4. Johannes Beliar
May 4, 2024
Back in her room, Riena stared out the window with a heavy expression. Sensing someone behind her, she turned around.
Joanna had quietly followed her and now stood with her head bowed low, like someone guilty of a crime.
“Milady, I’m really sorry. I’m so, so sorr—…”
Unable to finish her sentence, Joanna could only let her tears fall silently. Riena approached her and gently lifted her face. Her cheek was even more swollen than before.
“I’m sorry. Does it hurt a lot? You’re suffering because of me. What about the inside of your mouth? Is it torn?”
“I think it’s slightly torn, but I’m fine.”
“Fine, huh. You should go see the physician. It’s not a scar that will leave a mark, but still, you should apply some ointment.”
Joanna sniffled again.
“Is this the time to worry about me? Milady, what are you going to do now? Even if you send another letter to Lord Berna, the Madam will notice right away.”
“Well… I’ll have to think about that again.”
Muttering bitterly, Riena gently turned Joanna around with a soft touch.
“For now, don’t worry about me. Go see the physician. I’m tired—I need some rest.”
“Are you really okay?”
“Of course. So go get some rest too.”
“Yes. Please call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
After Joanna left, Riena silently stared at the closed door for a moment before going over to sit on the bed.
It was one of those nights when sleep just wouldn’t come.
That night, Riena couldn’t sleep properly due to her restless thoughts. After tossing and turning all night, she had just barely dozed off when Joanna frantically woke her.
“Milady! Milady, please wake up!”
“Mmm, what is it?”
“There’s a guest at the mansion!”
“A guest?”
Riena’s eyes flew open at that single word. She quickly got out of bed and rushed to the window.
Just as Joanna said, a carriage had pulled up in front of the mansion’s main gate.
Her heart pounded wildly.
“Could it be Raul?”
“You mean Lord Berna? I’m not sure, really.”
“It has to be Raul. Of course he would come here after returning to his hometown! And at this timing—who else could it be?”
It was a little odd that Raul came by carriage and not on horseback, but she figured that was entirely possible.
With Joanna’s help, Riena quickly changed clothes and ran downstairs. She could see the Countess greeting the guest in the foyer.
Riena was about to descend the stairs at once when the guest stepped inside and removed his hat, causing her to freeze in place.
‘That’s not Raul?’
Her longtime friend Raul Berna had hair the color of ripe wheat—a shade darker than blonde, but lighter than brown. It always reminded her of autumn fields.
But the man who had entered the mansion had hair that was unmistakably bright gold, even from a distance.
And as he took off his jacket, his physique was clearly different from Raul’s.
Raul, having trained as a knight for years, had a broad and muscular build. Unlike his slim childhood frame, he had grown strong—so much so that Riena once joked, “One wrong move and your shirt might burst open.”
But the man now speaking with the Countess, though about the same height as Raul, had a leaner frame. His fitted shirt didn’t seem strained at all.
‘Who is he?’
Just then, the man looked directly at Riena. He excused himself politely from the Countess and began walking toward her.
His long legs carried him with ease. His stride was quick, yet refined—it was almost fascinating how gracefully he moved.
“It’s been a while, Lady Dike.”
As he approached her, Riena realized who he was.
“Lord Beliar?”
She murmured without thinking, and the man’s face lit up with a warm smile.
“You remember me.”
He removed his white gloves, then gently took Riena’s right hand and kissed the back of it. He treated her with the delicate care one might use on a sugar sculpture that could shatter at the slightest pressure.
“I’ve missed you terribly.”
His fingers threaded between hers.
“You’re still as beautiful as ever.”
“I, uh…”
Just as Riena tried to gently pull her hand away—
“Take your hands off her!”
Out of nowhere, Viscount Rotman stormed over with a furious face. At the sight of the man approaching, Beliar’s expression chilled for a split second.
But before anyone could catch it, he resumed his perfectly painted smile.
“And who might this gentleman be?”
“He’s a guest visiting the mansion—”
“Guest? I am Lady Dike’s fiancé, Viscount Rotman!”
Once again, a glimmer of cold amusement flickered at the corners of Beliar’s lips—but no one noticed.
The man’s name was Johannes Beliar. The only son and heir of Marquis Beliar.
Riena had seen him several times at social gatherings in the capital, always accompanying her father, Count Dike.
“Seeing you brings back some nostalgic feeling.”
He once approached Riena while she stood alone on a terrace and spoke those words.
“How strange. Haven’t we met somewhere before?”
At the time, Riena had brushed off his sweet words as something straight out of a romance novel—just typical flattery from a charming man.
But Johannes had a peculiar charm that put people at ease, and their conversation turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable.
“I hope we meet again.”
For a brief moment, Riena had felt a spark of romantic interest. But she soon learned that Johannes treated everyone—even men—with the same gentle charm. So, she nipped that feeling in the bud.
They met a few more times after that at parties, sharing dances and small talk.
But that was all. Riena never reached out to him, and he never contacted her either.
‘So why has he come all the way out here?’
Avoiding Johannes’s ever-present smile, Riena slightly lowered her gaze and pondered.
An unannounced guest visiting a mansion without the Count present…
After calming the irate Viscount Rotman, Riena guided Johannes to the parlor.
They sat in silence until, finally, Johannes spoke.
“I heard about Count Dike’s passing. My condolences, though they’re late. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend the funeral.”
Riena lifted her head and shook it.
“It’s alright. I’m sure my late father would understand. You must be busy, and traveling from the capital isn’t easy.”
Although the Empire had developed magic portals to connect distant regions, the nearest portal to Dike territory was three days away by carriage. It was a border region, after all—far from convenient access, deliberately so for defense purposes.
So unless someone was very close to the Count, they likely didn’t attend the funeral.
It wasn’t something Riena could hold against Johannes.
“My mother also passed away unexpectedly a few years ago. So I understand how you must feel. If you ever find yourself struggling or grieving, please don’t hesitate to come to me. I’d like to help.”
“Thank you, just hearing you say that means a lot.”
“It’s not just words. I truly want to be of help.”
“I know. But I wouldn’t want to impose. Your words alone are more than enough comfort.”
Their conversation fell silent again. Johannes looked as though he had much to say but hesitated, while Riena had nothing in particular to add and just fidgeted with her hands.
Eventually, Riena broke the silence.
“Will you be staying in Dike territory for a while?”
“Yes. I heard it’s especially beautiful in the fall, so I thought I’d enjoy a brief holiday here.”
“You heard right. The autumn foliage here is stunning. I hope you enjoy it while you’re here. Have you arranged a place to stay?”
“I came in a hurry, so I haven’t made arrangements yet. My assistant is currently checking in the village.”
“It’s a busy farming season, so the village might be full. If you don’t mind, would you like to stay at our estate?”
“Would that really be alright?”
“Of course.”
Riena smiled, her eyes crinkling.
“I’ll have the guest room prepared right away. It won’t take long. I’ll make sure they hurry so you can rest soon.”
“Thank you, my lady. That wasn’t my intention, but it seems I’m imposing after all.”
“You’re not imposing at all. Please wait just a moment.”
Bwahahaha. Of course you can stay there.