Maylily - Chapter 121

The next day, after finishing her performance and leaving the restaurant, Maylily ran into the Count of Everscourt waiting for her at the back door.

Would Michele show up again today and rescue her from this situation? With that hope, she looked toward the dim alley stretching behind the Count, but no one was there.

“It seems Michele Baratti has something keeping him busy. So I came instead.”

As if reading Maylily’s thoughts, the Count added with a slight lift of the corner of his lips, “I also have something to say as Dylan’s biological father.”

“Something to say…? Did something happen?”

“I’ll tell you if you walk with me to the inn.”

The Count held out his arm to escort Maylily. His manner was so natural, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. With a tense expression, Maylily placed her hand on it and spoke in an impatient voice.

“What is it? Please tell me quickly.”

“I didn’t expect you to respond so eagerly just at the mention of Dylan’s name. I’m starting to feel jealous of a son who can’t even walk yet.”

A handsome dimple formed on the Count’s cheek as he looked down at Maylily and made the idle joke. Feeling her face heat up, Maylily hurriedly lowered her gaze to the ground and spoke quietly.

“Don’t joke like that.”

“I wish it were a joke. I don’t want to become a narrow-minded man who’s jealous of his own son.”

“I-if you don’t tell me now, I’ll go on my own.”

As Maylily frowned and tried to pull her hand away from the Count’s arm, he caught her.

“Why are you trying to refuse the offer to join the Royal Opera Company of Cartia?”

The low voice that slipped between the sound of their footsteps echoing through the narrow alley was completely stripped of humor. So the news reached him as well. Though slightly flustered, Maylily forced herself to remain calm.

“Did you hear it from Michele?”

“You know better than anyone that it’s not an opportunity that comes easily. Don’t give it up.”

“This is my problem, so please don’t concern yourself with it, Count.”

“If our child influenced that decision, then it’s also my problem.”

“….”

“I’ll do everything I can to support you so that you won’t have any difficulty raising Dylan while working with the opera company. I’ll spend as much time as needed with the child in your place.”

“You’re… a busy person.”

At Maylily’s skeptical reply, the Count stopped in his tracks and grabbed both of her shoulders, turning her to face him. His gaze toward her was steady and unwavering.

“Even so, there’s nothing in my life now more important than you and Dylan, Maylily. As Dylan’s father, I’ll fulfill my duty but give up all my rights. I’ll put it in writing, if that will reassure you.”

Although the Count had deceived Maylily many times, at this moment, she could feel an undeniable sincerity from him. For the first time, Maylily felt a special bond with him as Dylan’s parent.

Even as she urged and comforted herself to become stronger for her child, there was always a corner of her heart weighed down by anxiety and fear as an unmarried mother. The Count was saying he would willingly share that heavy burden. Even giving up his own rights.

“Why… are you going this far?”

“I’ve already shattered your dream once. I can’t let my son follow in my footsteps.”

“Dylan is still a baby who can’t act on his own will. This wasn’t Dylan’s choice; it was mine. It doesn’t make sense to put you and Dylan on the same level, Count.”

The Count gazed intently at Maylily as she spoke her clear rebuttal, and a faint smile spread across his eyes.

“You’re right. To be honest, I want to atone, using my son as an excuse.”

“Atone… for what?”

“I want to pay for the sin of destroying your dream instead of protecting it, even if it’s only now. If I can’t be your patron, then at least as Dylan’s father, allow me to support your dream.”

Under the faint streetlamp, the regret and plea reflected in his eyes as they looked at Maylily were unmistakable. That light began to melt something that had long been frozen deep within her heart.

***

The Count of Everscourt’s sincere and earnest persuasion finally moved Maylily’s heart. She decided to join the Royal Opera Company of Cartia. No matter how many times she thought about it, she felt she would regret letting go of what might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She knew she wouldn’t be able to live without that regret.

So she chose to believe in the Count’s promise and take the challenge. Of course, regardless of his efforts, she also intended to do her best for Dylan. Even so, if the child ended up lacking something, she would have no choice but to put her dream aside again, but she didn’t want to give up before even trying.

Maylily told the family of this decision before telling the Count of Everscourt. It was after dinner, when they were all gathered together in the living room. Upon hearing the news, Giovanna and Carlo clapped their hands and were overjoyed.

[Then you’ll be standing on the biggest stage in Cartia? That’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you, dear!]

[I truly congratulate you, May. It may be difficult right now, but I’ll definitely come cheer you on.]

Saying that such an occasion couldn’t simply pass by, Carlo brought out his most treasured bottle of champagne from the cabinet. Clear glasses were handed out to everyone, and a lemon-colored drink filled with tiny bubbles was poured into them. Beside them, Michele offered his quiet smile of support to Maylily.

[I’ll invite all three of you once I get settled. You have to come.]

[Of course. I’ll drop everything and come running.]

[Then, when are you going to Cereno?]

[In two weeks. They said role auditions will be held early next year, so I want to go early and prepare.]

[What? That soon?]

The lively atmosphere that had felt like a party instantly turned solemn. Realizing that parting was right around the corner, Carlo and Giovanna’s expressions visibly darkened. Michele, noticing Maylily’s face also growing dim, spoke in a bright voice as if to comfort them.

[If you’ve already decided, it’s better to act quickly. That way, we can go see Maylily’s performance as soon as possible.]

[Yes, you’re right, Michele. We’ll help you prepare to leave.]

[If there’s anything you need, tell us anything. We want to give it to you as a gift.]

Carlo and Giovanna quickly pushed aside their gloom, wanting to let Maylily leave with peace of mind. Knowing their warm consideration, Maylily smiled brightly even as her eyes grew red.

[Thank you, Uncle, Aunt. And you too, Michele.]

[You made the right decision. I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully.]

Michele patted Maylily’s slightly trembling back and raised his glass above his head with a grin.

[Let’s make a toast to Maylily’s success and happiness.]

The four glasses clinked in the warm light with a clear ring. Along with that sound, the champagne shimmering inside them sparkled as if blessing Maylily’s future.

***

The Count of Everscourt took charge of finding a house for Maylily to live in Cereno and a nurse for Dylan. It was practically impossible for Maylily to travel back and forth to Cereno with Dylan while preparing to move.

However, since Maylily firmly insisted that she would pay the rent herself, the Count promised to find a house of suitable size in a residential area for commoners.

Meanwhile, Maylily organized her and Dylan’s belongings in her spare time while helping with the inn’s work and prepared for the role auditions. She also sent a letter to her aunt to share the good news.

Time flew by, and the day to leave for Cereno came just one day away. By coincidence, it was Sunday, and Maylily invited the family to the restaurant where she worked to treat them to a meal.

After finishing her final performance, receiving more enthusiastic cheers and support than ever before, Maylily enjoyed a farewell dinner with her family.

[Thanks to you, I get to enjoy such luxury, May.]

[Exactly. To think I’d come to such a fine restaurant in my lifetime. How did such a blessing come to us?]

[When I came here with Michele last time, I kept thinking about you both. I’m sorry I didn’t bring you sooner.]

[Don’t apologize. Don’t say such things.]

[You remember that I’m the one who brought this lovely blessing to the two of you, right?]

[Yes, you rascal. When May leaves, when will you bring us another blessing? Before I get any older, give me a grandchild who looks like you.]

[I don’t know why the conversation suddenly veered in that direction. On such a beautiful day, please keep your nagging to yourself, Uncle.]

The conversation was cheerful, the food was delicious, and the night view outside the window was beautiful.

As the meal was coming to an end, Maylily expressed her gratitude to the family and brought out the gifts she’d prepared. She gave Giovanna a shawl in elegant colors, and handed the two men polished leather shoes. Seeing their delighted faces made the trip she took to the neighboring city to shop feel worthwhile.

Giovanna draped the shawl over her shoulders, then finally burst into tears. Maylily also couldn’t hold back the tears that spilled over. Even Carlo, who had been comforting the two of them, eventually sniffled as well. Watching the scene, Michele let out a small laugh as if he couldn’t stop them and shook his head.

[Let’s cry just for today and say goodbye with smiles tomorrow. We’ll see each other again soon.]

The three of them nodded and promised to do so. Moonlight streamed in through the window over their faces as they finished their meal amid tears and laughter. It was a night so bright it would remain in their memories for a long time.