Chapter 74
When Ian entered the academy, he requested Count Parden to stop all financial support. At over seventeen years old and having inherited the marquisate, he no longer wanted to rely on others.
However, life at the academy without support was not easy. While most of the students came from wealthy noble families, there were also a few admitted through special selection—so-called geniuses. Among them were commoners whose families couldn’t afford the tuition. They had to rely on scholarships.
Even among the nobles, those who wouldn’t inherit titles worked relentlessly to succeed. Academy grades were a crucial indicator for future positions in the aristocratic bureaucracy, making academic performance a glimmer of hope for title-less nobles.
Ian didn’t belong to either category, but he desperately needed a scholarship. He had claimed he would be independent; failing would be a blow to his pride. That’s why he always gave his utmost. He consistently ranked in the top five in every subject. Some praised him as a genius, but Ian found that label offensive—because it ignored his constant efforts.
‘Even if I have to pull an all-nighter, I need to cover at least this much.’
After drinking a glass of water, Ian refocused on his books. But ever since reading that letter, he couldn’t concentrate. Annoyed, he pulled a pocket watch from his chest to check the time. But instead of helping, it shattered his focus even more.
‘Aisha…’
The watch, encrusted with twelve diamonds, was clearly a luxurious item. Ian flipped it over and read the inscription Aisha had engraved for him. He gave a small laugh before his lips flattened again.
‘To give me something like this…’
Ian felt pathetic for only receiving such expensive gifts from Aisha. But the reality was harsh—he had no means of making a large income any time soon. People who didn’t know him well would be surprised to hear Ian worried about money. Yet the current financial state of House Lloyd didn’t reflect the weight of its name at all.
After inheriting the title, Ian examined the Lloyd estate thoroughly. While the mansion, land, and heirlooms were intact, the family had almost no liquid assets. Even the few remaining household staff were being paid by House Parden.
‘…So there was that much of a problem, huh.’
Ian sighed at his family’s dire financial condition but wasn’t shocked. He had witnessed his parents—the previous marquis and marchioness—arguing about money several times before their deaths. Rather, he was relieved that the core assets of the family were still intact. The mansion, the land, the heirlooms—all the pillars of the household remained.
Still, he felt impatient. Depending on House Parden was becoming burdensome and embarrassing. Recently, even Sophia caused a major financial issue out of some whim. Though Count Parden handled it discreetly and didn’t tell Ian, Edward had sent him a letter revealing the truth. The amount mentioned was over ten times Ian’s annual academy tuition.
Ian especially hated the feeling of being unworthy around Aisha. When they were young, he had thought it was enough just to care for her, but the world wasn’t so simple.
‘Someday, I’ll… I’ll earn enough money that I can buy things like this just on a whim.’
Clutching the watch, Ian made his vow. But strangely, the determination didn’t give him the usual energy. Shaking his head, he picked up his pen to refocus. The moment he touched it, drops of red blood fell onto the book.
“Ugh!”
He quickly pulled out a handkerchief to pinch his nose. His nosebleeds were becoming more frequent and heavier. Seeing the red made his dizziness worse. Realizing he could no longer force himself to study, Ian stood from the desk in frustration.
After the bleeding stopped, Ian collapsed onto his bed. Closing his eyes, he tried to calculate how long he could rest. A sigh full of exhaustion escaped him.
But despite being tired, sleep wouldn’t come. Wandering aimlessly in the darkness, he muttered without realizing it,
“…Will I be able to do it?”
“Graduating student representative, Ian Lloyd, please come forward.”
It was the academy’s graduation ceremony. With nobles and prestigious families gathered, the event was grand. The Parden family, including Sophia, had come to celebrate Ian. Everyone except one looked at him with pride as he took the stage.
“That Ian bastard. He’s so damn stubborn.”
“Daniel. Can’t you at least offer a proper compliment?”
“That was a compliment. But what’s with her now?”
Seeing Sophia shedding tears instead of smiling on this joyful occasion, Daniel shrugged. No matter what Daniel said, Sophia was too busy sniffling. Aisha tried to approach and ask why, but Sophia kept brushing her hand away.
Only Arthur understood why Sophia was crying. Ian’s graduation also meant Arthur’s entrance ceremony was coming soon. He quietly approached Sophia and whispered for her to stop crying. She did, but her red, swollen eyes remained.
“With this, we conclude the graduation ceremony. May our graduates’ futures be filled with nothing but happiness!”
The event ended after two hours. Graduates dispersed with their families. Ian, who had remained on stage the entire time, walked toward the Parden family and Sophia.
“What are you doing standing there? Hurry up, Ian!”
As Ian pushed through the crowd, he suddenly stopped. Daniel, frustrated, waved him over—but Ian didn’t move.
“Ian…?”
A look of worry appeared on Aisha’s face. Only when he saw her smile fade did Ian start moving again. She was the first to run toward him.
“Congratulations, Ian!”
Without caring about the crowd, Aisha threw herself into Ian’s arms. Marisa looked displeased, Count Parden cleared his throat, and Daniel tried to pull Aisha away. Edward simply smiled, and Sophia pouted and poked Arthur in the ribs. Arthur silently stepped to the side, pretending not to notice.
“Congratulations.”
“Congratulations, Ian.”
“Congrats, big brother.”
In the end, everyone congratulated Ian. As he received a bouquet, Ian thanked Aisha for coming first and then gave his gratitude to Count and Countess Parden. Sophia, however, was upset that her brother hadn’t acknowledged her first. But Ian was still mad at her for the massive financial blunder she caused four years ago.
“To Ian’s graduation!”
After the ceremony, the Parden estate hosted a grand dinner party. Count Parden gave every servant a gold coin and kept praising Ian while drinking. Marisa gave him a side-eye for his over-the-top behavior—more than when Edward graduated as class representative—but eventually joined in the celebration.
“Hey, have another drink! The guest of honor has to drink!”
As the feast continued, more people got drunk. When Count and Countess Parden left the hall citing their intoxication, Daniel, now completely tipsy, started hiccuping.
“Daniel. You’ve had more than Ian. Quit making a fool of yourself and go to bed.”
“Aw, bro! You’re not drunk yet? Why’s the room spinning?”
Edward supported Daniel, who looked about ready to crawl, while offering Ian a drink. Aisha, looking at Daniel with pity, whispered to Ian that they should go outside. Ian followed her lead. Behind them, Sophia glared with triangular eyes, but she couldn’t stop her brother who was clearly uninterested in dealing with her.
“Now we can finally be alone. I’m so happy.”
Aisha whispered as the cool breeze hit them in the garden. Though she’d only had two drinks, her cheeks were already flushed.
“You’re happy too, right, Ian?”
“…Yeah.”
Ian replied a bit late. Even in her tipsy state, Aisha noticed the hesitation. She turned her head toward him.
Ian, who had been facing forward like her, turned to meet her gaze. His face, smiling gently beneath golden hair, looked as kind as ever. Aisha scolded herself for worrying unnecessarily and asked what had been bothering her.
“At the ceremony… why did you suddenly stop walking?”
Ian’s eyes flickered slightly at her question. There were two reasons why he had stopped. One was because Aisha, more dressed up than usual, looked so beautiful and radiant that her smile overwhelmed him. The other…
‘…Can I really protect Aisha the way she is now?’
Ian had started doubting himself. Even though he graduated top of his class and as student representative, the future felt strangely bleak. And when those doubts crept in, it was Aisha he worried about the most.
In every way, House Parden was perfect for Aisha. Loving, supportive parents, brothers who’d give their lives for her, and a comfortable environment where she lacked for nothing…
Every time Ian thought of it, he felt how little he truly had. Though he was the head of a prestigious noble house, what could he actually do for her right now? Could someone like him really make Aisha happy?
What began as a small frustration during his time at the academy had grown, leaving a hollow hole in his heart. But he couldn’t let Aisha see that. Forcing a smile, Ian pressed his lips to her forehead. After a soft kiss, he whispered,
“Just… because you looked so beautiful. I froze for a second while admiring you.”
Unaware of Ian’s inner turmoil, Aisha blushed and smiled. That flawless, innocent smile made Ian feel like his throat was tightening again, but he didn’t show it.
