Maylily - Chapter 79

More than a month later, people were still talking about the article about Hugh and the opera singer.

Patronage. Aside from that one word, nothing concrete about the relationship between the two had been revealed, and crude speculation and imagination piled on top of that. Vivian had not the slightest intention of hastily adding her engagement news on top of it.

She would wait for the time when the attention of the imperial nobility focused on the capital’s social scene and make the announcement then. That the position of Countess of Everscourt, coveted endlessly by all the young ladies, had ultimately become hers.

Standing at the center of attention and envy like that, she intended to erase that woman’s name lodged in people’s minds.

“I like your ambition. Hugh, what do you think?”

Deborah, who had read the calculation embedded in Vivian’s decision, looked at Hugh with a satisfied smile. He set his teacup down on the saucer without a sound and gave a light nod.

“I agree. Let’s proceed that way.”

The topic of conversation soon moved on to the engagement party. Since hosting family events was the responsibility of the ladies of the house, Hugh could have excused himself at that point, yet he quietly kept his seat until the end.

That steady attitude reflected his resolve toward this marriage. Vivian looked at Hugh over the teacup she lifted quietly and reaffirmed her trust in him. That the dirty speculation and idle rumors surrounding such a perfect nobleman and prospective husband could not possibly be true.

***

The dinner was flawless. From the dishes to the centerpieces and each candleholder adorning the table, and even the conversation that flowed over it all.

It felt like a miniature version of the perfect future Vivian would welcome as the Countess of Everscourt. The words a maid spoke while attending to her after she had bathed only heightened her satisfaction with the evening.

“Count Everscourt seems like he’ll be a very affectionate husband.”

Vivian was seated at the dressing table wearing a nightdress of soft fabric. The maid standing behind her to dry her hair glanced at Vivian’s expression reflected in the mirror and continued,

“A maid I became close to when I came to Prowden last year said the Count goes to work every morning these days and comes home late at night.”

“The new hotel’s opening ceremony is next week. That’s probably why.”

“Oh, I see.”

The maid murmured softly and carefully applied oil to Vivian’s reddish-brown hair after wiping away the moisture with a towel.

“They say it’s gotten so busy that even the staff here rarely get to see the Count these days. And yet today, he set aside the entire day just for you, miss. Doesn’t that mean he treasures you that much?”

The maid, who knew Vivian well and knew how sensitive she had been for a while due to Maylily Aile’s appearance, made a diligent effort to lift her spirits. It was comforting, yet it also pricked her pride, and because of that, she maintained her composure all the more.

“Good work.”

Vivian ended the conversation there, offering praise for the maid’s efforts without adding anything more. The quick-witted maid understood it as a signal to withdraw and promptly finished tidying up.

“Close the window before you leave.”

“Yes, miss.”

Walking over to the wide-open window, the maid looked outside and muttered to herself, “Huh? That looks like the Count…. Did he come out for a walk at this hour?”

At that, Vivian, who had been heading for the bed, changed direction. Soon, standing side by side with the maid at the window, her eyes caught the back of a man leaving the garden.

A tall, well-built figure and broad shoulders. Hair as black as the night itself. A pace that was not fast, yet unhurried. Elegant arm movements that suited him perfectly.

It was unmistakably Hugh Skaard. It was a figure she’d followed ever since she first met him at the age of seven, so there was no way she could fail to recognize it.

“I’ll close the window, so you can go now.”

“Yes, miss. Have a good rest.”

When Vivian turned her gaze back outside after dismissing the maid, Hugh was walking along the path that led toward the western forest. Soon after, he disappeared into the dark woods.

At this hour of night, why the forest? It didn’t seem like a place for a walk.

Vivian stared for a long time at the spot where Hugh had vanished, her eyes full of doubt. The forest landscape under the pale moonlight looked eerie, as if it were hiding some kind of secret.

***

“Welcome back, Count.”

Maylily rose from her chair and gave a light bow toward Hugh as he entered the bedroom. On the brightly lit table, a book lay open.

Hugh returned the greeting with a faint smile and placed a light kiss on her forehead. At some point, the greeting “Welcome back” had replaced “Hello,” and it always sounded pleasant to him, as if it meant Maylily had been waiting for him.

When he first came to this annex, Maylily used to greet him with an awkward expression every time. Now, she accepted their routine of ending the day together as something natural.

In the end, he had tamed her again.

That fact gave Hugh a sense of victory he had never felt in any game.

“Count, could you read this part just once for me? I learned it in today’s lesson, but the pronunciation keeps confusing me.”

Sitting side by side with Hugh at the table, Maylily held out the book she had been reading, her eyes shining. Hugh glanced at the section her slender finger pointed to, and the corner of his mouth tilted.

“They can’t even teach something this basic properly. What a worthless teacher.”

“N-no! The teacher is excellent. I’m just the one who can’t remember it properly. Arenne is a bit difficult…. I’ll study harder.”

Worried that the teacher might suffer consequences, Maylily waved both hands in a hurry to explain. Seeing her flustered and at a loss, Hugh let out a quiet laugh and kindly complied with her request.

According to Alice, Maylily had been spending her days immersed in vocal practice during the day and in studying her roles and foreign languages at night. Since one of the works she would appear in this autumn was in Arenne, Hugh had assigned both a Cartian-language tutor and an Arenne-language tutor to her.

Lessons, practice, and study. Even in a life without a moment to breathe, Maylily was more vibrant than ever.

Like a lily of the valley blooming fully upon reaching its season.

“I think I’ll remember what you taught me today for the rest of my life. Thank you.”

Hugh watched Maylily smile brightly, her eyes clear and shining, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He didn’t want to see the expression she would make at the words he was about to say.

“The verdict’s out.”

He felt a small breath catch from within his arms.

“…Already?”

“Yeah. A prison sentence. One year and six months.”

About ten days ago, officers dispatched from Roden had taken Maylily’s statement to substantiate Pamela Stein’s charges. At Hugh’s prior request, Victor Heywood’s death was kept strictly confidential during the process.

Wanting to swiftly settle the unsightly past standing between him and Maylily, Hugh used his connections in the police and legal circles to push the investigation and trial forward as quickly as possible. And yesterday, the sentence was handed down.

Pamela Stein received a relatively light sentence, as this was her first offense and the level of violence she inflicted on the victim during the crime was deemed minor.

Meanwhile, Victor Heywood’s body was cremated without a funeral. As a precaution, Hugh instructed David to collect and keep the remains. He planned to inform Maylily of Heywood’s death in a way that would minimize the shock to her. Someday.

“Thank you for telling me.”

Maylily gently pressed against the Count of Everscourt’s chest to straighten herself and forced a bright smile. With this, she decided to bury her memories of her father in the past. Hoping that one year and six months would be enough time for someone to change.

“Let’s get some sleep.”

The Count, who had affectionately stroked Maylily’s cheek, rose from his seat. As he took off his outerwear, Maylily hesitantly stepped closer and spoke with both hands placed lightly over her lower abdomen.

“Um, today… it’s not possible.”

Realizing the meaning of her gesture, the Count laughed silently and placed a brief kiss on Maylily’s lips.

He seemed as if he would get dressed again and return to the main house, but unexpectedly, he changed into nightwear and lay down on the bed. Then he patted the spot beside him with his palm and said in a gentle voice, “Come here, Maylily.”

After taking off her robe, Maylily moved with slow steps and lay down on the bed. In the Count’s arms as he held her close, there was a faint scent of water and a subtle soap fragrance.

It was their first time lying side by side in bed without being intimate, and it felt awkward and a little ticklish. In contrast, the Count casually placed kisses on Maylily’s forehead and cheeks, the bridge of her nose and her lips, her chin and earlobes.

“Sleep well.”

The Count curved his lips softly and looked quietly into her eyes.

“…You too, Count.”

Not knowing what expression to make, Maylily bit her lip, then buried her face into his chest. Through the thin fabric, she could feel the powerful beating of his hot heart.

Since sorting out her feelings at Lurollei Beach, Maylily had found it much easier to face the Count. At a glance, it felt like a calm born of resignation.

However, when she caught glimpses of affection from the Count that were clearly distinct from desire, like now, confusion surged up again and again, and her chest churned. Still, pathetically.

Each time, she repeated it to herself like a spell.

I just shouldn’t give him my heart. Then I’ll be able to return to where I belong before long.

Reiterating the resolve she had made in the Count’s arms the day before yesterday, yesterday, and again today, Maylily fell asleep.

***

The morning after arriving in Prowden, Vivian headed for the western forest as soon as she finished breakfast. It was because of what the maid who attended to her clothes before the meal had said.

“It seems the Count went for a walk in the forest again at dawn today. Even with how busy he is, his stamina really is impressive.”