Episode 4. What are you looking for?
The summer has passed, and fall has come.
While the zelkova forest changes from green to gold and then to a dry brick red, the pines of Elport remain as green as ever.
On each leaf that stood out like a needle, pure white snow blossoms bloomed, and after the bitter cold, spring came again.
Finally, the last semester.
The fourth-year cadets at Elport Military Academy are taking a long vacation before their commissioning as officers. It is their last vacation before graduation.
Most of the students were of royal blood, royalty, or children of prestigious families. The area in front of the school was crowded with magnificent carriages and servants who had come to escort the noble young masters.
The same was true for the Meyer family. The large, gilded carriage carrying Hardius Meyer, who had just left school, finally arrived at Nowak after a half-day's journey.
The successor who returned after a year was warmly welcomed by his mother, Kaitlyn Meyer, his aide, Grojean, and a middle-aged man with a sharp mustache.
“You have arrived, Young Master.”
“How have you been?”
After shaking hands with his aide, Hardius turned straight to Kaitlyn.
“They say Elport is a hell of a place to catch people, but you’ve lost some weight. Hardy.”
“It’s not something to worry about.”
A gruff voice was heard from behind the backs of the couple who were hugging each other affectionately.
“Don’t worry. You were selected as the best graduate. I heard they also look at your physique.”
Kaitlyn released the hug, smiled, and turned away.
“Greetings. The Grand Duke of Leichnen has arrived.”
A middle-aged man standing with his back to the ground lifted his hat.
His name is Hannes Leichnen.
He is the head of the Leichnen family, known as a mining tycoon, and was once almost related to the Meyer family.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Hardius greeted him politely and with courtesy.
“Congratulations on your graduation in advance. It seems like only yesterday that you were playing chess with Bianca, but time flies like an arrow.”
"Thank you."
“Now that the Meyer family’s lion cub has grown up, it’s time to create some social buzz.”
“You are too kind.”
Kaitlyn, who had been watching the two with proud eyes, opened her mouth playfully.
“But Your Highness, Hardius will be so busy from now on that he won’t even be able to come near the party.”
“Why?”
“The succession will begin in earnest tomorrow. It’s time to slowly remove the successor label.”
“Oh, already?”
“I thought, ‘already,’ but then someone said, ‘now.’”
Kaitlyn said so and gently patted Hardius on the shoulder.
“I’m sure Lord Mayer would like that too. He just wants his successor to quickly inherit the title and stand tall as the center of the family.”
The atmosphere became solemn for a moment. This was probably because the topic of Duke Meyer, who had not been able to get out of bed for several years, was brought up.
The four of them headed to the reception room together.
Teacups were set down, and conversations began to circulate. From various social gatherings and events to changes in the land and businesses owned by the Meyer family, financial matters, and even rumors and current affairs surrounding the royal family, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.
Various news was delivered to the successor who had been away for a year.
Kaitlyn, who had been fanning herself lazily, looked back at Hardius and exclaimed, “Oops.”
“There’s a banquet next week. I guess I’ll have to invite that kid again.”
The voice that spoke of 'that child' sounded like it had swallowed grains of sand.
But Hardius was different. The young man's face, smooth as a sculpture, was fixed on the documents his aide had handed him without a trace of disarray.
Kaitlyn, who had been watching her unresponsive son, let out a worried sigh.
“What are you so worried about? Just feed them and send them back.”
“I haven’t found a partner to stick by her side yet.”
Kaitlyn pressed her temples as if she had a headache.
“It’s not easy, and I feel bad about choosing the right man and asking him for a favor. It’s not like I’m just throwing him leftover breadcrumbs.”
“That’s true. There’s no way any man would rush to escort a woman who has a fiancé, and a commoner at that.”
Kaitlyn, who had been frowning, suddenly smiled.
“Well, I guess she didn’t really hate that guy last time. Who was it? Erger... was it? Do you remember, Hardius? The guy you gave that kid as his partner last year?”
"...Well."
Hardius answered while handing over the documents. Kaitlyn, who had been blinking on her own, soon nodded and said, “That’s right, Erger Wisher.”
“He is the second son of the Viscount Wisher, and he doesn’t seem to dislike her at all. That country boy has a pretty face. Thanks to his training as a priest, he is quite good at imitating noblewomen.”
“Yeah, it was worth a look.”
Harness answered indifferently, putting his pipe in his mouth.
“Do you know what’s funny? After the banquet that day, the Wishers contacted me. They subtly asked me. When do you think the engagement will be called off?”
“...Huh? Why are you asking that?”
“It’s obvious. In the eyes of a country bumpkin nobleman, even a child like that must have looked like Aphrodite. He said he wanted to make her his government.”
Hardius's hand, which was turning over the documents, stopped in midair. It was a moment so fleeting that no one noticed. The colorless pupil, which had never lost its way in the dense forest of letters, left the documents and lingered in midair.
“Phuha!”
Suddenly, a hearty laugh was heard from somewhere. It was Hannes.
“Then it’s better. Isn’t your problem solved? I’ll invite Erger or Berger again to the banquet that’s coming up soon.”
Contrary to Hannes's expectations, the wrinkles between Kaitlyn's eyebrows did not disappear easily.
“But why?”
“I’ve thought about that too, but it seems like it would be difficult because there are so many eyes and ears watching. Everyone already talks bad about me behind my back for neglecting that helpless child. And to pair up a man who wants to be the government... I might be called a cruel and heartless witch.”
Hannes stared blankly at Kaitlyn before taking another bite of the pipe. His expression was filled with discontent as he sucked hard.
“You’re too far gone. That’s the problem.”
Her finely powdered lips were tightly shut and hardened.
But Kaitlyn smiled again and tilted her head as if to ask what he meant.
“That woman is still taking lessons as a bride? What does that mean? She might be pretending to be innocent and ignorant, but in reality, she might just be waiting for the day when she becomes a Duchess.”
“That’s true. You can never know what’s going on in a person’s mind. But...”
Kaitlyn's eyes, which had been wandering around anxiously, turned to her son as if seeking an answer. Hardius put down the documents he was holding and faced his mother. His face was as calm and detached as looking at the clouds in the sky on a leisurely afternoon.
“Do as you wish. What does it matter whether people talk behind your back or whether the child dreams of becoming a Duchess?”
The cool voice continued calmly.
“I plan to somehow negotiate a solution before I graduate. About the breakup.”
In the blue month of May, the morning in the zelkova forest began with an early sunrise and the chirping of birds. Emilia, who had just woken up, had to jump up without even having time to yawn or stretch. She had to hurry. The carriage sent by the Meyer family would arrive soon.
Once a year.
'That day' has come again.
Emilia diligently washed her face and changed her clothes. The hair that had been flowing from her shoulders for a year had completely covered her back, and the faint fat on her breasts had disappeared without a trace.
Her deep eyes and the plump curves that flow along her shoulders are clearly those of a woman. Nineteen-year-old Emilia was becoming an adult without even realizing it.
Underneath the skirt that was so short that it almost showed her ankles, her stockinged feet were once again trapped in worn-out shoes.
It hurts. Her feet have grown bigger in the meantime.
Hold on. It's only one day. The one who holds on wins.
Emilia felt herself shrinking again as the carriage pulled up in front of her house, her cold determination fading away.
“Good morning, Miss Bern. Good morning.”
As every year, the Mayer family's coachman, Hugh, greeted them cheerfully, and Emilia boarded the carriage.
After crossing the magnificent plains, she arrived at Nowak, a bustling metropolis. As soon as she entered the mansion, she greeted Mrs. Meyer and squeezed into the crowd of people who didn't even give her a glance.
“Emilia. I think I have a difficult favor to ask today.”
Kaitlyn, as always, had an apologetic look on her face.
“Actually, my niece Beatrice came to visit me all of a sudden. But she’s still young and hasn’t officially debuted in society, so I don’t want to pair her up with a guy so easily... I guess I have no choice but to have Hardius be her partner.”
Emilia smiled gently again today.
“It’s okay, Ma’am.”
“Thank you, Emilia.”
Up to there.
Everything was the same as it was a year ago that day. It was when the butler called out Hardius Meyer that cracks began to appear, like a stone thrown into a still lake.
He was wearing a black suit instead of his navy uniform for some reason. With his cream bow tie, he looked more like an adult than a young man.
Emilia, who was staring blankly at the man who had risen above everyone's heads, suddenly felt dizzy.
It was just like a pet dog. It just wanted its owner to look at it.
Instead of waiting for his eyes to meet hers as usual, she turned away, hiding behind a pillar and waiting for him to disappear.
“Greetings, Hardius. I hear Beatrice came by carriage early in the morning to congratulate you on your graduation.”
“You’ve grown so much. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Hello, brother.”
Emilia closed her eyes tightly as she listened to the beautiful laughter like a bird. Fortunately, the conversation did not last long. The voices of the three people gradually moved away from the pillar as if they were moving somewhere else. After confirming that they had completely disappeared, Emilia cautiously walked forward.
The secluded balcony was a good place to avoid people's eyes. Emilia leaned against the railing and quietly looked down at the long road that stretched out around the large fountain.
Then, from somewhere, a story that made her ears perk up was heard.
“Did you hear? Hardy Meyer is moving into a new townhouse soon. He’s going full-on independent.”
“Ah, so that’s why there are so many guests today? From the Archduke Emerson to the Marquis and Duchess of Tiloan. I wondered why there were so many faces that were hard to meet.”
Two men were talking in the bushes just below the balcony. It would have been cowardly to eavesdrop, but Emilia couldn't move.
“You have to stand in line at times like this. Hardius Meyer’s time will soon come. Kaitlyn Meyer will also become an old woman in the back room.”
“Ha! I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
"...Yes?"
“Would the world-famous Kaitlyn Meyer give up her family line so easily? Hardius Meyer is said to be a thoroughly ‘trained successor.’ There are even jokes that Kaitlyn Meyer is controlling him by drugging him. If his mother told him to die, he would still pretend to die.”
The crackling sound continued.
“But I heard that Hardius is no ordinary guy. He received the highest honors at the graduation ceremony. Despite his sleek appearance, he may be a very vicious guy.”
Emilia was as surprised as the awe in his voice.
Elport Military Academy is famous for its harsh training and difficulty in graduating. Children of prestigious families such as royalty and Hardius, graduated from there to prove themselves as successors and fulfill their duty as a privileged class.
But it wasn't just a graduation, it was a graduation with honors...
“But I heard something very strange from Grand Duke Emerson earlier. He said that Hardius met Grand Duke Leichnen a while ago.”
“...Really? Hannes Leichnen?”
Emilia also knew very well why the other person was surprised.
Mining tycoon, Hannes Leichnen.
His youngest daughter, Bianca Leichnen.
It was natural that the name of Hardius's past fiancée would come to mind.
“So, are you two finally reuniting? Against the wishes of His Majesty the King?”
“Why are you so surprised? No one said anything, but wasn’t this something we all expected? Kaitlyn Meyer got a good beating from the King five years ago, but she’s not the type to be easily taken advantage of.”
“That’s true.”
“I heard that Mayer is planning to intervene in the civil war in neighboring Trunia. They say they will side with the King of Trunia and provide funds to suppress the rebels.”
"Really?"
“Yes, the Meyer family is a family of rascals who only receive rents like us? I heard that Hardius will inherit Meyer Steel starting with that business. He agreed to receive the Trunia mine on the condition of providing funds. From what I understand...”
The man lowered his voice. Emilia's ears perked up as well.
“I think they’ll set up a joint venture with Leichnen Mining.”
"...Ues?"
Hardius's Independence, Joint Venture, and Bianca Leichnen.
She was confident that she had abandoned her foolishness, but was that just arrogance?
The fact that Hardius was trying to rekindle his broken relationship with his former fiancée made Emilia go back to her childhood. To her childhood when she couldn’t take her eyes off the cold and beautiful black-haired boy. During the five-year-long engagement, Emilia had never really hated or blamed Hardius. In a way, he was just a victim. Before the engagement was finalized, he was already engaged to Bianca Laichnen. The two had been friends since childhood, and she had heard that they had received full support and encouragement from both families.
Whether intentional or not, from their perspective, Emilia is a saboteur.
The problem wasn't Hardius Meyer. It was she who felt unnecessary 'feelings' between them.
Emilia blinked hard, trying to shake off the bitter truth.
It was all the better. The affection had long since faded away like ink in water. Emilia, too, had a much greater desire to end this long and tiresome relationship.
As she stared into space, she suddenly realized something strange.
Why isn't her partner coming? Before, they used to give her another partner, even if it was just formality, but today, the spot next to her is empty.
Maybe this is how they want to confirm it. She will soon be completely abandoned...
Suddenly, Emilia felt a surge of anger.
If you're going to do it, go ahead and do it.
There was one thing that Kaitlyn Meyer overlooked: Emilia had not spent the past five years wallowing in self-pity. Her blood had run cold, her head had been full, and her heart had become hard as a rock.
Whatever Kaitlyn Meyer's intentions were for not assigning partners, Emilia felt much more at ease without someone guarding her side. With a partner, there was always no way to escape. She had to be treated as an invisible person, helpless among people eating, drinking, and laughing.
She thought she could just endure it once a year, but today she really hated it. For some reason, she hated it so much that she could die.
Emilia waited for the right moment. Her chance came when they were moving from the reception room to the banquet room. She stood at the very end of the group moving in twos. Slowly, she slowed down and turned around at the front door.
When she finally got out, Emilia felt like she was flying with a sense of liberation. She just wanted to go home. But she couldn't do that right away. She had no choice but to kill time somehow because she didn't have a carriage.
Emilia walked leisurely through the garden.
She walked along the well-manicured path between the obelisk vines filled with the scent of flowers. She also did not forget to admire the flowers in front of the flower beds.
How much time had passed? The sun was slowly setting in the west. Emilia left the garden and crossed the fountain. The statue of the goddess, smooth and delicate like jade, was dazzling in the sunlight. It was hard to see such a magnificent and splendid fountain anywhere else.
At least for this moment, it's a feast for the eyes and ears. That's enough.
Emilia turned my head, smiling faintly at the sound of refreshing water. Then, the next moment, she froze completely. Across from her, a man was staring at her intently.
“What are you looking for? Ergar Wisher?”
Those strange words didn't even register in her ears. Emilia stared straight at Hardius Meyer, who was approaching her with brisk strides, without even making a sound.
The summer has passed, and fall has come.
While the zelkova forest changes from green to gold and then to a dry brick red, the pines of Elport remain as green as ever.
On each leaf that stood out like a needle, pure white snow blossoms bloomed, and after the bitter cold, spring came again.
Finally, the last semester.
The fourth-year cadets at Elport Military Academy are taking a long vacation before their commissioning as officers. It is their last vacation before graduation.
Most of the students were of royal blood, royalty, or children of prestigious families. The area in front of the school was crowded with magnificent carriages and servants who had come to escort the noble young masters.
The same was true for the Meyer family. The large, gilded carriage carrying Hardius Meyer, who had just left school, finally arrived at Nowak after a half-day's journey.
The successor who returned after a year was warmly welcomed by his mother, Kaitlyn Meyer, his aide, Grojean, and a middle-aged man with a sharp mustache.
“You have arrived, Young Master.”
“How have you been?”
After shaking hands with his aide, Hardius turned straight to Kaitlyn.
“They say Elport is a hell of a place to catch people, but you’ve lost some weight. Hardy.”
“It’s not something to worry about.”
A gruff voice was heard from behind the backs of the couple who were hugging each other affectionately.
“Don’t worry. You were selected as the best graduate. I heard they also look at your physique.”
Kaitlyn released the hug, smiled, and turned away.
“Greetings. The Grand Duke of Leichnen has arrived.”
A middle-aged man standing with his back to the ground lifted his hat.
His name is Hannes Leichnen.
He is the head of the Leichnen family, known as a mining tycoon, and was once almost related to the Meyer family.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Hardius greeted him politely and with courtesy.
“Congratulations on your graduation in advance. It seems like only yesterday that you were playing chess with Bianca, but time flies like an arrow.”
"Thank you."
“Now that the Meyer family’s lion cub has grown up, it’s time to create some social buzz.”
“You are too kind.”
Kaitlyn, who had been watching the two with proud eyes, opened her mouth playfully.
“But Your Highness, Hardius will be so busy from now on that he won’t even be able to come near the party.”
“Why?”
“The succession will begin in earnest tomorrow. It’s time to slowly remove the successor label.”
“Oh, already?”
“I thought, ‘already,’ but then someone said, ‘now.’”
Kaitlyn said so and gently patted Hardius on the shoulder.
“I’m sure Lord Mayer would like that too. He just wants his successor to quickly inherit the title and stand tall as the center of the family.”
The atmosphere became solemn for a moment. This was probably because the topic of Duke Meyer, who had not been able to get out of bed for several years, was brought up.
The four of them headed to the reception room together.
Teacups were set down, and conversations began to circulate. From various social gatherings and events to changes in the land and businesses owned by the Meyer family, financial matters, and even rumors and current affairs surrounding the royal family, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.
Various news was delivered to the successor who had been away for a year.
Kaitlyn, who had been fanning herself lazily, looked back at Hardius and exclaimed, “Oops.”
“There’s a banquet next week. I guess I’ll have to invite that kid again.”
The voice that spoke of 'that child' sounded like it had swallowed grains of sand.
But Hardius was different. The young man's face, smooth as a sculpture, was fixed on the documents his aide had handed him without a trace of disarray.
Kaitlyn, who had been watching her unresponsive son, let out a worried sigh.
“What are you so worried about? Just feed them and send them back.”
“I haven’t found a partner to stick by her side yet.”
Kaitlyn pressed her temples as if she had a headache.
“It’s not easy, and I feel bad about choosing the right man and asking him for a favor. It’s not like I’m just throwing him leftover breadcrumbs.”
“That’s true. There’s no way any man would rush to escort a woman who has a fiancé, and a commoner at that.”
Kaitlyn, who had been frowning, suddenly smiled.
“Well, I guess she didn’t really hate that guy last time. Who was it? Erger... was it? Do you remember, Hardius? The guy you gave that kid as his partner last year?”
"...Well."
Hardius answered while handing over the documents. Kaitlyn, who had been blinking on her own, soon nodded and said, “That’s right, Erger Wisher.”
“He is the second son of the Viscount Wisher, and he doesn’t seem to dislike her at all. That country boy has a pretty face. Thanks to his training as a priest, he is quite good at imitating noblewomen.”
“Yeah, it was worth a look.”
Harness answered indifferently, putting his pipe in his mouth.
“Do you know what’s funny? After the banquet that day, the Wishers contacted me. They subtly asked me. When do you think the engagement will be called off?”
“...Huh? Why are you asking that?”
“It’s obvious. In the eyes of a country bumpkin nobleman, even a child like that must have looked like Aphrodite. He said he wanted to make her his government.”
Hardius's hand, which was turning over the documents, stopped in midair. It was a moment so fleeting that no one noticed. The colorless pupil, which had never lost its way in the dense forest of letters, left the documents and lingered in midair.
“Phuha!”
Suddenly, a hearty laugh was heard from somewhere. It was Hannes.
“Then it’s better. Isn’t your problem solved? I’ll invite Erger or Berger again to the banquet that’s coming up soon.”
Contrary to Hannes's expectations, the wrinkles between Kaitlyn's eyebrows did not disappear easily.
“But why?”
“I’ve thought about that too, but it seems like it would be difficult because there are so many eyes and ears watching. Everyone already talks bad about me behind my back for neglecting that helpless child. And to pair up a man who wants to be the government... I might be called a cruel and heartless witch.”
Hannes stared blankly at Kaitlyn before taking another bite of the pipe. His expression was filled with discontent as he sucked hard.
“You’re too far gone. That’s the problem.”
Her finely powdered lips were tightly shut and hardened.
But Kaitlyn smiled again and tilted her head as if to ask what he meant.
“That woman is still taking lessons as a bride? What does that mean? She might be pretending to be innocent and ignorant, but in reality, she might just be waiting for the day when she becomes a Duchess.”
“That’s true. You can never know what’s going on in a person’s mind. But...”
Kaitlyn's eyes, which had been wandering around anxiously, turned to her son as if seeking an answer. Hardius put down the documents he was holding and faced his mother. His face was as calm and detached as looking at the clouds in the sky on a leisurely afternoon.
“Do as you wish. What does it matter whether people talk behind your back or whether the child dreams of becoming a Duchess?”
The cool voice continued calmly.
“I plan to somehow negotiate a solution before I graduate. About the breakup.”
***
In the blue month of May, the morning in the zelkova forest began with an early sunrise and the chirping of birds. Emilia, who had just woken up, had to jump up without even having time to yawn or stretch. She had to hurry. The carriage sent by the Meyer family would arrive soon.
Once a year.
'That day' has come again.
Emilia diligently washed her face and changed her clothes. The hair that had been flowing from her shoulders for a year had completely covered her back, and the faint fat on her breasts had disappeared without a trace.
Her deep eyes and the plump curves that flow along her shoulders are clearly those of a woman. Nineteen-year-old Emilia was becoming an adult without even realizing it.
Underneath the skirt that was so short that it almost showed her ankles, her stockinged feet were once again trapped in worn-out shoes.
It hurts. Her feet have grown bigger in the meantime.
Hold on. It's only one day. The one who holds on wins.
Emilia felt herself shrinking again as the carriage pulled up in front of her house, her cold determination fading away.
“Good morning, Miss Bern. Good morning.”
As every year, the Mayer family's coachman, Hugh, greeted them cheerfully, and Emilia boarded the carriage.
After crossing the magnificent plains, she arrived at Nowak, a bustling metropolis. As soon as she entered the mansion, she greeted Mrs. Meyer and squeezed into the crowd of people who didn't even give her a glance.
“Emilia. I think I have a difficult favor to ask today.”
Kaitlyn, as always, had an apologetic look on her face.
“Actually, my niece Beatrice came to visit me all of a sudden. But she’s still young and hasn’t officially debuted in society, so I don’t want to pair her up with a guy so easily... I guess I have no choice but to have Hardius be her partner.”
Emilia smiled gently again today.
“It’s okay, Ma’am.”
“Thank you, Emilia.”
Up to there.
Everything was the same as it was a year ago that day. It was when the butler called out Hardius Meyer that cracks began to appear, like a stone thrown into a still lake.
He was wearing a black suit instead of his navy uniform for some reason. With his cream bow tie, he looked more like an adult than a young man.
Emilia, who was staring blankly at the man who had risen above everyone's heads, suddenly felt dizzy.
It was just like a pet dog. It just wanted its owner to look at it.
Instead of waiting for his eyes to meet hers as usual, she turned away, hiding behind a pillar and waiting for him to disappear.
“Greetings, Hardius. I hear Beatrice came by carriage early in the morning to congratulate you on your graduation.”
“You’ve grown so much. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Hello, brother.”
Emilia closed her eyes tightly as she listened to the beautiful laughter like a bird. Fortunately, the conversation did not last long. The voices of the three people gradually moved away from the pillar as if they were moving somewhere else. After confirming that they had completely disappeared, Emilia cautiously walked forward.
The secluded balcony was a good place to avoid people's eyes. Emilia leaned against the railing and quietly looked down at the long road that stretched out around the large fountain.
Then, from somewhere, a story that made her ears perk up was heard.
“Did you hear? Hardy Meyer is moving into a new townhouse soon. He’s going full-on independent.”
“Ah, so that’s why there are so many guests today? From the Archduke Emerson to the Marquis and Duchess of Tiloan. I wondered why there were so many faces that were hard to meet.”
Two men were talking in the bushes just below the balcony. It would have been cowardly to eavesdrop, but Emilia couldn't move.
“You have to stand in line at times like this. Hardius Meyer’s time will soon come. Kaitlyn Meyer will also become an old woman in the back room.”
“Ha! I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
"...Yes?"
“Would the world-famous Kaitlyn Meyer give up her family line so easily? Hardius Meyer is said to be a thoroughly ‘trained successor.’ There are even jokes that Kaitlyn Meyer is controlling him by drugging him. If his mother told him to die, he would still pretend to die.”
The crackling sound continued.
“But I heard that Hardius is no ordinary guy. He received the highest honors at the graduation ceremony. Despite his sleek appearance, he may be a very vicious guy.”
Emilia was as surprised as the awe in his voice.
Elport Military Academy is famous for its harsh training and difficulty in graduating. Children of prestigious families such as royalty and Hardius, graduated from there to prove themselves as successors and fulfill their duty as a privileged class.
But it wasn't just a graduation, it was a graduation with honors...
“But I heard something very strange from Grand Duke Emerson earlier. He said that Hardius met Grand Duke Leichnen a while ago.”
“...Really? Hannes Leichnen?”
Emilia also knew very well why the other person was surprised.
Mining tycoon, Hannes Leichnen.
His youngest daughter, Bianca Leichnen.
It was natural that the name of Hardius's past fiancée would come to mind.
“So, are you two finally reuniting? Against the wishes of His Majesty the King?”
“Why are you so surprised? No one said anything, but wasn’t this something we all expected? Kaitlyn Meyer got a good beating from the King five years ago, but she’s not the type to be easily taken advantage of.”
“That’s true.”
“I heard that Mayer is planning to intervene in the civil war in neighboring Trunia. They say they will side with the King of Trunia and provide funds to suppress the rebels.”
"Really?"
“Yes, the Meyer family is a family of rascals who only receive rents like us? I heard that Hardius will inherit Meyer Steel starting with that business. He agreed to receive the Trunia mine on the condition of providing funds. From what I understand...”
The man lowered his voice. Emilia's ears perked up as well.
“I think they’ll set up a joint venture with Leichnen Mining.”
"...Ues?"
Hardius's Independence, Joint Venture, and Bianca Leichnen.
She was confident that she had abandoned her foolishness, but was that just arrogance?
The fact that Hardius was trying to rekindle his broken relationship with his former fiancée made Emilia go back to her childhood. To her childhood when she couldn’t take her eyes off the cold and beautiful black-haired boy. During the five-year-long engagement, Emilia had never really hated or blamed Hardius. In a way, he was just a victim. Before the engagement was finalized, he was already engaged to Bianca Laichnen. The two had been friends since childhood, and she had heard that they had received full support and encouragement from both families.
Whether intentional or not, from their perspective, Emilia is a saboteur.
The problem wasn't Hardius Meyer. It was she who felt unnecessary 'feelings' between them.
Emilia blinked hard, trying to shake off the bitter truth.
It was all the better. The affection had long since faded away like ink in water. Emilia, too, had a much greater desire to end this long and tiresome relationship.
As she stared into space, she suddenly realized something strange.
Why isn't her partner coming? Before, they used to give her another partner, even if it was just formality, but today, the spot next to her is empty.
Maybe this is how they want to confirm it. She will soon be completely abandoned...
Suddenly, Emilia felt a surge of anger.
If you're going to do it, go ahead and do it.
There was one thing that Kaitlyn Meyer overlooked: Emilia had not spent the past five years wallowing in self-pity. Her blood had run cold, her head had been full, and her heart had become hard as a rock.
Whatever Kaitlyn Meyer's intentions were for not assigning partners, Emilia felt much more at ease without someone guarding her side. With a partner, there was always no way to escape. She had to be treated as an invisible person, helpless among people eating, drinking, and laughing.
She thought she could just endure it once a year, but today she really hated it. For some reason, she hated it so much that she could die.
Emilia waited for the right moment. Her chance came when they were moving from the reception room to the banquet room. She stood at the very end of the group moving in twos. Slowly, she slowed down and turned around at the front door.
When she finally got out, Emilia felt like she was flying with a sense of liberation. She just wanted to go home. But she couldn't do that right away. She had no choice but to kill time somehow because she didn't have a carriage.
Emilia walked leisurely through the garden.
She walked along the well-manicured path between the obelisk vines filled with the scent of flowers. She also did not forget to admire the flowers in front of the flower beds.
How much time had passed? The sun was slowly setting in the west. Emilia left the garden and crossed the fountain. The statue of the goddess, smooth and delicate like jade, was dazzling in the sunlight. It was hard to see such a magnificent and splendid fountain anywhere else.
At least for this moment, it's a feast for the eyes and ears. That's enough.
Emilia turned my head, smiling faintly at the sound of refreshing water. Then, the next moment, she froze completely. Across from her, a man was staring at her intently.
“What are you looking for? Ergar Wisher?”
Those strange words didn't even register in her ears. Emilia stared straight at Hardius Meyer, who was approaching her with brisk strides, without even making a sound.
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