It took a few days to prepare to relocate.
During that time, Julia went to Lihel.
Lihel’s estate, in the height of early summer, was filled with a lush, vibrant atmosphere.
As soon as the carriage came to a stop, the children playing in the front yard rushed over, eagerly waiting for Julia to get off.
“Julia’s here!”
As she descended, five or six children clung to her all at once.
With a bright smile, Julia took the children’s hands and walked through the gate.
“Come on in, Julia.”
Gabriel greeted her with the same warm smile as always.
Seeing him, Julia felt her heart instantly lighten, as it always did.
“Gabriel, I think I’ll be leaving for a faraway place soon.”
Julia only spoke up once they were left alone in the drawing room.
“How far away are you going?”
“To somewhere very far from here. I probably won’t be able to stop by here again.”
The Seiref estate, where she had decided to go, was located on the exact opposite side of the Grand Duchy.
Gabriel’s eyes widened in surprise but then calmly asked, “Have you decided to stay with him?”
“…No.”
Julia forced a smile, though her expression remained complicated. Gabriel’s eyes softened with concern.
“After I reach there, I plan to leave for somewhere else.”
“Somewhere else?”
“A foreign country—one so far away that no one could ever find me, no matter how hard they try.”
This time, she would have to survive on her own. Without people who accepted her unconditionally, like those in the Holy Kingdom, it was time to stand on her own.
Gabriel asked with a worried face, “Julia, once things stabilize in the Holy Kingdom, couldn’t you live with us again, just like before? Wouldn’t it be better to stay with me and the children until then?”
“…No. If I return to the Holy Kingdom, he’ll catch me again.”
Fernan already knew about her time in the Holy Kingdom. That place was no longer an option.
“Then how about leaving with Cedric? I’m sure he’d go with you.”
Julia looked down as if contemplating Gabriel’s suggestion.
“No. Cedric needs to continue his work as a priest… I can’t burden him anymore.”
Gabriel shook his head firmly. He knew Cedric was eagerly waiting for Julia to reach out.
Gabriel had long noticed just how deeply Cedric worried and cared for her.
“If you don’t want to, I won’t force you. But I’m certain he would gladly go with you.”
“……”
“Think it over carefully. The thought of you leaving on your own makes me worry so much.”
Julia blinked slowly before nodding. “Alright, I will.”
Before she left, she needed to meet Cedric at least once. If not in person, then through a letter.
If Cedric offered to help, there was no reason to refuse.
She couldn’t escape Fernan on her own.
If Cedric used his divine powers to mask her presence or briefly alter her appearance, it would be a blessing she couldn’t turn down.
“Gabriel, there’s one thing I wanted to say.”
Julia spoke with a faint smile.
“Thank you for treating me with kindness, like a daughter. To me… you were like a mother.”
The year Julia spent in the small monastery of the Holy Kingdom had been the happiest time in her life.
At the center of that happiness was Gabriel, who had given her endless affection without expecting anything in return, even though they weren’t connected by blood.
Julia hoped this wouldn’t be the end of their relationship. Once she settled somewhere safe, she wished to meet Gabriel again.
Gabriel gently took her hand, her warm smile unchanged.
“You’ll always be my daughter, Julia.”
“……”
“Let’s meet again once you’ve gone where you need to. We’ll have even more time together then.”
Julia clasped Gabriel’s wrinkled hands in hers, struggling to follow her lead and smile, though tears threatened to spill.
—
On the last day of her stay at Lihel, Julia finally managed to contact Cedric.
Gabriel had sent a letter to the temple on her behalf, and Cedric responded within a single day.
[You’re leaving for Seiref. Since there’s a port there, it’ll make escaping easier, just as you mentioned. Come with me.]
Just as Gabriel predicted, Cedric did not refuse to accompany her.
Years ago, when she escaped the Grand Duke’s castle and later in the Holy Kingdom, Cedric had always been by her side.
Julia decided to contact him again once the departure date was set.
With that, she returned to the villa.
—
“Lady Consort, you’re back?”
Melissa hurried over as Julia gave her a small nod.
The villa was busy with servants packing up luggage.
“His Highness is currently away, but he asked me to let you know you’ll be leaving for Seiref in three days.”
“Thank you.”
Three days. It was sooner than expected. Julia went straight to her room, preparing stationery and a pen to send Cedric a letter.
“Is there anything you’d like to take with you, Lady Consort?”
Melissa’s question made Julia pause mid-sentence.
Suddenly, a strange warmth surged through her body.
“Urk…”
Julia covered her mouth, bowing her head as blood trickled between her fingers.
“Lady Consort!”
Melissa, startled, dropped the vase she was holding and rushed toward Julia.
The vase shattered on the floor with a loud crash, echoing through the room.
“Y-Your Highness! I-I need to fetch the physician—”
Melissa fumbled for a handkerchief, her face pale with panic. Blood stained Julia’s dress.
Julia grabbed Melissa’s arm firmly before she could run for help.
“No, don’t… call anyone.”
Despite the pain constricting her chest, Julia forced the words out.
“Please, Melissa. Don’t tell anyone… especially His Highness.”
Melissa, still in shock, nodded reluctantly.
Julia wiped her blood-stained lips with trembling hands.
“This… isn’t just an illness. No physician or priest can heal it.”
Tears welled in Melissa’s eyes. “But His Highness would find a way to save you. I know he would…”
Julia shook her head gently, her voice firm.
“I won’t stay by his side much longer. You know that, Melissa.”
Understanding dawned on Melissa—this wasn’t the first time Julia had coughed up blood.
Sniffling, Melissa lowered her head.
Satisfied that her plea was understood, Julia slowly wiped her lips clean with the handkerchief.
“Are you really leaving, Lady Consort? Is Seiref just a stop on your escape?”
“…Yes.”
Julia’s calm response made Melissa’s hands tremble as she helped clean up.
“Thank you for everything,” Julia whispered, her smile filled with unspoken gratitude.
Melissa nodded, tears glistening in her eyes.
—
Three peaceful days passed after Fernan returned to the villa.
On the morning of their departure, Julia selected a dress Fernan had once gifted her—a white gown with sapphire accents along the neckline.
When she stepped outside, the summer sun enveloped her.
Fernan, who was issuing orders to his lieutenant, turned to her.
“Your Highness.”
At her soft call, Fernan approached immediately, his gaze sweeping over her face, hair, and dress before meeting her eyes.
“We’ll be leaving soon,” he said quietly.
Julia nodded, holding his gaze. Though her body still ached, she forced a small smile.
She wanted to treat him well, at least during the little time they had left together.
She didn’t wish to run away because she hated him anymore.
She hoped Fernan would find happiness after she left—that he would meet someone new and no longer be troubled by those who opposed him.
Both of them deserved a life free from struggle.
For the first time, Julia gave him a gentle smile, and Fernan’s gaze softened in response.
Reaching out, he clasped her delicate hand, his touch both firm and tender.
Thank you 🥰🥰🥰
u welcome