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Chapter 09
The Last Day
White lilies were placed in a vase, and in a completely white space decorated with white curtains and frills, Grace stood awkwardly in a pale-colored dress.
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
“If Adelina were alive again, she would look just like Lady Grace.”
“Please… stop saying things like that.”
Grace didn’t know what to do with herself under the flood of excessive praise.
Across from her, Lisa and her mother were sitting and looking through a catalog. The staff surrounding them kept showering Grace with compliments without pause.
“The silk dress suits you so elegantly!”
Hearing the nonstop praise, her mother’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.
“Yes, the silk dress really suits you.”
The staff smiled brightly and agreed.
“Yes. Since the bride is such a classic beauty, this traditional design fits her perfectly.”
After reserving the train tickets, the past six days had been spent visiting this wedding dress shop twice. When she first came to choose a dress, Grace had felt like she had become a doll.
Her mother would pick dresses from the catalog, and Grace would change into them one after another. After trying on countless dresses, she finally chose the current silk dress, and today she had returned for the final fitting.
Normally, her personality would never have allowed such troublesome and tedious things, but she was cooperating, thinking of this as the last time.
Because tomorrow was the day she would take the train to Erhil. More importantly, it was also the day before the wedding.
After reserving the train ticket, the past few days had passed quickly with wedding preparations and dowry arrangements. Grace’s marriage was somewhat rushed, but it was proceeding smoothly. And her escape plan was also steadily moving forward.
“Lady Grace? Would you like to check yourself in the mirror?”
A staff member, noticing her distant expression, held up a mirror.
In the large full-length mirror, Grace’s reflection appeared.
Her wedding dress was made entirely of mikado silk, from the neck to the sleeves and down to the full skirt.
“Oh my, it suits you so well!”
Lisa exclaimed sincerely.
Grace slowly examined herself.
The volume and soft sheen of the mikado silk looked luxurious, and the fabric gently wrapped around her body felt soft. It was a dress fitting for a pure June bride. Even though she would not actually become one.
“I also like the dress,” Grace said.
A staff member beside her smiled in relief.
“We were worried because Lady Grace’s expression looked a bit stiff.”
“Oh, I’m just not used to it.”
She quickly brushed it off. In truth, she had been under extreme tension all day.
While she had been away from home, she worried whether someone might have opened the drawer in the study. It was locked tightly, but the anxiety wouldn’t go away.
“The fitting is perfect, so there’s nothing more to adjust. Is there any discomfort at all?”
“No. It’s perfect as it is.”
“I’m glad. You will be the most beautiful bride in the city on your wedding day.”
“Thank you.”
Surrounded by praise that felt like blessings, Grace could only give a bitter smile.
I’m sorry. I won’t be a June bride.
* * *
After the fitting ended, the three women left the shop. A carriage was waiting outside to take them home.
Grace quickly spoke.
“You two go ahead. I have something to do, so I’ll go separately.”
“Where are you going?”
Selena looked at her with suspicion.
“I need to return some books to the library.”
“I see. Don’t be late coming back.”
“Yes.”
“If you keep acting like this, I won’t ask for anything more.”
“…Yes.”
A slight sense of guilt rose in her, but Grace turned away and ignored it.
She helped Lisa and her mother into the carriage and quickly walked away. Her destination was the last place she needed to visit before leaving this city.
The place she would think of the most after leaving—Peaceful Resonance.
Grace sat at her usual outdoor terrace seat and looked at the sunset over the Lonz River.
She had only ever come in the mornings, seeing the river sparkling in the morning sun. Seeing it now dyed golden by the setting sun felt strangely moving.
It felt fitting that her last day before leaving for Erhil would be accompanied by the sunset river view.
Grace drank a mild black coffee and etched into her memory a scene she would probably miss for the rest of her life.
Until just before sunset, until she finished her coffee, she would enjoy this place. That was what she thought.
Then a shadow fell over her face.
She looked up at the silhouette blocking her view—and met a smiling face.
“Huh?”
“Is there a seat available today?”
“Yes, please sit.”
It was that man. The man she had coincidentally met several times. The man with eyes like lapis lazuli.
Now that she thought she would never meet him again, a small laugh escaped her.
“Why are you laughing?” he asked.
“Just… I don’t know, it’s funny.”
“Something good happened?”
“Yes. Something good did.”
“What is it?”
The man sipped his coffee while asking.
Since this was the last time she would ever meet him, maybe it was fine to say it. A carefree thought crossed her mind.
Grace smiled softly.
“Did I ever tell you I’m in an arranged marriage?”
“Yes. You said you were marrying a man you didn’t even know.”
“It’s about that marriage.”
“Is your partner a good person?”
“Yes. He was a good man. A rather reckless soul, but…”
At her calm words, the man laughed.
“A reckless soul?”
“Yes. I can’t explain in detail, but yes.”
“Even so, despite being reckless, you still liked him?”
“He was kind and gentle.”
“Do you see a positive future in the marriage?”
“Yes. So clearly I could almost picture it.”
Memories of the masquerade ball came back to her, and a gentle smile appeared on Grace’s face.
The man smiled brightly.
“That’s good news. Congratulations.”
“No. It’s not something to congratulate.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not going through with the marriage.”
“…Pardon?”
The man’s eyes widened in surprise.
“It seems this will be the last time I see you as well.”
“What do you mean?”
Grace finished the rest of her coffee and stood up.
“I’m leaving tomorrow morning. I wish you well.”
With that farewell, Grace walked out of Peaceful Resonance without looking back. She could feel his stunned gaze behind her, but she didn’t turn around. There was no reason to see him again.
On the way back to the count’s estate, her heart was pounding heavily.
Tomorrow, she would finally become a free person. The cool night air could not calm her excitement.
After arriving home, she went into the study. On the desk lay Aiden’s letter. It was likely the last letter she would ever receive from him.
Before even removing her gloves, she opened it and read.
“To the beautiful Grace Broughton.
Grace, our wedding is now two days away.
You will likely be very surprised on the wedding day. Imagining your surprised expression has recently become my greatest joy.
I will keep what you will be surprised by a secret. I want you to see it yourself on the wedding day.
Am I mischievous? Do I seem excited? That is correct. I am very excited. I am writing this letter with a very excited heart.
This will likely be the last letter we exchange before marriage. From now on, we will live together in a new home.
Lastly, I promise through this letter. I will be on your side for my entire life. I declare this before declaring it in front of the bishop.
I swear with sincerity in this correspondence that I will respect and cherish you for life.
I look forward to seeing you in your wedding dress on the wedding day.
With sincere feelings, from Aiden.”
Grace’s heart trembled as she finished reading.
She felt deep guilt for deceiving someone so sincerely looking forward to the future.
At the same time, her heart wavered. If she went through with the Turner family engagement, she would never struggle financially again for the rest of her life.
But if she went to Erhil tomorrow, she would have to live the rest of her life struggling to earn money. It would not be easy.
Still, Grace had to leave.
She took a sheet of paper from the drawer and picked up her fountain pen.
“To the kind Aiden Turner.
Aiden, by the time you read this letter, you will likely be very surprised. Perhaps even angry. I understand you may hate me. Yes, you will probably hate me.
I am writing this letter to the you who will hate me.
By the time you read this, I will already be gone. I am sorry. I am leaving to find my true life and true love. It is not because I dislike you. Rather, you were too good a match for me.
I am truly sorry.
When I met you at the masquerade, I sincerely thought you were a good person.
That is why I could not go through with this marriage. You are too good a person to bind yourself to a false engagement.
I put my most honest and pure feelings into this letter. I am sorry for hurting you. But I am certain you will find someone better than me.
Please find your true love. And I sincerely wish for your happiness.
I am sorry.
With heartfelt apology, from Grace.”
After writing each word carefully, Grace sealed the envelope with sealing wax.
The final letter was complete.
Just then, there was a knock on the study door.
“Yes, come in.”
Lisa entered, pushing a trolley. As always, she brought coffee and baked sweets to Grace’s desk.
“Miss, the wedding is soon, so please don’t stay up too late tonight.”
“I won’t, Lisa.”
Grace handed her the letter.
“Can you deliver this to Lord Aiden tomorrow?”
“It’s your last letter, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Understood.”
Lisa took the letter and turned to leave, but Grace grabbed her hand. Lisa stopped and looked at her with round eyes.
“Lisa… can I hug you one last time?”
“Last time? I’ll be coming with you to the new home.”
“It’s just…”
“Alright.”
Once she agreed, Grace hugged Lisa tightly with all her strength.
“Thank you, Lisa. Be happy.”
“You must be happy too, miss.”
“Yes. I will.”
They held each other tightly, arms wrapped around one another.
And so, the final night before Grace Broughton left the count’s estate grew deeper into darkness.
