DD 57

Chapter 57

“The country called Divine is very interesting. Most of its people, regardless of race, language, or nationality, are united by a single goal. They are laying the foundations of the nation and spreading a new civilization. It’s extremely radical, yet progressive. That’s why other empires implicitly show that they won’t attack Divine by sending their heirs to the academy there.”

“You’re sidestepping the point.”

“That’s not it. I’ll tell you what you’re curious about—listen. It’s important.”

Seeing his friend tense up in front of him, he recalled an outing he once had with young Agnes and Luiyan. A child smiling brightly at a clumsy trinket she received. That question about whether she liked it so much wasn’t just for Isilia—it was also aimed at his friend, who couldn’t take his eyes off her. Luiyan’s new demeanor was so fresh that he still remembered it vividly.

“Even though the Holy Empire is nearby, other countries trust Divine more than the Holy Empire. Do you know why? Everywhere, a nation needs resources to survive, and money brings profit and loss. In a diplomatic world full of schemes, only Divine keeps implicit promises intact.”

Luiyan was a precious friend, separate from his dealings with Isilia. He seemed to doubt Raymond, but still, it was true. Raymond spoke while looking at the sharp blue eyes of someone who had no intention of calming down.

“Their minds aren’t bound by etiquette or customs like ours. They question everything and look for solutions. They rejoice in the new without disregarding the old. Being with them, Lady Agnes would surely see and hear a lot.”

“You made her uncomfortable with your presumptuous actions.”

“That’s not your responsibility. You need to apologize to Agnes in person.”

Luiyan glared at Raymond in disbelief at the firm refusal. Raymond exhaled, meeting the fierce gaze of his friend. He had no intention of intervening—then or now. In truth, he had not acted for Luiyan or Isilia.

“You’re mistaken, Luiyan.”

“How amusing.”

“I don’t act for you or for Agnes.”

“How will you take responsibility for this? You’ve tarnished her honor.”

“That’s not for me, but for Rodan Nord to answer. Don’t vent your anger on me.”

Luiyan fell silent. Raymond saw the visible hurt in his friend’s expression. He hesitated for a moment. He hadn’t stirred trouble to cut ties with Luiyan. Luiyan was extremely precious to him. But there was someone Raymond could never give up on.

“Luiyan, my friend. You are the one isolating Agnes from the world.”

“…….”

“Yuria is deeply saddened by this. She admires Agnes.”

Luiyan, who had been silent, lifted his head. His faint blue eyes met Raymond’s. Facing the doubt in those eyes, he steadied his wavering heart. Luiyan, you are precious. But—Raymond spoke.

“I love Yuria like that.”

He could do anything for the person at the very top of his priorities.

—

A letter stamped with the royal seal was a first-class item. The luxurious stationery decorated with gold foil was contrasted by messy handwriting. The letter from the emperor included the places the delegation would visit and a brief comment from Jordan.

「You may find it boring, as it’s a place you’ve already visited.」

“…….”

Isilia gripped the paper tightly. She set down the slightly crumpled letter with a sigh. Earlier, at the lake where she had gone reluctantly at Luiyan’s urging, she had let her feelings drift away. Hoping time would fade them. Watching the flower petals sway beneath the clear lake surface, she released the emotions she had kept inside. Her feelings, collapsing like a sandcastle, sank beneath the water, leaving only faint traces. It wasn’t as intense or painful as she expected. After so many nights swallowing her feelings and crying silently, there was nothing left to spill. All that remained was a slight lingering attachment to Luiyan and guilt toward the children.

“Milady, Lady Sophia is expected to arrive at the mansion in two days.”

“…I cannot welcome my elder sister-in-law due to official matters. Since I have no time to explain, inform only my brother. Make sure everything is prepared.”

“Yes. I’ll instruct the servants.”

After dismissing the steward, Isilia took out a new sheet of stationery and sighed. It didn’t matter whether it was the lake or elsewhere, but she wished the meeting had been announced a week in advance, not two days. There was much to do—preparing comfortable clothing for the activities and bringing along a discreet servant and one of the Agnes family knights. Busy preparing for Lady Sophia’s arrival, would there even be time to spare for a servant? There were enough people, of course, but it was always easier to notify them in advance.

“Keep the last invitation. Don’t throw it away.”

“Yes.”

While Sophia stayed down south with Arwin, Isilia managed the mansion’s internal affairs in her place. She had intended only to rein in her wayward brother, so she gladly filled the void left by Sophia. Before Sophia returned, she had already overseen the Agnes family’s internal management. After returning home from the Endrians’ estate and spending idle days on her bed, time had felt tedious. So if Sophia returned, she would finally have more personal time.

Drinking the tea the servant brought, Isilia turned her gaze. The sky beyond the window was flawlessly blue. She would have to abandon expectations for the weather. Birds sang melodiously as they cut through the blue. She imprinted them in her eyes.

—

Time is merciless; if one’s mind drifts, it passes in the blink of an eye. The days she had wished to pass quickly had dragged on slowly. One’s perception depended on their situation. Wishes for the night to come sooner could reverse depending on circumstances. Just like now. The sky betrayed expectations, remaining clear. The wind was cool and gentle, slightly ruffling the countess’s hair. Perfect weather for an outing.

“Take care, Lia. I’ll send my regards to Sophia.”

“…Yes, Father, have a good day too.”

It felt like seeing someone off on a long journey. The location on the invitation sent by Jordan wasn’t far from the castle. It was a well-known secret meeting spot for the empire’s nobles. Isilia did not correct the kind words hoping for her daughter’s safety. Busy with preparations to welcome Sophia, she left with a maid and a knight, escorted by her father. After exchanging brief pleasantries, she stepped into the carriage. Her father watched her with a kindly expression. She scanned for someone unseen amid the wind-blown hair. Then their eyes met—the countess who had been watching her all along.

“If it’s Arwin, he’s probably busy welcoming Sophia.”

“Yes, it’s an important matter for my brother.”

Her forced smile to hide embarrassment must have been clumsy. While answering obediently, she noticed his green eyes staring at her. Even without words, he seemed to see through her thoughts. She hadn’t fought like a child—just felt awkward. Only Isilia found Arwin overwhelming. On the night of the banquet, after Arwin’s declaration, her guilt and shame mixed with embarrassment. She was still figuring out how to deal with her brother. It wasn’t negative emotion—understanding and concession were different. Knowing the value of her feelings, she still hurt Arwin but refused to express it. Even if it was pride like Ogi’s, it mattered to her.

“And yet you forgot to see me off. I wonder where your mind is.”

“Yes, indeed.”

Lost in thought, Isilia was brought back by his voice. His green eyes silently questioned her. She did not answer verbally but smiled to diffuse it. Her father didn’t pry into her muddled thoughts, then or now. Compared to Arwin’s expressive emotions, her father’s silence was more distressing, but her mood was fickle. The carriage door closed. She checked on her father through the small window. He didn’t enter the mansion immediately. Isilia waited until he disappeared from sight. Just before leaving the estate, she lowered the screen. The dazzling light outside was dimmed by a single piece of cloth. She felt at ease.

“Milady, we have arrived. May I open the door?”

At the polite knock and her name, Isilia looked up. The door opened with her permission. The sudden light blurred her vision. She took the hand extended to her and stepped out of the carriage. Her eyes, accustomed to the brief darkness, struggled to adjust. She blinked several times, keeping hold of the supporting hand. Letting go might make her stagger, so she held on. Her eyes adjusted to the light and took in the surroundings. She stepped forward. The escorting hand neatly withdrew.

“…….”

Each step carried the crushed scent of grass. A group, presumably the delegation, gathered near the lake. Knights keeping watch surrounded them. It was the same scene as when she had come with Luiyan before—full of people. Jordan’s claim that the procession wouldn’t come due to construction was true; no extravagant display appeared. People she had never seen. Moreover, they didn’t want her there. They were probably strangers. Jordan had said to enjoy the holiday, but she couldn’t ignore the strangers and wander freely. At least she had the pretext to come formally. Not that she had anything to say to them.