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chapter#4
As if he had been waiting for her, Kieren’s gaze was fixed on the doorway Elizabeth had just entered through.
“I ended up walking too far.”
Managing to steady her voice, Elizabeth answered and quietly returned to her seat.
Trying to act normal, she speared a piece of melon prosciutto from the appetizers and brought it to her mouth—but Kieren caught her hand.
Her fingertips, wrinkled and swollen from being left in the running water for so long, were still cold. As he traced the creases of her fingers, he asked,
“What were you doing that made your hands this red?”
“I was sleepy… so I kept my hands in the fountain.”
“You must’ve had a lot on your mind.”
She flinched at his meaningful remark and lifted her head to meet his gaze. His blue eyes seemed to see right through her, as if he knew everything.
Did he actually know what she was thinking? If he did, he would have already moved Abigail—who was leaning on his shoulder—away.
When she simply stared at him without answering, he let out a small chuckle.
“You always put your hands in the fountain when you’re thinking too much.”
At those words—from the very person who had caused her turmoil—Elizabeth gave a bitter smile.
“It’s not like that.”
“So what is it that’s troubling you so much? I’m curious.”
He intertwined their fingers, lacing them together as he spoke.
Startled, Elizabeth quickly glanced around—but fortunately, Austin and James were nowhere to be seen.
Her eyes trembled despite herself. It was only her hand that was held, but her heart felt as if it had been seized.
She couldn’t understand why he was suddenly holding her hand and refusing to let go—especially with the woman he was about to get engaged to right beside him.
“Are you drunk?”
“Not at all.”
Kieren let out a low laugh, as if amused by the question.
Because of his sudden action, Elizabeth’s gaze naturally drifted toward Abigail, worried she might wake.
After a moment, her eyes slowly moved back from Abigail’s face to his.
As he said, he didn’t look drunk at all. His large hand gently brushed over her pale, delicate one.
His palm, rough from handling a sword, grazed her softened fingertips, sending a faint, tingling ache through them.
Elizabeth twisted her hand, trying to pull away—but Kieren spoke.
“Eli, should I not get engaged?”
“…What?”
Her hand stilled mid-motion as she stared up at him, stunned. He wore his usual relaxed smile, his eyes curving softly.
Did he even realize how that smile always disarmed her?
Elizabeth hesitated, unable to say either don’t do it or go ahead. A breeze slipped through the open window, gently stirring their hair.
For a moment, she found herself entranced, watching his black hair sway in the wind—
Just then, Abigail let out a faint groan, as if waking from sleep.
Startled, Elizabeth quickly pulled her hand away and shot to her feet.
Her heart pounded wildly. She felt like someone caught doing something wrong, unable to control where to look.
Unaware of what had happened, Abigail rubbed her throbbing head and apologized softly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I must have drunk too much—I’ve been quite rude.”
“Not at all.”
As Kieren accepted her apology lightly, Austin returned to the room and supported Abigail.
“We should get going. Not sure why she drank so much today. We’ll see you next time.”
“Alright.”
Kieren smiled faintly as he bid them farewell. One by one, Austin, Abigail, and James left.
Soon, only Kieren and Elizabeth remained in the glass garden.
Elizabeth lingered awkwardly, unable to leave, yet unable to stay at ease.
The conversation had abruptly cut off, and she couldn’t guess what he might say next. She wished he would say something—but he remained silent.
After a moment, Kieren rose from the sofa and approached her, where she stood stiffly.
Her heart began to race uncontrollably. Her fingertips tingled. Elizabeth absently rubbed the creases of her fingers, trying to clear her thoughts.
What had he wanted from her with that question?
Had he somehow realized her feelings?
If so… what was she supposed to do?
Anxiety gripped her. She was afraid he might reject her feelings—or turn away and go to Abigail.
He stopped just a step away.
Elizabeth stared at the tip of his shoes before slowly lifting her gaze. Then Kieren spoke.
“You should head back too.”
And just like that, he turned and left the garden—calmly, as if nothing had happened—leaving only confusion behind for her.
As the tension drained from her body, Elizabeth collapsed into her seat.
Catching sight of her flushed face reflected in the glass, embarrassment flooded over her, and she buried her face in her knees.
A Quiet Ripple
When the weekend arrived, the Duke returned. Lately, he had been frequently traveling for trade with the Kingdom of Brittany.
Even among the great nobles, the Duke of Agapel was the quickest to read the flow of the times and expand his businesses.
Thanks to that, every venture he undertook succeeded, and he had risen to become an immensely powerful figure who could no longer be ignored.
With honor, authority, wealth, and power all in hand, the Agapel family had reached a status that even the royal family could not treat lightly.
Stella, who had accompanied the Duke on his trip, unpacked her belongings and spoke.
“Eli, what do you think of this? Isn’t it beautiful?”
She excitedly showed off the accessories and dresses she had bought in the Kingdom of Brittany. Seeing the sheer amount, Elizabeth’s eyes widened.
“With what money did you buy all this? You don’t even have space in your wardrobe.”
At Elizabeth’s scolding, Stella puffed out her lips.
“Don’t be so harsh. I even bought something for you—how could you say that?”
It seemed she thought Elizabeth was sulking because she hadn’t brought anything for herself.
Seeing her disappointment, Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt and let out a deep sigh.
“That’s not what I meant, Mom.”
“Still, that’s mean. I’ve only just come back, and all you do is nag me. I even bought you a gift.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. Show me again. Ah, that one really suits you.”
When Elizabeth complimented the scarlet dress, Stella brightened instantly, holding it up against herself with a shy smile.
“Right? I like this one the most. The Duke picked it out for me.”
“You went with the Duke?”
Elizabeth asked in surprise, and Stella answered casually.
“Yeah, just briefly while passing by. His shirt got dirty, so we stopped by a clothing shop for a moment.”
“I see.”
“The Kingdom of Brittany is really sophisticated. I wish you could’ve come with me.”
“What would I even do there?”
“You’re my daughter, and yet you’re so dull.”
Losing interest, Stella began organizing her suitcase. Judging by the items she had brought, it looked less like she had gone as a maid and more like she had been on a trip.
Well, Stella always liked to wander around—it wasn’t surprising.
As Elizabeth helped with the unpacking, Stella started nagging again.
“You’ve got my looks, but you’re so slow in everything else. I wonder if you’ll ever have a proper romance.”
“Romance? I’m fine as I am. Staying here with you.”
“Don’t say that—at least take some interest now. Why do you think I got you into Ingrid? It’s all so you can meet a good man.”
“Mom.”
Elizabeth frowned as if to stop her, but Stella didn’t.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t miss that chance—I’d grab it.”
“I’m not interested.”
“Then at least try at the banquet when we return. What’s the point of having such a pretty face?”
With a generous gesture, Stella draped the scarlet dress over Elizabeth, as if she’d even let her wear it first for the sake of her love life.
Elizabeth gently brushed her hand away. No matter who attended the banquet, there wouldn’t be anyone who could make her heart flutter.
Her heart was already filled completely by one person—there was no room for anyone else.
“If it’s that great, you should do it yourself.”
“You’re no fun.”
Snorting, Stella returned to organizing her things. Even when she added, “Tell me anytime if you change your mind,” Elizabeth didn’t respond.
When the anniversary of the Duchess’s death arrived, a somber mood settled over Agapel Castle.
The Duke and Kieren visited the Duchess’s grave to pay their respects.
Elizabeth and Stella stood behind them, quietly watching. Thinking of the kind Duchess made Elizabeth’s nose sting.
Still, she hoped the Duchess knew that so many people remembered her each year.
The grass covering the grave seemed to shield her from the bright sunlight, as if protecting her from its glare.
Well-tended, the grave was adorned with colorful flowers. Elizabeth placed red roses—the Duchess’s favorite—and offered a prayer.
At that moment, she heard quiet sobbing beside her. Stella, missing her mistress, dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
Her trembling shoulders looked fragile. Just as Elizabeth was about to comfort her—
“My wife won’t be lonely, thanks to you.”
The Duke gently patted Stella’s shoulder, as if sympathizing with a woman who had lost a friend, just as he had lost his wife.
Elizabeth watched the scene without much thought—until she suddenly noticed Kieren beside them, his fist clenched tight.
He rarely showed emotion at the Duchess’s grave, which made it all the more unusual.
The memorial ended quietly. As soon as it was over, the Duke left, saying he was busy with work. Stella also left, having been sent on an errand.
Wanting to linger in memory of the Duchess, Elizabeth made her way toward a tree the Duchess had loved.
When she arrived near the tree, Elizabeth realized—
she wasn’t the only one who missed her.
