HSTLB Chapter 47

I stared at Lireania, confused by her words. She smiled gently, her expression slightly apologetic, but I had a feeling the apology wasn’t meant for me.

 

“This was a birthday gift from my brother.”

 

“Your 19th birthday, right?”

 

“Yes, you were there that day.”

 

At that time, Serhen often talked with Lireania about my issues. To be precise, it was like counseling. Raising a younger sister without a mother seemed to have caused him a lot of trouble, and I, in my late rebellion, added to his burdens. Despite becoming close, they didn’t become a couple until my 19th birthday.

 

“Yes, I remember. Lord Serhen gave you a black jewelry box, didn’t he?”

 

“Exactly. And he even put the necklace on me.”

 

“Do you remember how things were back then?” A smile crept across Lireania’s face as if she was recalling a fond memory.

 

“Yes, I do. You told me to choose my favorite gift among all the ones you received.”

 

There had been quite a few gifts that day. Though it was a small, intimate birthday party, just between us. Since I didn’t have many close friends, Lireania was the only one I invited. To avoid making her feel left out, Serhen had prepared many gifts for me.

 

“And the gift I chose was the one from you.”

 

I remembered it clearly. Her gift wasn’t particularly expensive. It was a hair ribbon made from fabric and lace, with a simple bow decoration that could be attached anywhere. And yet, it was the one I liked the most. It reminded me of one of the few happy memories from my past life—when my mother, who raised me in poverty, gave me a similar birthday present. That’s why I held Lireania even dearer.

 

“Lord Serhen felt a little wounded by that.”

 

We burst into laughter, recalling the memory.

 

“My brother said he felt like he lost to you that day and found it fascinating how you could move people’s hearts.”

 

Lireania’s cheeks flushed.

 

That afternoon, Serhen had confessed to Lireania, telling her she was the first woman to ever beat him.

 

“And after that?”

 

“He asked me to pick my second favorite gift.”

 

But why was she bringing up all this now? What did it have to do with the cross’s true owner?

 

“When I chose the cross, my brother’s face…”

 

I remembered. His expression had frozen stiff. But when I told him how much I loved the cross and kissed him on the cheek, his tension eased.

 

“He kept asking me again and again, ‘Do you really like the cross the most?’”

 

He had such a bitter expression.

 

“Wait… was he upset because the cross was a gift from someone else?”

 

Lireania smiled instead of answering. That was her response.

 

“But my brother doesn’t seem like the type to get upset over something like that.”

 

“It depends on who gave it to you, don’t you think?” Lireania’s words carried a hidden meaning.

 

Suddenly, heavy words from someone else flashed through my mind—words I had brushed off at the time.

 

“What did you mean when you said my brother lied?”

 

“Cross.”

 

“What cross?”

 

“Ask Serhen about the rest.”

 

So, this was connected to that. Lireania’s reaction made it seem like the answer was already clear.

 

What was going on here? In the book I’d first read, Kasion had held the cross in his hand as he killed Serhen. Could there have been another reason for that murder? Was it because he felt betrayed by a friend’s lie? Did he love me even then? But why did he take Lireania and not me?

 

“Lady Ariel?”

 

“It’s all so complicated.”

 

The truth behind a story I thought was over had suddenly become twisted. But then again, does it even matter? It’s not something that will happen in the future.

 

“There’s no need to complicate things. Lord Serhen deserves a scolding, that’s all.”

 

“Why would my brother do something like that?”

 

Lately, Serhen has become more sensitive, but they always get along well.

 

“Who knows? I might have an idea, but it’s not my place to say.”

 

“True.”

 

“But I’m certain the duke was angry.” She brushed her neck with a slightly exasperated look.

 

“Oh! So that’s why the necklace was broken at that time…”

 

Even though it was Serhen’s fault… I had been disrespectful to Kasion, lending the necklace to another woman before showing it that I wore it to the person who gifted it to me.

 

“I guess he had a right to be angry.”

 

“I doubt the duke was mad at you, Lady Ariel. Honestly, Lord Serhen deserves the blame.”

 

Lireania winked playfully. She still sided with Serhen.

 

“But he’s just a brother who doesn’t want to lose his sister to another man. So go easy on him, won’t you?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Thank you. So, what will you do about the necklace?”

 

I thought for a moment. There wasn’t much time left. Moreover, I owed an apology.

 

“I’ll go ask him about it.”

 

“You’re going in person?”

 

“Yes… I think I should apologize.”

 

“That sounds like a good idea. If you get permission, bring the cross to Veloire. We can have it fixed at the jeweler and attach it to the dress right away.”

 

I nodded firmly at Lireania.

 

This was the wedding I had rushed off. The least thing I could do was not to ruin it again.

 

* * *

“Will Kasion be very late?”

 

“He should finish his business at the imperial palace soon.”

 

I couldn’t meet Kasion at the duchy. He was at the imperial palace, apparently because of the Viscount Kainum issue.

 

“Would you like some cookies? We’ve prepared plenty of your favorites, Lady Ariel.”

 

“I’m always indebted to you.”

 

“Not at all. The duke should return soon, but if you’re bored, how about visiting the library in the meantime?”

 

The mention of the library piqued my interest.

 

“Didn’t you enjoy reading there when you were younger?”

 

I stood up, almost entranced by the butler’s suggestion.

 

In my past life, I loved reading novels. It was one of the greatest joys of my life. But after reincarnating, I didn’t read much. There were so many other fun things to do—especially spending time with Serhen. More importantly, the books here were thick and boring. I could understand why the maids were hooked on romance novels. There’s nothing like a thrilling and stimulating story.

 

What rekindled my interest in books was the library at the duchy. It was like it contained every book in the world.

 

“Is that okay?”

 

“Of course. The duke always says the duchy is open to you.”

 

I felt a bit uneasy. Was Kasion really that obvious about his feelings? It felt like I had been wandering in and out of the net Kasion had set up without realizing it.

 

“Alright then. Please bring the refreshments to the library.”

 

* * *

I breathed in the musty scent of old paper as I explored the library for the first time in a while. The duchy’s library was divided into two sections: one with a desk and chairs for work and reading, and the other, a massive space rivaling the imperial palace library.

 

I dragged a ladder over and stood in front of a bookshelf that caught my eye. The most interesting books were usually on the top shelves, while the ones about economics and history, which the lords of the duchy favored, were on the lower shelves. There were exciting novels here, along with scientific books, which were considered superstition in these parts.

 

“Alright, let’s see what we can find.”

 

Today, I was planning to search for books related to the founding myths, having grown curious about the duke’s oath. Even though it was an open secret, I hadn’t seen anything about it in the history books I’d read as a child. So, I figured there might be clues in less-read books.

 

“Ah choo! So dusty.”

 

No matter how well-maintained, dust was inevitable.

 

I dusted off a book I’d picked from the top shelf. It had a black leather cover but no title. It looked suspicious. Out of curiosity, I opened it.

 

“Wait… a diary?”

 

Inside, someone’s journal was written in unfamiliar handwriting. The content was unsettling.

 

[Lir is getting married. To that guy, out of all people. His family is nothing special, and his character is no better. His only asset is his face, and now she has to marry him as if she is being sold off. I’m furious. But since it’s a match decreed by the emperor, there’s nothing I can do. Could I invoke the family oath and steal her away?]

 

Is this some sort of family history? I felt a strange chill.

 

This wasn’t Kasion’s handwriting, so it must have been written by one of his ancestors. Whoever wrote this seemed to be walking a path similar to the fate I’d read about in the novel.

 

Feeling uneasy, I flipped through the pages. That’s when I found a small drawing tucked between them. I froze.

 

“Lireania?”

 

A woman who looked eerily similar to Lireania was drawn on the paper.

 

At that moment, I heard someone entering the library.

 

“…So find a way to lock her, even if it means putting shackles on her ankle.”

 

It was Kasion’s voice.

 

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