Chapter 77
Two days later, Elisa visited the Count of Leslie’s estate with Noah in tow. She had asked Ethan to come along, but he declined, saying he was too busy preparing for their departure—and besides, the Count probably wouldn’t want to see his face anyway.
Well, that makes two of us…
Elisa sighed deeply as she looked at the grand house. The last time she’d come here, she’d been burning with anger. Now, all she felt was worry.
She didn’t expect a warm welcome—just hoped she wouldn’t be ignored. Tightening her grip on Noah’s little hand, she stepped through the familiar doors.
“Young Lady!”
“You’ve returned, my lady!”
Familiar faces greeted her with joy. Elisa wasn’t quite sure what to say, so she only gave them an awkward smile in response.
“Where are Mother and Father?”
“The Madam is in the garden, and the Master is receiving guests in the parlor.”
Then I should see Mother first.
Elisa turned toward the garden, but before she could reach it, she ran into the Countess halfway down the corridor.
The moment their eyes met, both women froze. Noah, caught between them, looked up at his mother and grandmother in confusion.
Silence hung in the air until the Countess suddenly stormed forward, her eyes flashing.
“You wretched girl!”
Her voice cracked as she struck Elisa hard across the back. The blow stung enough to bring tears to Elisa’s eyes—but strangely, she didn’t feel angry. There was something almost… It’s comforting about it. She found herself smiling.
“You’re smiling? Now’s not the time to smile!”
Smack! Smack!
“Ow—Mother!”
One or two slaps she could endure, but any more would be too much. Elisa twisted away, but the Countess grabbed her arm again.
“Where do you think you’re going? You deserve a few more! I should tan your hide until it shines!”
“Why do I—”
Before the Countess could strike again, Noah ran up and clung to her leg with both arms. His desperate attempt to protect his mother stopped the older woman cold. Instead of hitting Elisa, she struck her own chest with a trembling hand.
“What did I ever do to deserve a daughter like you?”
“I think I turned out to be a decent daughter, all things considered.”
“What?”
The Countess glared, as if Elisa had said something outrageous. Elisa only gave a sheepish smile and hugged Noah close.
“Don’t worry, Mother. We’ll live well in Karsten.”
The news that Ethan Estevan had been appointed Lord of Karsten had made headlines across the kingdom. Of course the Countess knew Elisa planned to follow him there.
“Live well? Are you mad?”
As expected, the Countess’s voice rose.
“Surely you know what kind of place Karsten is?”
“Of course I do.”
In truth, all Elisa knew was that it was a dangerous border region near the Empire. Still, she had decided to go—because she trusted Ethan.
“And you’re still going? No matter how much you love a man, how can you follow him into danger like that?”
To the Countess, who didn’t share Elisa’s faith in Ethan, her daughter’s choice seemed reckless—utterly foolish.
“Ethan says Karsten isn’t as dangerous as people think. And he promised he’d protect us no matter what happens.”
“Those are empty promises!”
“No, I believe him.”
Elisa’s tone was firm.
“Ethan is a man who tried to keep his promise to Father, even after all the obstacles he put in his way.”
“Promise? What promise?”
Ah… she doesn’t know.
Elisa had assumed her father might have told her mother by now, but apparently not.
“It’s nothing.”
She waved it off quickly. “Anyway, I heard Father’s in the parlor meeting a guest. Who’s visiting?”
“Who…?”
It was strange—the mistress of the house didn’t even know. Elisa frowned slightly and glanced toward the parlor. Her instincts told her to check right away, but she restrained herself. Barging in would only cause a scene.
***
Elisa hadn’t come to the Leslie estate just to say goodbye. She also needed to pack the belongings she’d left behind when she’d stormed out.
First, she gathered Noah’s things, then her own. As always, Noah’s luggage piled up quickly.
She instructed a servant to load the trunks onto the carriage when the butler appeared.
“The meeting is over, my lady.”
“Really?”
Curiosity got the better of her. Elisa hurried toward the entrance, hoping to see who the guest was.
But by the time she arrived, the visitor had already boarded their carriage. All she caught was a glimpse of their back before the door shut and the wheels rolled away.
It was just bad timing—but something about it left a bad taste in her mouth. A vague unease, as if she had just missed something important, tugged at her heart.
Trying to shake it off, Elisa decided to visit her father in his study before leaving.
Knock, knock.
No answer.
She knocked again. Still nothing.
Perhaps he wasn’t there? She asked the butler, but he confirmed, “The Master is definitely in the study, my lady.”
“Father? It’s me, Elisa.”
She called softly as she tapped on the door again. Silence.
Worried, she reached for the handle—but the door was locked.
“Why are you standing there?”
The Countess appeared, looking puzzled.
“Father isn’t answering,” Elisa explained. “The door’s locked.”
“Locked? Why?”
If they had still been on bad terms, she could have understood. But after that day in the carriage, they had made peace—or so she’d thought.
Has something happened again? Or had she only imagined their reconciliation?
“Dear, open the door! Elisa’s here!”
“Don’t want to see her!”
The shout that came from inside was sharp and bitter.
“Why should I look at the daughter who breaks her parents’ hearts and runs off? I don’t want to see her face—get her out of here!”
“Dear…”
The Countess pleaded softly, but the door remained shut. With a weary sigh, she turned to Elisa.
“Your father was already upset about your marriage, but when he heard you’re following Ethan all the way to Karsten, he was heartbroken. Don’t take it too hard.”
“I understand.”
Elisa knew how deeply her father loved and worried for her. Still, it hurt not to see his face when she didn’t know when—or if—she’d see him again.
“I should go.”
She asked a servant to bring Noah, who had fallen asleep, while she finished arranging the luggage.
“So soon? It’s already dark. At least stay for dinner.”
“No, Mother. I have a lot to prepare before we leave.”
She’d already lost too much time waiting for her father.
“Elisa… are you truly going to Karsten? You could stay here in the capital instead—let Ethan go alone…”
“A family should stay together, Mother.”
Her voice was steady, resolute. The Countess’s eyes shimmered as she pulled her daughter into a tight embrace.
“Be careful, Elisa.”
Wrapped in her mother’s warm arms, Elisa felt a lump rise in her throat. Tears threatened, but she held them back and hugged her mother just as tightly.
“We’ll see each other again soon, Mother. Until then… take care of yourself.”
