EID Chapter 78

Posted by Elena, Released on August 7, 2025

Olivia—

When Johann asked, so calmly, about his wife’s absence, Maurice blinked in stunned silence.

Ever since the Duchess had come to Great Hill, Johann’s routine had changed. No longer sterile, departures and arrivals at his manor came with a radiant figure at the doorway: the duchess, resplendent, greeting him with a picture-perfect smile.

At nineteen, still delicate and youthful, she would run out the moment she heard the carriage arrive. But soon that light faded. Her welcoming smile vanished, and not long after, she stopped appearing altogether.

Maurice thought that might have been when it began—when Johann first asked that question. To think we’d search for the duchess now, at this moment…

“Di-Director???”

Maurice shouted, startled. Johann clenched his brow in pain.

Each word from his lips pounded on Maurice like a hammer, deepening the headache.

“You… Do you… do you remember who I am?”

“Speak softly,” Johann replied, frowning.

“This is the LeMont Municipal Hospital. You remember last night, right? The carriage accident. You don’t?”

Maurice stared at him anxiously.

Johann tried to rise but winced in agony. His body wouldn’t obey. Damn… a curse whispered out.

“Don’t move. You fractured your right arm.”

Johann glanced down at his arm, encased in a splint and wrapped in bandages.

“You hit your head hard, too. Just visible abrasions, but complications are possible. Shall I fetch your attendant physician from Ryden?”

Maurice could only think, If only it was that simple…

Every word felt like an icy dagger piercing his skull. The pain was unbearable—but his mind was frighteningly clear.

“And Olivia…” Johann’s voice faltered as he closed his eyes.

Maurice decided it was best to send a telegram to the family doctor. Johann’s memory was clearly impaired.

“…Did she win?”

“…Ah!”

Maurice’s breath fell flat.

Of all things—he’s concerned about the match result after nearly dying. Probably the only question that kept him from leaving the world.

“It’s… tomorrow. Tomorrow.”

Maurice answered, reluctant though he was. He wasn’t a fool who could be tricked into silence.

Johann, on instinct, lifted his left arm, then groaned in pain.

“I told you—don’t move.”

“The watch?”

“It’s here.”

Maurice handed Johann the watch he’d left on the nightstand. Its glass was cracked, and the hands frozen.

As Johann picked it up, the golden hands caught the sunlight and gleamed.

1897. 06. 16. To my beloved, Johann.

His eyes darkened.

“Fetch Dr. Biden.”

“Right away, Director.”

Maurice dashed from the room. Through teary eyes, Johann stared at the clock on the wall—it was past noon, nearly 3 p.m.

The finals begin tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Ten hours to travel from LeMont Harbor to Litton Harbor—still enough time.

His gaze drifted past the pane of glass, across the blue expanse of sea, to somewhere beyond.

In that moment between life and death—when the storm and darkness threatened to swallow him—the only thing that came to Johann’s mind was Olivia Blanchett, his wife.

And with that alone, he had every reason to go meet her.

By the time the carriage cleared the city of Litton and neared Dumblin Stadium, Olivia’s heart was racing.

She drew deep breaths, holding on to composure as she watched the passing landscape.

“My hands are so cold,” Elaine whispered, clutching Olivia’s stiff fingers and warmly kneading them.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. Just play as you always do. If skill matters, you’ll win. You’ll do fine.”

Russell Jr., joining them, nodded.

He would have traveled with Dickinson’s carriage, but Edgar’s absence altered the plans. Even on business trips, Edgar usually escorted Olivia—but not today.

He’d only sent word that he had urgent business and would meet her at the stadium.

“I don’t know what could possibly be more important than the finals,” Olivia murmured.

Elaine coolly released Olivia’s hand.

“There are plenty of things more important than tennis, Elaine.”

Olivia gave a slightly embarrassed smile and turned her gaze away. The carriage felt dim, like the overcast afternoon outside the canopy of leafy trees.

“I’ll come fetch you. Sleep well.”

It was their usual farewell. Olivia, too, was curious about the sudden urgent matter—but didn’t say it aloud. She’d outgrown sulking.

She recalled Edgar’s smile last night and stopped herself.

Worrying would only breed more doubts—so better to remain focused.

Stay focused on the match.

Steeling herself, she squeezed her chilled hands together as the carriage slowed.

She looked out of the window.

“Ah…”

Olivia gasped softly.

The scene before her was surreal.

The expansive lawn stretching from center court to number one court was a sea of people—packed tight with spectators.

Though she lacked a ticket, everyone there was eager for the historic end of the Dumblin tournament.

“I think this must be the first time the women’s singles final has drawn this kind of attention.”

Even Russell Jr. stared in awe.

They’d unpacked the picnic basket he’d brought, turning the carriage into a little celebration.

Under the sunny sky, people held beer or wine, betting on today’s winner.

Whispers of “Olivia” and “Anblin” drifted on the breeze—it was too close to call.

Olivia pressed her hand to her fluttering heart. The crowd’s excitement threatened to overwhelm her.

“I think we should draw the curtains. Too many people might crowd in.”

Olivia nodded, finally tearing her gaze from the crowd.

People were pointing and moving toward the carriage. Realizing her identity, the carriage surged forward. The light and the crowd vanished behind the curtains.

Thump. Only the sound of her heartbeat echoed in her ears. Nothing else mattered now.

And all she thought was—

I will win.

That was all.

The carriage adorned with the golden crest of Lancelot arrived at the entrance of Dumblin Stadium. The roar of the crowd pressed through the walls.

Olivia exhaled deeply.

“Listen: tennis is a battle of concentration.”

“Yes, coach.”

Russell Jr. looked at Olivia with steady eyes.

“But… forget who wins, and just enjoy yourself.”

His sudden playful grin brought a smile to Olivia’s tense lips.

“It’s been an honor to be your coach.”

Pride colored his voice. Any unpleasant memories of their initial meeting were long gone.

“Likewise…it’s been an honor.”

Those vivid blue eyes glowed with newfound resolve.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

Olivia smiled at Russell Jr., then glanced at Elaine and Anne.

After exchanging encouraging looks, Olivia fixed her expression and turned to him.

He nodded, took a deep breath, and opened the carriage door, sunlight spilling in.

Reporters who had been stationed early swarmed forward.

Like a breaking dam, the crowd surged—and it was terrifying.

“Over here! Just one look, Blanchett!”

“Miss Blanchett, this way!”

The reporters’ cries and the screeching of excited girls nearly disoriented Olivia.

The bodyguards who’d been waiting sprang into action, surrounding her. She bowed slightly amid the chaos.

“Let’s go inside.”

Russell Jr. extended his arm for her, just as—

“About that ‘Ghost of Leopold Hotel’—what’s that all about?”

“Is it true you were with Duke Lancelot at the opening party?”

Olivia halted.

“That’s a disrespectful question and not even worth answering. Ignore it, Olivia.”

Russell Jr. muttered, glaring at the reporters. Those were questions no athlete would ask before a major match. Especially after declaring she wouldn’t answer personal questions.

Olivia resumed walking.

“Where were you that night? Please answer!”

“Do you have any words for Princess Kranz?”

The reporters pressed on fiercely. Even the guards were pushed back.

Chaos erupted in an instant.

“Miss!”
“Olivia!”

She lost grip of Russell Jr.’s hand as frenzied reporters shoved forward.

“Maintain order! These people are dangerous!” Russell Jr. shouted, face red.

“If someone gets hurt I swear—what will you do?” Elaine screamed, stuck in the press.

Camera flashes lit up the scene like lightning. The glare made Olivia’s world turn white.

She staggered, body swaying like she was being swept by waves. Then, a heavy weight crashed down on her foot.

“Ow!” Olivia cried and stumbled.