Chapter 23

Chapter 23

“What are you talking about?” Ryan asked, returning with a bouquet of blue roses in his hand. His hat was angled downward, as if to conceal any signs he’d cried. “Would anyone like a blue rose? I’ve broken off most of the thorns.”

Ryan eyed me warily, as if he were somewhat reluctant to part with the roses meant for the grave.

“I’ll take one,” I said with a smile. “I’ll make sure to treasure it.”

My governess had taught me that kindness toward others was the foundation of proper etiquette.

“Your smile tells me that you know why we’ve come,” Ryan murmured. “It’s true. I asked everyone here today in honor of my late sister Eliza, who had always wished to see the blue roses… I apologize, I didn’t intend to broach such a depressing topic.”

Percy and Jax sat silently, encouraging their friend to continue.

“While cleaning up yesterday, I discovered some of my sister’s belongings. Nearly every item was blue. Her favorite color.”

Percy nodded as Ryan spoke.

“Thank you for everything, Percy. The fact that you’ve kept Eliza in your thoughts and not entered another engagement… I couldn’t be more grateful.”

“Don’t say such things. My family only has money to their name. It means so much to me that your sister, who always exuded the noblest qualities of your prestigious family, was my first love.” Percy clenched his jaw as if trying to keep a handle on his emotions.

“No, it is I who must express my heartfelt gratitude. Your family was extremely generous in providing us with the jewelry and money for the engagement ceremony, and you never asked for them to be returned. Because of those funds, our family was able to get back on its feet.”

The atmosphere grew heavy. Jax looked around cautiously before opening his mouth to speak. “Why don’t we all go visit Eliza after this?”

“That would be lovely. I’m sure my sister would be thrilled if Percy bought her roses…”

Jax rubbed his reddened nose, his eyes shining with tears.

They must be deeply saddened by her death, as they’re all on the verge of tears so publicly. My heart broke for their loss, but I couldn’t help but smile faintly at their heartwarming friendship.

At that moment, Ryan cleared his throat. “Let’s discuss a lighter subject. Lady Leticia, do you have any questions about life in the capital?”

“To be honest, I haven’t visited many places in the capital,” I said, squirming shyly.

“Well, there are many excellent places to explore. I grew up in the countryside, so the capital can feel like another world. I still remember how I felt on my first day at the academy—the tiles painted red by the sunset, the way my heart pounded as I stepped out of the train station, the pigeons perched atop the blue clock tower’s ringing bell. Being able to spend your childhood in the capital is a blessing. A wonderful experience.”

Hmm… I certainly wouldn’t call growing up in the capital’s back alley a wonderful experience. But I must admit that the train station’s blue clock tower is beautiful.

“Ryan speaks as if he’s recalling distant memories,” I said with a smile.

Percy and the others had left to drink champagne by the shore. Meanwhile, I reclined on the mat, my shawl draped over my knees. The sun lingered on my face, and I basked in the pleasant sensation.

“I want to take a nap like this…” I mumbled thoughtlessly.

“Are you having fun?” Jade asked.

“Yes! I enjoyed the picnic. I already can’t wait to come again.”

Jade grinned. “Then I’m glad I was able to bring you here today.”

I giggled, my eyes drifting shut as I struggled to resist sleep. I want to bake under the sun, like a well-toasted loaf of bread…

“Want to take a nap?”

“I do. Please be sure to wake me up, Jade.”

It’s a small island with only five people on it. How can he leave me behind? Still, I can’t help but be afraid—afraid that I’ll wake up from this dreamlike existence, afraid that if I make a minor mistake, this life will vanish forever. What if I have to leave Jade here and return to living on the streets?

“Don’t worry. I’ll wake you up,” he said, placing a hat over my head. Then I fell asleep and enjoyed my short nap.

After a while, I heard faint sounds of laughter and opened my eyes again.

How long did I sleep? I rubbed my eyes and quickly sat up. That was when I noticed a boat approaching the shore.

“Huh? A group of women?”

Percy, who was standing with his friends on the river’s edge, muttered as he examined the boat. I then spotted a familiar face among the women in brightly colored dresses.

It’s Kallen!

I leaped up and shrieked, “Your Grace!”

Jade whipped his head around. “Father’s here?”

Before I knew it, my feet were quickly leading me to the water.

* * *

A huddle of colorful parasols in blue, red, and white. Frilly dresses lined with an overabundance of lace. Giggles echoed out over the small Lenoch Island. The boat came to a stop, and a handsome man stepped out.

“Thank you for the ride, ladies. I hope you enjoy your day.”

“Let us meet again soon, Your Grace.”

“Please attend our family’s ball someday!”

It was clear who the only man on the boat was—Kallen, my adoptive father. Without him, the ladies wouldn’t be waving their hands goodbye with such ecstatic expressions.

He’s so popular! As expected of the novel’s protagonist!

After the boat had departed, Kallen approached me. “Were you having fun, darling?” he asked.

“Yes! What brings you here?”

“I’m here to see you, of course. Were you not disappointed when we had to say goodbye this morning?”

The duke lifted me up, and joyful laughter burst out of me. I wasn’t a baby anymore, but I never grew tired of such playful behavior.

“Are you sure that wasn’t just an excuse to share a boat with that gaggle of ladies?” I asked.

“No, I never make excuses,” Kallen replied while pinching my cheek.

Ouch. This is the one playful behavior I don’t like.

“My daughter is the one and only person who can make me come running.”

I tugged at Kallen’s arm, urging him to let me down. As he lowered me to the ground, I noticed three people staring at us as if they’d witnessed a ghost.

“His Grace is…” Percy mumbled.

Kallen smiled at me, then turned around and nodded at Jade.

“Jade.”

“Yes, Father?”

“Who are these pests that dared to not only breathe the same air as my daughter but to speak with her without a chaperone?”

The faces of the three so-called pests instantly paled.

“Not to mention they’re consuming alcohol in her presence…”

The boys quickly stood up and bowed.

“P-pardon us, Your Grace. We only planned to share a pot of tea…”

“R-right! I solemnly swear that we didn’t do anything to interfere with Lady Leticia.”

Kallen tilted his head and glared at them.

“Names,” he bluntly demanded.

“P-please excuse me, Your Grace. My name is…” Percy, Ryan, and Jax rushed to introduce themselves.

“They’re my academy seniors and fellow student society members,” Jade added. “We happened across them while picnicking.”

“So are they pests or not?” Kallen asked.

“Not the type that requires pesticides.”

How is it that they’re speaking so softly, yet the conversation sounds absolutely terrifying?

“There’s no need to worry, boys. I only speak in jest out of adoration for my daughter,” Kallen finally said, but the three boys refused to budge from their frozen stances.

“How are you here already, Father? The meeting must have been quite lengthy. You didn’t leave early because you were jealous of our sibling bonding time, did you?”

“His Majesty suggested we conclude earlier today. Perhaps he hasn’t been working very hard.”

“Was concluding early truly His Majesty’s wish or someone else’s?” Jade wondered slyly. Kallen then sat between us, as if it was a normal occurrence.

“In any case, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said to Jade’s seniors, who flinched and bowed deeply in response. He then motioned towards me. “Come over here, child.”

I picked up my teddy bear, held it tightly in my arms, and sat down beside the duke.

“So, what were you all discussing?”

“W-we were regaling Lady Leticia with tales about life in the capital, Your Grace,” Jax said, fidgeting.

Is this how fans react when they meet a celebrity? They look scared but happy at the same time. I raised my eyebrow, realizing that Percy was the only one who didn’t seem to be enjoying the conversation. Is he feeling unwell?

At that moment, Percy stood up from his seat.

“I apologize, Your Grace, but I shall be back after I get some fresh air and sober up.” Then he walked away.

“What was all that?” Kallen wondered, then turned to face the other two boys, who were eyeing him eagerly. “If you have something to say, say it.”

“Well, I’m actually very interested in House Lewelton’s magic tool business. In fact, I’m considering using it as the material for my senior thesis.”

“Do you mind telling us about your student days, Your Grace?”

Ryan and Jax spoke to Kallen with sparkling eyes. They were clearly the duke’s fans.

“Would you also like to hear, Leticia?” Kallen asked, glancing at me.

“Of course! I’d like to know everything about the Leweltons,” I replied with a bright smile.

Kallen grinned. “All right, then. Where shall I start?”

We all proceeded to have a surprisingly good time. Kallen talked at length about several complicated topics, so I wasn’t able to follow everything, but it was interesting to see how he behaved outside the manor.

In the twinkling of an eye, the air had turned chilly, and the sun had begun to fade. “Should we head home now?” Jade asked gently.

I nodded slowly.

“The servants will be bringing our boat back soon,” he said to his father.

“Oh, we’ll summon our servants as well. I told them I’d signal them with a mirror by the river,” said Ryan. He stood up, took off, and returned shortly after.

“Did they receive the signal?” Jax asked.

“Yes, they did indeed.”

Suddenly, there was a splash in the water. I hugged my teddy bear and turned toward the noise.

“There are quite a few waterbirds,” Jax remarked leisurely, then turned to Ryan.

“Percy’s taking a long time. He must be quite drunk.”

“Should we go look for him? He tends to get rather emotional when he drinks…” Ryan muttered.

Oh, right! The blue roses! I sprang up and faced the duke.

“You should see the blue roses, too, Your Grace! They’re beautiful.”

“Shall I?”

This time, I can show Kallen the way to the rose bushes! I excitedly pulled his arm.

“Hurry, Your Grace!”

But what I discovered in the rose bush was not what I had anticipated. A man lay amid a bed of bright blue roses. I was frozen as I stared at his face.

“Percy?” Jade muttered.

He’s dead… An endless stream of dark red blood dripped from Percy’s wrist. I pressed my palms to my mouth to hold in my scream.

It’s as if the blood is returning the roses to their original color… The blood slowly stained the blue rose petals, turning them a deep red.