Episode 53
“Evidence, you say…”
If evidence meant the scars Ian had accumulated until today, along with the fresh wounds from today, then there was evidence.
And I, as a witness to the scene, was also there.
But the woman knew too.
That there couldn’t be definite evidence and witnesses to prove that her child had hit Ian.
I, too, was well aware of that.
“Viscountess McKellen.”
I called the woman, recalling the name she had introduced herself with earlier.
As she quickly approached me, I leaned close to her ear and whispered in a hushed voice that only she could hear.
“Do you think I, the former lady of the Anates family, will just stand by quietly with no evidence?”
“What? Th-that…”
This time, the woman’s eyes began to show fear, as if she understood the meaning of my words exactly.
“Don’t anger me any further. Let’s go, Ian.”
“Lady. Oh, Madam! Please listen to me, Madam!”
I heard the voice of the Viscountess McKellen calling out from behind, but I ignored it and led Ian back into the bookstore.
After settling the unpaid bill for the books, we left the bookstore and got into the carriage.
* * *
Inside the carriage, I examined Ian’s body and thankfully, there weren’t any visible wounds.
But considering he had been kicked, there were probably bruises on his body.
Since we couldn’t inspect the child’s clothes from the outside, it seemed better to go home.
“Let’s head back for today and come out again next time.”
Ian nodded in agreement with my suggestion, and I instructed the coachman to turn the carriage around.
“But what about that book?”
He had been holding onto the book tightly ever since we calculated the bill at the bookstore, arousing my curiosity.
‘It seems like he was hit because of that book.’
“Is it a book you wanted to read?”
Ian shook his head sideways.
If it wasn’t a book he wanted to read, then why was he holding onto it so desperately?
Then it happened.
After hesitating for a while and seeming indecisive, Ian suddenly handed me the book that he had been clinging onto in his arms.
In an unexpected turn of events, I asked Ian, bewildered.
“Are you giving it to me?”
“…Yes.”
“You bought this book to give to me?”
This time, instead of a response, he just nodded again.
Feeling a strange sensation, I received the book from the child.
The title and author written on the cover looked familiar.
‘In Search of the Continent 2’
It was the latest book by Christian Maximus that I had given to Ian as a gift, and it was also currently enjoying great popularity.
“You gave me the first book as a gift, so… I wanted to give you this one too…”
Ian mumbled, seemingly embarrassed.
“But there was only one copy left, so I picked it up first…”
Even though he was interrupted, I could understand what Ian wanted to say.
So, he was looking for the book to give it to me as a gift, and coincidentally, the same child who had hit him earlier was also looking for the same book.
Ian endured violence to prevent himself from giving me the book.
I felt like crying at that moment.
In truth, until now, I had thought that Ian still didn’t like me very much.
I thought his feelings wouldn’t change easily due to his affection for his brother.
But I was wrong.
I had misunderstood.
The child in front of me was even kinder and purer than I had known.
He had already accepted me and was ready to repay the kindness I had shown him.
“Ian…”
I gazed at Ian with a grateful expression.
“Thank you. Really, thank you.”
Suppressing the overwhelming emotions, I expressed my gratitude to Ian repeatedly.
Lost in emotion, I was flipping through the book when the carriage passed through the gates of the mansion.
While preparing to get off while holding the precious book close to me, Ian grabbed the hem of my dress and spoke up.
“But, you know. If we submit the petition to the academy, won’t your brother find out…?”
“Ah, probably, yes?”
Ian’s expression turned gloomy as if he had foreseen trouble.
“We shouldn’t let my brother know, if he knows…”
“Ian.”
Interrupting his anxious words, I looked at Ian.
“If we submit the petition to the academy, rumors will spread. And then it’s only a matter of time before the Duke knows. But before that happens, I plan to inform the Duke myself. I can’t let my brother hear about his brother’s situation through others.”
“Ah…”
“So, what do you want to do, Ian? Tell me what you want to do. I’ll do as you wish.”
“I… I…”
With a hesitant expression, Ian mumbled continuously.
I knew very well what Ian was deliberating.
If he were to return to the academy without doing anything, incidents like today’s might become commonplace.
On the other hand, if he were to reveal what happened today, his brother would find out everything.
I hoped Ian would muster the courage he showed earlier.
Though I wasn’t devoid of fear and worry, I hoped we could take a step forward for the future.
“Ian.”
Calling Ian with determination, I continued, “If you decide to submit the petition to the academy, I’ll do everything I can to protect you. I have enough power to do so. So, how about trusting me and facing this together?”
Ian’s eyes shook intensely upon hearing my words.
Then, as if he remembered something, he flinched slightly before looking straight at me and replying, “…I’ll do that.”
“Really?”
I couldn’t help but blurt out in surprise at Ian’s unexpected response.
As Ian slowly nodded, I felt tears welling up from overwhelming joy.
“Ian, thank you so much. Thank you for trusting me. From now on, just trust me, okay?”
“…Yes.”
With that, I confirmed Ian’s determination once again and got off the carriage with him, entering the mansion together.
It seemed Lloydin hadn’t returned from the palace yet.
I instructed William, who had come to greet us, to bring Colin to Ian’s room immediately.
Fortunately, Ian only had a few bruises and wasn’t seriously injured.
With a relieved sigh, I advised Ian to rest and went with Colin to the room.
“Are you really okay?”
“Yes. If I apply the ointment regularly, I’ll recover soon.”
“Phew, that’s a relief. Thank you, Colin.”
“It’s nothing. I just did what I had to do.”
“By the way, how’s life here?”
“It’s going reasonably well.”
Colin replied with his usual impassive expression.
“I see. Are the food and accommodations okay?”
“Yes. They’re plentiful and comfortable.”
As we conversed, we reached the first-floor hall.
“Alright. If anything happens or if you need anything, make sure to tell me, okay?”
“Yes, I will. But, um… How is Madam…?”
“Huh?”
Colin hesitated slightly as if the word “Madam” didn’t roll off his tongue easily.
“I’m curious about her health.”
“Oh, I’m fine. Really good.”
I reassured him with a wide smile, as if to say he shouldn’t worry.
“If you’re okay, that’s a relief. But if Madam… happens to feel unwell, you must come find me immediately.”
Colin said firmly.
“Yeah, I will.”
“Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Alright. Take care.”
As Colin stepped away, I returned to the study to organize today’s events and attend to remaining tasks.
* * *
Late into the night, Lloydin finally returned to the mansion.
The carriage stopped in front of the mansion, and Lloydin alighted.
“My lord, you’re back late.”
“Madam
I couldn’t discern what had happened at the palace, but his face bore a faint smile upon seeing me, tinged with exhaustion.
“The weather is chilly.”
Seeing me with a simple shawl over my nightwear, Lloydin furrowed his brow slightly.
“Ian must have been tired from today’s outing; he’s already asleep. So, I came out alone without waking him.”
“Next time, don’t come out. It’s cold, so let’s go inside quickly.”
As I was about to respond to Lloydin’s instruction not to come out again, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and my words got stuck in my throat.
Feeling his sturdy frame against my back, shoulders, and arms, my mind went blank.
Although we had embraced in moments of sleep before, this intense physical contact was unprecedented.
Sensations I had felt while being held by him yesterday began to resurface one by one.
Feeling bewildered and unsure of what to do, I remained stiff until he guided me with a natural gesture.
I’m crying for Ian .. on my baby.. he is just a babe 😭😭😭😖
[Thank you for the translation 🙏 ❤]