Chapter 4.3

Elsia worried whether or not Nessian might follow. After all, he was really persistent about White Bunny. She just couldn’t believe that he would do that in broad daylight! That experience was very surreal.

Ian, who entered the mid-sized Ceylon House, faced the Marquis and his wife, who were waiting even before guiding Elsia.

“Oh, Ian…”!”

Marchioness Cypris burst into tears as soon as she saw Ian, who became healthy, unlike the last time they saw him. Ian, who faced his mother crying with her shoulders shaking, struck him with guilt. His body returned healthy unlike his sin.

Elsia stood behind him and pushed his back. Then Ian slowly moved one step at a time like a person who had been released from the seal and approached the marquis’ wife.

“Mother…”

“Oh… Oh, my god. Lord…. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for returning our precious son in good health…”

It was a long time after the marquis’ wife, who couldn’t even take out her handkerchief, had stopped crying. Ian, who moved to the drawing room to calm her down, introduced Elsia.

“This is Elsia Bennett. Came to Eusley Castle last autumn under his highness the crown prince’s orders to heal my hand. However, there have been circumstances, so please remain silent about her ability for the time being.”

“May I see your hand?”

“Alright.”

Unlike Marquis’ wife, sniffling, Marquis Cypris’ eyes were dry and bore no sign of emotion at all. His eyes were evaluating a man, not a son. Ian, familiar with the marquis’ cold personality, took off his gloves and held out his right hand.

Like a retired knight, the Marquis of Cypris meticulously traced his hand with his strong, thick fingers, and then nodded.

“It’s amazing. It didn’t look like it was hurt badly. You can go to the battlefield right away by tomorrow.”

“Honey… What do you mean by that? I won’t send him anymore!”

The marquis’ wife protested, but the marquis’ skillful eyes had already passed through Ian and reached Elsia.

“Did this lady heal Ian?”

“I’m Elsia Bennett. I was lucky to have a healing doll so I was able to cure the count.”

She expressed herself humbly.

“Hmm… I see. Even if it is the order given by his highness, I will pay back the grace we received from you with our own family’s capabilities.”

As soon as Elsia’s introduction was over, Ian spoke with a serious voice.

“Father, mother.”

“Yes, what is it?”

The marquis’ wife reached out and tried to hold her son’s hand, but Ian got up from the sofa and knelt down before speaking resolutely.

“I was very irresponsible. The great sadness that the whole empire experienced, I mistook that pain as my own and disappointed people who value me. Even if you two don’t accept me again, I’m trying to atone for my mistakes somehow. I think that’s the way I’m going to live.”

“What are you talking about, Ian? Why would we blame you? I’m already thankful that you came back healthy!”

Unlike the benevolent Marquis’ wife, Marquis of Cypris, the head of the family, did not say a word. Ian also did not resent his father for his strict character at all. He brought up what he had prepared before leaving the castle.

“If the imperial permission is granted, I would like to devote my life to the empire, even as a knight-no, by being a soldier. As long as my hands and feet are fine, I’ll try to do anything. Father, Mother, I hope you don’t object to my decision.”

“As expected of my hyung.”

“Ah, Altheon?”

The marquis’ wife, who had no idea of the existence of the second son standing crooked by the door, was terribly surprised. Thinking it would be uncomfortable for Altheon, who took over Ian’s position to meet, they only agreed to see Ian without him. The marquis, who knew everything from the beginning, just sat silently.

Unlike Ian, who was dressed in casual clothes, Altheon was wearing fine armor given by the imperial family. The second son of the Cypris family walked and knelt down in front of his brother and looked into his blue eyes.

Ian’s eyes were as clear as water, unlike before when he left. If you look closely, you can see that indescribable sadness is inherent.

“Altheon.”

“Other than our family, everyone pointed their fingers at my brother, but my faith remained unchanged. I know you will come back to us one day.”

“Altheon!”

Ian hugged his younger brother’s shoulder, who had become more reliable than he had never seen before as he poured hot tears. Not only the delicate marquis’ wife, but also Elsia, who was not related to their family, had a runny nose.

Ian thought he was left behind by the world, but he actually wasn’t.

Marquis’ wife and Altheon asked them to return to the marquis’ estate right away, but Ian shook his head. First of all, Elsia could only be free once she finishes her report to the crown prince. The marchioness flopped on the sofa because she was quite disappointed that she could not take her first son home.

“Then I should stay here until you come back.”

“Honey!”

Marquis of Cypris was perplexed by his wife’s stubbornness.

“My precious son is back after 4 years. How can we leave him alone? Also, this lady is also a savior of the family. I have to treat her generously.”

“Mom, I always wanted to go back home too. But, aren’t I someone who broke the expectations of the imperial family and the temple? I’m sorry, but I have to follow the procedure. Please wait a little longer, I won’t put you to any more shame.”

“I’ll tell you well when we have already finished seeing his Highness.”

Elsia carefully intervened in the conversation.

“Oh, you’re very kind Ms. Bennett. I look forward to your kind cooperation.”

Ian literally forced out the marquis and his wife.

Altheon insisted that he would stay, but he agreed about leaving with his parents since it would be nice if he could send a request for an audience in advance. The only concern was that Elsia and Ian were both unmarried, so some tight-lipped maids and servants remained instead of them.

In the end, only Ian and Elsia were left alone.

Elsia stirred her finger at the air of the drawing room, which had become chilly.

“They’re great people.”

“……it’s too much of a family for me.”

Ian’s eyes had deep longing.

“No, Ian is a good son and a wonderful brother, you resemble them a lot. You must remember the good feeling of being home now, don’t you?”

“Elsia…”

At Elsia’s sweet words, Ian showed signs of crying again. Perhaps he was ashamed, so he asked a maid to guide Elsia to her room, so that she can rest. Elsia was saddened by his decision but continued walking away.

‘Ian, please don’t cry alone.’

‘Can’t I wipe away your tears over and over again?’

‘I can play any role, whether it’s a friend or not, I want to keep your secret forever.….’

Elsia looked at his lonely back and expressed her earnest heart, following the maid before collapsing on a strange white bed.

A lot really happened today. To put it bluntly, she went back and forth between heaven and hell like the first day she saw Ian.

‘If it weren’t for Sir Nessian.…. Today’s memories were all good.’

When Elsia came to the temple, he kept obsessing over White Bunny. He asked her how to use it, and what was needed to keep him. It wasn’t long when she developed it, she was still lacking knowledge so his persistence was making her uncomfortable.

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As expected, Elsia really hated him, including this and that.

“I’m sure the temple when Ian was here was better back then, right?”

She fell asleep, imagining that she wanted to visit Tyr Church when Ian was the commander of the Holy Knights.

The next day, Elsia, who couldn’t sleep well and woke up early, received a short note that Conrad had sent at dawn.

“This is…”

“I came in front of your room a few hours ago, Elsia. With one officer who came to guide you from the Imperial City.”

Even if it was just a note, it came directly from the imperial family, so it was thoroughly sealed with a string mixed with a gold thread. More than that, Elsia came to her senses when she heard that she kept the servants waiting.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“How can I do that? In fact, you can take a few more days off before going for an audience, but you’re hurrying on purpose because of me. Don’t worry, and relax, Elsia, the officer also received an order not to rush you.”

When Ian accurately pointed out her sweet consideration, Elsia’s cheeks were red.

“It wasn’t like that. Um… let me take a look at the note first.”

The contents in the note were brief.

Elsia Bennett’s request for an audience was accepted….

She quickly handed him the note she had read.

“Elsia?”

“Ian, look at it yourself. Then you’ll know.”

Ian went through the contents of the note.

[ Dear Ms. Elsia Bennett, Congratulations on your return. According to Sir Altheon Cypris, who informed the news, Ian Cypris also accompanied you on this journey? I want to see the progress by seeing my old friend, so if possible, please come with him. It doesn’t matter what time and day you arrive. P.S. If he says he doesn’t want to, please show him this note with my sincerity.]

Conrad, who was sensitive to hierarchy, wrote with his own handwriting in an unbelievably polite tone as well.

More than that, Ian could hardly take his eyes off the phrase “my old friend.” Four years ago, when he was chased to Eusley Castle, Conrad used his cape to cover Ian, who was drunk. Even if it was a mess, it meant that he would not abandon his old friend Ian. He, on the other hand, couldn’t pay back the favor he received.

He tried not to cry as he returned his note.

“…….”

“Ian, congratulations.””

Elsia received the note and tied the string again.

“Elsia…”

“Your Highness has never forgotten you.”

That’s good, that’s really good. Thinking so, Elsia put her runny nose on the handkerchief. There was no time for tears to dry as they moved in a hurry after.

They ate breakfast and headed to the Imperial Palace in a carriage sent by Conrad. Even if Conrad showed favor, they needed to go with the procedure and wait. However, before entering the Audience room, Conrad came out of the hallway to meet them.

The crown prince looked very happy.

“Miss Bennett, long time no see”.

“Yes your grace, I hope you are faring well?”

Elsia quickly stepped aside after saying hello briefly. Conrad smiled when he saw Ian standing behind her.

“……It’s been a while, Ian Cypris. You finally came back.”

“Your Highness…”

“Let’s go inside for now……. shall we?”

Conrad spoke quite modestly and fixed his gaze on Elsia’s wrist rather than taking the lead. Surprised, Elsia suddenly raised her wrist, then realized why Conrad’s gaze was on it.

“Oh…”

Yesterday, after the encounter with Sir Nessian, it seems that her wrist ended up having a bruise. They were already yellow and partly purple as if it would hurt when pressed.

‘I should’ve seen it in the morning and asked White Bunny to treat it!’

It may be mild, but she had an important audience with the crown prince, she should have paid attention. Elsia was seriously regretting her carelessness.

“I’ll go in and report the situation.”

“Right.”

Obviously, Conrad’s eyes, which had eased a little when he saw Ian, were suddenly cold. Elsia entered, feeling her heart beating nervously.

Ian honestly confessed what happened to their encounter with Sir Nessian yesterday without exaggeration and missing details.

“She obviously said no, but he must have thought she was funny. How dare he act like a thug in the capital when he was a paladin.”

After hearing the story, Conrad was almost ready to kill Nessian.

“Did Sir Nessian target Ms. Bennett before?”

“Yes, but don’t mind it. I’ll take care of it myself, so you don’t have to worry. More than that, Ms. Bennett?

“Yes?”

Conrad’s attitude, which had been cold throughout his conversation with Ian, suddenly softened. It was a rapid change that even dull people could quickly notice. Elsia nodded her small head and stared at the crown prince.

“It was my personal request, but must be a hard going to Eusley Castle.”

“No! Sir.…. I really apologize that I haven’t reported back. I thought that it might not be good to treat his hands during the winter season, so I waited for spring after basic treatment.

“There was no specific treatment progress, so I inevitably delayed the timing.”

“Really? It was a good decision.”

“In fact, on this trip, I only had to take the audience, but Count Cypris said he would quietly see his family for a bit. The report was delayed and became like this.

“I see. I’m glad you both came.”

Ian was surprised to see Conrad, who had a gentle and soft attitude like soft sunlight when dealing with Elsia.

It was a sight to behold. After all, Conrad was the eldest son of the emperor, who gave birth to many prince’s. That made him arrogant and sensitive. The  power struggle was so cruel that he became quite frightening. It was so common to put others into their place to prevent getting his position taken.

Conrad’s thoroughness was frighteningly the same for the aristocrats and other people. As a member of the imperial family, he was often merciful but could change by the split second. The cause was all the same. When someone crosses the line or tries to cross a little bit of his authority.

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However…

For Elsia, Conrad was a good and generous monarch.

She delayed the report on purpose, but she wasn’t scolded. That’s a good thing for Elsia, but Ian’s mind was strangely not comfortable. The fact that the crown prince treated Elsia specially is uncomfortable like a thorn somewhere around his chest.

There is no need to argue with Elsia over the favor of the crown prince!

‘Why am I being like this?’