YWPWYLFDM 60

Chapter 60

How long had it even been?

Just a few short hours, and yet—had she grown attached in that brief time?

It was ridiculous that she should find herself missing Winfred as though she were yearning for her parents.

“…Still, I want to see him again.”

Would Winfred remember her? Surely he hadn’t forgotten her as just a fleeting encounter.

Thinking of that made a lonely wind stir in Aila’s chest. She hoped he remembered her too. That he might, every so often, recall their time together and miss her in turn.

On that quiet, lonesome night—
She had no idea that her reunion with Winfred was drawing near.

“Are you still sneaking into the annex? Can’t you please just listen to your father for once? That girl is no good! I’ll find you someone prettier, alright?”

Count Senosfon was once again clinging to his son’s sleeve, pleading. He had lost track of how many times they’d had this same conversation.

But he had clearly forgotten one thing: the more you say no to a boy his son’s age, the more stubbornly determined he becomes.

Not that the count truly expected a change. He didn’t imagine his obstinate son would suddenly proclaim, ‘Alright, I won’t bother her anymore.’

And yet, to his surprise, Gerald answered with unexpected ease.

“Yes, I understand. I won’t go anymore.”

“That girl is no good, I said—wait, what did you just say?”

“…I said I won’t go. To the annex.”

The count dug a finger into his ear, suspicious that he had misheard because of years of earwax buildup.

“Really?”

“Yes. But—on one condition.”

Gerald added, wearing a stubborn expression.

Of course. It couldn’t be that simple. This boy would never bend his will so easily.

“And what condition is that? Let’s hear it.”

The count asked wearily. In truth, he was prepared to concede to almost anything. He was tired of the constant tension whenever Byron was around, tired of having to tiptoe around him.

But Gerald’s condition was far from easy to grant.

“Let me go out with her—just the two of us—at the upcoming festival. Just once. If I can spend one day with her, I’ll never even glance toward the annex again.”

“…What nonsense. Are you saying you want to attend the Crown Prince’s Investiture Festival with that girl?”

Gerald knew full well that his father had fallen out of favor for supporting Duke Vaches, and yet here he was, insisting on attending such an important event with the very girl his father disapproved of.

Was he trying to drive his father mad? Where had such a troublesome son even come from?

“Oh, I’ve stated my condition. Unless you agree to this, I won’t do as you say.”

“That’s not something I can just grant! We need the guest in the annex to agree as well…!”

Count Senosfon recalled how Byron had insisted time and again that Gerald be kept away from that girl—whether she was his daughter or not. The condition was nearly impossible.

But Gerald didn’t care. He was determined to force his father’s hand.

“Until you agree, I won’t eat!”

He was ready to go on hunger strike.

“You? The boy who throws a tantrum if you miss even a single meal? As if.”

The count scoffed. He was certain Gerald wouldn’t last even a day.

“…Just wait and see.”

Gerald glared darkly at his father, then stomped off and locked himself in his room. Thus began the war between father and son.

And four days later—

The count could hardly get any work done because of his wife’s constant nagging.

“Do something! Our son’s going to starve to death at this rate!”

Contrary to expectations, Gerald had kept his word and gone without food for four whole days.

“Ha… whose stubbornness did he inherit, I wonder?”

“He said just once! Are you going to let your son die over this? Go talk to the guest in the annex already!”

Groaning, the count rubbed his aching temples. His wife clung to him, repeating the same words until his ears rang.

“Clara, quiet down—my head hurts.”

He tried to ignore her, but the more he did, the more furious she became.

She had hated the idea of housing that mysterious guest in the annex from the very beginning—and now look what had come of it.

With her temper finally snapping, she grabbed a glass of water and threw it in his face.

“Feed our Gerald right this instant—or I’ll divorce you!!”

“C-Clara, wait—!”

But she stormed out of his office and locked herself in her room.

The count sighed in defeat. He could no longer just sit back and watch.

He went straight to the annex to see Byron. If Gerald’s condition was the only way to restore peace to his household, then so be it.

Naturally, he didn’t go empty-handed. He brought along the finest bottles from his prized wine collection, hoping to soften Byron’s mood before broaching the subject.

And as expected, a few glasses in, Byron’s face grew flushed, and he began making grand promises about what he’d do once he became emperor—most of them little more than pipe dreams.

But Count Senosfon could hardly take comfort in these boasts. He was too preoccupied with finding the right moment to bring up his son’s request.

Eventually, Byron noticed.

“Hm. You seem to have something on your mind. Speak freely—between us, there’s nothing I wouldn’t hear.”

It was the opening the count had been waiting for.

“Well, it’s my son, you see…”

He explained Gerald’s demand, hoping that in Byron’s drunken, generous mood, he would not outright refuse.

And indeed, Byron didn’t. Though clearly displeased, he did not say no.

“My boy swore that if he can go out with her just once, he’ll never bother her again. Stubborn he may be, but when he makes a promise, he keeps it.”

The count pressed, hammering the point home. Byron swirled his wine, deep in thought.

He had always dismissed the count’s son as a foolish brat chasing after something beyond his station. But perhaps the boy wasn’t entirely without cunning.

Still, I’d be a fool to give in without getting something in return.

Any agreement had to be mutual—otherwise, he’d be played for a fool.

And he certainly didn’t like the idea of Aila going out with another man. The mere thought of her smiling brightly while walking through the bustling festival beside Gerald made his blood boil.

…Wait. Didn’t I already promise Aila she could go out?

At the time, he had planned to send Cloud and Lora with her. But with the imperial envoys in town, sending Cloud into the city was risky, and Lora needed to remain hidden for her infiltration mission.

He couldn’t let Aila go alone—yet here was the perfect solution.

This way, he could honor his promise to Aila and rid her of that pesky admirer afterward. Two birds with one stone.

Having reached his conclusion, Byron stroked his chin as though reluctant.

“Hmm… but isn’t it a bit dangerous for just the two of them? She may not be my daughter, but she is still a valuable hound.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll assign the finest knights of my household to guard them.”

That would ensure both Aila and Gerald were properly watched.

Satisfied, Byron nodded.

“Very well. A single day should be no problem.”

“Truly? Thank you—thank you, my lord!”

Overjoyed, the count thrust the remaining bottles of wine into Byron’s arms. To him, Byron had just saved his son from starvation and his marriage from collapse.

Having achieved his goal, he returned proudly to the main house and knocked on Gerald’s door.

“Gerald, my boy! Come out—I have something to tell you!”