~Chapter 4~
The Baron and his wife could not hide their joy as they held the invitation from the Duke.
“Dear, it seems our family is finally being recognized.”
“I never thought the Duke would personally invite us. It’s an honor.”
“If your business succeeds, we won’t have to feel inferior in the capital anymore. Janice has already married into a good family… now only Elin remains—”
Rosana, who had been speaking excitedly, suddenly made an unpleasant face.
If only that sly girl Elin would just marry the baron, everything would be perfect.
Who would have thought such a quiet girl would cause so much trouble?
“I think we should invite Baron Mackenzie again.”
This time, she decided she would lock Elin up if necessary and force her to accept the proposal.
“Hmm… I don’t think that will be necessary.”
Rosana glared at her husband.
“What do you mean? Not necessary?”
Instead of answering, he handed her the invitation.
She read it carefully.
“It says both daughters of the baron’s family must attend. Have you ever seen something like this written before?”
Though it was unusual, the baron didn’t think much of it.
“Don’t think too deeply. The baron will attend too, so Elin and him will naturally meet again. This is actually good.”
“…That may be true.”
“Janice will be happy too. If she and her husband attend together, it will look very proper.”
Rosana found his words reasonable.
If the proposal happened publicly, Elin wouldn’t be able to refuse.
And if Janice and her handsome husband appeared together, it would raise their family’s status.
Just imagining it made her feel satisfied.
“I should go talk to Elin. She may resist now, but it won’t last. We just need to persuade her until the wedding.”
The baron smiled gently.
“I’m lucky to have you. One day, she’ll understand and be grateful.”
Elin sat by the window and carefully opened a small metal box.
Inside were her precious belongings.
A finger puppet from a childhood friend.
A necklace with her mother’s picture.
A hairpin she loved.
And a long man’s scarf.
She gently touched the soft silk.
‘It seems like he doesn’t remember me at all.’
She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or hurt.
‘If the Duke hadn’t been drunk that day… would he have recognized me?’
A bitter smile formed as she remembered a secret memory from years ago in Castia.
Even if he recognized her—what would change?
She suddenly heard footsteps in the hallway.
She could tell who it was just from the sound.
Since her stepmother came, she had lived carefully, always aware.
Elin quickly closed the box and pushed it under the bed.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
Before she even finished speaking, Rosana entered with a bright smile.
“What is it?”
Elin pretended to clean the table, avoiding eye contact.
“Are you still upset? Why are you being so cold?”
“I went to the hospital earlier. I’m tired. Please say what you need to say.”
Rosana grew irritated seeing Elin not even look at her.
She had planned to speak gently—but changed her mind.
Let’s see how long you keep this attitude.
Crossing her arms, she spoke coldly.
“Do you even know who made it possible for Edward to stay in the monastery hospital?”
Only then did Elin turn to look at her.
Using Edward—even him—as leverage?
“Do you know patients wait years for a bed there?”
Elin knew very well.
Not for Edward’s sake—but for control.
“Thank you so much.”
She smiled sarcastically.
“We’ve done enough for him. If we can’t afford it anymore, he may have to leave.”
Elin stared at her in disbelief.
“What did you say?”
They put him there—and now they could take him out anytime?
She was more afraid of Edward returning to this house.
If these people were family, it was better he stayed away.
“Have you come to your senses now?”
Rosana smiled like a snake.
“So obey your parents. We’re doing this for you.”
Then she added—
“You will attend the party in a few days. It’s hosted by the Duke of Linderto. Behave properly and don’t disgrace our family.”
Elin’s eyes widened in shock.
“Linderto… Duke?”
A white horse stopped near a lake.
Jonathan spoke.
“What are you thinking? You’re hosting a party?”
Dominic leaned back comfortably under a tree.
“Your Highness should prepare to keep your promise.”
Jonathan sat beside him.
“…Are you serious? Do you mean what I suggested before?”
Dominic only smiled.
Jonathan burst into laughter.
“You truly are my friend—my savior, my cousin, Dominic!”
He tried to hug him, but Dominic moved away coldly.
Still, Jonathan was thrilled.
Then he asked curiously—
“Who is the woman? Will you choose someone at the party?”
He couldn’t understand why Dominic suddenly agreed.
“Do you already have someone in mind?”
“That’s my concern. Just don’t forget the mining rights.”
“Of course. I swear it.”
Dominic added firmly—
“Whether Sylvia accepts your proposal or not doesn’t matter. Our deal is based on my marriage.”
Jonathan nodded.
“I know.”
Dominic lay back, satisfied.
“Still… isn’t this too sudden?”
Jonathan frowned.
“Your mother isn’t even here. You’re getting married without her permission?”
Anyone would find it strange.
Dominic was no ordinary noble.
His marriage should shake the entire kingdom.
“That’s why I’m hosting the party. To soften the shock.”
Jonathan still couldn’t understand.
Would only his mother be shocked?
He imagined Sylvia’s reaction.
She would probably collapse.
He had made the proposal impulsively—
But didn’t expect Dominic to accept.
Dominic, however, looked completely calm.
Elin walked nervously in the garden, biting her nails.
‘What if I run into him at the party?’
As the day approached, she couldn’t sleep.
She thought he didn’t remember that night.
He had been completely drunk.
‘Maybe I won’t meet him. So many nobles will attend… he won’t notice someone like me.’
Why did he invite their family at all?
Why was her stepmother forcing her to go?
‘Why take me when she’s always ashamed of me?’
Usually, only Janice went.
Except that last party—
When they needed to show her to Baron Mackenzie.
‘He’ll definitely be there too. That’s why they’re forcing me.’
She had tried to refuse.
But—
“If you dare not go, your brother Edward will be thrown out of the hospital!”
She had no choice.
‘What should I do…?’
If she hadn’t gone that night—
None of this would have happened.
“Ugh…”
She held her head in pain.
Finally, the day of the party arrived.
The fountain at the Duke’s mansion sparkled.
Carriages of nobles arrived one after another.
Music filled the air, and lights shone beautifully.
“This is such a beautiful party.”
Rosana couldn’t sit still in the carriage.
Elin almost laughed seeing her excitement.
“Behave properly and don’t disgrace the family.”
She remembered her words.
Elin looked outside.
There were so many carriages already.
‘So he really invited everyone…’
Seeing that, she felt relieved.
She probably wouldn’t meet him.
‘Please let this night pass quickly.’
She only hoped to find a quiet place to hide.
