Chapter 4.1

The cold February, which put Elsia in terrible pain, had passed. March was fast approaching. It was still chilly to call it spring but the snow almost melted. The road was wide open, so that the suburbs of Eusley Castle could be seen beyond. She climbed to the observatory and sat on a bench, looking down at the road leading to the capital.

Ian’s hand is completely healed. Just as White Bunny promised.

He didn’t try to hold the sword because of Seiran’s concerns, but he can use all of his fingers on his right hand freely. Youth and innate talent made Ian Cypris stand at the door full of light. After all, he was not easy to forget. Even though that was a fortunate event, Elsia could not be fully pleased.

“…….”

The reason was simple.

Ian’s complete recovery was really good news, but paradoxically, it was the beginning of another concern. Elsia, who had focused all her attention on Ian since coming to Eusley Castle and falling for him, finally had to think about her future.

She successfully healed Ian’s hand after coming to the castle last fall. Nevertheless, she did not report their progress to the crown prince who issued the order. Whether the road was blocked by snow or not, he sent an errand servant every month to provide food and snacks for Elsia.

Considering Conrad’s position as the pinnacle of power, it was actually ridiculous. Elsia was in a position where she pledged loyalty to the crown prince, she had nothing to say even if she was severely punished.

“It’s not like his highness’ fault for not sending a letter and just waiting for the report to come up until now…. As expected, it’s because of his good character. Maybe he just had faith in me…..I really must inform him of Ian’s condition soon”

Conrad was a source of kindness to Elsia, sending her only with generosity and warmth. Her illusion was valid because she wasn’t aware of how he acts with others.

“Elsia, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, Ian…!”

Another concern….

Elsia and Ian surprisingly became friends.

She couldn’t refuse his earnest request to finally pick himself together. With everyone seeing him as unfortunate, he can only share his feelings to Seiran… In that case, it was impossible for Elsia, who loves him, to ignore his resolution.

But how about the pain of having to hide her shy love forever in order to be friends?

Her excuse wasn’t even comparable to the pain she receives.

Anyway, in Elsia’s situation, even if it is an abandoned knight, Ian, she can never be that straight-face’s companion.

‘Someday, when I completely leave Ian’s side, let’s confess with determination for the severance of this vain love!’

And let’s live without seeing him forever to avoid getting sick.….

Elsia laughed, soothing her bitter heart. And knowing nothing, Ian smiled brightly at her, believing she was a friend who was simply happy to see him.

“Now you’re finally good at calling my name! In the past, I would be embarrassed because I was called a count.”

“Yes, Ian.”

However, she did not stop being respectful to Ian. When he suggested being informal, she politely turned him down. It was because Elsia was afraid she would become too attached. She would unknowingly cross the line of being friends and confess. Elsia developed a habit of being careful towards everything about Ian.

“Hmm?”

Unlike her carefulness, Ian randomly sat next to Elsia and openly stared at her. His blue eyes seemed to contain an indigo sky, reflecting an autumn lake that was too beautiful. Elsia opened her mouth, avoiding his gaze to regain her senses.

“The Crown Prince, I wanted to ask if it would be okay to talk about your condition.”

“Just tell him what happened here.”

“Really? Will it be okay? It is a sensitive topic after all”

When Ian answered so easily, Elsia was surprised.

“……I can’t stay here forever as if I’m dead. Even if I don’t officially return, I have to tell his highness the crown prince my affairs.”

“What does it mean when you say it’s unofficial?”

“Elsia.”

Ian’s face, which was already close to her, leaned closer. Elsia’s small and fragile heart couldn’t withstand it, so it began to beat as fast as it could.

“What is it?”

“I… I’m thinking of going to the island secretly.”

“You’re going to go secretly?”

As soon as Elsia repeated Ian’s words and asked, she could recognize his feelings.

Ian Cypris, a promising head to the holy knights. A great man who would have become a marquis and left a mark in history. Even if he was stigmatized as a knight who lost his saint, he was still an outstanding talent for the empire.

Three years have already passed since he failed to accept reality and collapsed, he was now entering his fourth year.

In that event.…. How can you return as if nothing had happened?

Ian, the party involved, would have made the same choice.

“Well…. I’m really sorry to his highness but I want to quietly meet my parents first.”

“Are you going to be Marquis of Cypris?””

“No, I’m trying to make an appointment in the suburbs or in places that won’t easily catch attention. There’s a mansion similar to a villa owned by our family, and if we meet there, we can avoid people’s gazes.”

“Yes… If I get off the carriage, no one will know.”

Ian looked at the distant sky with a bitter expression.

“Elsia, I have a younger brother. Altheon is a very nice guy and we were close. His sword skills were good and he was also a knight, the pride of the family.”

Elsia simply couldn’t understand what he was trying to say. If their relationship was good why would he only see his parents? Ian’s words continued.

“For that reason…. Altheon is quite likely to succeed Marquis of Cypris because I was ousted. It’s usually rare for the second son to succeed in the family you see.

“Yes?”

Being a noble was quite troublesome.

Elsia’s mind turned white.

Elsia’s father met her mom, who was a dancer from Leewayn. Unfortunately, her mother was poor and could not get permission to enter the empire because she did not have an ID, and as a result, Elsia grew up in the hands of her grandparents living in the empire when she was a baby.

Her father tried to be with his family somehow and asked for advice from security guards at the border, but in the end, he spent all his wealth meaninglessly.

By the time he had no choice but to give up, their family had become poor. Therefore, Ian’s life was an unimaginable story for a commoner like Elsia, who did not have a large amount of property to inherit.

If all the family members could live together regardless of status, that would be the greatest happiness.

Elsia became a little sad.

So, is Ian somebody who can’t see his family due to the aristocratic society’s rules?

“It’s not that I don’t trust my brother. No, the words themselves are funny. I don’t deserve to be a nobleman. Altheon has never abandoned his responsibilities in life.”

“That’s ridiculous! Ian, be strong. Your little brother wouldn’t think that way!”

“I understand even if Altheon says he’s disappointed and won’t let me accept the family’s work and authority. However… I really want to see my parents. So, I’m going to confess my faults and beg for forgiveness. I don’t want to be disturbed by anyone. Even if Altheon opposes this, it’s something he must do as an ugly son.”

Ian spoke very seriously.

“…Ian!”

Tears formed in Elsia’s eyes. Until now, she thought Ian only bore the sorrow of losing his love, but that was not it. They haven’t discussed about his highness Conrad yet, but the trials to be faced are already a great ordeal!

“I’m going to contact my parents next week and make a formal appointment.”

“Then send someone right now! They’re precious people, your parents. You should see them as soon as possible!”

Ian smiled when Elsia, whose eyes become teary, shouted loudly.

“No, I can do that later”

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“But why?”

He handed her a handkerchief and spoke affectionately.

“You said you wanted to see hummingbirds last year. Next week, they will flock near the castle. Um… I’ll hang the juice that hummingbirds like, so let’s see my parents after watching the cute talent show. Otherwise, you’ll be sad.”

“Ian is such a fool! Is it really important right now? Even if you leave those hummingbirds alone, they’ll come next year, seeing your family is more important!”

Elsia finally let the tears flow down her cheeks.

“Honestly, why are you crying so much? I want to make it up to you so I have to show you those birds. Wipe your tears, Elsia. Even if you convince me, I won’t be leaving until we see those hummingbirds next week.” (Tl: Paasa talaga, rawr)

When she was told not to cry in a soft voice, Elsia cried louder.

‘Why?’

‘Do you have to be so kind?’

‘Is it because we’re friends?’

‘For that reason… you are kind to me.’

‘Please don’t make me misunderstand.….’

Even when he was completely broken and abandoned, Ian tried his best not to cross the worst line. Even when he destroyed himself, he did not lose his warmth. The harsh mistakes he made a few times, Elsia naturally understood them all.

Even when Ian was acting harshly, when he became so close to Elsia, he was so kind that he even pushed back his natural desire to meet his family and was caring about her first…. (Tl: Ah this hopeless…)

Elsia’s subtle expectations grew a little like the spreading orchids

Even if she was criticized as a bad woman, Elsia had great desire to make another precious memory with Ian. As soon as it turned Monday next week, she snooped around the area Ian mentioned and watched the hummingbirds fly.

“Ah!”

Near the roof where three bottles of juice were hung, several hummingbirds small enough to fit into the child’s hand flew in, their wings were so fast. Elsia, who had never seen such a sight in her life, admired them.

The birds in her hometown were only crows, wild birds, and only a few fat chickens flapping when it’s finally time to eat.

“Shh, let’s quietly watch them.”

Ian approached behind Elsia and pointed at a hummingbird flying near the juice bottle. With their long beaks, the hummingbirds began to feel accustomed to sucking the nectar that was dripping from the juice bottle.

“So pretty…. Ouch!

Elsia stumbled on the stone under her feet, lost balance, and staggered for a while. Then Ian, who was behind her, quickly grabbed her shoulder.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes…”

“It’s good to see birds, but be careful, Elsia. It would be a problem if you slip your foot and get hurt.”

*Ba-thump!

‘I really liked his trivial advice as he acted worriedly. Is it okay to fall again when I’m with him? Ian will catch me by then.’

Ian’s gentle kindness was sweeter than the red juice that hummingbirds drank while dancing in front of her eyes. The two enjoyed the joy and comfort of the small birds for a long time.

Elsia, who made such memories of springtime, soon tilted her head while packing her belongings at Eusley Castle.

“Well…”

[ What are you thinking about? If you can’t organize your bag, ask Woody or finish it quickly. ]

“I could come back here. So, I thought I’d leave my heavy coat in the closet.….”

White Bunny, who was very uncomfortable, burst into anger.

[ What do you mean leave it behind? Elsia, get a hold of yourself. As a third party, I don’t think it’s right for that man to get along this easily. Let’s leave him and find someone else. Forget him and ask the crown prince for a good husband as a prize. Ask for someone who has overflowing mines of gold and silver. ]

“What are you talking about? Bunny!”

White Bunny smiled coyly when Elsia became serious and got angry.

[ Hmm, why? You said you won’t love him anymore. You cried and cried but as expected, you were lying! Haist! But Elsia? You better think. From tomorrow onwards, you can’t be the only one next to him. Even if you want to beat up approaching women, you must behave well. Are you going to waste your life for someone else? ]

Elsia’s shoulders dropped at his words.

“I know…. Ian wasn’t even mine to begin with.….”

What she didn’t know was that when Ian gets healthy, he will be at the center of attention. Even if this was an unofficial trip, he’d become Marquis and return to his upper class life. If he goes to a ball or tea party, there will be lots of noble ladies.

By then…. Will Ian remember an existence named Elsia?

If that was the case, isn’t it better to remain a good friend?

Feeling a little depressed, Elsia sighed after pushing all the items she had brought into her suitcase. Even though it was a must-go road for Ian, it wasn’t for her.

Even if she felt that way, Elsia did not show any signs of inferiority towards Ian. Rather than sending a letter to the crown prince, she decided to go in person and report the progress. She also decided to accompany Ian, who was going to the capital because his parents agreed to meet their ugly son.

To Elsia, who was trying to ride a wagon heading to the capital, someone rushed in.

“Elsia! Oh, my. Please wait for me!”

“Ah, Haden!”

During her stay in Eusley Castle, there were many happy and sad times. Among them, meeting with Harden, who was sincere and sweet, was one of the best things that happened. Haden, who ran out of breath, held Elsia’s hand tightly and said.

“I’m sorry. I said goodbye yesterday, but I wanted to see Elsia one more time.”

“……Me too, I’ll miss Haden very much.”

When Elsia had an apologetic look, good Haden closed her eyes.

“Is it okay if I pray for your peace, Elsia? I’m sorry that this is all I can do for you.”

“You’re giving me that but still feel sorry? Haden, your heart is so pretty.….”

“God Tyr, who protects our world and the gentle Goddess Vanir. Among the people I’ve met since I was born, Elsia, who came to treat my master, is really the most kind and acted as a blessing. May she receive your protection.….”

Haden closed his eyes tightly, that his long eyelashes would fall down and started praying. Elsia, who had her eyes closed, looked serious.

While the two held hands and prayed, Haden’s body radiated divine power silently. The divine power, which lightly swung around Haden, quietly entered Elsia’s body before they opened their eyes.

After praying, Haden saw Elsia off to the carriage with sadness.

“Then, this is goodbye.”

“See you again, Haden.”

“Were you saying goodbye too? Haden, see you next time.”

[ Sigh, hurry up and close the door. I don’t like getting hit by the wind. ]

“I’m going to miss you two so much”

When Ian and White Bunny, who had been in the carriage first, greeted and scolded consecutively, Haden smiled and said goodbye, Elsia’s shoulder sagged a little.

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“Wheew.”

[ Huh? Elsia, what did you do? ]

Suddenly, White Bunny jumped into Elsia’s lap.

“What?”

[ Here, where did you get this clean divine power? Did you pay for it? ]