Chapter 8

Today, I have also updated two chapters.

The next day after Edith met Lionel and their engagement was settled, a grand carriage of the Granville Marquess family arrived to pick up Edith as promised.

Lionel, who had just stepped down from the carriage with the help of a servant, looked even paler than the day before, and Edith, worried, hurriedly ran to him.

"Lord Lionel, thank you for coming. Um, how is your health...?"

"Ah, I'm fine. Besides, seeing you has made me feel better."

Lionel smiled, but Edith could tell he was enduring the pain in his body and felt uneasy. Knowing that spending too much time outside would be detrimental to Lionel, Edith quickly spoke up.

"I am also delighted to meet you, Lord Lionel. I have already finished all my preparations, and all that's left is to board the carriage that has come to pick me up. Shall we go now?"

As Edith glanced back, she saw her in-laws and sister-in-law standing there with forced smiles, seeing her off.

Lionel's father, who had followed him out of the carriage, bowed politely to Edith's father-in-law.

"Lord Marquess, I may not be adequate, but please take care of Edith."

"No, to have a lady like Edith engage to my son, I am the one who should be grateful."

Edith's father-in-law shifted his gaze from Lionel's father to Edith.

"Edith, what a kind word to hear. Please be on your best behavior."

"Yes, Father-in-law. Everyone, please take care."

Edith, holding a small bag, saw Laura, who was looking at her and waving her hand slightly. Edith nodded and smiled at Laura before turning her back to the Oakridge Earl's house.

***

As Edith, reflecting on the one and a half years she had spent there, gazed out the carriage window with a touch of nostalgia, Lionel, sitting across from her, spoke with concern.

"Leaving the Oakridge Earl's house must be a bit sad, Edith?"

"No, I was just reflecting on the past one and a half years. Thank you for your concern, Lord Lionel."

In the swaying carriage, Lionel, whose voice was slightly trembling and who was breathing with difficulty, seemed to be struggling even more with the pain in his body. Edith couldn't help but continue.

"Lord Lionel, the carriage is bound to be bumpy, and it must be uncomfortable for you. If I may be so bold, would you like to close your eyes and rest a bit? ...I will be in the Granville Marquess family from now on, and I will have plenty of time to spend with you, so please don't worry about me."

Edith, who had heard that Lionel had only a year left to live, did not intend to accept this fate and deliberately said that they would have plenty of time. She already had a few medicines in mind that she wanted Lionel to try.

Lionel, as if understanding Edith's intention, smiled faintly.

"Thank you for your kind words, Edith. I'm sorry for being so tense, but I'll allow myself to be comforted by your kindness."

After saying this to Edith, Lionel slowly closed his sunken eyes. Soon, Edith could hear Lionel's faint breathing. It was not steady and sounded a bit strained. As she listened intently, Lionel's father, who was sitting next to her, whispered to her in a low voice.

"Edith, thank you for your concern for my son."

"No, it's nothing. And please call me Edith."

Lionel's father looked at Edith with a gentle expression.

"Understood, Edith. You are a kind-hearted woman. I can see that you are always attentive to how Lionel, who is ill, feels. I am very fortunate to have you as Lionel's fiancée."

He glanced at his son with a concerned look.

"As you have noticed, Lionel's body is severely weakened. It has been a long time since he has gone out every day. I think, given his character, he probably told you honestly about his condition when you were alone yesterday..."

Edith nodded quietly, and he continued.

"I have never given up on Lionel's life. However, if, as the doctor says, his life is indeed coming to an end, I also want to make his remaining time as happy as possible. ...It may seem contradictory, but..."

With a pained expression, Lionel's father said in a whispering tone.

"Lionel, to say it, has always been a kind, intelligent, and straightforward child. I had high hopes for him. But then he fell ill... Even so, he tries his best to look forward and not burden his family, which makes me feel very sorry for him. Lionel needs love that his family alone cannot provide. I may not have the right to say this to you, Edith, after bringing up the engagement for financial reasons, but as his fiancée, if you could show him warm affection, it would be very much appreciated."

Lionel's father bowed deeply to Edith.

"Thank you very much, Edith, for agreeing to come to the Granville Marquess family. Please take care of my son."

(He is a warm father who truly cares for Lord Lionel.)

The image of her kind parents, who had passed away, flashed through Edith's mind, overlapping with Lionel's father. Feeling a bit awkward in front of the bowing Lionel's father, Edith answered in a suppressed but clear voice, careful not to wake Lionel.

"I have no intention of giving up on Lord Lionel's life. Moreover, I respect him for not forgetting his kind consideration despite his painful condition. I will do my best to support him to the best of my ability."

Lionel's father, hearing Edith's words, smiled at her and gently wiped away the tears that had formed at the corners of his eyes.