No Need For Regrets

Chapter 32

“…Calian.”

At the quietly spoken words of Serinial, Calian hesitated softly. Then, he gazed at her with an expression akin to that of a condemned man awaiting his execution, looking at her with pity.

“Do you love me?”

“…Huh?”

“Do you really, truly love me?”

Calian couldn’t understand why Serinial was suddenly asking such a question. But one thing was certain.

This utterly foolish woman would just accept his lies as long as they were in tune with her expectations.

“Of course.”

So Calian replied with as much sincerity as possible.

“I’ve always been sincere, and I still am. Nothing has changed.”

Serinial didn’t say anything. Just quietly. Very quietly, she simply looked at Calian.

“I love you.”

It was the expected answer, no different from any other.

…If only you hadn’t lied to me even now.

Would my feelings towards you have been less bitter if you had at least been honest and pretended to seek forgiveness?

So you wouldn’t have been as detestable.

But Serinial now knew. Calian would never behave like that, and even if he were to acknowledge and apologize for what had happened, he could never go back to how things were before.

It was already too late.

Perhaps I just wanted to hear your lie that you love me now even more firmly.

Serinial thought to herself.

“I know how lacking I was compared to you… That’s why I tried even harder.”

Calian continued speaking.

“I wanted to be upright in front of your uncle and the people too. I wanted to stand tall in front of you.”

“…”

“I truly feel sorry for being neglectful towards you all this time. Considering the circumstances… I must have been very lacking.”

“I guess… you were.”

“This rumor is truly despicable. And to think it involves Leraie… It’s beyond belief. It’s truly ridiculous.”

Calian said with a bewildered expression.

“The child we saw then is just a child Leraie is helping, as you said.”

“…”

“I don’t want our relationship to be distorted in any way because of this incident.”

Leraie, you wouldn’t have known either.

That the man named Calian Helklcar could be so cowardly and despicable.

“Serinial… I’m the same as I was. My feelings haven’t changed at all. So please believe me.”

Calian pleaded.

“I’ll keep proving it to you just like now. Then this kind of rumor will disappear soon enough. Besides, since the mining operation has been suspended for the time being… I’ll stay by your side and not go anywhere.”

“…”

“Your upcoming birthday… Right. How about celebrating it at the villa?”

Unlike with Leraie, Serinial hadn’t properly enjoyed that villa.

Moreover, she had brought up the villa last time, so she would surely appreciate this if Calian roughly went along with it.

Calian thought so.

“I’ll take care of all the preparations for you. At that villa…”

“No, Calian.”

But Serinial gave an answer that was slightly different from what he had expected.

“I’m thinking of throwing a party for this birthday.”

“…A party?”

Calian looked at her with a puzzled expression he couldn’t hide. It was natural, as Serinial didn’t particularly like gatherings. In her childhood, she couldn’t even attend gatherings due to her weak health.

“You just said that to me, didn’t you? That you’ll keep proving it to me. Then this kind of rumor will disappear soon enough.”

“I did…”

“A lot of people will come to the party. Especially with such rumors spreading. It would be better to speak clearly in front of everyone.”

“…”

“So I hope Leraie attends too. I’ll ask Kina to pass on the invitation.”

Calian’s mind was buzzing. He was probably calculating several things.

But from his perspective, this wasn’t such a disadvantageous deal. As long as they spoke clearly in front of people that the rumor was wrong and showed that they still got along well, everything would be fine.

“If you’re okay with it… I’m okay too.”

And Calian gave the same answer as Serinial had expected.

“It wouldn’t be bad to have a chance to socialize with people after a long time. Let’s do that.”

“Yeah, Calian.”

“But about Leraie… Do we really have to invite her?”

“Why?”

“It’s probably burdensome for her to come to such an event… Leraie might feel pressured, and I’m worried that it might lead to more rumors. Besides, Leraie is also a commoner…”

Lies. It’s probably just because he’s afraid of what Leraie might do, so he’s saying that. Serinial smiled.

“Leraie will be fine.”

“…”

“Moreover, she’s not the type to be daunted by such things.”

“…That’s true.”

In the end, Calian seemed to understand and could only nod his head. There was no excuse to make, no further words to add; it was only natural.

“I’ll take care of the party preparations. Thank you for understanding, Calian.”

Serinial smiled at him as she always did, but Calian felt a sense of unease creeping into his heart for some reason. However, there was no way to know the underlying cause of that unease.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Lexion was right.

No one declined the party invitation sent by Serinial. They all replied that they would attend. Some even asked if they could bring their own acquaintances. Serinial naturally said it was fine.

And the venue for the party was a place that no one had expected.

Because it was the residence of Viscount Verdellet.

Serinial sent people to ask for permission from Belles and simultaneously asked if he could attend the party. Belles replied that it was all understood.

Busy days followed, filled with preparations for the party.

And as Lexion had said, it seemed his words about it being a grand party were not in vain.

Lexion sent a large sum of money to Serinial. He told her to prepare the party without any worries. Especially, he emphasized carefully selecting dresses and jewelry.

Although she appreciated his consideration, Serinial couldn’t bring herself to spend such money freely.

But neither could she afford to be lacking in welcoming her guests. So Serinial worked hard on the preparations.

However, as Lexion had said, she didn’t meticulously select dresses or jewelry. The part with the least expense was precisely this.

Because she felt a little uncomfortable to accept such kindness…

But Serinial’s tearful efforts ended up being in vain.

“Just take a look at this, milady.”

It was all because of a gift that arrived secretly, without Calian’s knowledge, on the day before the party.

“These are truly something I’ve never seen before…”

It was easy to guess even at a glance. That dress, those shoes, and those pieces of jewelry were the most expensive items Serinial had ever worn in her life.

…Perhaps they somehow sensed my feelings like this. Serinial sighed heavily as she examined the short letter that came with the gifts.

– I chose them myself, so be sure to wear them. They’ll definitely suit you.

As expected, Lexion’s words were true this time as well.

“You’re the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, milady!”

Completely enveloped from head to toe. And the dress subtly mixed with a shade of royal purple. The jewelry, dotted with small jewels, filled her chest and adorned her neck. Kina’s words were right. The reflection in the mirror looked remarkably beautiful.

“But it’s strange. How do they fit so perfectly…”

…Kina murmured to herself alone, but Serinial couldn’t help but blush alone.

Meanwhile, Leraie remained unusually quiet. She didn’t even take a step towards the mansion, nor did she send any letters as she used to.

Calian seemed to keep glancing at her as if he were watching her. He was as persistent as a wet autumn leaf, annoyingly clinging on. It was amusing.

Whenever Serinial met Calian’s gaze, she had to forcibly suppress the rising nausea.

Anyway, even this time would soon come to an end.

…And before she knew it, it was Serinial’s birthday.

The day of the party approached.