AOL 13

Chapter 13

Before long, the banquet at the imperial palace was only two days away.

Leo let out a heavy sigh. The invitation had come from someone he couldn’t possibly refuse, so he had no choice—but he still felt uneasy about bringing Isel to the banquet.

He turned to the attendant waiting near the door.

“Where is Isel?”

“My lady is in the garden.”

At the reply, Leo rose from his seat and walked over to the window overlooking the garden.

He soon spotted his younger sister sitting beside the fountain.

Her wavy golden hair shimmered like flowing water whenever she moved. The brilliant sunlight lingered at the tips of her hair, unwilling to leave.

Isel, dressed in indoor clothes that matched the color of her eyes, was fidgeting with her hands. Though he was too far away to see clearly, it looked like a faint smile rested on her face.

Before he knew it, the corners of Leo’s lips lifted. The complicated thoughts that had been weighing on him moments ago seemed to vanish.

He left the room and headed downstairs. Servants cleaning the hall for the weekend bowed as he passed by.

As he approached the fountain at the center of the garden, he saw Isel from behind.

Her guards, Heris and Alec, stood a short distance away, silently watching over her. They placed their hands over their chests in salute. Leo gave a small nod in return.

Isel seemed so absorbed in what she was doing that she didn’t notice him approaching.

“Isel?”

At the sound of her name, she flinched and turned her head. Her light green eyes widened.

“Brother?”

“What are you doing out here—”

Leo trailed off as he noticed the carving knife and wooden piece in her hands.

His face instantly stiffened. Realizing it, Isel quietly set the knife down.

“Isel.”

His voice was calm as usual, but carried a firmer edge than before.

Leo and Count Blisha didn’t like Isel carving. In fact, they were closer to disliking it.

She had held a carving knife since she was very young.

Back then, it hadn’t been dangerous—she used dull tools and soft materials. But what started as tiny coin-sized carvings gradually grew, and recently she had been working on pieces as thick as her forearm.

Leo’s gaze shifted to her small hands. There was a small cut on her index finger.

His brows furrowed.

“Are you hurt?”

The guards behind her hurried over in alarm, but Isel shook her head.

“No, it’s just a scratch.”

Leo examined her hand. It wasn’t bleeding, but a wound was still a wound. He narrowed his eyes.

“Isel… could you stop carving now?”

“….”

“Why not try painting, or embroidery instead…”

He trailed off. He had already said this countless times.

At first, they had assumed it was just a hobby. But they had been wrong.

As time passed, Isel only became more absorbed in carving.

Confined within the estate, her options for hobbies were limited. She had already read all the books in the library, and even with guards and servants as companions, there were limits.

Once, Count Blisha had called her in and seriously tried to persuade her.

“Carving is too dangerous for a lady, Isel. I’ll hire you a painting tutor instead.”

He had expected her to nod obediently.

But her reply stunned him.

“I like carving, Father.”

“What?”

It was the first time Isel had ever gone against him.

“I don’t want to do it just as a pastime. I know you and my brother worry about me.”

“….”

“But I want to carve.”

Her soft voice was steady and full of conviction.

Leo felt as though he’d been struck on the head. The usual faint smile and quiet compliance were gone.

Instead, her face was alive—her cheeks slightly flushed, her clear eyes shining with determination.

Neither Leo nor the Count could argue against her.

“I’m sorry for speaking out of line, Father. If my carving causes you or my brother trouble… I’ll stop.”

“Isel, I—”

“But if not, please allow me.”

In the end, they reluctantly agreed.

Since then, while she usually obeyed her family, carving remained the exception.

She used to proudly show Leo her work, but after realizing their disapproval, she began carving in secret.

Coming back to the present, Leo looked at her with a bitter expression.

She stared down at the carving knife, her eyes dim.

“Isel, I’m not trying to scold you…”

His voice softened.

She lifted her head slightly and forced a smile.

“I know, Brother.”

“Isel…”

“Just this once, please.”

I might have to stop soon anyway… since I’ll be marrying Duke Lecian’s son…

The words remained unspoken.

She tightened her grip on the knife, as if afraid she would lose it otherwise.

The jewels decorating the chandelier sparkled overhead.

Isel took a small breath as she looked up.

It was her first time wearing a formal banquet dress, and it tightly constricted her waist.

She glanced down at it. It had belonged to her mother and was so well-preserved it looked new.

Made of soft white satin that revealed her neckline, it felt almost too pristine—as if anything might stain it.

Layers of sheer fabric spread out elegantly, and tiny pearls along the hem clinked softly as she walked.

It wasn’t just the dress that felt uncomfortable.

The makeup felt suffocating. Her long golden hair, usually worn loose, was braided and adorned with silver thread, pulling at her scalp. And her high heels made her feet ache.

How does everyone smile so naturally in such discomfort?

She shook her head slightly.

Standing beside her, Leo watched her closely.

“Isel, are you alright? If anything feels uncomfortable, tell me immediately.”

He had never wanted her to attend in the first place—if she said the word, he looked ready to carry her out.

Though there were countless discomforts, Isel smiled brightly.

“I’m fine, Brother.”

Only then did Leo relax slightly and smile back.

Around them, ladies whispered as they stole glances.

Dressed in a refined tailcoat, his golden hair neatly styled, Leo shone brilliantly.

Many were curious about the woman accompanying him.

Isel didn’t recognize most faces—it was her first time at such an event.

Except for one.

As she scanned the room, she spotted him—and froze.

A man with reddish-brown hair stood nearby, speaking to a lady. He smiled slyly as he chatted.

Then he turned.

Their eyes met.

Isel immediately looked away.

It had been eight years.

She had known this would happen, yet her heart pounded uncontrollably.

Cesar Lecian.

The name surfaced vividly in her mind.

Memories followed—dark, suffocating ones threatening to resurface. She shut her eyes to block them out.

She could feel his gaze lingering on her.

It sent chills down her spine.

Her grip tightened around her glass.

“….”

She wasn’t the only one who noticed.

Leo stepped closer, shielding her completely with his body.

His expression hardened with anger.

Just then—

“Sir Leo.”

A soft voice called out.

Both turned.

Leo stiffened slightly before bowing.

“Lady Rotsa.”

The lady had long, flowing light brown hair and wore a rose-colored dress.

Her features were striking.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you at the palace.”

Her tone was sweet.

“I suppose so.”

Leo’s voice was cold—completely unlike how he spoke to Isel.

Her blue eyes swept over Isel from head to toe, as if appraising her.

Then she smiled faintly.

“More importantly, Sir Leo, who is this lady—”

“Lady Rotsa.”

Leo cut her off sharply.

“I believe Duke Lecian’s son has been looking for you.”

“What?”

She blinked in confusion.

“He should be over there. Perhaps you should go to him.”

“B-but—”

Before she could respond, Leo smiled brightly and took Isel’s shoulder.

“We’ll be going now.”

And just like that, they disappeared.

“…What?”

Lady Rotsa was left standing there in stunned silence.