Chapter 89
Sobbing uncontrollably, Sophia finished her words and was helped out by a maid. Ian didn’t relax his stern expression until Sophia had left the room, but the moment the door closed behind her, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion.
“Ha…”
Returning to his desk, Ian slumped into his chair and pulled out a cigar. Ever since their parents passed away, his only remaining family, his younger sister, would frequently cause serious trouble, giving him constant headaches.
“Sophia pushed Aisha first. Can’t you see the scrape on her knee?”
“Father said not to say anything, but Sophia’s bought quite a few things under our name outside of Pardenka. Maybe some sellers took advantage of her ignorance, but even accounting for that, this amount is…”
“Do you have any idea what happened to Aisha because of your sister’s filthy tricks?”
Still, Ian could never bring himself to scold Sophia too harshly. There was always a lingering emotion that followed whenever he thought of his sister.
“Ian. I am your only younger sister, aren’t I?”
After their parents died, Sophia had been sent to live in Pardenka. There, she often expressed her feelings of neglect toward Ian. While part of her anxiety stemmed from the abrupt change in environment, it was mostly due to Aisha—her peer—who unwittingly provoked her jealousy.
Aisha never bullied Sophia. But to Sophia, who had lost her parents, the existence of a girl her age who was not only loved by her parents but also adored by her brothers stirred a deep sense of inferiority. Ian had picked up on her emotional state more quickly than anyone and tried to support her as best he could. However, during those difficult days when even looking after himself was a struggle, Ian had his limits. He couldn’t always give her the affection she craved.
Even so, Ian believed he had done his best for his sister back then. But no matter how much he told himself that, the guilt of not having done better lingered whenever he thought of her. That’s why, every time Sophia caused trouble—especially involving money—he couldn’t bring himself to issue any punishment beyond cutting her allowance and grounding her at home.
“…I was just hurt, that’s all. I was just a little jealous.”
“…”
“Hic… Forget everything else. Can’t you just spend some time with me? Once a week, even for just an hour or two?”
“…”
“If you give me just that, I promise I’ll stop acting out toward Aisha. I won’t throw tantrums or get jealous anymore.”
This time was no different. As Sophia wept and revealed her true feelings, Ian found himself softening again without meaning to. Though he was angry, he also felt pity—and guilt. In the end, all he could do was promise to spend time with her once a week and tell her to reflect in her room. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsher.
“Spending time together once a week… It should help mend her relationship with Aisha. There’s been resentment for a while, but it’ll get better. It has to.”
Ian exhaled a cloud of cigar smoke, trying to release the frustration bottled up inside. But as the smoke vanished without a trace, a different kind of suffocating pressure wrapped around his throat.
“Is Sophia’s relationship with Aisha really the issue right now? I should be worried about myself first…”
A deep sigh escaped him. Holding the cigar in one hand, Ian lowered his head.
“…It’s probably best if we don’t see each other for a while.”
Those words from Aisha… The more time passed since she said it, the more tormented Ian became. He had tried to stay positive since yesterday, but anxiety gnawed at him—what if she never came back? The fear wrapped tightly around him like invisible chains.
Staring at the burning tip of the cigar, Ian finally stubbed it out in the ashtray. The end, now crushed and half-burnt, looked pitiful—just like him, he thought with a bitter laugh.
“…I can’t just stay like this.”
The anxiety in his chest boiled into impatience. It hadn’t even been two days since Aisha asked for space, but Ian felt he could no longer sit and wait.
“I can’t go to her… but I can’t just do nothing either.”
Like a stray dog, he began pacing the room in circles. His hurried steps echoed his rising panic. He bit his lips anxiously, unaware of the dizziness building in his head.
Knock knock.
“Master, it’s James.”
Ian’s frantic movement only stopped at the sound of the knock. Hearing James’s voice from outside, something clicked in his mind, and he quickly strode across the room and flung the door open.
James, startled by his master standing right at the door, flinched. But Ian ignored his expression, walked back to the desk, and began voicing his thoughts aloud.
“Ah, James. You came at the perfect time. Starting tomorrow—no, that’s too soon. The day after tomorrow—can you place an order for some flowers?”
“Flowers, sir? All of a sudden…?”
“Send Aisha a large bouquet every day. Until I say otherwise. Only the best ones.”
Ian’s flurry of words was unlike his usual composed self, but James, guessing the reason, gave a silent nod.
“Yes, understood.”
Ian finally looked at him, hearing his calm and steady voice. James smiled gently, as if to reassure him, and replied once again.
“Don’t worry, sir. I’ll notify our supplier today.”
“…Thank you. Please take care of it.”
Ian felt a small sliver of comfort at James’s response. Feeling slightly embarrassed, he gave a dry cough. Then, noticing the stack of letters in James’s hand, he asked,
“Ah, letters came, I see. Hand them over.”
“Yes, here they are.”
Taking the stack, Ian quickly scanned the recipients, hoping—just maybe—that one would be from Pardenka.
But among the dozen letters, not a single one bore the seal of Pardenka.
Meanwhile…
“Young Lady, don’t you think we’ve come a bit far out?”
“Oh, don’t be such a worrywart. Edward oppa travels several days’ distance multiple times a month.”
Aisha was on her way to Lafran Village, on the outskirts of the capital, accompanied by her maid Marie. Located at the far edge of the capital, Lafran was known for its beautiful textiles, embroidered with gold thread in unique patterns. The quality was so exceptional that the imperial family regularly purchased from them.
Naturally, Lafran’s fabrics were highly sought after among the nobility. But production was limited, so influential noble families signed contracts with the village artisans to reserve their orders in advance. The Pardenka family was no exception, and Aisha was heading there to inspect their reserved materials.
“But Master Edward is the future heir—this is expected of him… Young Lady, you’re still a noblewoman and not in the best health.”
From Marie’s point of view, it bothered her that Aisha had volunteered for this task. Though still technically within the capital, the journey to Lafran was three hours by carriage, over winding and sometimes mountainous roads—far from easy, especially for someone frail.
“And after how sick you felt last night—you even skipped dinner! Please don’t push yourself too hard.”
“I’m not pushing myself. I’m just doing what I should’ve been doing all along.”
Aisha spoke as she looked out at the scenery. Though the road was rough and the leaves piled high, the wildflowers and stones gave the path a unique charm.
“Father, Edward oppa, and even the rest of the family—they’re all working. Even Mother manages several businesses beyond the household, and my sister-in-law leads her merchant group all year long.”
With a faint smile, Aisha’s face showed a subtle sense of freedom. Marie, who had been by her side for years, had never seen such an expression and unconsciously stared at her.
“Daniel oppa is busy with knight training… Arthur oppa is focused on his studies. Now that I say it, I’m the only one who’s lived comfortably until now. Don’t you think so, Marie?”
Unaware she was being watched, Aisha turned with a small laugh. Her silvery blue eyes sparkled, snapping Marie out of her daze.
“Well, you’ve helped the Madam with household duties every month, and sometimes… sometimes…”
“Can’t think of much else, can you?”
“…”
“Of course you can’t. I’ve always been more interested in other things than housework.”
For the first time during the ride, a shadow crossed Aisha’s previously bright face. Marie, guessing who she was thinking of, hurried to speak.
“N-No, it’s not strange at all! Most noble ladies aren’t like that! How many young ladies actually go around handling business matters? Most of them just take bridal lessons while waiting to get married! So you see…”
The longer Marie went on, the more Aisha’s face darkened, especially at the mention of marriage. Realizing her mistake, Marie trailed off awkwardly.
“But I was educated just like my brothers. I need to prove that was worth it. Otherwise, it’s a waste.”
Aisha tried to shake off the mood and forced a bright voice as she smiled. Marie, catching the cue, replied in a playful tone.
“You sound just like the Madam. Truly, blood doesn’t lie.”
“Oh, what nonsense…”
But the conversation ended there. Aisha turned back to the window, deep in thought, while Marie fidgeted with her fingers and stared at the carriage floor.
