AOL 36

Chapter 36

Clop, clop—
the steady sound of horseshoes striking the stone road echoed in her ears.

After entering a street lined with luxurious mansions, the carriage slowed and moved forward at a gentle pace. Outside the window stretched a row of buildings, each more elegant and refined than the last.

Gazing at the unfamiliar scenery, Isel took a quiet breath, trying to calm her unsettled heart.

Rahan, who had been watching her ever since she got into the carriage, spoke.

“Are you nervous?”

“…A little.”

Isel’s hands fidgeted atop the folds of her dress. Out of habit, she played with her ring.

The carriage they were riding in was headed toward Duke Rescian’s estate.

When Rahan suggested attending the banquet together, her father and older brother had been startled and tried to stop him. Considering what Isel had gone through because of Cesar, their reaction was only natural.

But Isel accepted Rahan’s offer.

“It’s alright.”

Something within her had changed after returning from the Herbatt Forest. She didn’t know exactly what it was, but one thing was certain.

Isel had decided she would no longer run away or avoid things. She would face them head-on—whether it was Cesar or her dreadful nightmares.

She turned to Rahan and said,

“Thank you for coming with me, Your Grace, Grand Duke Kanox.”

“My pleasure. It is I who am honored to escort you, my lady.”

At his warm smile, Isel felt a ticklish sensation in her chest.

Grand Duke Kanox wore a deep navy uniform. The embroidery along the collar and cuffs gave him an elegant and refined air.

Was it just her imagination, or did his eyes seem deeper today?

His golden gaze was fixed entirely on her.

Isel found herself captivated by those clear eyes.

It felt as though the inside of the carriage had been cut off from the outside world.

The distant chime of bells from a faraway tower sounded faint and far off, and even the clopping of the horses—once so noticeable—had faded away.

In the silence filled with something unspoken, they simply looked at each other.

Then came the sound of the coachman halting the carriage.

Only then did Isel snap back to her senses and hurriedly turn her head toward the window. The carriage had stopped before a grand mansion.

“It seems we’ve arrived,” Rahan said gently after glancing outside.

When they stepped out, the full view of the estate came into sight.

The three-story mansion was surrounded by black iron gates.
In front stretched a vast garden, neatly divided into sections and filled with brilliantly colored flowers. The vivid hues nearly dazzled her eyes.

As Isel walked along the garden path, she admired the flowers. The rumors that dozens of gardeners were employed to maintain it seemed entirely true—the garden was perfectly kept.

Even if a devil lived here, the flowers bloomed beautifully, unaware of anything.

“It’s beautiful.”

Rahan quietly watched her profile as she spoke.

The light of the setting sun filtered softly through strands of her loose hair.

When no answer came, Isel turned from the flowers and looked up at him.

“Your Grace?”

“…It certainly is beautiful.”

After a brief pause, Rahan added those words.

Isel blinked.

His gaze wasn’t on the flowers.

He was looking at her—with gentle eyes.

So the “beautiful” he meant was…

A moment later, she realized the meaning behind his words.

Though it was early evening and the sunlight was fading, she felt a sudden warmth rush through her body. Her pale cheeks flushed like ripe peaches.

Rahan, smiling faintly, gently took her hand.

As if afraid her small hand might break, he held it carefully.

The warmth that spread through his touch made something in her chest drop heavily.

Leaning closer, he whispered softly,

“Shall we go, my lady?”

The banquet hall, illuminated by a grand chandelier hanging at its center, was already filled with many nobles.

Since the banquet had not yet begun, they leisurely sipped their aperitifs and chatted.

Cesar was among them.

Although the nobles beside him asked him questions, his gaze remained fixed on the entrance.

They should be arriving soon. Surely she wouldn’t refuse the invitation.

His thoughts tangled chaotically.

When he received Isel’s letter accepting the invitation, Cesar had been overjoyed, thinking that the arrogant girl had finally come to her senses.

Of course, given her personality, she wouldn’t come alone. She’d probably bring Count Blisha or Leo Blisha with her.

But that didn’t matter.

He planned to announce before all the nobles that they were to be married—and watch her face fall into despair.

His wait was soon rewarded.

The grand doors swung open, and the butler announced,

“His Grace, Grand Duke Kanox, and Lady Blisha have arrived.”

At the unexpected name, Cesar snapped his head up.

Two figures began to emerge beyond the doorway.

The first to appear was Isel.

Wearing a flowing blue dress that cinched at the waist, her long hair cascading down, she stepped into the hall.

Under the chandelier’s light, her milky skin seemed to glow.

Cesar stared blankly at her—until he noticed the man standing beside her.

Grand Duke Kanox…!

He had never imagined that Isel would appear here with him.

Cesar ground his teeth.

At that moment, Isel’s eyes met his.

He expected her to look away immediately—but she didn’t.

She held his gaze.

Her eyes, clearer than ever, looked straight at him.

Cesar froze.

The Isel who would stiffen and tremble in fear whenever she saw him was gone.

“You will never marry a vile man like you.”

Her past words echoed in his mind.

While Cesar stood stunned, Duke Rescian rose and approached to greet them.

“Your Grace, Grand Duke Kanox.”

“Greetings, Duke Rescian.”

The duke frowned slightly.

He had no recollection of inviting the Grand Duke. Yet here he was, entering as if he had every right.

Though the Rescian family wielded great wealth and power, it was nothing compared to the Kanox family, which had long stood at the center of authority.

The duke knew this well—and did not welcome his presence.

Still, he couldn’t turn him away now.

Masking his displeasure, he said politely,

“I did not expect you and the lady to attend together… but in any case, I hope you enjoy the banquet.”

Right on cue, a servant approached to inform him that the meal was ready.

The nobles took their seats.

Seated beside the Grand Duke at a round table, Isel soon noticed Lady Lotza approaching and taking the seat next to her.

“Lady Blisha.”

“Hello, Lady Lotza.”

“May I sit here?”

She glanced subtly at the Grand Duke as she asked.

“Of course,” Isel nodded.

“Thank you.”

As the servants began serving the appetizers, conversations resumed.

Most attendees were nobles who supported Duke Rescian. Unlike balls or galas, there were few young heirs present.

Naturally, the table split into two groups:
those flattering the duke, and the younger nobles chatting among themselves.

“Perhaps because of the upcoming festival, I’ve been seeing many foreign merchants lately.”

“Indeed. I bought this bracelet from one.”

In the middle of the conversation, Selene turned to Isel.

“I heard you returned to the capital suddenly due to poor health. Are you alright?”

After the incident at the summer villa, Isel had returned immediately upon regaining consciousness. It seemed her father had explained it that way.

“I’m fine now, thank you for your concern.”

Just as she was about to resume eating, she felt a piercing gaze.

It was Cesar.

“Were you unwell, Lady Blisha?”

The question had an edge.

He knew better than anyone why she had returned.

Still, Isel replied calmly,

“Yes. But I’ve fully recovered.”

Her tone carried something subtle.

Cesar’s brow twitched.

Before he could respond, Rahan spoke lightly,

“It’s understandable, considering such a large wolf attacked her.”

“What? A wolf?” someone exclaimed.

“The wolf captured by Lord Rescian attacked her.”

Gasps spread around the table.

Cesar’s face hardened.

“That incident… I sincerely apologize.”

Isel shook her head firmly.

“No.”

“…?”

“It wasn’t intentional. And since His Grace saved me, I wasn’t hurt. If anything, you should apologize to him.”

At her clear voice, Cesar tightened his grip on his knife.

Isel quietly steadied herself.

“I… see. My apologies, Your Grace.”

“It’s quite alright,” Rahan replied calmly. “It was a hunting event, after all. Such things can happen.”

After all, it is a place where blades are drawn.

At those words, Cesar’s expression twisted.

He remembered the cold blade at his neck.

Rahan’s icy gaze fixed on him.

The tension between the two men unsettled the young nobles.

Then, from the other side of the table—

“I’m quite looking forward to the sculpture His Grace will unveil today.”

“So am I. I’ve heard endless praise for the sculptor.”

“Ha! You won’t be disappointed.”

At the mention of a sculpture, Isel perked up.

What kind of work could draw such admiration?

She had never seen works by other sculptors besides her teacher and herself.

This was a rare opportunity.

Her eyes sparkled.

Soon, servants rolled in a table covered with a red cloth.

The shape beneath suggested a small sculpture.

At last, the cloth was lifted.

Gasps filled the room.

“…Huh?”

Isel let out a foolish sound without realizing it.

Because the sculpture on the table—

was the very piece she had completed just weeks ago.