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Chapter 08
A heavy silence passed between Killian, Floheta, and Yuse, like a breeze brushing through the garden.
Killian had arrived at the estate after hearing the news about Yuse and Floheta and came straight to the garden.
“I was planning to introduce the guest staying in the annex anyway, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”
Killian’s red eyes narrowed slightly, betraying a hint of seriousness beneath his gentle tone.
“Killian, you’re early today!”
Floheta noticed the subtle change immediately.
Yuse, however, didn’t notice and walked toward him with her usual bright smile.
“I finished work early.”
Killian quickened his steps toward her, closing the distance.
Normally, when Killian went out, he wouldn’t return until night.
In the first few days, Yuse had tried waiting for him, but he never returned while she was awake.
Eventually, Yuse stopped waiting for him altogether—or rather, she couldn’t.
But today, he had returned early.
“Killian, you know…”
Yuse opened her mouth again.
She wanted to tell him how happy she was and that the guest in the annex, Floheta, was actually an old friend of hers.
“I’m sorry, milady.”
But before she could speak, Floheta spoke first.
“Huh?”
Yuse didn’t understand the change in Floheta and looked puzzled.
Even Killian’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
He was trying to guess what Floheta was going to say.
“This garden… I often came here while staying in the annex. I didn’t expect you to be here, milady.”
Floheta bowed her head politely, apologizing.
“That’s nothing…”
“I apologize for intruding on the time of a lady enjoying the garden alone.”
Yuse couldn’t understand Floheta’s behavior.
Only moments ago, he had been her oldest, closest friend.
“You must be very surprised, Yuse.”
Before Yuse could respond, Killian leaned down, placing his hand on her shoulder and whispered softly.
“Ah…”
The sudden gesture made Yuse’s face flush from excitement.
Floheta’s eyebrows twitched at the sight.
“Are you all right? You must have been quite surprised.”
“……”
Killian looked at Yuse, concern furrowing his brows, then shook his head gently.
“Don’t worry, Yuse. I’ll make a proper introduction. This is my friend and a guest here, Floheta Ses Levermillion, second son of the Levermillion Marquis.”
Following Killian’s introduction, Floheta bowed her head politely, giving Yuse a simple Imperial greeting.
Yuse finally began to gather her thoughts.
For some reason, Floheta seemed to want to keep their past friendship private.
‘Perhaps it would make things too complicated.’
She guessed the reason had to do with the past.
That’s why Killian wanted to introduce them, and if Floheta didn’t want that, Yuse was willing to respect it.
“Nice to meet you, Lord Floheta.”
Exhaling, Yuse tucked her long brown hair behind her ear and bowed slightly in greeting.
Killian continued,
“Floheta, this is my fiancée, Lady Yuse Lil Krantz.”
“My lady, I apologize for welcoming you in such a chaotic manner.”
Floheta thought Killian would continue speaking, but when he didn’t, she opened her mouth again, offering a polite greeting.
“In the future…”
“Yuse.”
Before she could continue, Killian naturally took over.
“You’ve been out for a long time. The wind is cold. Let’s go inside.”
Yuse wondered if his voice had felt colder than the wind—or if it was just her imagination.
She pushed the thought aside.
Watching Floheta walk away, Yuse turned to face Killian walking ahead of her.
They followed him to the room prepared for the future duchess—Yuse’s room.
She had thought Killian would go straight to his office, but he didn’t.
Beila, waiting for Yuse, seemed surprised but stepped back quickly, sensing the atmosphere.
“Bring some tea.”
Killian instructed Frederick, who had followed, then entered the room.
Yuse followed quietly behind him.
“I apologize for Floheta’s rudeness,” Killian said, pulling out a chair for her.
Yuse nodded and sat down, appreciating Killian’s small courtesy.
“Oh, it’s fine. The garden is for everyone. I should be the one apologizing for intruding on the guest staying in the annex.”
She quickly shook her head to refuse Killian’s apology.
After all, Floheta had been the guest first; technically, she was the intruder.
“No, it’s my fault for not informing you properly,” Killian said.
But he didn’t back down.
“You must have been surprised meeting a stranger while still getting used to the estate, Yuse.”
“Killian, I…”
“And Yuse, didn’t I tell you? No matter how secure this place is, dangerous people can enter anytime. The position of the duchess is full of risks. There are frequent grudges and enemies.”
Yuse tried to speak, but Killian’s words drowned her out.
“……”
A shadow returned to Yuse’s eyes.
She began to worry.
She feared Killian might dislike her.
She was afraid that if he did, she might lose his affection, and that thought terrified her.
“Killian. I-I’m sorry.”
Killian’s sharp gaze scanned her.
“I should have brought Beila or Frederick. I was too careless. It’s my fault. Please, don’t apologize, okay?”
Her voice shook, and she struggled to breathe.
When emotions ran high, Yuse often cried.
“Yuse?”
Looking down at her tear-filled eyes, Killian’s voice softened as he carefully said her name.
“Are you all right?”
“Ki-Killian… I’ll follow your words from now on… sob”
Realizing her emotions had flared, Yuse tried to swallow her tears, but it wasn’t easy.
“Oh my.”
For a moment, Killian’s face showed surprise—the first time she had seen him like that.
He quickly regained composure, then knelt in front of her, matching her gaze.
He raised his hand, gently wiping away her tears.
“I didn’t force you, Yuse. But if I scared you, I should apologize. I only spoke out of concern for you.”
A faint smile, familiar to her, appeared on his face.
“Then… you don’t dislike me, right?”
Yuse asked quietly, cautiously.
Killian’s smile deepened.
“Hahaha, how could I ever dislike you, Yuse? Now, stop crying.”
Reassured by his laughter and voice, Yuse’s emotions gradually settled.
She matched her breathing with his.
Killian stood, hugged her carefully, and said,
“Everything I say is for you, Yuse. I am always concerned about you.”
“Yes…”
Yuse felt reassured by Killian’s kindness and managed a small smile.
From that day on, wherever Yuse went, she always stayed with someone she trusted.
After that day, Floheta was not seen again.
The week passed slower than expected.
The engagement ceremony was set for Saturday, and Killian told Yuse that only a minimal number of guests were invited.
On a leisurely Tuesday afternoon, someone knocked on the door.
“Milady!”
A cheerful voice followed immediately.
The chapter ends here, setting up the next scene.
