Chapter 96
The date of Fernan’s departure to meet with the Geranians was now just a week away.
The rendezvous point was a small territory situated midway within the empire.
Because secrecy was vital, Fernan planned to bring only a minimal number of escorts.
This negotiation with the Geranians directly concerned Yulia’s safety, making it an event he absolutely had to attend.
Since he had no choice but to leave the estate, Fernan strengthened internal and external security. Nothing must go wrong while he was away.
Only after these preparations did he finally leave his office.
Stepping into the lobby, he turned to the attendant standing by the entrance.
“Has Yulia gone to the greenhouse?”
“Yes, Your Highness. She headed there just a moment ago.”
Perhaps because of the chilly weather lately, Yulia had been visiting the greenhouse often.
That greenhouse was the only thing she had left behind in this estate—a space she had personally designed during her time as the nominal Grand Duchess.
After she left, Fernan had rarely set foot there. The memories were suffocating, even just walking nearby.
Now, recalling those memories, Fernan crossed the rear courtyard and approached the greenhouse.
As he gently pushed open the large glass door, a soft warmth slipped out from the small creak of its hinges.
On one side, flowers bloomed in vibrant clusters, but Fernan didn’t spare them a glance. His eyes went straight to the center table—where she sat.
Yulia, sipping tea at the table, sensed his presence and turned her head.
“Oh—Your Highness.”
With a delighted smile, she rose from her seat.
Surrounded by flowers in full bloom, she looked radiant—and Fernan was struck by a memory.
A soft voice echoing in his mind: “I want to fill this greenhouse with all my favorite flowers.”
That voice—her voice—lingered faintly in his ears, and with it, an unexpected anxiety welled up in his chest.
Now that he was facing her, the thought of leaving filled him with unease.
“Have you finished your official duties?” she asked, unaware of his inner turmoil.
Fernan gave a light nod, suppressing his rising concern.
Once seated, he explained his upcoming visit with the Geranians.
“I’ll have to be away for a few days. About four, at most.”
Even if the negotiations took longer, he was determined to return within that time.
“I’d like you to stay within the estate while I’m gone.”
Though his tone was gentle, Fernan intended to ensure she stayed inside regardless. The world outside was still too dangerous for her.
Fortunately, Yulia seemed more disappointed at his absence than reluctant about remaining behind.
“All right,” she agreed softly, biting her lip as she looked up at him.
“It’ll be lonely here without you…”
Her words stirred something in Fernan’s eyes.
They had spent nearly every day together lately—from meals, to tea, to evening walks. Her absence would feel just as heavy for him.
“I’ll try to come back sooner,” he murmured with quiet resolve.
He would cut down on travel time however he could, if only to return a day earlier.
Seeing his sincerity, Yulia smiled.
“I’ll be waiting.”
But that gentle promise made Fernan’s expression harden.
Every time she had said she’d wait—she had never waited.
She had always fled. Disappeared.
Looking at her now, smiling without a trace of doubt, Fernan felt a creeping panic.
“Oh, and Father Calrosa said he’ll be returning to his original post soon. He also told me I no longer need to take the medicine.”
Unaware of his unrest, Yulia chatted on brightly.
Fernan nodded belatedly, trying to mask his unease.
Calrosa had said there was no further need for treatment—her memory faculties had recovered enough.
What remained was for her to accept those fragments of the past as her reality.
And she was dreaming more frequently now, recalling pieces of that forgotten time.
To Yulia, they were still just dreams. But as Calrosa had warned, there would come a moment when they no longer felt imaginary.
When that day arrived—when she remembered everything—she would leave him.
Fernan clenched his hand unconsciously.
The moment of her departure was drawing closer.
Yulia awoke early the next morning, her face bright as she recalled her dream.
She had been riding across a vast plain on horseback with Fernan.
The dream left her feeling refreshed—her body light, her mind clear.
Summoning her maids, she quickly began preparing to see Fernan off.
Time had passed quickly, and the day of his departure had come.
He was scheduled to leave at dawn, and Yulia wanted to send him off properly.
Her maids gathered and gently brushed her hair, tying it neatly into a single braid.
Just as the sun began to rise, she finished preparing and hurried to the lobby.
“Your Highness.”
Fernan, walking briskly through the long hall, immediately turned his head at the sound of her soft voice.
He was a little surprised to see Yulia quickly approaching him.
“Yulia.”
Stopping before him, she looked up and smiled brightly.
“Travel safely.”
Despite her cheerful farewell, Fernan didn’t respond right away. He stared at her as if holding something back.
Yulia, sensing something unusual in his silence, grew puzzled.
Then he finally let out a breath, his voice rough.
“…Don’t make me not want to leave.”
His feelings for her aside, her sweet farewell felt too much like goodbye.
It had always been this way. She’d soften him with kind words—only to vanish.
He couldn’t move his feet. He just kept staring at her.
Then, taking a deep breath, he finally asked,
“Can you promise me you won’t go anywhere while I’m gone?”
It was the kind of promise a child might ask for—but Fernan was deadly serious.
Even with all the guards, all the protections in place, it wasn’t enough.
Looking up at him, surprised by how grave he looked, Yulia gave a small nod.
“I promise. Don’t worry.”
She even held out her pinky, as if to seal the vow.
But before she could finish the gesture, Fernan pulled her into him and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Startled, her eyes widened as his lips silently brushed her skin.
“I’ll be back,” he whispered, gently touching her eyelids.
And only then did he finally turn away.
Yulia stood still, watching him leave, brushing her fingers across her now warm cheek.
A day had passed since Fernan’s departure.
Yulia felt his absence more keenly than she had expected as she walked through the halls.
Lately, she had spent more time with Fernan than with anyone else.
From shared meals and tea to evening strolls—he had become part of her daily life.
Now, the silence he left behind felt vast.
With slow, heavy steps, Yulia made her way to the library on the fourth floor.
Creak—
Opening the large door, she stepped inside and looked around.
Then—suddenly—she couldn’t breathe.
She clutched her chest, her brows furrowing. The moment passed quickly, and her breath returned. But…
Why do I feel such déjà vu…?
This was only her second time entering the library. The first had been during her initial tour of the estate.
And yet, inexplicably, she felt as if she had spent a long time here.
So long, in fact, that just stepping inside had left her breathless.
Forgetting why she came, Yulia turned and left the room.
This wasn’t the first time.
More and more, she had moments like this—things she was sure she had never experienced, yet her body remembered.
