NRAL | Chapter 66

~Chapter 66~

The Purpose of the Gift

“…It seems there’s been some misunderstanding.”

Eleanor replied with a calm smile.

“Threatened? That’s impossible. As you know, I’m a proper noble lady. Even if it’s not real, the name Astria is still attached to mine.”

A sharp gaze seemed to pierce through her, but the more intense his stare became, the brighter Eleanor’s smile grew.

“I think I just overreacted a bit because I wasn’t feeling well today. I apologize again. I’m sorry, Your Grace.”

Eleanor had no intention of admitting anything. Because admitting it would make it real.

At least, she wasn’t going to acknowledge it in front of him. All the things she had suffered through.

Her desperate act felt more natural than usual, and thanks to that, Karsian dropped his suspicions.

“…Alright.”

Karsian still looked doubtful but didn’t press further. After all, who in their right mind would dare lay a hand on a noble lady from the Astria family? That was probably what he was thinking.

Eleanor sighed in relief internally and quickly changed the subject.

“Thank you for understanding. Shall we go now? If we stay here any longer and run into someone, it might get troublesome.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Since Hilda and Ernst were probably still waiting eagerly for her, it would be best to head back quickly.

But as they walked, one thought kept nagging her. It was about Karsian’s reputation.

“Ah, but are you sure it’s okay to leave right away? If we walk out so soon, strange rumors might start about Your Grace…”

Eleanor hesitated before speaking, thinking Karsian hadn’t considered this.

A man and woman leaving a room less than an hour after going in—it wasn’t hard to imagine what the hotel staff would assume.

‘So that supposedly amazing Duke Royster isn’t all that impressive in bed after all.’

Given how famous he was, a rumor like that spreading wouldn’t be surprising. Of course, in high-class hotels, such information about VIPs was rarely leaked, but you never know with people.

“I don’t care what others think.”

Eleanor expected men to be sensitive about such topics, but strangely, Karsian didn’t seem bothered at all.

As she worried in his place, he calmly continued speaking.

“You know the truth, so there’s no reason to be concerned about baseless rumors.”

His composed voice struck her heart.

It would’ve been easier if he acted more like a player. Usually, he was polite and respectful, but occasionally, he would speak so directly about his feelings that she didn’t know how to respond.

Trying to ignore the flush rising in her cheeks, Eleanor spoke defensively.

“You might regret this later if you fall for someone else.”

“That won’t happen.”

“Like I said before, I can’t return your feelings.”

“Yes, I remember. But that doesn’t change anything. I never had those feelings expecting something in return. So, even in the future, nothing will change.”

His response was so firm and without hesitation that she was left speechless for a moment.

‘Arlo said the same thing at first.’

All the men who had confessed to her had spoken confidently about the future. Saying they’d cherish her forever and making promises of eternity so easily.

There was no rule saying they had to keep those words, so men would just speak based on their emotions in the moment. There was no reason to take them seriously.

Even though Duke Royster was completely different from the men she’d known, surely he wasn’t different in every way.

With that thought, Eleanor stepped into the elevator.

While the elevator descended slowly, Karsian kindly changed the topic to make things more comfortable.

“By the way, did you get all the information you needed today?”

“Yes, I did.”

Eleanor nodded. Though she was a bit embarrassed by how she’d acted in front of him today, she still gained the information she had wanted. It was, in fact, a very productive day.

Thanks to that, a new picture was forming in her mind—one she might not have completed if she had been working alone.

‘He’s really a helpful person.’

It wasn’t just because he had helped with her revenge.

Eleanor owed him something deeper—something of the heart. Without him, she would’ve spent the whole day tormented by memories of Arlo. But perhaps because he’d reminded her of basic human decency, or because he had been angry on her behalf, her heart now felt calm—like a still lake with not even a breeze to stir it.

Suddenly, she felt she had given him so little compared to what she had received. Her lips moved slightly.

So, just before parting ways outside the hotel, she decided to express her gratitude in the only way she could.

“Thank you… for today.”

Eleanor slowly bowed her head to Karsian, who had walked her to her carriage. Then, cautiously, she spoke a word she had always avoided saying:

“–Karsian.”

It was a name she had feared to speak, worried it might make her grow too attached to him. But in the end, she had spoken it.

Her quiet voice carried on the breeze and reached his ears. Karsian’s eyes widened as if he had heard something shocking and stared at her in surprise.

Then, a boyish and bright smile spread across his face.

“…I’m happy.”

It was just his name, and yet he looked like he’d received a wonderful gift. Looking closely, even the tips of his ears seemed slightly red.

When she stared directly at his ears out of disbelief, Karsian flinched and turned his head away slightly.

Eleanor, now embarrassed too, quickly turned around.

“Well then, I’ll see you next time.”

She told herself she only mentioned “next time” because she owed him a favor. That was the logic she used as she climbed into the carriage.

***

Hilda greeted Eleanor back at the Duke’s residence with more fuss than ever.

No wonder—she had apparently gone through quite the ordeal to ensure no servant noticed Eleanor’s absence.

It must’ve been a tough day. When other maids came into the room, Hilda had to wear unfamiliar dresses and wigs, lying in bed pretending to be Eleanor. At other times, she had to quickly change into a maid uniform and go around telling others that the young lady was feeling unwell—all while playing two roles by herself.

Ernst had also resisted the urge to follow Eleanor and instead helped Hilda manage the situation so that no one would suspect anything.

Thanks to their efforts, not even the Duke, Nora, or anyone else noticed that Eleanor had gone out. Even Mary, the head maid, remained unaware and simply handed Eleanor her mail when she returned.

“Young Lady, are you feeling better now?”

“Yes. I’m still a little tired, but resting in bed all afternoon really helped.”

Eleanor shamelessly lied as she accepted the letters and packages.

But as soon as she saw the sender’s name, her face twisted.

Arlo Fernandit de Juvenile.

The one name she had hoped not to see or hear today.

The contents of the letter were predictable. Ever since their last meeting at Blenheim Garden, he’d been sending her letters almost daily.

***

[Dear Ellie,]

The days are getting hotter. The flowers you liked at Blenheim Garden have bloomed again.

I was disappointed we didn’t get to talk properly last time. I don’t think the palace is a good place to meet. Should we meet somewhere else next time? Tell me where you’d like to go.

Yours, Arlo.

***

[Ellie,]

Did you get the letter I sent before? Were you busy? I was worried since you didn’t reply.

I heard there’s a good opera playing at Delira Grand Theater. It reminded me of how much you love operas. How about this Friday? If you’re free, I’ll send a carriage to pick you up.

Yours, Arlo.

***

[Ellie,]

Are my letters even reaching you? Or is someone bold enough to intercept the Crown Prince’s letters? I’m going crazy not hearing back. Please reply as soon as you see this.

–Arlo.

***

Without another word, Eleanor crumpled the fancy letter paper.

“Here, use this as firewood.”

As she handed the folded letter back to Mary, the maid looked both surprised and oddly relieved.

It wasn’t hard to guess why. The Duke had likely instructed Mary to report every word exchanged between Eleanor and the Crown Prince.

But Eleanor’s firm dismissal of Arlo’s letters must’ve been reassuring to Mary, who was loyal to the Duke but also cared about Eleanor’s safety.

‘I’m not stupid. Of course I wouldn’t write back to Arlo when I know I’m being watched.’

As long as the Duke was still keeping a close eye on her, she couldn’t afford to give him any excuse. If she did, her body would be the one paying the price.

Even if that weren’t the case, there was no need to respond to Arlo yet. Right now, her next move was to meet with Countess Annabelle.

Her meeting with Arlo would only happen after everything was ready for revenge. And even then, there was no reason she had to be the one to reach out first.

‘There’s no way his patience will last that long anyway.’

The Arlo she knew would surely make a move soon. He was the kind of man who couldn’t stand being ignored. Having once lost his chance to be Crown Prince because he wasn’t the eldest son, Arlo had spent his life burning with inferiority.

Eleanor smirked at his foolishness as she opened the package Mary handed her.

Inside the elegant gift box was a long, ornate Eastern-style hairpin.

“Oh my, how unique and beautiful. Who is it from?”

Mary asked cautiously, clearly planning to report this to the Duke as well.

“I ordered it from the dressmaker. It’s a gift for someone I know.”

“Ah, I see. It’s a lovely gift. But the tip looks a little sharp… is that okay?”

“Yes, doesn’t it look quite sharp?”

Mary had spoken out of concern, but Eleanor smiled brightly, clearly satisfied.

Just as Mary said, the tip of the long hairpin was indeed sharp. It wasn’t sharp enough to wound with a light touch—but if swung with intent, it could definitely become a dangerous weapon.

“I’m sorry, but… isn’t that a little dangerous to give as a gift? What if someone gets hurt…?”

“You’re right, Mary.”

Eleanor’s almond eyes curved softly in a gentle smile. It was elegant and beautiful, like a picture—but to Mary, it somehow felt strangely chilling.

“That’s exactly why it’s a gift.”