Chapter 40
“Suddenly, I just don’t understand why you’re acting like this.”
Lilian felt a sudden wave of worry, afraid he might think she was being ungrateful.
A moment later, she heard a sigh above her head from Kartan.
“Is it because of Bella Ariana?”
“Not exactly…”
It was true that she was part of the reason, but it wasn’t the whole story.
“I just want to try doing something on my own while I still have time. I haven’t been able to do that until now.”
Even if things didn’t go well, she didn’t want to rely on him anymore. She wanted to face the Duke, and everyone else, with confidence in herself.
“Ha… do you really have to do that?”
“We were only going to stay here for a short while anyway. It’s about time to move on.”
“And where exactly do you plan to live?”
With the money she had saved so far, buying a place was realistically impossible. But she thought she could manage a small room on a short-term lease.
“Hm, I’ll try to find something as close to the palace as possible. If that doesn’t work out, somewhere on the outskirts of the city is fine too.”
“……”
Perhaps he thought she was rushing out without a plan. He pressed his forehead and ran a hand through his hair.
“If it’s just because of rumors, you’d be better off staying put. I don’t understand why you want to go through that kind of inconvenience.”
The Duke was right. If she left now, it would only fuel scandal with His Majesty the Emperor. So waiting until the rumors died down would be the wise choice.
But she didn’t even have the luxury of that much time.
“I’ve always relied on others. I don’t want to do that anymore.”
“……”
Kartan’s expression instantly hardened.
“Why?”
“Huh?”
“Why are you suddenly like this?”
This wasn’t the reaction she had expected. Seeing him look almost angry, Lilian became flustered instead.
“It’s… partly because I care about what people think, but mostly because I want to face things confidently on my own. I don’t have much time left.”
Kartan studied her with a skeptical gaze.
“Is that all? There isn’t another reason, is there?”
“Another reason…?”
“……”
She blinked, unsure what he meant. Kartan stared at her for a long moment before letting out a low sigh.
“Do as you wish.”
Lilian was startled. She had expected him to oppose her until the end, so this was unexpected.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
The Duke, who had stepped back from the wall, returned to his usual calm, expressionless face.
‘Good… but it feels weird that he agreed so easily.’
“Thank you sincerely for everything up until now.”
Kartan furrowed his brows at her words.
“You speak as if this is the last time.”
Lilian only gave a sad smile. Even though she had achieved what she wanted, she didn’t feel happy at all. Was this really what she had wanted?
Finally, Kartan checked the time and spoke indifferently.
“If we’re done talking, I’ll go ahead.”
“Huh?”
Lilian was momentarily flustered. Even though they were in a hallway, she felt he had become colder somehow.
“Yes.”
As soon as Lilian replied, Kartan left without looking back. Watching him walk away, she lowered her head with a sense of regret.
‘Good job. I can’t live like this forever. I have to become someone worthy of the Duke too.’
“Maybe it’s because it’s the capital… even short-term rentals are expensive.”
Lilian sighed as she sorted the list of rooms she had visited all day. By now, she suspected the Duke had allowed her to leave knowing she wouldn’t be able to find a proper place.
The cheaper rooms were in terrible condition, and the better ones were all on the outskirts, making commuting difficult.
‘Staying with the Duke was definitely more convenient in many ways.’
As she rested her chin on her hand, thinking, the door suddenly slammed open. Dr. Seli appeared, immediately scolding her.
“Miss Lilian! Are you seriously planning to leave the Duke?”
Startled, Lilian could only nod, frozen in place.
“That’s absolutely not possible. Given your current health, it would be too much. What if you collapse suddenly? Who would take care of you then?”
“Ah, but the Duke has already given permission…”
“No matter if the Duke allows it, I, your physician, cannot.”
Lilian’s heart sank. Even the Duke deferred to Dr. Seli regarding her health. If the doctor refused, her independence would be impossible.
“D-Doctor…”
“Miss, trying to persuade me is useless. No doctor compromises on a life.”
“……”
‘What should I do… this is tricky.’
Lilian felt hopeless. Persuading her would be impossible. At that moment, Kartan’s voice came from outside the door.
“Then Dr. Seli can stay with Lilian.”
“Your Grace!”
Lilian felt relieved, as if she had found a powerful ally. Dr. Seli, however, looked somewhat hesitant.
“Are you telling me to stay in my lab with her?”
“Yes.”
Dr. Seli looked at Kartan, bewildered by his nonchalant nod.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
Lilian held her breath, realizing her independence now rested on their decision.
‘Go, Your Grace! You’ve got this!’
She caught Kartan’s eyes for a moment.
Thump.
Her heart seemed to plummet, and she quickly looked away.
‘Why am I like this?’
Embarrassed, she waved her hand nervously. Kartan’s voice followed.
“Do you dislike it?”
Dr. Seli looked at him suspiciously, then slowly smiled.
“Very well. Staying with her might actually help in diagnosing the rare disease.”
“Thank you so much, Dr. Seli!”
Overjoyed, Lilian grabbed the doctor’s hand and shook it. Kartan, watching her happiness, stretched a small smile across his lips.
“This might also be a good time to move your lab. The current space is too small for both of you.”
Dr. Seli crossed her arms.
“You’ve already found somewhere suitable?”
“……”
For a moment, Kartan’s expression looked slightly annoyed. Seli shrugged.
“Decide whatever you think is best. I have a lot of equipment, so a big, spacious room would be preferable.”
She bowed lightly and then left the room, somehow looking very happy.
‘Phew… that was close. It could have all been ruined.’
Lilian grabbed Kartan and spoke excitedly.
“Wow! I was about to give up because of the rent and the doctor’s objection, but this worked out perfectly! Right, Your Grace?”
“……”
Kartan’s expression stiffened for a moment. Then he stretched his neck slightly and only stared at the door through which Dr. Seli had left.
“…I see. Well… it’s done, then.”
‘Why is he like that? Did something go wrong?’
Lilian blinked, puzzled, not understanding the reason.
