Chapter 19
“May I come with you?”
With tearful eyes, she looked at Iliana and spoke earnestly. But Iliana simply shook her head lightly.
“I’m going to break off the engagement.”
“Yes, I know. That’s exactly why. Like at the last banquet… I shouldn’t let you go alone.”
The worried words spilled out once again. Bessie had been harshly scolded by Jeffrey for Iliana not attending the banquet, but she didn’t mind. Most of the servants in this household were frequently beaten or reprimanded by Count Vincent anyway.
Even at her young age, the only reason Bessie received special treatment in the mansion was because of Iliana. When she was younger, she had nearly died from a fever and was almost thrown out. If Iliana hadn’t saved her, she would probably be begging somewhere by now.
So now I should be the one to help my lady…
With renewed determination, she steeled herself again. But that resolve quickly faded.
I shouldn’t have brought that.
Looking at the paper in Iliana’s hand, Bessie let out a long sigh. A few days ago, she had searched tirelessly through jewelers in the capital. She found the shop quickly and even obtained a confirmation from the craftsman.
If she had known the necklace belonged to Lady Bella, she would never have worked so hard. But what was the use of regretting it now? Bessie sighed repeatedly, blaming her own foolishness.
Unaware of how anxious Bessie was, Iliana casually waved the paper in her hand. Suppressing the urge to snatch it away and tear it apart, Bessie tried once more to persuade her.
With as much sincerity and desperation as she could muster—
“I’ll just sit quietly. If you don’t trust me, I’ll stay far away. I won’t tell anyone, I promise. So please, my lady, just let me follow you.”
“This is something I have to do. It has nothing to do with you.”
Nothing to do with me? Bessie shook her head.
Did her lady even know the strange rumors spreading among the servants since the banquet?
They whispered that the broken engagement with the Viscount Piaje was her fault. The head maid had even issued warnings, yet the rumors wouldn’t die down. Some even exaggerated and spread scandalous gossip involving Duke Gothry of the capital. Each time, Bessie raised her voice and defended Iliana.
No one dared speak openly in front of her anymore, at least. That alone was a relief. If Count Critia ever heard these rumors, it would be a disaster. Iliana might even be thrown out of the mansion.
Surely he wouldn’t go that far…?
But the more she thought about it, the more she realized—he absolutely could.
There was no one here to protect Iliana except herself. Jeffrey might exist, but no one understood Iliana the way she did.
Still, there was one small comfort. Whether they liked Iliana or not, everyone agreed on one thing:
“You don’t know what that reckless young viscount might do. You shouldn’t feel safe even outside.”
“The reckless viscount.” That was the nickname the servants gave him after he caused trouble for Iliana. When Iliana first heard it, she laughed out loud—a bright, genuine smile she hadn’t shown in a long time.
From that day on, he was “the reckless one.”
“The rain has stopped.”
A faint smile spread across Iliana’s face. She glanced at the paper once more, then neatly folded it in half. Beneath it, a dark shadow fell.
The heavy rain that had poured all morning finally stopped after noon. Through the dark gray clouds outside, sunlight timidly peeked through. It was a cool, slightly gloomy summer afternoon with occasional rays of sun.
A perfect day to end an engagement.
Today would finally put an end to this tiresome matter.
She gently patted Bessie’s shoulder.
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”
“But still… do you really think that reckless man will accept it quietly?”
Bessie shook her head, unwilling even to say his name.
“Did you deliver the meeting location properly?”
“Yes. I checked twice. I also received confirmation that he’ll come.”
“Oh dear, I’m going to be late.”
After checking the clock on the table, Iliana stood up. Her steps were faster than usual as she opened the bedroom door and hurried downstairs, lightly holding the railing.
Just as she was about to step into the carriage waiting at the entrance, Bessie came running toward her.
“You forgot this.”
She held out a neatly folded handkerchief. On one corner, a lion was delicately embroidered in silver thread. It was something filled with childhood memories—still belonging to no one.
The memory surfaced again.
She had once hoped to meet him again—to thank him properly. The pure, clear eyes she remembered…
Though the edges had worn from frequent washing, the silver lion still gleamed.
Just like Rian’s light brown eyes.
“You always take this with you on days you must win. And today is one of those days.”
Seeing Bessie smile, Iliana nodded softly and accepted the handkerchief like a treasured possession.
As she climbed into the carriage, just before the door closed, she whispered quietly—
“Thank you.”
The carriage departed the mansion at once.
Iliana placed the confirmation document, the item list, and the handkerchief neatly on her lap.
Today would mark a small victory in her new life.
Holding the handkerchief tightly, a faint smile lingered on her lips.
* * *
There were several famous landmarks in the Empire’s central square:
A towering gray brick clock tower,
The Half Club, accessible only to children of high-ranking nobles,
And finally, the Armand Restaurant—a must-visit for travelers.
Among them, Armand was especially popular during the day. It served light brunch and tea, making it a favorite spot for noblewomen and couples.
Though the head chef was strict, the food was exceptional—once tasted, it was unforgettable. The owner’s sociable charm also played a role.
Most importantly, its slightly secluded location away from the busy district made it perfect for private, quiet conversations. Because of this, reservations were essential.
As soon as Bessie brought the necklace confirmation, Iliana sent word to Armand. Perhaps because of the Critia name, the owner immediately secured a reservation—
A terrace seat on the second floor, overlooking the entire square with a refreshing breeze.
Thanks to that, Iliana could enjoy her tea peacefully, away from the crowd.
The square looked very different from the day of the banquet. It had been a long time since she experienced such a calm afternoon.
Cake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, tea, and clean streets washed by the rain—
It was a quiet, cozy moment.
Of course, for someone else, it was the beginning of a painful day.
“So, you asked to meet to end the relationship? Here, now?”
Cedric’s hands trembled as he flipped through the documents before him.
When he heard someone from Critia had come earlier that day, he hadn’t expected this.
Useless fool. You were supposed to catch the Empress’s eye, and instead you’re getting your engagement broken off?
The Marquis Piaje had scolded Cedric harshly after receiving a warning from the Critia family. Even his stepmother’s attempts to intervene couldn’t calm his father’s anger.
They had tried to keep the engagement issue quiet, but it had finally exploded.
Fortunately, the Empress granted him an audience first, preserving his dignity and sparing him further punishment.
Insolent woman.
As memories of the banquet resurfaced, his expression darkened.
Iliana had requested this meeting, but his father warned him repeatedly not to act rashly.
The blame for the broken engagement must fall on Iliana. Remember that.
That thought barely restrained his anger.
“This is the list of items. I’d like everything settled within this week.”
Iliana spoke calmly, her expression unchanged.
She even sat elegantly with her legs crossed, sipping tea like a refined noble lady.
It irritated him.
“Breaking an engagement tied to the imperial family isn’t easy. You know that.”
“It’s not impossible—with sufficient evidence. Don’t you agree?”
“…That’s true. Speaking of which, I have something to say about the banquet—”
A sheet of paper suddenly slid across the table.
Without a word, Iliana unfolded it and pushed it toward him.
What is this now?
Thinking it was nothing serious, he prepared to snap back at her—
Then lowered his gaze.
**[Estimated first meeting: October 30, Year 631 of the Empire, at Baron Louise’s residence during a dinner gathering.
Subsequent meeting dates and locations: (omitted)…
April 7 – A 2-carat diamond ordered under the initial “S.”
May 8 – Item personally collected; confirmed by the craftsman.
May 3 – A carriage left the marquis estate and returned to the capital on May 7. Destination confirmed as Baron Louise’s residence.]**
The final page included the jeweler’s confirmation—along with the name of the inn where the two had secretly met.
