Translator and Editor: Lea
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Chapter 35
“She suddenly shows up today and says she wants to apologize for the incident that happened a few months ago.”“Now, of all times?”“I think she asked the Count to apologize, but maybe out of shame, the old man just sent her.”
Dahlia let out an exasperated sigh. To April, who had never seen her talk harshly about a customer, it was surprising.
“So she apologized?”“Yeah. And she wanted to order some more cosmetics for the Countess. I said I can’t say because of what happened. Nevertheless, she was still consistent.”“Oh….. You didn’t start a scuffle, did you?”“Well, yes. I know this cut off a wealthy aristocracy, but I said we needed time to think about conducting business with a family that could pose a risk to us.”
Dahlia shook her head, recalling Fiora’s last words.
《 I’ll be taking this as an atonement for what we have done. Please forgive us. 》
Unlike the Count, it was not easy for Dahlia to dismiss Fiora, who politely bowed her head. But she also could not make a decision alone that would make April uncomfortable.
“Anyway, did you come here because we had fewer orders this week?”“I’m going to the East next week. I wanted to see you before that.”“That’s far, isn’t it? Would you stay long there?”“No, not for long. Only a few weeks.”“Ah….. with the Marquis?”“Yes. I’m staying with him.”
April smiled shyly and nodded. Now aware of the unexpected development, Dahlia dumbfoundedly stared at her face.
“No way. Are you…. with him?”
April’s cheeks turned a dark shade of pink at this. Dahlia did not bother to pry.
“Is that all right? I mean, the choice for you to be with him?”“Yes.”“That’s fine, then. Have a safe trip. And don’t catch a cold out there.”
Dahlia tried not to show her emotion. She held back her sadness that April was seemingly moving away forever, even though she was glad she looked happy.
She clasped April’s hand and patted her shoulder.
***
Ian had been focusing on managing the enlisted soldiers ever since he arrived at the East Reykis mansion. It was only a few days later that he was able to travel Northeast with Yuri. He galloped on a horse in a proper uniform, carrying a weapon.
He felt uncomfortable at the thought of meeting Carl Liszt, but he had to get rid of his personal feelings to attend his official duties.
“I see the North.”
Ian looked up to the distant mountains. The mountain range, which bordered the northernmost parts of the empire, was so steep and high that it could be spotted from his position.
The reason he chose to be finished with this work was that April would be arriving soon.
“I think it should be the right decision to have a quick meeting today and inspect the area.”“Right. I’d like to finish this as soon as possible. I’m slowly getting closer to……”
Ian sprayed some perfume from April’s vial on his chest in case anything happened, before entering the command center.
When Ian entered, the people inside stood up in unison and greeted him with courtesy. Carl Liszt, who had already arrived a few days earlier, also bowed reluctantly. His injured leg seemed to have healed.
“It’s been a long time.”“Indeed, it has.”
Ian greeted him in a rather perfunctory manner.
“Thank you for traveling all the way here.”“I’m here on duty, so don’t feel pressured.”
Few papers were placed in front of Ian as he sat down. The documents were prepared by Carl, which contained information on the army to be organized around the northernmost point of the defense line and the budget accordingly.
“Let’s see.”
He read through the material. Although it wasn’t much different from the eastern region, the difference in subsidies was a bit large as the northern mountainous region became the center. But within the budget, it seemed manageable.
“That’s a lot of artillery being carried into the highlands. Are you assured of the coverage of the maintenance?”“Of course. It’s the most ambitious part.”“There’s no question, then. You’re still in charge of the Northern Command.”“Yes. And the Eastern end….”“Will be taken by Yuri Gray here. As my agent.”“Is it because of your condition that you’re not in charge of it yourself? It hasn’t stopped yet?”
Carl asked implicitly. His question meant why he was taking his foot off the battlefield in the name of injury.
‘Still trying to drag your feet after the duel?’
Ian smirked, thinking he didn’t change. It seemed Carl intended to mock Ian, but it was more like venting his anger about the previous deal.
“You’d be staying in the northern end of Carleva, while I would be in the capital. Since the East is closer to my estate, I placed an agent of mine. Now, is that enough of an answer to you?”
Ian’s casual reply felt like a piercing thorn to Carl, who had become weak from the moment he visited the capital. But since he couldn’t show it, he just shut up.
“I look forward to your kind cooperation.”“Same goes for you.”
After the meeting, which was held in a formal atmosphere, the two men exchanged only formal greetings and parted. Ian got on his horse and set his eyes out to the Northeast region.
“Do you happen to have an interest in that area?”
Carl suddenly broke the silence. Ian turned in the direction from where his voice came. Carl was standing, fiddling with the head of a sword on his hilt. As if he was ready to point it at Ian.
“Do you think I have?”“It’s not like there isn’t.”“It’s April’s hometown. I wonder what kind of past that place might hold.”
Ian jumped off the horse. Carl fixed his gaze on Ian’s hilt as he strode up to him. A long sword and a highly soaring pistol were placed on Ian’s hilt.
“You pretended she wasn’t yours, and yet you ended up with her? This scent is…..”“I didn’t have April, she came to help me. Seeing you talk like that, it seems you still haven’t set your mind.”
Ian stopped right in front of Carl, staring down at him with arrogance in his eyes. Carl swallowed his dry saliva. He felt as if Ian was about to pull out his weapon and knock him down.
“Carl. You’re not going to renege on your word, are you? If you have a conscience, that is.”“…..How long do you think you can boast of catching April?”“I’d like for you to keep your eyes off her as much as possible. I wish that you remain as my fellow soldier.”
Having the last say, he climbed on his horse. There was a lot of work to be finished before April’s arrival, so talking to Carl was a waste of his time. Ian took another careful lookout at the defense line and called Yuri, before heading straight to the Reykis annex.
‘I can’t let that worm twist me.’
He clenched his teeth.
***
The Eastern part of the country called the land of winter because of its angelic snow cover, seemed to have already received its scenic beauty.
April opened the window a little to find a cold breeze blowing in from the other side. In fear of catching a cold, she had to close it quickly.
“What are you doing?”
She was going to see him after 10 long days. He had said he would make sure to take some time off his work today, but she decided not to expect anything because of his possibly tight schedule.
April leaned forward slightly and opened the window on the wall separating the coachman’s seat.
“When shall it be arriving?”“We’ll be there soon enough. That’s where you can see it.”
The man pointed to what was a wall surrounding the Reykis annex.
Unlike that of the capital, the dark exterior walls were unfamiliar. The soaring, high roof was just like that of a monastery.
‘They’re evergreen. It’s green even though it’s winter.’
As she looked at the calm and magnificent view around the house, she recalled what Ian had told her before leaving.
《 If there’s anything you can’t solve with that extraordinary head of yours, I’ll gladly stand behind you. 》
His words were more reassuring than anything else, but April was troubled. The contract would end soon, and she would have to face the change. To move beyond their contractual relationship, the need was to wrap up the past.
‘I need something greater than money. I can’t ask Ian for anything more……’
Something greater than wealth, something one couldn’t buy with money. April tried to erase the thought that crossed her mind.
In the meantime, the carriage came to a stop at its destination, passing over a cleanly paved hillside.
“We have arrived.”“Thank you. Thank you for your hard work.”
Grabbing the hem of her skirt, as April went to get off the wagon, someone appeared in front of her and pulled her in.
She fell into his arms without having time to step on the ground. She felt the man’s firm arms gripping around her and what seemed to be his scent, had now become a little stronger.
“Ian!”“I’ve missed you.”
Ian pulled apart slightly to kiss the back of her hand. His lips felt unusually warm against her cold skin.
“Do you have to go out today again?”
She asked him, studying him up and down. He was wearing a uniform, not a casual outfit. Perhaps, his plan to rest today was destroyed. With the black uniform bearing golden buttons and a proper weapon on his waist, he appeared to be ready to go out on a war.
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