Chapter 23

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Eugenie pressed the tears that welled up in her eyes with her handkerchief once more before looking at Edith.

"Where should I begin with you, Lady Edith... Originally, Lionel and Craig, the brothers, and I spent our summers at nearby villas, and we often played together since we were young. This led to the families, both being marquises, discussing a future engagement."

Edith nodded, thinking that Eugenie's story indeed overlapped with what Lionel had told her. When the tea and cake were served to both of them, Eugenie took a sip of tea to moisten her throat before speaking again.

"Please listen to this as a story from the past. ... From the moment I first met Lord Lionel when I was still young, I was captivated by him. When I learned from my parents that I was supposed to be engaged to Lord Lionel in the future, my young heart leaped with joy."

As she listened to Eugenie's feelings, Edith felt a faint stirring in her chest. With eyes that seemed to look far away, Eugenie continued.

"Lord Lionel was calm and gentle, and a true gentleman even when he was young. In contrast, Lord Craig was energetic and mischievous, and the two brothers had very different personalities but were very close. We often played together, losing track of time. We were scolded by our parents for returning to the villas after dark more than once."

Edith looked at Eugenie, imagining the three of them as close friends.

"You had a wonderful childhood together."

"Looking back, perhaps those innocent days were the happiest."

Eugenie's expression darkened slightly.

"However, my family's business gradually declined. Even though my parents appear to live a comfortable life, our family is only a marquis in name, and we do not have much financial leeway. In contrast, the Granville family is a prestigious house with a solid business foundation. My parents placed all their hopes on their only daughter, me. They believed that if I became the Lady of the Granville family, our family could be restored. My parents, who were uneasy with just a verbal agreement between the families, repeatedly urged me to secure Lord Lionel's heart and bring the engagement to fruition. I, too, wanted his affection. But..."

Eugenie smiled sadly and sighed softly.

"In the end, no matter how hard I tried to become a suitable match for Lord Lionel, he never saw me as a woman. Lord Lionel was well-versed in both literature and martial arts, respected by many, beautiful, and flawless. He was so perfect that he didn't need a supporting woman. ... He treated me like a calm older brother, but I could sense that it was nothing more than that."

"Even someone as beautiful as you, Lady Eugenie? And to me, you seem perfect..."

Surprised, Edith shook her head.

"No, when you are close to someone, you can naturally feel it. I believe that if the time came and we were to marry, Lord Lionel would have given me the affection of a family member. But I was exhausted from my futile efforts. It was then that Lord Craig supported me."

"... Lord Craig?"

"Yes. I could consult with Lord Craig about things I couldn't say to Lord Lionel. I confided in him about my family's situation, my parents' expectations, and my frustration at not being able to win Lord Lionel's heart. Gradually, my feelings began to shift towards Lord Craig. Perhaps I also noticed the affection he had for me. But I never told my parents. If I had, they would have opposed a marriage with the second son. ... Lord Lionel fell ill around that time."

Facing Edith, who nodded, Eugenie's face twisted in pain.

"When I visited Lord Lionel, I was completely pale at the sight of his condition, which was worse than I imagined. Seeing him on the brink of losing his vitality, I also thought selfishly that perhaps Lord Craig would inherit the Granville family, and our marriage might come true. Without thinking, I confessed my feelings for Lord Craig to the bedridden Lord Lionel."

Edith remembered that Lionel had said she was the first to see him without flinching when he was ill. The fact that even Eugenie had turned pale made Edith's heart clench. Eugenie covered her face with her hands.

"... For the first time, when Lord Lionel needed me, I abandoned him and pushed him away. Seeing his dark face and tight lips, I realized I had done something irreparable. I cruelly cut him off without trying to support him, someone who had always been kind to me. After visiting Lord Lionel, when I met Lord Craig, he asked me to support his brother, but by then it was too late. In the end, Lord Craig protected me, and the engagement between us was proposed. But even then, Lord Craig said to me..."

Eugenie slowly lowered her hands and looked at Edith intently.

"'I can't get engaged to you until my brother finds a trustworthy fiancée.' I believe Lord Granville felt the same way. And, Lady Edith, you became Lord Lionel's fiancée. Lord Craig even lied to you to protect me. ... I don't deserve such treatment."

"Lord Craig is truly a kind person. He cares deeply for both you and Lord Lionel."

"I feel unworthy of such kindness. ... I can't complain if Lord Lionel never speaks to me again. I think I have lost his trust, and he probably frowns at the thought of me being a suitable match for Lord Craig. No matter what, I can't make up for the fact that I hurt him so deeply when he was in his most difficult situation."

After a moment of silence, Eugenie spoke again.

"However, there is one thing I can do for Lord Lionel, something I have thought of. ... In the distant past, when magic was still used, there was a family of white mages known for their top-tier healing magic. It is said that the successor of this family disappeared, but I have been using the Granville family's extensive information network to search for any leads."

Edith listened quietly to Eugenie's words, not yet seeing the connection between her serious gaze and the story she had brought up.