TYWML 17

17. A Suspicious Request

May 17, 2024

After leaving the cemetery, Liena and Cassel climbed back into the carriage. As soon as it departed, Cassel asked,

“Where were you planning to go earlier?”

Liena hadn’t expected him to ask such a thing. But since it wasn’t a secret, she answered truthfully.

“I was going to head to the nearby Berna estate.”

“…The Berna estate?”

Cassel’s face stiffened slightly at that moment. However, since he normally had an expressionless face, Liena didn’t notice the change.

“Yes. There’s someone named Raul Berna—he’s my childhood friend. He’s with the Imperial Knights and usually stays in the capital, but I heard he’s come down to visit his hometown.”

“…”

“I was planning to meet Raul at the Berna estate and ask for help getting to the capital. Actually, I was going to send him a letter, but my mother found out. So I decided to go directly.”

“…And once you got to the capital, what were you planning to do? Stay with Raul Berna?”

“What? No!”

Liena quickly shook both hands in denial.

“No matter how close Raul and I are, I couldn’t do that. He lives alone in his townhouse in the capital. I’m sure he has staff, but I couldn’t impose and stay for long. It would also harm Raul’s reputation.”

“Then?”

“After arriving safely in the capital with Raul, I was planning to visit Aunt Leticia. She’s now the Viscountess Donovan, and she’s the only relative I can still contact.”

To be honest, Liena wasn’t particularly close with the Viscountess.

Her mother had passed away so early that she rarely interacted with her maternal family, and things had grown more distant after her aunt married Viscount Donovan. She could count the times she’d seen her aunt on one hand.

Still, the Viscountess was the only relative Liena could ask for help, so she was planning to visit her despite the awkwardness.

“We weren’t that close, but I don’t think she’d turn away a relative in trouble. I was going to ask for her help.”

Liena didn’t understand why she was explaining all of this in detail to Cassel. Strangely, being with him made her feel at ease—like she was talking to someone she’d known for a long time.

After hearing everything, Cassel nodded.

“I understand. Then we should also go to the capital and receive Viscountess Donovan’s blessing for the marriage.”

“…What?”

“We don’t need her permission, strictly speaking, but it would put your mind at ease, wouldn’t it? And we’ll need someone to represent your family at the wedding.”

“Oh…”

When Liena hesitated, Cassel asked gently,

“Does this make you uncomfortable? If this was an unwelcome proposal…”

She quickly shook her head.

“No, I’m not uncomfortable. I just didn’t expect you to be this considerate. I was planning to follow your schedule, since I heard you had just come back from staying in the duchy.”

“Ah, you can ignore what Sir Belliar said.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s true I returned from the north a few days ago. The Winkler estate is usually very busy this time of year with preparations for winter.”

“Then shouldn’t you return quickly?”

“I’ve entrusted the estate to capable hands. Everyone there is well-versed in winter prep. They’ll do fine without me.”

Seeing that Liena still looked concerned, Cassel added,

“So there’s no need to worry about my schedule. We’ll head to the Winkler townhouse in the capital. Is that alright with you?”

Liena nodded silently. As he said, they needed a family elder to approve the marriage. Countess Dyke would never accept it—so that left only Viscountess Donovan.

Liena did wonder what they’d do if the Countess continued to oppose it, but still, she felt a bit more at ease.

‘I’m not alone anymore.’

After Count Dyke’s death, she had felt completely alone in the world. When she discovered Joanna’s betrayal, she truly believed she had no one left on her side.

But now, maybe she didn’t have to feel that way anymore.

After that, the carriage traveled for two straight days. As they headed toward the nearest magic portal from the Dyke territory, Liena and Cassel spoke little.

As soon as the rain stopped, Cassel—almost as if he had been waiting for it—got out of the carriage and rode on horseback.

Occasionally, when Liena opened the window, their eyes would meet. But the only real exchanges between them were:

“Are you uncomfortable?”
“No, I’m fine.”

Liena would open the window slightly to observe Cassel. Each time she did, she was reminded of the man she had seen in her dreams—the one who had crumbled completely before her, having given up everything.

That man and Cassel had the same face, but their expressions were undeniably different.

How could a man who fell apart like that and one as proud and noble as Cassel possibly be the same?

Most importantly, the Cassel in front of her didn’t love her. She knew that, and yet, every time he looked at her, her face would flush, and her heart would race.

Unaware of her feelings, Cassel would ask if she had a fever, and Liena would just keep replying with the same, predictable answer—“I’m fine.”

Thus, in a silence that only Liena found awkward, the two of them eventually arrived at the Winkler townhouse in the capital via the magic portal.

When Liena stepped out of the carriage with Cassel’s escort, the servants who had been waiting greeted them with deep bows.

Though it wasn’t the Winkler estate itself but a townhouse in the capital, the number of servants was easily double that of the Dyke residence.

‘It’s really on a different level.’

While Liena was overwhelmed by the reputation of House Winkler, a middle-aged gentleman with graying hair stepped out from the servants and bowed before Cassel.

“I received word, sir. Everything is prepared as you instructed.”

“Good.”

Cassel nodded at the man, then introduced him to Liena.

“This is Benjamin Hanger, the chief butler of the estate. Benjamin, this is Lady Liena Dyke, my fiancée. Assist her well and ensure she lacks for nothing.”

“It is an honor to meet you, my lady.”

The butler remained perfectly composed at the word fiancée and greeted her politely.

“She must be exhausted from the long journey. Show her to her room.”

“As you command. This way, my lady.”

“Um…”

Just then, Liena caught Cassel’s sleeve as if to stop him from mounting his horse again, as though he considered his duty done.

“Aren’t you coming inside?”

“Ah…”

He turned toward her.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the capital. I have matters to attend to. I’ll be back by dinner—please rest until then.”

Still holding onto his sleeve, Liena asked,

“Is there anything I should be careful about while staying here? Anything I shouldn’t do?”

For a moment, Liena thought she saw him smile faintly. But when she blinked, his face had returned to its usual unreadable expression.

Cassel gently took Liena’s hand, which was still holding his sleeve.

“You are now my fiancée and soon to be the lady of this house. There is nothing you mustn’t do here. Everything you say and do will set the rules of this place.”

Who would have thought the word fiancée could sound so sweet? Liena couldn’t meet his piercing blue eyes and looked down.

Cassel took her other hand and continued.

“But I do have one request.”

“A request?”

“There is a forest to the west of the capital. At its entrance is an old bell tower. I ask that you do not go there.”

“The bell tower?”

“Yes. It’s an isolated place with nothing to see, and sometimes wild animals come out of the forest. It’s dangerous.”

Liena couldn’t understand why he would ask something like that. As he said, there was nothing to see there, and no one went near it. It was highly unlikely she would have any reason to go.

But of all places, why specifically that one?

Though curious, she didn’t press the issue and simply nodded. If Cassel spoke so seriously, the western forest must truly be dangerous.

“I understand.”

Still not at ease, Cassel emphasized it again.

“You promised. Absolutely do not go to the western bell tower.”