Chapter 54
Serren had never met anyone like Maya in the social world.
There was no pretense in her actions.
She was honest and sincere—never excessively humble either.
Her advice came out naturally, as though born from genuine experience.
She showed both steadfastness in her path and thoughtfulness for others.
‘How could someone like her come from House Pendragon?’
It seemed impossible unless she had lived a second life.
Maya extended her hand to Serren.
“Take it. We’ll go to the House of Beiadon together.”
She wanted to grab it. She wanted to be closer to Maya.
“But…”
The words that left Serren’s mouth weren’t of gratitude or agreement.
A noble through and through, Serren had learned etiquette and reserve to her very bones. She didn’t dare to act rashly.
To step forward now felt like an imposition.
What if Count Baker found her after she disappeared?
They were only beginning to build their connection—was it wise to take such a risk by leaning on her?
Serren clenched and unclenched her fists with frustration.
‘This is hard.’
She had always lived a life with fixed answers.
Now, having to choose something on her own in an entirely unfamiliar situation made her hesitate again and again.
“If you’re going to sever ties with your family, you may have to do something even more difficult than this,” Maya said, reading Serren’s hesitation.
“You have to break free from the shackles of your current life.”
That became the turning point.
How long was she going to stay frozen in place?
If she didn’t take the first step, nothing would change.
All she was doing was settling into a stagnant life.
Serren stepped forward—into Maya’s embrace.
Maya then left the house and, effortlessly bypassing the guards and security spells, made her way to the House of Beiadon with Serren.
As she left the Baker estate in another’s arms, Serren felt a strange hollowness.
Was it really this easy to escape?
‘Why hadn’t I even tried before?’
What comforted her was the realization that she had finally lost all affection for the man who called himself her father.
To say you love someone while trying to control their every move—it was exhausting. She was sick of it.
…I’ll escape for good, with the help of the Grand Duchess before me.
Out of his grasp.
Coincidentally, it was right around dinner when Tristan returned to his usual form.
Lately, he had been able to stay in his original appearance for about five hours, but the timing of the transformations had become more irregular. Likely, this too was influenced by the Pendragon family’s power.
He had sent letters to Alec and Robert in the North to update them on the situation.
Using carrier pigeons, though old-fashioned and slower than magic towers or guilds, was far safer.
He’d already heard that Maya had gone to the Baker household and figured she would return soon. He had just begun preparing dinner.
He was glad he could greet her in his true form.
It had been a long time since he had a proper dinner like this.
But the pleasant mood was short-lived.
“Didn’t Tristan say he wanted to meet and talk with her?”
Indeed, Tristan had once said he wished to meet Serren Baker, together with Maya.
“So I brought her. She was being kept under lock and key at her estate.”
He just hadn’t expected it to happen this quickly.
Maya hadn’t simply dragged Serren to Tristan out of nowhere.
Upon arriving safely at the Beiadon estate, Maya entered through the front gate with decorum.
The estate’s staff was small, and all those remaining already knew of Tristan’s secret.
There was no danger of news leaking.
These were people who had long trusted and relied on each other.
Ultimately, Maya wanted to give Tristan the choice.
If he wanted to meet her, he could. If not, he could make up an excuse.
She didn’t even know if he’d be in his real form or that of a boy.
“This way, to the parlor.”
Despite it being a rare visit from a guest, Doshane—the steward—responded calmly.
He knew the guest’s surname was ‘Baker’ and that Count Baker had murdered his own husband.
‘But what crime does his daughter bear?’
Doshane had never seen Serren Baker look truly happy at any of the social events they both attended.
He had often wondered if she was really a beloved daughter.
It seemed his intuition wasn’t wrong.
‘Tristan told me just yesterday…’
He had learned that Serren Baker was also a victim of abuse.
There was no point in directing his anger at an innocent party.
After informing Tristan of the guest’s arrival, Doshane went to the kitchen.
“A guest? And not just any guest—Serren Baker herself, who dominates the social scene.”
But the kitchen staff didn’t react to her name so much as the word “guest.”
“A guest?”
“A guest?”
Heads turned one after another.
“Yes, the kind of guest you all wish for.”
Eyes lit up across the kitchen, and the chefs and assistants began bustling with energy.
Though they had never regretted dedicating their lives to House Beiadon, it always pained them a bit that they couldn’t show off their lovingly prepared meals to outsiders.
They had been thrilled even when Maya returned recently—now, a new guest?
‘What a great opportunity!’
They were determined to serve a perfect meal.
Fish was grilled quickly, and colorful fruits and vegetables were arranged beautifully to bring freshness to the table.
After all, a good-looking dish often tastes better.
Smiles bloomed on every face.
Meanwhile, Doshane served tea and light refreshments in the parlor where Maya and Serren waited.
“Dinner is still being prepared. Will this be alright for now?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t it be better to have some soup first?”
Serren declined, but Maya wouldn’t let it go.
After all, she’d already heard Serren’s stomach rumble.
“I’m hungry, Doshane. Please bring two bowls of soup. I can handle that much on my own.”
“Shall I escort you both to the dining room then?”
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll return shortly.”
Serren stared blankly at Maya and Doshane.
This was the first time someone had completely ignored her refusal.
‘Or… is she really going to eat two bowls?’
Considering Maya had carried her all the way here without breaking a sweat, maybe that was believable.
“No, I’m only eating one bowl. The other is for you.”
“Don’t get too used to saying ‘I’m fine,’ Serren Baker.”
“That’s a noble virtue. Besides, not everyone can always express what they really think, Grand Duchess. Knowing restraint is important too.”
Maya shook her head.
“What’s so wrong with expressing your feelings?”
Her voice was gentle but firm.
“If you keep saying you’re fine, eventually you won’t be able to tell when you actually are or aren’t.”
Because she had been like that once.
Serren had no words.
Maya had seen right through her—and she couldn’t refute it.
“…What if I’ve already become like that?”
Serren finally asked, hesitating.
“Then you just start fixing it. Like I did.”
When Maya smiled brightly and said that, it really felt like everything might turn out alright.
Even though nothing had been resolved yet.
Maybe their meeting on the terrace had been the final mercy of a god who pitied her.
‘Alright, I’ll try to change.’
It would’ve been hard on her own—but with Maya beside her, she felt it was possible.
Serren followed Maya to the dining room.
The warm soup was smooth and delicious—better than any she’d had in House Baker.
More than anything, it felt good to finally express herself freely, in comfort.
A crack formed in the hardened mask that was Serren.
“Mmm, this is really good.”
As she ate with a light heart, the door opened.
Serren quickly stood up alongside Maya.
“Serren Baker, I offer my greetings to the Duke.”
“Tristan, I’ve returned.”
Looking at Serren and Maya standing together, Tristan let out a small sigh internally.
Honestly, Serren wasn’t sure if this was the same Duke she’d seen last time.
Back then, he was big, yes—but still just a boy, with a youthful air about him.
But now, the man before her was different.
He had fully bloomed into a beautiful flower.
