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Chapter 31
The next day, after finishing my bath early, I finally took out the dress I had been saving and put it on. Rivet had paid extra attention to my appearance and spent even more time than usual on my makeup.
Once I was fully dressed and ready, I climbed into the waiting carriage, with only Rivet accompanying me.
“Shall we depart?” the coachman asked through the window connected to his seat.
“Yes, go ahead,” I replied.
As soon as I gave permission, the carriage began to move slowly. Normally, it would have gone faster, but dolls decorated for the Capeled Goddess were placed along the streets, preventing any rush.
Still, Marbes’ estate and the Graham family estate weren’t too far apart, so even at this slow pace, we arrived at the Graham estate without taking too long.
When the carriage came to a complete stop, Rivet opened the door.
A familiar knight extended his hand to help me step out gracefully. He was one of the knights under Ains.
I took his hand and slowly descended from the carriage. Rivet followed and neatly arranged the hem of my dress as I stepped onto the ground.
“Then let’s go,” I said to Rivet before entering the Graham estate. She looked at me with concern, unsure if it was really okay for me to go ahead.
“It’s fine. I’ll return in the Graham carriage later, so don’t worry about me,” I reassured her.
“All right, then, forgive me, but I’ll go in first. Make sure to be careful on your way back,” Rivet said, climbing back into the carriage. She kept glancing back at me as if embarrassed to leave me alone.
I handed the coachman a pouch containing money.
“Drive carefully, as always,” I instructed.
“Yes, of course. Enjoy yourself and return safely,” the coachman said, doffing his hat in a courteous bow.
I stepped back a few paces, and the carriage slowly started moving. Watching it leave, I turned toward the estate.
Rachel, who had enjoyed tea with me yesterday, was waiting.
“Rachel, will you guide me inside?”
Having spent ten years at the Graham estate, I didn’t strictly need guidance, but I asked her anyway.
“Of course, I’ll guide you,” she replied, and as always, she led me inside the mansion.
“Where is Duke Graham?” I asked, just in case. I knew he would likely already be at the royal capital for the feast, but I wanted to be certain. If Ains were at the estate, it would only be polite to greet him.
Rachel shook her head with a smile.
“He left early this morning. He said he’d return late tonight, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Do you know what time he’ll be back?”
“Ah… I didn’t confirm that.”
“That’s okay,” I said. Based on past experience, Ains would likely return only after the feast concluded, as he always had.
Guided by Rachel, I entered and headed straight for Grandfather’s bedroom. When I opened the door, I saw him lying on the bed.
With each step, his gaunt face and frail body came into clearer view. The closer I got, the more acute his condition appeared, and I felt tears threatening to spill.
“Cecile, you’ve come,” he said, his voice more feeble than when I last heard it a few days ago. I had to blink several times, staring at the air, to hold back my rising tears.
Finally managing to compose myself, I sat in the chair beside his bed.
“Grandfather, have you been well?” I asked.
“I’ve always been fine. You, on the other hand, returning from the marquis’ estate—I was worried about you. Doctor Watt told me about your condition. Why didn’t you tell me the truth sooner?”
Taking Grandfather’s now-thin hand, I felt his gentle reproach.
“Do you know how frightened I was, thinking you might really die?”
“I’m truly sorry. I didn’t want to worry you since your health hasn’t been good lately. But I’ve taken the medicine, and now I’m fine,” I explained.
Grandfather looked at me as if he couldn’t fully believe me. But the concern and worry in his gaze were clear; it wasn’t suspicion but pure care.
“I see… I’ve heard you took the medicine. Still, I heard the aftereffects were severe. Had you not divorced Ains, he could have helped you recover from the aftereffects…”
He muttered regretfully, then awkwardly chuckled.
“I spoke carelessly. Of everyone here, you, Cecilia, have suffered the most. Please forgive my thoughtless words.”
“Yes, of course. Please don’t worry. Because of the aftereffects, I asked the Tower of Mages for help. Fortunately, Master Cesare is helping me learn to control my mana. Now that I know how to sense mana, once I can manage it, I’ll be able to regulate it myself,” I said, giving him reassuring news.
Grandfather finally relaxed, offering a warm smile.
“You are a wise child, Cecilia. I trust you’ll manage the aftereffects well.”
He released my hand and lightly caressed my cheek. That touch reminded me of when he wiped my tears as a lonely child, left isolated in the estate after losing my parents.
The memory brought a wave of sadness.
After losing my parents, Grandfather was my only support. Had he not extended his hand and invited me to come with him, I would have surely starved at the Marquis Marbes’ estate.
I vividly remembered the day I first entered the Graham estate, holding his hand. That was also when I first saw Ains—a sixteen-year-old boy who tried to make me smile, even when he sometimes gazed sadly at my empty mother’s room.
Without Grandfather and Ains, I would have been swallowed by grief and never recovered. I felt deeply grateful to them both.
“Why didn’t you go to enjoy the feast for the Capeled Goddess today? Why come to see me instead?” Grandfather asked, concerned.
“It’s the same feast every year. This year, I wanted to be with you instead,” I said. “I hope you don’t mind?”
“Mind? On the contrary, I’m thrilled you came.”
Relieved, I held his hand and smiled. Grandfather smiled along with me. Then, hesitantly, he moved his lips as if to ask something.
“Why is that?” I asked.
“…This may be a painful question, but… does Ains still treat you harshly?”
I paused, taken aback. Then I slowly began to explain how I had been feeling lately.
“I’m not sure. Before the divorce, he was definitely cold to me…”
Lately, his behavior had left me confused. If he had continued to resent me, it would have been simple—he is someone who would naturally harbor dislike. But after the divorce, he strangely shows concern for me.
“Recently, he’s been coming to see me,” I continued.
“Ains… comes to see you?” Grandfather looked astonished, making me chuckle.
“Surprising, isn’t it? It’s true. That’s why I get confused sometimes. I wonder why, back when I wished for it, he didn’t show even this much care. It makes me a bit resentful too.”
Hearing my hesitant words, Grandfather gave a bittersweet smile.
“I wish I had been healthy. Then your hardships would have been less. I am truly sorry.”
“Why apologize, Grandfather? I survived thanks to you. I’m always grateful to you.”
Tears welled in Grandfather’s eyes, tracing the lines of time on his face. I took out a handkerchief and gently wiped them away.
He closed his eyes and breathed slowly afterward. Watching him for a moment, I whispered softly by his ear:
“Please rest. Don’t force yourself to stay awake for me. I’ll go to my room for a while.”
He nodded faintly. I let go of his hand and stood, moving quietly to let him rest comfortably.
Just as I was about to leave his bedroom, the door opened before Rachel could even do so.
Looking up, I saw Ains standing there.
