Chapter 55 …
There were plenty of excuses I could have used in this situation.
I could say I felt uncomfortable because I ate too many snacks, that I was curious about the garden landscaping, that I just wanted to take a short walk… and so on.
But in this moment, I felt an urge to be completely honest with him about my feelings.
I didn’t know why. Perhaps it had been too long since I’d laughed and shared thoughts with someone, and I simply wanted anyone—anyone at all—to listen to me.
“I… don’t like interacting with nobles.”
When I said that, the man’s eyes widened in surprise, then he burst into a hearty laugh.
It was such a genuine, pleasant laugh that I could tell he found my words amusing.
“There are indeed many people who love gossiping about others.”
He sat down beside me, leaving a comfortable distance between us.
The warmth in his blue eyes was so precious that I couldn’t look away.
“I don’t really enjoy parties either. I prefer deep connections with a few friends.”
I had no friends to connect with, but I nodded in agreement as if I understood.
“That’s very true.”
Side by side, we gazed at the night sky, exchanging all sorts of thoughts.
There were so many things I could relate to in him. Perhaps it was just my imagination, or maybe he was simply humoring me.
Either way, he was one of the few people I could actually talk to, and having a real conversation after such a long time made me a little giddy.
Because of that, I completely forgot the first rule of my life: never open your heart to anyone.
“I’ve never made a real friend at a social party. Not once.”
“Me neither. Everyone’s too busy evaluating each other…”
“Isn’t it unreasonable that wealth and power are the measure of one’s values?”
“Exactly. I also think such a mindset makes understanding life’s essence difficult.”
After some time of conversation, he looked at me and asked casually:
“Now that I think about it, we’ve been chatting without even exchanging names. What is your name, Lady?”
“Ah, I’m…”
I unconsciously looked away, hesitant.
It would be polite to introduce myself, yet revealing my identity felt difficult.
Would he turn cold toward me, just like everyone else?
Fear prickled my heart, but I couldn’t lie. I bowed my head and answered.
“Mu… Muriel Ternie…”
The words slipped out barely above a whisper. I wasn’t even sure he heard me clearly.
I dared only a quick glance at him, seeing just the edge of his jaw from this angle.
He remained silent for a long while. As my unease grew, he finally muttered a short word.
“Ah.”
“……”
In that instant, I sensed a chilling shift in the air.
When I timidly raised my head, our eyes met—and his gaze was cold, sinking into me.
My heart plummeted.
As I opened my mouth in embarrassment, he showed me a cynicism as sharp as winter rain.
The meaning was clear.
He, too, had heard the rumors about Muriel Ternie.
And he believed them—misjudging me entirely.
I sucked in a breath.
My heart pounded as if it would burst.
“So you’re the daughter of the Ternie family.”
His voice was short, carrying an edge of disdain. I flinched instinctively, frozen.
To think someone who had shown me kindness would actually despise me—it was a shock far greater than I anticipated.
“Do you not know who I am?”
“I…”
I had almost no knowledge of social gatherings, noble lineages, or portraits. I couldn’t possibly know who he was.
I fidgeted, anxious.
“I’m sorry… I’ve only just started attending public events recently…”
“Ah.”
He let out a low, knowing sigh.
There was a hint of mockery in his tone as he continued:
“I’ve heard the story. That you were raised as a precious gem in the Ternie family.”
“…It’s not quite like that.”
I snapped back sharply, overcome with frustration.
Hadn’t we just been enjoying our conversation?
And yet, upon hearing my name, he immediately turned against me?
I could not comprehend judging someone based on rumors alone.
He sneered, as if incredulous at my indignation.
“Impressive—your lying skills are exceptional. If it were anyone else, perhaps, but the daughter of the Ternie family couldn’t possibly fail to recognize me.”
“Who are you? I really don’t know.”
My voice trembled, betraying my frustration, disbelief, and disappointment. My eyes grew hot.
He rose like a ghost, his gaze piercing with contempt.
His cold blue eyes brushed over my shoulder and the edge of my coat. A crooked half-smile formed as he said icily:
“You don’t need to return that coat. Burn it, discard it, whatever you like.”
“……”
“I’ve heard the eldest daughter of Ternie is cruel, but I didn’t know she could be so dull as to forget someone’s name—especially an enemy’s.”
I bit my lip tightly at the word enemy.
For a few seconds, the weight of its meaning pressed down on me with terrifying intensity.
Enemy.
Of the Ternie family…
“My name is Raoul Winterberg. I hope you didn’t forget that.”
“……”
“I hope we won’t run into each other like this again.”
He glanced at me with disgust and strode away.
“……”
A sharp wind rustled the leaves at my feet.
I felt rooted to the spot, unable to move.
Only after the moon had shifted far across the night sky did a dry, hollow sigh escape my lips.
“Ha…”
Such bad luck.
It was simultaneously ridiculous and miserable.
“…What a bastard.”
As soon as I opened my eyes, that was the first thought I murmured.
So the “core memory”… was my first encounter with Raoul?
Core memory successfully collected!
From now on, Muriel’s memories will automatically synchronize with your consciousness.
Automatic synchronization?
What an ominous phrase…
During your dreams, Muriel’s memories will seep into your mind.
Once synchronization completes, coins will be credited as usual—no worries!
Coins aren’t the issue…
I let out a long, heavy sigh.
Going forward, the sync rate will be reflected in your profile.
Current synchronization: 34%
34%? That’s pretty high…
Ominous, just ominous…
Will I become Muriel, or Muriel become me?
Is this a butterfly dream? Am I the heir or the butterfly?
I shook my head and stretched, joints creaking.
My stomach was tight, and my throat dry. I went to the table and drank a glass of water.
Then I remembered the lemon water Lysian had made for me.
“……”
I set the cup down and stood rooted to the spot, biting my lips.
What was this feeling?
Even though it was just a dream, seeing Raoul stirred my heart, and with no one beside me, I felt an empty void…
I slumped onto the sofa, leaning weakly against the backrest, staring at the empty air.
After a long while, I realized something suddenly.
From this moment—no, from the moment I woke up—I missed Lysian terribly.
“…If I miss him, I can just go see him!”
I sprang up and shouted. Without hesitation, I strode toward the door.
I wanted to blow away this gloomy feeling and gain unshakable confidence.
In this life, I’m carving out a completely different path.
Lysian is by my side.
There’s also the foolish Ninabel.
Dante, Daphne, Allen, Mihail… the Veratis Guild members are here too.
So don’t let the past hold you back, Muriel.
A reminder to Muriel, and also a promise to myself.
I flung the door wide open and ran without hesitation.
I ran as fast as I could.
At the end of the hallway, I saw Lysian talking with the guild members.
“Lysian!”
“Muriel?”
Before I could finish calling, Lysian turned toward me. I dashed into his arms without a second thought.
The warmth only he could give enveloped me completely.
