Chapter 32

Today is a day off.

I had made plans to go out with Noah, and my heart was not exactly soaring with excitement. No, I was excited and looking forward to it. I had taken extra care with my skincare routine and even went through my entire closet trying to decide what to wear.

Yet, the reason I was feeling rather gloomy now was because I had a visitor scheduled for the morning.

I was feeling gloomy, and the atmosphere in the house was tense.

Father had a stern look on his face from the morning, and Mother looked like a noblewoman. As for my brother, he was wearing a smile that was more terrifying than usual, as I knew he was more frightening when he wore such a face.

The reason everyone was making such faces was that the visitor was Viscount Tostmann and his son, Felix.

Viscount Tostmann arrived right on time and, as soon as he entered the entrance hall, he bowed deeply. He seemed thinner than the last time I saw him, and his complexion was terrible. Despite the cold day, he was wiping sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

Felix also looked unwell, showing no trace of his usual arrogance and speaking very little.

This did not change even after Father led them to the parlor.

"I apologize for the repeated disrespectful behavior of my son towards the Bloom family's daughter. I am truly sorry."

Viscount Tostmann and Felix, sitting side by side on the sofa, bowed deeply together.

My parents, sitting on the opposite sofa, exchanged glances. It was probably because this was the first time Felix had shown such an attitude.

My brother, who was leaning against the wall a little distance away, and I, sitting on a single-seater sofa, were both dumbfounded by the situation.

"Alicia, I am truly sorry. I don't mean to blame you, but I think I only heard what I wanted to hear. Because of that, I hurt you many times."

As I searched for the right words, Felix spoke up without waiting.

"I had convinced myself that it was your fault for not forgiving me, even though everything was my doing. I thought that my difficulties were your fault. I even thought that infidelity wasn't a big deal. I took for granted your efforts to build a relationship with me, and perhaps I believed that you would forgive me no matter what because you loved me. I was truly foolish and feel deep shame."

Felix's words of self-reflection made my brother's smile disappear. His brows were deeply furrowed, and it was clear he was displeased, but he did not interrupt.

Steam rose from the untouched tea, carrying its fragrance.

The sound of the logs in the fireplace crackling echoed loudly.

"Um... I had a question that I found curious. May I ask it?"

I took a deep breath before speaking. My voice was a bit strained, probably due to nervousness.

"Of course."

"Felix, I heard you were under house arrest. How were you able to send me letters and gifts?"

At my words, Felix's eyebrows furrowed. His blue eyes, which smiled in confusion, were shadowed.

"...The head maid was helping me. She was the woman who had been my nursemaid and cared for me... I trusted her. I think I only accepted the words that suited me, just as I did before."

"What did she say?"

Felix hesitated to answer. From his expression, I could tell it wasn't something nice.

It was Viscount Tostmann who answered my question.

"She said things like, 'Alicia is just being sulky,' and 'She's probably testing Felix's feelings.' She said she cared for Felix and didn't want to see him sad... but that doesn't justify causing trouble for Alicia. My son, who was swayed by her words, is the one most at fault, of course."

"What happened to the head maid?"

"She resigned along with her husband, the butler, and they are returning to their hometown. They will help their son and daughter-in-law, who run a shop there."

Father's voice remained stern. Viscount Tostmann answered politely, aware of this.

"I am returning to my estate in a few days. I probably won't see you again. ...I am truly sorry. Though I have no right to say it, I wish you happiness."

Felix's face looked clear and relieved, as if he had let go of something.

He must have found it difficult to accept that he was wrong when he thought he was right.

I didn't feel any sympathy or pity... but I also wished Felix happiness.

The meeting ended there.

Viscount Tostmann mentioned paying additional compensation, but I left that to Father. I had no particular requests.

Unexpectedly, Felix stopped by me as they were leaving.

"Seeing you with him, I realized that you trust him and that he cares for you deeply. Perhaps that's what woke me up. I only took from you and never tried to give anything back. I must have caused you a lot of discomfort. I'm sorry."

My brother, who was on guard, was listening intently. I would have to explain about him. Not mentioning Einhard's name might have been Felix's consideration.

"Take care."

"Please take care of yourself, Felix. Goodbye."

Viscount Tostmann and Felix left in a carriage bearing the Tostmann family crest. Watching them go, I finally felt that it was truly over.

And then—before my brother could interrogate me, I rushed to my room.