TYWML 34

34. Baroness Donovan (2)
June 3, 2024

Baroness Donovan’s offer was certainly tempting. It was, in fact, exactly what Liena had hoped for when she decided to flee in the night.

Moreover, just as the baroness had said, relying on her was far better than marrying Cassel as things stood.

The people of the Winkler family, including Cassel, were kind. But Liena knew that one day, she would have to leave them.

If that was the case, then it made more sense to lean on a blood relative and find someone to share her life with.

‘Then why do I feel so strange?’

Cassel’s face came to mind—the one that had said all he wanted was Liena’s happiness.

He acted as if making her happy was his life’s mission.

It seemed almost too much, considering they had merely spent some time together as children. But deep down, Liena didn’t dislike the way he felt.

What would Cassel say if Liena chose to live with the Donovan family instead?

Judging by his past actions, he would probably respect her decision.

Even though they had signed a contract just a few days ago, he didn’t seem like someone who would care about that if it wasn’t what Liena wanted.

But then… what would happen to Cassel?

“I’m already happy enough.”

He had held her hand and whispered those words like he truly meant them.

Could she really leave Cassel behind so coldly, just to pursue her own happiness?

Liena closed her eyes for a moment, lost in thought, then opened them. Her eyes now shone with more clarity than ever before.

“Aunt.”

Perhaps her answer had been decided from the very beginning.

“The day His Grace proposed to me, I made up my mind completely. This wasn’t a marriage I was pushed into—it’s one I chose for myself.”

And with him… I think I can be happy.
That part lingered on her lips, too difficult to say aloud.

Two weeks ago, when she first came to the Winkler estate and began to dream again, Liena couldn’t confidently say she’d be happy.

She didn’t think she’d be unhappy, but she wasn’t sure if she’d be happy either. That’s what she had believed.

But then—

“I’ll make you happy.”

Cassel had said that clearly. He had also said that just meeting her had already made him happy.

And over the past two weeks, Cassel had indeed looked happy whenever she saw him.

He didn’t talk much, but he listened intently whenever she opened up, and remembered the things she said she liked—later gifting them to her.

And the way he looked at her…
Sometimes, he would gaze at her with such sweet eyes, as if honey were dripping from them, just like in her dreams.

Whenever their eyes met, he’d quickly manage his expression, but Liena remembered the smile that would briefly flicker across his face.

Whether or not Cassel Winkler was the man from her dreams no longer mattered.

Liena now felt drawn to the real Cassel standing in front of her.

She wasn’t sure whether it was romantic attraction or simply affection for a longtime friend.

But one thing she did know—she didn’t want to leave him behind.

Even if the day would come when they’d have to part, right now, at least, she wanted to stay by his side and help him find happiness.

So, Liena was able to answer the Baroness with confidence.

“If I’m with His Grace, I believe I’ll be happy. So, Aunt, I hope you’ll give us your blessing.”

The Baroness studied Liena’s face intently, as if trying to determine whether she truly meant those words.

After a moment, she nodded in understanding.

“You look good. Your mother had that same smile before she married your father. You resemble her so much—it’s like I’m looking at her again.”

I’m smiling?
Liena touched her face with her fingertips. She hadn’t even realized it, but her lips were gently curved upward.

It seemed that just thinking of Cassel now was enough to make her smile.

“Liena.”

The Baroness gently took Liena’s hand. Her touch was warm—so much so, it nearly brought Liena to tears.

“I suppose you didn’t really need my permission, but still, I want to say this—congratulations on your marriage. Truly.”

It was her aunt’s blessing. But somehow, Liena felt as though her late parents were also giving her their blessing from above.

“I’ll come visit often.”

“Yes, let’s see each other frequently from now on.”

Baroness Donovan saw Liena off as she stepped outside the mansion.

As Liena was about to board the Winkler carriage that had just arrived, the door suddenly opened, and Cassel stepped out.

It was actually Baroness Donovan, standing behind Liena, who was more surprised.

She had only heard of Cassel Winkler through rumors, and now, seeing him in person, she swallowed nervously and quickly gave him a respectful noble bow.

“There’s no need for that, Baroness Donovan.”

To her surprise, Cassel quickly took her hand and helped her stand. Then, as if that weren’t enough, he even bowed respectfully to her.

Both the Baroness and Liena were shocked.

After all, this was a Duke bowing to a Baroness.

In this empire, the only people Cassel Winkler would be expected to bow to were members of the royal family.

Flustered, the Baroness stammered.

“P-Please, Your Grace, there’s no need—”

Cassel gently interrupted her.

“No, I must. If you’re Lady Dyke’s aunt, then you’re my aunt as well. It’s only proper to greet an elder of the family.”

Then, he straightened and carefully took Liena’s hand.

“The Winkler family… unfortunately lacks elders we can turn to for life advice. May I come visit you from time to time for guidance?”

It was a groundbreaking proposal. The Duke of Winkler wanted to treat a baroness as a family elder?

Baroness Donovan was so taken aback by the offer that she couldn’t find the words to respond. Liena spoke in her place.

“My aunt and uncle would love that. Baron Donovan is a good man as well.”

“I’ve heard as much.”

Liena leaned in and whispered quietly.

“By the way, didn’t you say you had work today?”

“I finished early and came back quickly. I felt uneasy letting you go alone…”

A ticklish sensation stirred in Liena’s chest. The hurt she’d felt just hours ago melted away like cotton candy in water.

Cassel gently squeezed her hand once more, then turned to the Baroness and asked carefully,

“Forgive me for showing up unannounced. If it’s not too much trouble, may I speak with you for a moment?”

The Baroness seemed surprised but soon led him to the parlor.

Ten minutes later—

Liena was alone in a smaller drawing room, sipping tea.

Cassel had requested a private conversation with the Baroness. Most likely, they were speaking now in the largest drawing room of the mansion.

What are they talking about?

It wasn’t hard to guess. It was obvious.

Cassel had probably come, like many grooms-to-be, to formally ask for her hand in marriage.

Still, Liena wondered what expression and tone he’d used.

Had he said he wanted to marry her with a completely blank face? Or had he looked excited, like she had?

She couldn’t quite picture Cassel with an elated expression—but she hoped, at least, that he felt the same way she did.

The conversation, which she’d thought would end quickly, went on longer than expected. As the minutes dragged on, Liena began to feel anxious.

What if Aunt suddenly changed her mind and objected?

As she nervously tapped the table with her fingers, the door opened, and the Baroness entered.

Liena let out a sigh—one that was involuntarily tinged with disappointment. She had expected it to be Cassel.

The Baroness chuckled cheerfully.

“Disappointed that it’s me and not His Grace?”

“That’s not it.”

“It’s written all over your face.”

Liena smiled awkwardly.

“How was the conversation?”

“It went well. I think I judged the Duke too harshly based on rumors.”

It seemed she finally understood why Liena had been so insistent in defending him.

“What did you two talk about?”

The Baroness, who had become much closer to Liena after today’s conversation, winked.

“He came to ask for my blessing. Honestly, when you showed up alone earlier, I was a bit concerned, but it turns out I worried for nothing.”

The Baroness smiled in satisfaction, then tilted her head thoughtfully.

“But didn’t you say you hadn’t seen each other in years? That it hadn’t been long since you reunited?”

“Yes, that’s right. Why do you ask?”

“Well… something seemed a little odd.”

“Odd?”

Liena pressed for an answer, but the Baroness hesitated to speak.

“Aunt?”

“Liena, when you reach my age, reading the thoughts of someone your age is surprisingly easy.”

“…”

“You’ve hidden your expression well, but even understanding the Duke’s thoughts wasn’t difficult. And you know what?”

The Baroness paused, choosing her words carefully.

“Both you and the Duke… you look like people in love. Not like two people rushing into a marriage of convenience.”

Was that how I looked?