33.

Welcome back, Madam, Young Lord.

Clifton and the maid standing side by side greeted them. Ercella ignored their greetings and rushed to the study where Harsen was.

Vicente silently followed Ercella, gesturing to the servants not to follow. Ercella threw the study door open with a slam. Ercella got furious at the sight of the man who was still leisurely doing his work, even after the ruckus.

Harsen.

Ercella stopped after some distance. Harsen blankly looked at Ercella. There was no hint of surprise in Harsens face as if he was expecting this to happen. While still staring at Ercellas face, he informed Vicente, Vicente, you will be engaged to Her Ladyship Garten after her coming-of-age ceremony.

I understand, Vicente immediately responded without hesitation.

Ercella looked at Vicente for a moment and then turned to Harsen again. An engagement? Vicente is still young.

Its not unusual to be engaged at Vicentes age.

Like Harsen said, getting engaged at Vicentes age is not unusual. Some get engaged at an even younger age. But Vicente was an exception to Ercella. I dont want that kid to have a loveless marriage.

I cant allow this, Ercella spoke earnestly, but Harsen didnt budge.

He looked indifferently at Ercella and said, Its not a matter of whether you allow it or not.

No, Vicente is also my son. As his mother, I have the right to be involved in his marriage.

It was already decided before Duke Garten left for Conrad.

Marriage talks before the Duke left for Conrad? What was the Duchesss attitude at the tea party like? Ercella asked just in case, At the tea party, the Duchess didnt seem certain about the engagement either. Duke Garten proposed marriage first, right? And you accepted it after the Duke left.

Clearly, the Duchess was just observing Ercellas reaction that day. We dont even know if Olivia agreed or not. If my prediction is correct, nothing has been decided yet. Then we still have a chance. Before the Duke returns-

Ercella. Harsen sternly called her name.

I dont know what youre thinking, but Vicente is the heir of the family. Are you telling me to let him marry anybody? Dont you know better than I do that marriage is based on family relationships? This is the norm.

His piercing voice enveloped her from head to toe.

Thats also how you and I got married.

There are things you should and shouldnt say in front of my child! Ercella shouted sharply. Harsens words were not wrong, but that was not something to be said in front of Vicente.

Ercella couldnt figure out why Harsen brought that up. Did you have to say that right now? She was furious, but Harsen didnt seem to care.

Very well. Vicente, go outside.

Yes, Father.

A brief silence ensued after Vicente left. Ercella glared at Harsen with all her might. Harsens pupils were serene while her blue eyes were shaking with rage. His mouth twisted ever so slightly that it was hard to tell. I didnt expect you to be so skeptical about a political marriage.

His characteristic low voice was terrifyingly cold. You mustve been disappointed a lot up until now.

Ercella cooled down with his ice-cold voice and met Harsens gaze, who was sitting looking up at her. Suppressing her anger even more, she said, Im not dissatisfied.

Then what is it? He asked for an explanation.

Ercella repeatedly opened and closed her mouth then finally gave up. Ive always lived for my family, and marrying you was the best for it.

Harsen remained silent.

I already told you, Harsen. You were my best choice.

He was her best choice. Thats what Ercella repeated to Harsen over and over. The mans eyes looking at Ercella gradually began to contort. However, Ercella couldnt afford to notice them.

But thats not the case for Vicente.

Why?

Was it just my imagination or did his voice become a bit sharper?

Why cant he?

She wasnt imagining it. An unexpected chill froze the air between them. The subdued atmosphere weighed heavily on her mind. Feeling stuffy in her chest, Ercella groaned and forced out her words, Vicente is

Go on.

because Vicente is my son.

I didnt expect that to be the reason, Harsen said.

I dont want that for him.

Ive had enough of your stubbornness.

Do you know what Young Lady Garten is like?

I dont. Is that important?

Ercella bit the inside of her lips at his indifferent gaze. It was the first time Harsen was not backing down; Ercella was unfamiliar with this situation.

Its important. How do you know if the woman hes marrying is kind, brilliant, gentle, or clever and cunning like her father? How- How can you just agree under those conditions? No, I know these things dont matter to people like us. But- but I dont want that for our son

Thats enough,Harsen frostily cut off the conversation and turned away from Ercella. Obviously, he had no intention of talking to her anymore.

In the face of his attitude, Ercella forcibly grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. Harsen was turned around unexpectedly by Ercellas power even though she wouldnt have had enough strength to make him budge had he continued to resist her.

Even in this situation, he was considerate of Ercella. Ercella now had a vague idea why Harsen was behaving like this. Ercella softened her temper and appealed to him.

I know. Youre being coldhearted on purpose because youre disappointed in me. You didnt expect me to treat Vicente like I do now, so you had no choice but to decide his engagement on your own. I also know that if you unilaterally break the engagement, youd have to take care to not ruin our relations with them. I understand all this, but now I- Im really trying. I sincerely wish for Vicente to be happy. Like I said before, Im really trying to be a good mother to him

Pretending to be a mother now-

.

Youve always treated our son so heartlessly.

Ercella stared blankly at Harsen. His flawlessly perfect mask began to crumble into pieces. With a scornful expression, his lips slanted downwards and said, A mother

Ercella remained silent.

What have you done for Vicente all these years? Did you do anything? Did you ever give him anything for his birthday? How many times do you talk to him in a month? I can count on my fingers the number of times youve done so. Did your maternal instincts finally awaken? Didnt you leave your son alone and go partying? As a child, when he was running with a fever, where were you? I was told that you were at Viscountess Schonettesfor Sierra Schonettes birthday party. You didnt know until he almost died weeping. I heard from a servant when I came home the next day, and when I went up to the room, I was shocked.

Ercellas eyes trembled slightly. Harsens words were daggers that stabbed through her heart. Ercella couldnt make any excuses because she knew what Harsen was referring to.

I turned a blind eye to everything.

She could see his exhaustion.

Whatever you wanted. Whatever you did. Even if

.

Even if it left ouryour and myonly son neglected.

Ercellas hands quivered. Harsens eyes stayed there for a moment but immediately fell. His eyes ached when he saw the slender figure that seemed to collapse by the slightest touch. He instinctively closed his eyes. So this time, I want you to back off.

Theres another reason, right?

This time, I cant back off either.

Harsen.

Ive always done everything your way.

Ercellas eyes slowly began to blur. With his eyes closed, he could not see her precarious appearance. It was not long before Harsens cold words finally broke down Ercella.

What else can I do in the first place?

Drip, drop.

An inconspicuous sound struck his ears. Harsen opened his eyes and saw Ercella shedding tears without any expression. Even her blue eyes were quiet and insipid.

Small droplets of water flowed down her cheeks and fell. How can a person cry so quietly? Harsen put strength in his hands at the terrifying sight. In the solemness filled with only the sound of her teardrops, the sound of her lips separating could be heard.

In her empty voice as if she were dead, she said, You hated me back then, didnt you?

In the face of her quiet words, Harsen couldnt answer.

I knew just how much youve done for me, so I couldnt bring myself to hate you.

.

My father, mother, brother and older sister as well There was no one I could resent.

.

The only one I could resent was that child.

The quiet cry turned into a sob. A woman who was still beautiful even when she cried, gradually crumbled in front of him.

I really

The woman who had withered beside him confessed, wanted to die.

This time too, he killed her heart.

* * *

Past A Fairytale in the Mirror, A Romance Reflected in the Water

A girl sat still amongst the bustling servants around her. Her pale skin was like a snowfield and dazzling blonde hair that descended down her shoulders, shined like the sun and looked as if they contained all the light of the world.

As she blinked sleepily, her golden eyelashes, the same color as her hair, slowly met. Between them, the girls blue eyes were revealed, and a maid, who was dressing her up, watched her with bated breath.

Whats wrong?

Oh, its nothing, Young Lady. Lesha blushed and lowered her head. Its been a month since I was hired, and I still cant make eye contact with her because my heart flutters whenever I see her beautiful face.

Irene beside her giggled, saying understandingly, Youre still a long way off. She spread a necklace in front of the girl. Young Lady, would you like the diamond necklace?

Is that good? The girl asked.

Itll go well with your eye color.

Then Ill take that.

Jane said as she stood ready next to Irene who put the finely crafted diamond necklace around the girls neck, The dress was sent by the Madam in advance.

My mother?

Yes, its a bright gold color that suits your hair.

Then Ill wear it.

After Jane was done, Betty said, Shall I put your hair down? Thatll look the prettiest.

Alright.

When it spreads while my Lady dances, the whole world will fall for her.

The girl answered in a rather bored voice, Im sure plenty have already fallen in love with me.

A gentle and elegant voice came from behind. At the familiar voice, the girl smiled brightly and turned around. Mother!

Ercella. The middle-aged woman smiled affectionately and spread her arms. You look beautiful today, my daughter.

The girl named Ercella ran to her and hugged her. The woman wrapped her arms around the girls shoulders, whispering in a fluttery voice, Are you ready?

Not yet. Ill be done soon.

Isnt it taking too long? Everyone, hurry up a little bit.

Well, the banquet is in the evening anyway.

Look at you. Didnt you say you were going to meet your friends before that?

Oh, right! The girl looked surprised, covering her mouth as if she suddenly remembered. She quickly got out of her mothers arms and sat down.

Irene, Lesha. Come on, hurry!

Yes, we got it, Young Lady.

Even so, dont do it haphazardly.

The Marquess wont stand a chance.

When Irene corrected her by saying, Madam, not Marquess, Leshas eyes trembled as if she had made a grave mistake.

The Marquess smiled generously and said that it was fine. They were busy again and after about an hour Ercella was finished dressing up.

The servants poured out praise at the way she was adorned. People will wonder if you were Ludelsia herself, stepping down on cloud stairs, Lesha spoke such embarrassing words as if it were nothing.

Smiling softly, Ercella thanked her for the compliment.

Leshas ears turned red at Ercellas smile.

* * *

Ercella was deaf to Sierras continuous excited praises beside her.

I heard that hes really, really handsome. Hes like a perfectly carved sculpture not simply good-looking but perfectly handsome!

Janet retorted suspiciously, But I heard Lipmann isnt that handsome. Sierra, you should believe me. Where did you hear that?

That person is just jealous of Lipmann! Look, he mustve said that because his looks are inferior to the Young Lords. Anyways, Janet and Ercella, you must believe me. My cousin is in the same knights order as Young Lord Bernhardt, and said the Young Lord Bernhardt is so handsome that even men would swoon for him.

Sierras words were unbelievable because she always exaggerated things. Ercella dismissed it as nonsense, but she could see why Sierra was so excited. It was not just Sierra all the aristocrats in the capital were excited to meet him.

Sierra opened her eyes wide while looking at Janet and said, What if its finally our chance to meet the rumored Young Lord of Berhardt?

Janet nodded in agreement. Obviously, she was curious too.

After all, its Berhardt were talking about.

It was the coming-of-age party of the Young Lord Bernhardt who was rumored to have only been to and from knights quarters and never stepped foot into high society.

In addition, he served as Deputy Commander of the 1st Order Knights at an early age for his military service in the war against Lenart, so everyone was curious.

Hes a man of great achievements.

Ercella nodded. She was inwardly curious too. There is no other way for a knight to rise to that position in a short period of time except by establishing his battle skills, but Bernhardt rose to the position of deputy commander and a 1st Order knight at the mere age of eighteen.

His reputation has risen to the point where the king himself recognizes Berhardts achievements and even sent a congratulatory letter to his coming-of-age party.

Hell get married soon, wont he? Oh, I wonder who he will marry?

Janet crushed Sierras small hope at once, Not you.

I know that.

Then theres also Princess Hermia, Janet mumbled.

I also think hell marry Princess Hermia.

When Sierra said enviously, Ercella smiled and said to Sierra, Beg your father to propose a marriage agreement.

What?

Like Young Lady Gladiam.

Wow, come to think of it, Young Lady Gladiams truly amazing. Arent they getting married this year? Since Carons coming-of-age ceremony is over.

Yes, they are.

The long-awaited marriage of Caron and Count of Gladiems daughter was soon to take place, so her mother, the Marquess, was busy with the preparations.

Still, Ercella was very curious about Bernhardts private banquet, so she came to attend.

Ercella wondered what the Young Lord was like. It would be strange not to be curious about him.

As she held her chest in anticipation, Sierra said, Youre pretending otherwise but youre also curious, just like me.

Ercella coyly turned her head. In the meantime, their carriage stopped.

Man, I lost respect for Ercella when Harsen mentioned Vicente nearly dying. Harsen +1 Ercella -10

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