Chapter 3
The final decision was what Sertia desired.
The bond had already shattered beyond repair.
Trying to mend it back together was an absurd notion.
That was why Sertia wanted reassurance from Anna.
Reassurance that her choice was not a mistake.
Reassurance that even if she abandoned everything, Anna would still stay by her side.
Of course, it wasn’t as if she intended to change her future based on Anna’s response.
Rather, she wanted to gauge Anna’s thoughts—whether, as the maids had said, she too found it pathetic for a high noble’s daughter to falter over something so trivial.
Because there was no way she could stay with someone who looked down on her.
‘If our intentions are the same, then it won’t be just me leaving this mansion.’
Sertia patiently waited in silence.
And after a moment—
Anna’s lips trembled as she whimpered, saying she couldn’t possibly choose.
Just as disappointment swelled within her, shattering her expectations, her eyes caught sight of Anna’s hand—four fingers extended.
Relief flooded her.
A faint, content smile naturally formed on Sertia’s lips.
“You might regret this,” she murmured.
After a brief pause, she added,
“There may be times when you’ll think, ‘I should have just pretended not to notice, let the foolish young lady do as she pleases.’”
Anna seemed to understand Sertia’s concerns. So, instead of answering, she simply stretched her lips into a wider smile.
She didn’t speak. Not yet. Sertia wasn’t finished talking.
“I can’t promise anything either. What I want to do might not work out. Reality might crush me.
To put it bluntly, it’s no different from struggling to survive in an empty room, completely alone.”
“……”
“We might have to live our lives on the run. Of course, we won’t be leaving empty-handed. But there will always be unforeseen circumstances.”
As she finished speaking, Sertia suddenly reached out her pale hand toward Anna.
Anna silently looked down at it.
“Even so, if you’re willing… Anna, will you take my hand?”
A playful wink accompanied her words.
The tension in Anna’s rigid body melted away.
The answer had been decided from the start.
After all, the only reason she was working in the Duke of Elionne’s mansion was because of Sertia’s kindness.
Wherever Sertia chose to go—that would be her path as well.
Perhaps she would regret it in the future.
But it wouldn’t be regret over her choice.
It would be the despair of failing to serve her mistress properly.
With newfound resolve, Anna grasped Sertia’s hand firmly.
“My lady, you mustn’t leave me behind.”
Only then did Sertia’s lips curve into a gentle smile.
“You mustn’t abandon me either.”
But the joy was short-lived.
As Sertia made her way to the Duke of Elionne’s office, she was met with the stiff, awkward greetings of the servants.
To be summoned so soon after causing an uproar that afternoon…
Why was he so desperate to tear her down?
For a father who had nearly lost his daughter, his actions were cruel.
‘Then again, what else should I expect?’
Sertia blankly stared at the massive office doors. A tense sigh slipped from her lips.
Even in her past life, she had barely ever set foot in this office.
Disturbing him while he was working would always earn his wrath, so she had tried to avoid this place whenever possible.
She had thought that was just how things were.
But when she realized that not all parents were like that…
The despair had been unbearable.
It must have been at some noblewoman’s tea party.
She had watched a Marquess and his wife shower their daughter with unconditional love. The lady had accepted it as if it were the most natural thing in the world, her smile light and fleeting.
At that moment, Sertia had been consumed with jealousy, so much so that she had wanted to steal that scene for herself.
Until she saw her own reflection in a mirror—her twisted, bitter expression staring back at her.
Fortunately, she had come to her senses before those ugly emotions could consume her entirely.
Just as she could never become that lady,
That lady could never become her.
“My lady?”
The sudden voice startled Sertia. She turned around, her expression betraying her surprise.
It was Alec, the Duke of Elionne’s right-hand man and the steward who held a firm grip over the household.
Sertia quickly masked her emotions and responded,
“Alec.”
Alec scratched the back of his head, looking troubled.
“What brings you here…?”
His question caught Sertia off guard.
She had been summoned by the Duke himself, yet he was asking why she was here?
Did he not know?
Sertia could guess why.
Alec was the only servant in the house who dared to offer the Duke candid advice.
Though he later gave up and chose to minimize direct conflict between the father and daughter,
In the past, he had often tried to convince the Duke to mend their relationship for the sake of the family’s stability.
Of course, the Duke found it bothersome and increasingly hid matters concerning Sertia from Alec.
A bitter feeling swelled in her chest.
Sertia bit her dry lips.
Noticing her odd expression, Alec looked at her curiously.
“The Duke has summoned me.”
The title had changed from ‘Father’ to ‘His Grace the Duke.’
Alec didn’t question it. He simply accepted it as if it were only natural.
“Ah, I see. By the way, how is your health?”
Took him long enough to ask.
Sertia lowered her raised hand, which had been poised to knock on the door, and countered,
“What do you think?”
“Well… You don’t look too well.”
“You’re quite perceptive.”
“…Pardon?”
Her indifferent reply, coupled with the bored look on her face, left Alec momentarily dazed.
It was understandable.
Not long ago, she would have been all smiles.
But she had no intention of openly displaying hostility.
Now was the time to conceal her claws, to step back.
To wait.
To seize the moment when they let their guard down, so she could finally abandon this house.
Suppressing the darkness within her, Sertia lightly patted Alec’s shoulder.
“I was joking.”
“Haha…”
Perhaps because she was acting like her old self again, Alec let out an awkward laugh and relaxed slightly.
“Well, at least you seem to be in good spirits. That’s a relief. It puts my heart at ease.”
“Really? I don’t see why that would be the case.”
“Haha. It’s just that you’re so beautiful, my lady. Everything about you seems to shine.”
Sertia didn’t even have the energy to fake a laugh.
Her lips remained firmly shut.
Wasn’t that enough meaningless chatter?
Her silent pressure weighed down the conversation.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Alec cleared his throat and got back to business.
“I’ll announce your arrival to His Grace.”
Sertia turned to face the door directly.
For a split second, fear flickered in her eyes.
“Your Grace, the young lady is here.”
Thump. Thump.
Her heart, which had been beating at a steady pace, suddenly pounded wildly.
The rapid drumming filled her ears.
Damn it.
The past still had its claws in her.
Sertia, don’t waver.
If you falter here, it’s over.
She swallowed her resolve over and over again.
Then—
A deep, commanding voice rang out.
“Come in.”
The door finally opened.
Following Alec’s lead, Sertia stepped into the office.
But the Duke of Elionne didn’t even spare her a glance before dismissing Alec.
“You may go.”
Alec, clearly taken aback, hesitated before reluctantly leaving the room.
Silence settled.
Sertia knew instantly.
Ah, today… He’s really going to tear into me.
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