Episode 50
“A true gentleman buries a lady’s secrets among the stars of the night sky.”
It was a phrase filled with many meanings. But for someone like George—once a royal palace butler—it was enough. He would understand. Eliano gave Adele a quick glance, and he got the message. Instead of leading her to Flint’s bedroom, he guided her to the study.
Adele muttered under his breath, “Ugh… of all nights… why is that old man still here?”
“A butler should stay behind to look after his master. He’s just a butler, so I’m fine,” Eliano replied calmly.
“He’s not just a butler—he’s the Emperor’s man,” Adele grumbled as he knocked on the study door.
Eliano’s heart began to race.
“It’s Adele Evans, Your Grace.”
Instead of Flint’s voice, a man with light brown hair opened the door moments later.
“Adele? What brings you here at this hour…”
But when he saw who was with him, he trailed off. Eliano blinked when she recognized him.
“It’s an honor to see you again,” the man said first.
Eliano returned his greeting politely. “Good evening, Sir Jimenez.”
It was Oliver Jimenez—the noble who, during a previous social event, had kept Flint’s whereabouts secret like a big deal. He was the second son of the Marquis of Albiche, far down the line of succession. He looked like his older brother, the young marquis, but his way of speaking was totally different.
Oliver smiled faintly. “Please come in. His Grace will be pleased.”
It was an unannounced visit. Normally, a noble as high-ranking as the Duke might consider it rude. Eliano certainly would have. So why did he say Flint would be pleased?
Just then, Flint’s voice called out from inside.
“Oliver, what’s going on?”
There was a sharpness to his tone that made Eliano swallow hard. As if sensing her tension, Oliver turned to her with a gentle smile.
“She’s the lady he’s been waiting for—yet hasn’t shown up. So he’s been stuck working all night. Please, my lady, help us get him out tomorrow.”
After bowing, Oliver quietly left the room. Adele immediately slipped inside the study.
Eliano put her veil back on, trying to hide her nervous expression. She took a deep breath, steadied her steps, and walked in. Her hands were trembling slightly as she held the candle, its flame flickering with every movement. She tightened her grip to calm herself.
From inside, Adell’s bright voice called out playfully,
“Lord Flint! I’ve brought you a present!”
When Flint saw what Adele called a “gift,” he stood up in surprise.
Following behind Adele was a woman in a black cloak. Though her face was hidden behind a veil, Flint knew right away who she was.
“Eliano Rosana…”
Her movement was elegant as she removed the cloak that trailed slightly on the floor. Jet-black hair and a shimmering silver robe were revealed beneath. Flint’s eyes remained locked on her emerald-green gaze.
“Good evening, Lord Flint.”
Eliano gave him a small smile and removed her veil.
“I came hoping to watch the stars with Your Grace tonight.”
Her face, lit by candlelight, looked pale and delicate—like porcelain. Her emerald eyes sparkled like stars reflected in his stormy gray ones. Adele, seeing Flint in a daze, silently slipped away.
“I hope you’ll forgive this boldness… and accept it as a gift from the stars.”
Flint’s throat moved as he swallowed.
“This is no rudeness. Not at all,” he said, his voice slightly hoarse.
“I’ll have tea brought in. Ah, please, sit down—I shouldn’t have left a lady standing so long.”
As he approached, Eliano reached out her hand, even though the sofa was only a step away. Flint gently took her hand and guided her to the seat. He let go almost immediately—an incredibly respectful touch.
“Are you feeling better? I’d heard your condition was serious, and I thought I wouldn’t see you for some time.”
“Thanks to your concern, I’ve recovered well. I’m fine now.”
“But you still look a bit pale. It must’ve been cold outside. Did you come from far away…?”
Worry was clearly heard in his voice. Eliano smiled softly. “If I can create a special memory with Your Grace, what does my health matter?”
“Your health is important. Especially since your body is… delicate…”
Just then, Oliver returned, carrying a tray. He placed teacups and a pot on the table and said,
“Your Grace, my tea might be too plain for such an honored guest…”
“I’ll make the tea,” Flint said, reaching for the pot.
Oliver looked flustered. He had hoped to charm Eliano with a cup of well-made tea—something he heard she appreciated. But if Flint made the tea…
He panicked and turned to Eliano, silently begging her with his eyes.
Eliano responded quickly.
“A high noble like yourself shouldn’t prepare tea. Allow me.”
“I can—”
“Then please, my lady,” Oliver cut in, interpreting her words his own way. At least she would make the tea. That was better than letting Flint serve something awful. He quickly handed her the tea leaves before Flint could protest.
Flint shot Oliver a look. Oliver shook his head in a way that said, Please don’t. Your tea is terrible.
But Flint didn’t catch the message.
He frowned, feeling like he’d just been painted as some old-fashioned man. In truth, Flint wasn’t the type to think tea-making was “women’s work.”
He enjoyed brewing it himself sometimes. He just happened to like a stronger flavor—one that no one else seemed to appreciate.
As Oliver quietly left, Eliano had already started steeping the leaves in the teapot. Flint watched, somehow captivated by the way the water flowed over the leaves.
She moved like someone who’d been trained for this her whole life. Eliano turned the hourglass and softly broke the silence.
“The night wind really is chilly. It’s hard to go out walking… And Father doesn’t allow me to go out at night.”
“Night walks are dangerous. I’m ashamed to face your father…”
Eliano replied with a dry tone.
“What danger could there be at the Duke’s estate? The strongest warrior in Bianteca lives here. I feel safer here than anywhere.”
Flint looked slightly embarrassed. Eliano smiled and continued,
“My room doesn’t have a terrace, so I can’t see the stars. And if I go outside, I might catch another cold.”
“Then… would you like to use mine? It’s… in the next room…”
Flint trailed off.
Eliano blinked. “Why stop there? Isn’t your terrace just next door?”
“Well…”
Looking around, Eliano noticed a door along the wall—it looked like a connecting door. If it led to the room beside the study, it had to be… his bedroom.
Her eyes lit up.
“So it’s in the next room! Let’s go—we came to see stars, didn’t we?”
Eliano grinned and started walking toward the door. Flint, looking panicked, checked the hourglass and said quickly,
“The tea should be ready.”
“It’s the first steep. Pour it out, please.”
Eliano opened the door. Flint lowered his head, realizing he should’ve locked it. He didn’t want her to misunderstand.
“May I come in? I want to see the stars.”
The room beyond was clearly a bedroom. Eliano’s lips curled into a pleased smile.
“Lord Flint?”
She looked back at him with such innocent eyes that Flint could only nod. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like she had misunderstood anything.
Eliano stepped into the room lightly, like she was floating. Moonlight streamed through the windows.
As she walked toward the terrace, Flint went around lighting candles—he needed to brighten the room.
It was far too dark.
Eliano rested her chin on the terrace railing and looked up at the night sky. Flint quietly entered, setting the tea tray down on the small table nearby.
“It’s getting cold.”
He stepped closer and gently draped a warm coat over her shoulders. The scent of his coat lingered near her nose.
While she breathed it in, Flint poured tea into two cups. He offered one to her.
“Thank you.”
Eliano cupped the teacup with both hands. She took a sip—and realized he hadn’t poured out the first steep. She was about to say something, but Flint spoke first.
“It’s wonderful. Thanks to you, I’m enjoying a truly good cup of tea.”
Since he seemed to like it, Eliano stayed quiet and took another sip.
She could feel his gaze on her—strong and steady. But it didn’t feel uncomfortable. There was no lust in his eyes, no hidden desire—just pure attention.
Eliano stared into her tea. She needed a little courage for what she was about to say.
“I came tonight to look at the stars… with you, Your Grace.”
Her words carried more meaning than they seemed.
I don’t think he understands what you meant!
Thank you very much