Kuhn didn't have advances from other women. However, the words he had heard so far were, "I like you, do you want to be together for a while?" or "Do you want to be my lover?" No one ever confessed that they loved him. 

The look of embarra.s.sment faded from Kuhn's face, and the blank and impa.s.sive walls were rebuilt.

Mirabelle was not asking Kuhn to marry her immediately, but he wanted to make a strong impression on her mind. The two of them together were hopeless.

Contrary to Kuhn's intentions, however, Mirabelle replied with a firm nod.

Kuhn was at a loss for words. He was sometimes taken aback by her, but that was nothing compared to this. Despite the gauntness of her cheeks, she was completely resolute. 

Until now, Kuhn had a.s.sumed Mirabelle was like a frail little bird, but she had an unexpected resolve. She spoke words that no one else could easily do. Some unknown emotion stirred inside Kuhn.

He didn't know Mirabelle's agenda, but now he understood. This lovely girl loved with him incredible purity.

Mirabelle gave a few racking coughs, and he was broken from his thoughts.

He turned away, when Mirabelle's voice halted him.

Kuhn turned back to look at Mirabelle.

A fl.u.s.tered look flashed across Kuhn's face, but it was soon gone. Whatever freedom she imagined what not reality. Kuhn locked his eyes with Mirabelle and replied coldly.

No matter who heard it, it was a clear rejection. Mirabelle's clear green eyes began to tremble in pain. 

Kuhn turned away, seemingly unconcerned, and made towards the window to leave. Mirabelle was still young and mistaken. Once she was older, she would look back at this moment with regret.

Kuhn took a few steps forward, but he heard Mirabelle's faint voice behind him.

Kuhn's feet paused at the confession, but he soon stepped forward again as if nothing were wrong. Fortunately, the room was too dim for her to notice. This time, he answered without even turning his head.

At the same time, Kuhn touched a desk clock lying on the table, and he knocked it to the ground with a cras.h.i.+ng noise. It startled the maid who was dozing outside, and she quickly went into Mirabelle's room.

“O-oh, Young Lady! Are you all right? Hold on a moment. I'll call the doctor!”

Then the maid realized Mirabelle was awake and hurried away. Mirabelle, who had suddenly been distracted by the maid, turned to the window again, but Kuhn had already disappeared. 

Hwiiiingeu— 

The wide open windows were the only evidence that he had ever been there.

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