《Shadows of Memory》


 Pale Spring

    Everyone present at the funeral wiped away their tears.


    It wasn¡¯t because the spring rain grazed their faces, nor because they suddenly felt pity for the short life of twenty years that lay buried beneath the earth.


    "Anna, Anna... how could you do this to me?"


    A man who could not yet bring himself to place the gravestone, even after dirt had covered the coffin.


    It was the heart-wrenching sobs of Jack Luck, the husband of the deceased Anna, that tore at the hearts of those who witnessed it.


    "Without you, what dreams am I supposed to live for now? What should I live for, now that you''ve left me behind? Please, answer me, Anna."


    He raised his trembling, large hand, and gently caressed the tombstone.


    The words "Anna Xavier" were engraved in relief. The sight of him tenderly stroking the name, as if she could still feel it, was so pitiful that a few of the onlookers couldn¡¯t hold back their tears any longer and turned away.


    Jack kept asking, again and again, as though refusing to acknowledge the undeniable truth that no voice would ever come from the ashes.


    "Do you remember? These are the clothes you picked out for me. You said they would suit me well."


    The spring rain was relentless.


    The once sturdy man''s broad shoulders finally collapsed under the weight of grief.


    "If I had known this would happen, I would have shown you this side of me earlier. Maybe then, you would have smiled at least once more. What was it that drove you to such loneliness over such trivial things..."


    The women, dabbing their tears beneath their black veils, whispered softly.


    "Will we ever see another tragedy like this? It seems even the heavens are cruel, separating such a deeply loving young couple like this."


    "My heart feels like it¡¯s tearing apart just watching. By the way, do you think something was wrong with the Lady?"


    "I¡¯m not sure of the details."


    One of the women, fanning herself to dry her tears, nodded toward a man.


    It was Anna'' father, Duke Xavier, standing at a distance. His face was pale, almost haunted, as he explained the situation to those offering condolences and asking questions. His expression suggested it wasn¡¯t just an explanation, but almost a defense. ¡°It seems the Lady had some psychological issues. She struggled greatly after the passing of the Duchess.¡±


    ¡°She was sent to a convent for the same reason during her childhood, wasn¡¯t she? In the end, she couldn¡¯t overcome it¡­¡±


    Each of the women began recalling the fleeting images they had of Lady Anna from afar.


    The woman had resembled a classic oil painting. Not just because her features seemed picturesque, but because there was always a fragile stillness to her, like a lifeless object. Had anyone ever seen a glimmer of vitality in her pale, delicate face?


    The women, shaking their heads, suddenly paused in unison. There was indeed a time when she smiled¡ªonly when her husband, Jack, was by her side.


    ¡°They say she took poison, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°What a cruel thing to do. Leaving such a burden for the ones left behind.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear, don¡¯t speak like that, Madam.¡±


    "You''re absolutely right. She might feel relieved, but what about those left behind? Just look at him."


    It seemed that while Jach may have been a reason for her smiles, he wasn¡¯t enough of a reason for her to continue living.


    No, in truth, for someone who lacked the strength to endure life, no one, not even Jach, could have saved her. No matter how much love he poured into her during their two-year marriage, if the vessel meant to receive it was broken, what could he have done?


    Funerals, after all, are for the living. The women turned their focus from the suffering of the deceased to the grief of the one left behind.


    Jach Luck had done all he could. Everyone at the funeral thought so. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s been standing in the rain for too long. Let¡¯s bring him inside now.¡±


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    "The ceremony is almost over. Holding on like that won¡¯t bring peace to the departed. Would Lady Anna have wanted to see her husband like this?"


    "Yes, let him rest now. We''ll sing the final requiem ourselves."


    "You can only grieve properly if you stay alive."


    As each woman added her thoughts, a secretary gently supported Jach''s body. It wasn¡¯t easy for even a grown man to hold up someone as large as Jach, who seemed more like a statue than a person. As the secretary struggled, Jach slowly straightened his body. He waved the secretary away and looked down at the tombstone.


    "It¡¯s raining, the way you liked it."


    Whispering this, Jach kissed the engraved name on the tombstone.


    "Sir, please calm down. At this rate..."


    Just as people''s thoughts began to grow heavy, the secretary appeared at the right moment. Even as the secretary shook his shoulder, Jach remained completely still. A drop of rainwater fell from the sharp tip of his chin.


    "It''s a relief, isn''t it?"


    Everyone felt a deep sense of pity as they watched Jach''s lonely figure turn and walk away.


    As the mournful funeral song filled the garden, Claudio, the secretary, followed behind his staggering boss, who looked as though he might collapse at any moment. After dragging the heavy front door shut and locking it, Claudio realized that Jach had already disappeared.


    Where could he have gone? As Claudio glanced around, he noticed a trail of wet footprints. At first, the footprints were staggered and unsteady, but as they led to the second floor, they became more precise, as if nothing had happened.


    The trail stopped in front of Jach''s office. Taking a few deep breaths, Claudio knocked on the door.


    "Come in." The previously sorrowful and hoarse voice was now calm and indifferent, granting permission.


    As soon as Claudio opened the door and saw Jach, he couldn''t quite understand why he felt such an overwhelming sense of helplessness.


    "¡­"


    This was the man who had been sobbing just moments ago, devastated as if he had taken on all the world¡¯s sorrow after the death of his wife.


    Now, he sat at his desk, legs casually stretched out. The jacket his late wife had chosen for him was tossed carelessly to the side, and he lit a damp cigar as though relieved that the troublesome ordeal was finally over.


    Jach Luck, it seemed, had done all he could.


    "Are you alright, sir?"


    Claudio asked, knowing full well what the answer would be, but hoping for a denial.


    However, Jach¡¯s red-rimmed eyes narrowed slightly beyond the flickering match flame, as if he had just heard something utterly ridiculous.


    "If I don''t look alright, bring me a towel. And the Cynthia Lake bid documents, too."


    Returning with the towel and documents, Claudio took in the scene before him. Aside from a few scattered, damp cigars, nothing had changed in the room.


    It had been a long time since Jach had smoked cigars, Claudio realized.


    But the thought was meaningless. Pushing down his emotions, Claudio asked,


    "Wasn¡¯t the Cynthia Lake bid previously rejected? The location is good, but the land price is too high, and the Marquis selling it is firmly against any negotiations."


    "That was then."


    Jach responded briefly, flipping through the documents as he unbuttoned his shirt. "But do you think the Marquis will be just as firm with a man who lost his wife yesterday?"


    Claudio felt a shiver run down his spine, even though there was no more room for shock.


    He had admired Jack, a man who had amassed unimaginable wealth at such a young age. Claudio had hoped to learn the secrets of Jach¡¯s success, wondering if ten or twenty years under his wing would be enough.


    Now, he realized that Jach''s methods were beyond anything that could be taught.


    How could a person be like this? How could someone use even their wife¡¯s death as a tool?


    Jach¡¯s face was slightly pale. His eyes, which had been tearful and swollen just a short while ago, were now far too clear to belong to someone who had been weeping.


    "The words ''It¡¯s a relief that it¡¯s raining''¡­ could it be..."


    Had the rain been to hide his dry eyes all along?


    Claudio shuddered. Trembling, he finally spat out the words.


    ¡°This is too much, sir.¡±


    Without looking at him, Jack continued signing documents and replied.


    ¡°What is?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI simply can¡¯t do this! Out of guilt for the late Lady! This¡­ this is too much¡­¡±


    ¡°Who said she was dead?¡±


    Claudio couldn¡¯t tell if Jack had gone mad, or if it was him who had lost his mind, hearing delusions after working for such a man.


    ¡°What do you mean by that? Are you suddenly refusing to believe your wife is dead? The head maid found the body, and her father, the Duke, personally sent it to the crematorium. What part of that is uncertain to you?¡± Claudio was about to storm out in disbelief when his feet stopped abruptly.


    ¡°They confirmed a body. Not death.¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doubting her. She isn¡¯t someone who would die so easily.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t mere suspicion, it was a conviction. And conviction carries weight. Claudio hesitated, feeling as though his feet were bound.


    Had anyone else said it, he would have dismissed it as nonsense. But this was Jack Luck, the new legend of the West, the silent predator.


    A gambler who had never lost.


    Jack sealed his point.


    ¡°Bring me the head maid. I have something to confirm.¡± Claudio, confused and unsure if this made sense, eventually nodded. If what Jack said was true, then the kind lady he knew might still be alive somewhere, having never surrendered her life.


    But whether that was a fortunate or unfortunate thing, no one could say.


    After Claudio left and the door closed, Jack was finally alone, gazing out the window.


    He could almost hear the swish of mourners'' black garments dragging against the ground, the squelch of wet earth, the cold rainwater, and the faint stench of damp decay rising to meet his feet.


    Suddenly, an old wave of nausea surged within him.


    "Do you love me?" It had been three days ago.


    She had asked him this while playing with one of his cigars.


    Jack had replied without hesitation.


    "Yes, of course I love you. How could I not?"


    Anna had smiled at his words.


    The news of her death came two days after that.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fooled, Anna,¡± Jack muttered under his breath as he picked up a cigar that had been less soaked by the rain. He cut the tip, lit it, and inhaled.


    The crackling sound of the burning cigar and the smoke filled the heavy air.


    Even this cigar smelled faintly of water and decay. Jack stared at his trembling hand for a moment, then tossed the last cigar away without a second thought.


    Amid the solemn notes of the requiem, a voice¡ªso soft it seemed misplaced¡ªoccasionally echoed in his memory.


    "Do you love me?"


    "Why don¡¯t you know that by now?"


    Jack''s bloodshot eyes glistened as he turned away from the window.

 The Long Twilight

    "Just a little further. Just a little more."


    Anna had seen countless sunsets during her 18 years of life.


    Yet today, Anna walked, and then ran, as if today''s sunset was her only salvation. She didn¡¯t even notice when one of her shoes slipped off or when thorns grazed her skin.


    A flood of light hit her vision, focused solely ahead, in an instant.


    ¡°...Wow.¡± The words escaped her lips as the sea breeze brushed past.


    She had emerged from the forest, and all around her was the sea. The slowly sinking sun beneath the gently rippling waves was achingly beautiful.


    Anna, who had paused momentarily, reached out her hand, only to pull it back when she realized it cast a shadow.


    For this moment, at least, she wanted no shadow over her. Just for now, just this moment, please.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful.¡±


    Her eyes stung.


    Anna, who had been gazing blankly at the view beyond the cliff, closed her eyes. As if engraving the scene onto her eyelids, she slowly took a step forward, one foot after the other.


    If she could choose where it would end, this would be the place. Anna didn¡¯t stop the thought, long buried deep inside, from surfacing.


    Beautiful, quiet... ¡°Hey.¡±


    The silence was broken, and Anna opened her eyes.


    There were only a few steps left to the edge of the cliff. With a sigh that was too sharp to be relief and too heavy to be regret, Anna turned around.


    At the edge of the windbreak, which she hadn''t noticed before, stood a stranger.


    ¡°You¡¯re blocking my light.¡±


    If the pages of the book he held in one hand hadn¡¯t been turning slowly, Anna might have believed the man in the black shirt was a painting.


    Though Anna'' shadow, stretched long by the sunset, didn''t reach the man seated in a long deck chair, he still claimed ownership of the light, yet not a single ray had been stolen from him.


    Is this private property? Anna wondered briefly before replying curtly. ¡°Maybe the land is yours, but not the light.¡±


    The man, still staring at his book, replied in a voice thick and languid.


    ¡°Yes, quite a romantic notion for someone trespassing on that land.¡±


    Anna, eyeing the title of the book in his hand, responded clearly and concisely.


    ¡°If you don''t like sharing, you could at least make a donation.¡±


    Distribution Theory.


    The man lowered the book, revealing his entire face for the first time.


    His hair, black as ebony, was neatly swept back, and his eyes were a deep red, like the glow of embers. However, much like the sunset he seemed to command, the warmth in his gaze was insufficient to dispel the coldness that veiled his face.


    The man''s appearance was the most poised and simultaneously the most striking Anna had ever seen.


    ¡°A donation, you say?¡±


    He swept a hand over his face and, for some reason, let out a lowchuckle.


    ¡°What about your shoe?¡±


    Anna, who had wondered if he was mocking her, suddenly realized she was missing one shoe. She hadn¡¯t noticed because it didn¡¯t hurt.


    As she glanced down at her scratched and bruised left foot, which had been cut by stones and thorns, the man strode toward her.


    ¡°Put it up.¡±


    And then, without hesitation, he knelt on one knee.


    Anna, who hadn¡¯t been startled by the scenery, the distance to the cliff, or his sudden address, was taken aback for the first time by this unknown man''s gesture.


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    The man, with an expression as unyielding as a blade that would bend before it broke, had no hesitation in lowering himself.


    Whether or not he noticed her confusion, the man calmly added, ¡°I¡¯m telling you to place your injured foot on my knee.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Even with her reflexive refusal, the man simply nodded.


    ¡°If you want me to lower myself further.¡±


    Though Anna had not meant that at all, the man replied as if he would gladly do so, making light of the situation.


    Flustered, Anna sat down abruptly, fearing the man might actually lower himself further.


    The man''s face was suddenly close as they sat across from each other. His sharp, clear eyes curved playfully.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to just sit down like that. Usually, when I do this, people give in.¡±


    "The man, despite using words of submission, wore an expression entirely devoid of subservience.


    Dazed by the disconnect, Anna quickly regained her senses when the sea breeze blew against her back. She pulled away from the lingering bitterness of his laughter and his broad, fragrant presence, shaking her head.


    ''It¡¯s fine. There''s no need.''


    ''You never know,'' he responded. ''I might be able to gift you a pair of decent shoes. Ones that actually fit you, unlike the oversized ones you''re wearing now.''


    The man was right. Her shoes were too large and didn¡¯t fit her properly.


    But Anna was also right. There was no need for this strange man to do any of this for her. It was excessive kindness to show to someone he''d just met. For a moment, Anna wondered if all this was a dream. However, the man¡¯s deliberate, slow speech, as if carving each word into her ears, brought her back to reality.


    ''You asked for a donation.''


    Yes, that made sense, if it was charity.


    ''Look at me now¡­''


    With disheveled hair, a pale face, a wrinkled dress, and only one oversized shoe left, who wouldn¡¯t see her as someone in disarray?


    Instead of denying it, a bitter smile crossed her lips. Shaking her head at the man who was still watching her, Anna stood up.


    ''Letting me stay here for a while was enough.''


    ''Is that so?'' The man didn¡¯t press further, surprisingly.


    Just as he had approached her suddenly, he now turned away just as lightly. He returned to his original spot and picked up his book, as if no unwelcome guest had ever interrupted his quiet retreat.


    Anna was the one who had intruded, yet she oddly felt as though she were the one being left behind.


    Watching the man light a cigar, Anna hesitated for a moment before walking away. The sun was setting, and that meant her time was running out as well.


    The salty breeze, mixed with the smell of smoke, seemed to push her forward.


    Just as she was about to step back into the thorny woods, she heard a voice.


    ''Farewell.''


    Was the man looking at his book or watching her? Anna suddenly felt curious, but she didn¡¯t look back.


    ''Yes, take care.''


    That farewell clarified everything. He was the one staying, and she was the one leaving. It was the end of a fleeting, unfamiliar moment, never to be revisited. Yet, for some reason, the warmth of that simple goodbye felt strangely different.


    Reflecting on the word ¡°farewell,¡± Anna crossed through the thorny woods. In the distance, the anxious coachman spotted her emerging from the forest and jumped in surprise.


    ''My lady! Where on earth have you been? If the Duke finds out¡­!''


    ''I¡¯m sorry, Raul. The sunset beyond was so beautiful. I thought I¡¯d take advantage of the brief moment you were away.''


    ''Good heavens!''


    ''It was even more beautiful up close.''


    It was so beautiful that, for a moment, I thought this could be the edge of the world. I didn¡¯t want to come back.


    Swallowing the rest of her thoughts, Anna smiled.


    ''But I came back, didn¡¯t I?''


    Raul, who had been about to say something, couldn¡¯t bring himself to scold the impulsive actions of the smiling lady. Even when he noticed her missing shoe, he kept his mouth shut.


    Glancing back over the thorny woods where dusk had now settled, Raul snapped the reins. The old carriage of the Savier duchy rattled as it began to move.


    Anna'' legs, thin and covered in small cuts, trembled weakly. Her feet still didn¡¯t hurt.


    ''Once more, tell me.''


    ''I bought a book at the bookstore. I stopped to look at apples at a street stall and then boarded the carriage. By the time I returned, it was¡­''


    This was the tenth time she had repeated the same question and answer.


    Wine splashed across her face.


    ''...it was this time.''


    Anna bowed her head as she finished speaking.


    The maid, watching anxiously from a distance, didn¡¯t know what to do. She wanted to urge Anna to quickly apologize and beg for forgiveness. Though the maid¡¯s voice seemed to echo in her mind, Anna stood still as if frozen.


    ''Did I ever permit you to browse the market?''


    ''No, Father.''


    ''Did I ever allow you to be late returning?''


    ''No, Father.''


    The Duke smiled warmly.


    ''Anna, my one and only daughter. You knew better, and yet you made a mistake. Well, everyone makes mistakes. I understand that. But¡­''


    The Duke¡¯s wrinkled hand took hold of Anna''s hand tenderly.


    Then he squeezed it tightly.


    ''But a father who worries about his inadequate daughter¡­''


    With each word, he pressed down on one of her finger joints.


    ''Doesn¡¯t quite feel the same.''


    It was a method meant to inflict pain without leaving a mark. Although it must have hurt terribly, Anna didn¡¯t make a sound.


    After twisting three of her knuckles, the Duke asked softly, ''Isn¡¯t that right, my daughter?''


    ''...''


    ''Hm?''


    When he twisted the remaining knuckles in one swift motion, a small voice finally escaped her lips.


    ''I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t do it again.''


    ''Yes, that¡¯s what I thought.''


    The Duke, who had been staring steadily at his daughter, now soaked in wine like a drenched rat, gave a


    small nod.


    ''Go wash up. If the wine stains, it¡¯ll be a problem.''


    ''Yes.''


    ''Why is it that you only listen after all this? What a waste of wine.''


    ''Yes, I¡¯m sorry.''


    He had said, ''If it stains.'' It wasn¡¯t something one would usually say to a person.


    Yet Anna, as if accustomed to such treatment, left without reaction. Her maid, Estelle, hurriedly followed her, still in a state of anxiety.


    ''What are we going to do? Are you all right, my lady?''


    ''Yes, I¡¯m fine. But Estelle, I have something to ask you.''


    Taking the cloth from Estelle, Anais asked quietly.


    ''It seems the person who¡¯s come to take me away has finally arrived, hasn¡¯t he?''"

 Suspicious Proposals

    "Wh-what do you mean by that, my lady? Someone to ''take you away''?" Estelle stammered, already revealing the answer in her hesitation. Estelle was Anna only personal maid.


    Anna calmly asked again, "I¡¯m part of a public matchmaking process, aren¡¯t I? Finally, the candidates who meet the Duke¡¯s expectations have arrived, right?"


    Estelle bit her lip as if unsure what to say, then gave a small nod.


    "That¡¯s why he¡¯s been holding back, despite how frustrating I¡¯ve been... until the very end."


    "My lady..."


    "Normally, one glass of wine wouldn¡¯t have been enough to stop him."


    After all, they had to present her perfectly packaged before selling her off.


    Estelle sniffled a few times, then hurried ahead, saying she''d prepare the bathwater.


    The wet dress clung to Anna, hindering her movement. As she grasped the fabric loosely and gazed out the darkened window, everything reflected back at her was red¡ªthe hair that used to be honey-colored, her violet eyes, and even her white dress.


    Maybe, if she submerged herself fully in wine like this, the color she shared with her father would eventually change. Shaking her head, Anna dismissed the thought and moved on.


    ¡®Such a pointless thought.¡¯


    Self-pity was a luxury Anna could not afford.


    The bathroom filled with steam, and as she played with the soap bubbles, Anna said, "Estelle, the place you told me about¡ªit was truly beautiful."


    Estelle, who had been silently pouring water over Anna'' back, froze for a moment.


    "So that¡¯s why you returned late from the bookstore today?"


    "Yes. Raul took a different route than usual, so I was looking out the window. Then I saw a forest of thorns, just like the one you described."


    "You could¡¯ve told them Raul got lost, so they wouldn¡¯t have punished you."


    "But then Raul would¡¯ve gotten in trouble."


    "My lady, you being punished is okay?"


    "It¡¯s fine." Just a little while ago, she had endured all sorts of insults merely for being twenty minutes late.


    And yet, Anna smiled as if she had already forgotten everything, like a fool.


    Anna had always been that way. Watching her was unnerving, and turning away from her felt even more unsettling. There was a nickname people used for the young lady, which suited her perfectly.


    "The long shadow of the Savior family."


    There were also crueler names, ones that were shorter, harsher, and more direct.


    "The foolish lady, the broken lady."


    "Just as Raul stopped for some urgent matter, I secretly got out of the carriage. I was so curious to see how wonderful the place you spoke of was."


    The lady, traumatized by the Duchess¡¯s death, had spent a long time in a convent. It was said that she had stayed there for ten years before returning to the duchy only a year ago. Estelle was one of the three maids newly appointed to her six months ago. After six months, Estelle was the only one left.


    The resignations weren¡¯t due to Anna but because of Duke Machel Savior himself.


    His cruelty, combined with an absurdly low salary, made the prestige of serving at the duchy meaningless. Still, Estelle found the job manageable.


    The young lady rarely went out, aside from occasional visits to the bookstore, and perhaps because of her long time spent in the convent, she did many things herself. Estelle¡¯s duties were mostly limited to assisting with baths, applying ointment to unreachable wounds, and telling Anna stories about the outside world.


    "But the place was even more beautiful than I imagined. Thank you. Because of you, I saw something I¡¯ll never forget."


    Estelle¡¯s conscience pricked her. She cleared her throat. "Why, Estelle? What¡¯s wrong?"


    "I just feel like it¡¯s my fault you were punished, my lady, for telling you about that place."


    "No, it was my choice to go that far. Don¡¯t say that. Keep telling me stories in the future. I don¡¯t know much, you know."


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    Anna smiled warmly, her expression radiant.


    ¡®Why do they torment someone like her? Why be so cruel if they want her to improve? Isn¡¯t that a contradiction?¡¯


    Though it wasn¡¯t her own suffering, Estelle felt a surge of frustration.


    While mentally cursing the Duke, Estelle listened as Anna continued.


    "But it seems that cliff was on private property."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes, there was someone there. He claimed ownership of the land."


    "Wait, someone in the Savior duchy claimed land ownership from the lady of the house?"


    "He probably didn¡¯t know who I was. Not many people recognize my face."


    Estelle blinked, then cautiously asked, "What kind of person was he?"


    "A man."


    "What kind of man?"


    Anna tilted her head, puzzled by Estelle¡¯s unusual curiosity. Embarrassed, Estelle hurriedly tried to explain.


    "Uh, no, it¡¯s just that it¡¯s the first time you¡¯ve mentioned meeting someone while out. I was just curious."


    "Was it?"


    "Yes, usually when you return, you talk about the weather or the scenery. You don¡¯t often mention people."


    Thankfully, Anna didn¡¯t seem to find her reaction odd. After hesitating for a moment, she slowly spoke, her long


    lashes still damp.


    "He was¡­ strange."


    That was an unusual description.


    "Strange? Was his clothing odd, or did he speak differently?"


    Estelle stopped mid-question, realizing Anna was watching her quietly.


    "The broken lady." "The mad lady."


    Though Estelle pitied Anna, part of her agreed with those cruel nicknames. Ever since the death of her mother, Anna had been half out of her mind. She often behaved unpredictably, like wandering barefoot through the garden whenever it rained.


    However, sometimes, when looking into those transparent yet ambiguous eyes, it felt as though they could pierce through her.


    "It must be my imagination."


    No matter what was said, she would only respond with a weak smile, and she didn''t even know how to behave to avoid spilling wine on herself. How could such a clueless lady know anything about people¡¯s inner thoughts?


    Still, just as a sense of unease began to rise within Estelle, who had been under the gaze for quite a while...


    ¡°The water¡¯s cold, Estelle.¡±


    Startled, Estelle fumbled.


    ¡°I''m, I''m sorry! I¡¯ll heat it up right away!¡±


    ¡°No, this is fine. I just want to sleep now.¡±


    ¡®It really was just my imagination.¡¯


    As she wiped her master''s thin body, Estelle sighed quietly to herself.


    Just like everyone else in the duke¡¯s estate, she hadn¡¯t noticed the scarred feet hidden within the slippers.


    ¡°Good night, then!¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    With a smile, Estelle hurried out of the room, a bit faster than usual, leaving behind her master who still smiled as the lights went out.


    Click¡ª


    As soon as the door closed, the smile faded from Anna'' face.


    Lying down, staring at the ceiling, the afternoon scene that had etched itself under her eyelids replayed once more over the empty darkness. The brilliant sun, the pulsating waves, the sea breeze brushing against her body... and the strange man.


    The man with eyes redder than the intense sunset was now imprinted in her memory.


    A man who, coincidentally, had been sitting right where Estelle had shown her and where Raul had paused, at that very moment in time.


    Anna pulled the old blanket over herself like a shroud.


    ¡°...But that cliff really was lovely.¡±


    Over the faint scent of wine clinging to her body, the unsettling and strange scent of cigars from that afternoon suddenly drifted into her thoughts. Trying her best to ignore it all, Anna closed her eyes.


    The bruised hands and torn feet still didn¡¯t hurt. The Saviour duchy was currently in an open search for suitors.


    Being one of only two ducal families in the Empire, with only a single legitimate daughter, marrying her was an opportunity to gain the honor of becoming a son-in-law to a duke''s household. It was a position that everyone should be eager to seize.


    At least, that¡¯s how it should have been in a normal case.


    ¡°A new marriage proposal has arrived. It¡¯s from Grand Duke Becquerel; would you like to review it?¡±


    ¡°And how old is the grand duke now?¡±


    ¡°I believe he¡¯s fifty this year.¡±


    ¡°So his wife has passed away. He must intend to take her as his second wife.¡±


    Butler Antonio shrank back. Knowing the duke¡¯s usual temperament, such a proposal would normally send him into a furious rage about what they took Saviour for.


    ¡®No matter how reclusive the Saviour household has been, this is too much. Every proposal we¡¯ve received has been from those looking for a second wife, or from men notorious for keeping mistresses!¡¯


    There were two reasons behind these outrageous proposals.


    One, the Duke of Saviour had been so secluded that he hadn¡¯t even appeared in social circles, nor at council meetings.


    Despite the nobility¡¯s decline in status, a duke was still a duke, and as part of the Empire, he had a duty to contribute. And yet, if he remained hidden, it would inevitably spark rumors¡ªeither that something was wrong, or that he had fallen out with the Emperor.


    The second reason, of course, was because the lady of the house was rumored to be mentally unstable. Hence, men with good family backgrounds and decent reputations weren¡¯t willing to take the risk.


    Antonio, who had been bracing himself for something to be thrown at him in a fit of rage, cautiously opened one eye. Thankfully, no smashing sound had followed.


    ¡°I see. So that¡¯s how it is.¡± Surprisingly, the duke was nodding, though a vein bulged on his forehead.


    ¡°If even that old man, the Grand Duke Becquerel, has heard the rumors, then they must have spread to the Imperial Palace too. That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°So... are you planning to accept the grand duke¡¯s proposal...?¡±


    ¡°No, that won¡¯t do.¡±


    The duke laughed, and there was a faint grinding sound to his voice.


    ¡°I can¡¯t possibly send my precious daughter so far away, Antonio.¡±


    ¡°Then, shall I confirm the proposal we received yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s a knight, a landowner, and even owns a mine. That¡¯s not bad at all. The dowry he¡¯ll bring will be considerable... and he¡¯s not part of the council, so this seems suitable.¡±


    There had never been a more ill-matched marriage. A noble lady and a mere knight?


    Yet, considering the Saviour family¡¯s finances, which were on the verge of collapse, and the ripple effects this disgraceful marriage would cause, it wasn¡¯t hard to understand why it was deemed ¡®suitable.¡¯


    Even so, Antonio hesitated instead of bringing the documents.


    ¡°Do I need to say it twice?¡±


    ¡°Master, actually... we didn¡¯t just receive one proposal.¡±


    ¡°Then bring them.¡±


    ¡°Well, I hadn¡¯t had the chance to tell you, as you¡¯ve been in your study all day, but...¡±


    The duke pr


    essed him impatiently.


    ¡°Antonio!¡±


    Though the duke had used Becquerel as a marker of rumor circulation, he had already been pushed to the limit by the disrespectful proposals.


    And with his butler dithering foolishly, the duke finally exploded.


    Crash!


    The butler barely dodged the flying cup and bowed his head low.


    ¡°The last suitor has come in person!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±

 Threads of Fate: Between Choice and Obligation

    The Duke''s face flushed with anger.


    ¡°I apologize, he insisted on meeting you directly¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you think my estate is as common as a street corner?¡±


    ¡°I would never dare think such a thing! But I felt that I align well with what you are seeking, sir¡­ and the conditions I¡¯ve offered as well!¡±


    ¡°Antonio, did I give you the right to judge what I think?¡±


    ¡°N-No! I was just trying to¡­¡±


    There was no need to listen further. Just as the saucer flew towards Antonio¡¯s face, who was backing away in fear, footsteps were heard.


    ¡°I was just¡­¡±


    Antonio¡¯s vision darkened as he trembled, opening his eyes wide in terror.


    ¡°I only came because I thought it was right to show sincerity, given how late I am.¡±


    Clang¡ª


    The saucer, which had been aimed at Antonio¡¯s face, was blocked by the large hand of a man and rolled on the floor.


    ¡°I also wanted to give you time to judge for yourself, Duke.¡±


    The man, who had appeared without invitation, bowed respectfully.


    The Duke clicked his tongue. He thought only flies would be drawn in, but something stranger had arrived. The Duke''s family¡¯s honor was in shambles.


    His anger cooled as it passed its peak. While pondering how to punish Antonio for letting just anyone into the estate, the Duke spoke with a sneer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know which family you belong to, what you do, or even how you seal your letters. Would seeing you in person change anything? That¡¯s a phrase that would only make sense if I at least knew your name.¡±


    ¡°My name¡­¡±


    It was obvious that a man who came here without even a formal marriage proposal had nothing worth seeing. The man smiled.


    ¡°You may know it.¡±


    Antonio handed over a business card.


    The man¡¯s words were half wrong. The Duke stared intently at the unfamiliar name printed on a luxurious card.


    ¡®Jack Luck¡¯


    But at the same time, the man¡¯s words were also half right.


    Even the Duke, who seldom left his mansion, recognized the name of the company printed beneath it.


    ¡®President of Operthus Trading Company¡¯


    Operthus.


    A company gaining attention for its frighteningly rapid growth, based on trade. However, there was another reason why the Duke knew the company¡¯s name.


    ¡®The president is said to be a poor commoner¡­ I knew he seemed uneducated.¡¯


    ¡°Did you see the news? Operthus announced a public job opening.¡±


    ¡°I did. The salary is incredibly high, but so what? People like us who couldn¡¯t even attend school properly can¡¯t apply.¡±


    ¡°Idiot, look again! There are no qualifications! No age limits, no status requirements, no education needed. You just need to live in the Saviour territory. If you pass the interview, you can get the job!¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t check anything?¡±


    ¡°Nothing! ¡­Rumor has it that the president was in a situation similar to ours, and he wants to give opportunities to more people.¡±


    ¡°When are people going to stop talking?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Lady Estelle!¡±


    The Duke had once overheard the chatter of maids who had since been dismissed.


    Considering their position, where even their footsteps had to be careful, it was clear that the success story of the commoner president had left a deep impression.


    But the Duke quickly forgot. It wasn¡¯t that it wasn¡¯t interesting.


    ¡®In most cases, people would try to hide their humble origins out of pride, but not this one. He¡¯s actually advertising it. That makes his intentions obvious.¡¯


    He must be aiming to become the lover or mistress of some noble.


    As a commoner, he would have nothing to lose and no reason to feel guilty.


    The Duke, thinking of the aging aristocrats on the advisory council who were notorious for their affairs, sneered at the thought of this unknown president.


    It was too predictable. How could someone of low birth, with nothing, grow a company so quickly?


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    He must have a powerful backer. Given the way he''s advertising now, he probably fell out with his previous patron and is looking for a new one.


    He''s got money and power, but he¡¯s not exactly desirable. In other words, he wasn¡¯t a suitable suitor for the Duke¡¯s house of Saviour. And so, the Duke had forgotten about him.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    But why?


    Why was this man now proposing to the declining house of Saviour?


    The Duke stared at him, as if trying to figure out his ulterior motives. The man, standing upright and composed, did not avoid the Duke''s gaze.


    ¡®Whatever his motive, he must want something from the Saviour family.¡¯


    The Duke decided to listen and judge. This was a good opportunity to point out the man''s rudeness in barging into the estate and seize the upper hand in the conversation. Just as the Duke was about to mention this with the dignified tilt of his chin, the man spoke first.


    ¡°The cup is broken. It¡¯s a shame, as it seems to be an antique.¡±


    The man, who had slowly risen to his full height, glanced at the shattered cup and saucer by his feet.


    It had been close enough that the man could have been hit. With smooth eloquence, the man had pointed out the Duke¡¯s greater offense, all while maintaining a respectful tone.


    ¡°As I was not allowed through the fr


    ont entrance, I suppose I should at least seek permission to enter your study. May I come in?¡±


    The Duke nodded before he even realized, only to recognize that his reasons to chastise the man had completely vanished.


    This was strange. They had barely exchanged a few words, but already the Duke felt as though he was being led by this young businessman.


    ¡°Why are you rushing me like this, Steward?¡±


    ¡°This is no time for delay. You need to get the Lady ready quickly and come with her to the drawing room. If it seems like she¡¯s going to say anything foolish, you must stop her. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you don¡¯t have to keep repeating that.¡±


    The steward, who had been flustered, left, and Estelle, grumbling, picked up a comb.


    It was the first time she had done anything fitting of a personal maid, but Estelle skillfully pinned up Anna¡¯ hair.


    ¡°Let me know if it hurts, Lady.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I will. You¡¯re really good at this. Did you learn it?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I worked hard to learn just to take care of you.¡±


    ¡°I ended up unintentionally keeping your talent buried.¡±


    Anna responded kindly, seemingly unaware of the commotion that had occurred outside her room today.


    Estelle wondered why Anna wasn¡¯t more curious about why she had to be so dolled up for the drawing room rather than where she had learned to do hair. But Estelle was in a rush. There were so many things to take care of, hair, makeup, and clothes.


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t go out much, so you haven¡¯t had the chance to show off your talents.¡±


    Only after saying it did Estelle realize how thoughtless her words had been.


    Anna staying confined to the Duke¡¯s estate wasn¡¯t by her choice. It was almost as if she had been imprisoned to prevent her from damaging the Saviour family''s reputation.


    How could she have been so careless after working for such a generous mistress for so long? Estelle quickly glanced at Anna


    , but fortunately, her expression remained unchanged.


    ¡°Well, even if I don¡¯t go out, I¡¯ll ask you to help sometimes. It¡¯d be a shame to waste all that effort you put into learning for my sake.¡±


    Could someone really be this oblivious? Anna¡¯ unfazed demeanor stirred an odd sense of guilt within Estelle.


    Estelle changed her mindset. It wasn¡¯t about dressing her up.


    Rather than simply telling this kind and somewhat na?ve lady to stay quiet, Estelle thought it would be better to explain things to her properly, step by step.


    As she dressed Anna in the prettiest of the outdated dresses, she spoke softly.


    ¡°My Lady, there¡¯s a guest in the drawing room.¡±


    ¡°I know. I saw a black carriage at the front gate.¡±


    ¡°When did you see that? Anyway, the guest seems to want to meet you. That¡¯s why everything is being rushed like this.¡±


    ¡°They must be someone important.¡±


    Estelle shrugged her shoulders, wondering if it was appropriate for the Lady to refer to the head of Luck as an important person.


    ¡°Or maybe they¡¯re just rich enough to summon the Lady as they please.¡±


    ¡°Well, uh¡­¡±


    No matter how much she had been neglected, Anna wasn¡¯t a fool.


    The Duke and the steward might have thought her lacking, but Estelle knew better. Occasionally, Anna would choose her words with sharpness, like when she had previously remarked about being sold off to a buyer.


    Back then, the person Anna had been about to marry was just some knight, but this time it was different. Trying to keep things light, Estelle said cheerfully:


    ¡°To be more precise, both are true. He¡¯s important, and he¡¯s the head of a company. You know Operthus, right? Even the royal family uses their products.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know that.¡±


    Anna smiled awkwardly. Realizing that Anna probably had no experience with luxury goods, Estelle regretted her words for the second time that day. She wanted to bite her tongue.


    But Anna¡¯ life would surely change if she married that man. Old dresses like these wouldn¡¯t even be good enough to use as rugs, and she would live surrounded by expensive jewels and fragrant flowers.


    ¡°Anyway, I hear he¡¯s come to propose to you directly! And just so you know, there¡¯s talk that he¡¯s the most eligible bachelor in the empire. Not only is he rich, but he¡¯s also said to be incredibly handsome. He¡¯s the perfect man, someone everyone dreams of.¡±


    It was the kind of life anyone would envy¡ªa once-in-a-lifetime fortune, a true salvation.


    Knock, knock.


    It seemed her salvation was knocking on the door. Estelle, who had answered the knock sharply, turned back to continue speaking.


    ¡°The Duke is probably calling you now because he doesn¡¯t want to show any sign of desperation. No matter how good the man¡¯s offer is, the Duke wants to show that the marriage will be on the Saviour family''s terms, so¡­¡±


    ¡°Basically, even though I¡¯m the one being chosen, I should act like I¡¯m the one making the choice. I understand.¡±


    Why did Anna look so unmoved?


    The door opened, and the steward nodded at Anna. Estelle had finally completed her task.


    Ivory hair, half tied, flowed over her peach-tinted cheeks. The hair, pulled to one side to reveal her neck, lightly brushed her skin under the thin fabric of her dress. Powder smoothed over her small scars made her look like a ¡°real noble lady.¡±


    ¡°Just remain quiet. No matter what the guest says, refrain from answering, and simply nod at the Duke¡¯s words.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    The steward, who had fawned over the Duke, turned away sha


    rply, his tone rude toward Anna.


    Estelle, who had glared after him, whispered to Anna as she followed her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get to tell you the most important thing, and I¡¯m sorry for that. The Duke also instructed you to be careful with your behavior.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s worried I¡¯ll mess things up and ruin the marriage, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    Anna  smiled faintly. There was no sense of anxiety in her expression.


    Seeing this, Estelle lowered her voice even further, her tone growing more urgent.


    ¡°Forgive me for saying this, but I¡¯m really worried, my Lady. If this marriage doesn¡¯t happen, you¡¯ll end up marrying some knight or even the Grand Duke Beckrel, who¡¯s around the Duke¡¯s age. You¡¯d even be a second wife.¡±


    ¡°I know who he is.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t a young, rich commoner be much better than someone like that? So, please¡­¡±


    It was  Anna ¡¯ side that should have been desperate for this marriage. Yet her response was so indifferent.


    Estelle, her frustration building, was about to emphasize the point again when  Anna  looked at her, causing her to fall silent.


    ¡°Estelle, you¡¯re saying this because you¡¯re genuinely concerned for me, right?¡±


    Anna  pushed the door open, leaving Estelle frozen in place.


    What kind of person is this?


    The Duke thought as he waited for  Anna.


    ¡°Is he really offering 8.2 billion regions in exchange for marriage?¡±