Only a select few knew that the Dukeās family had arrived in the capital. Canillia claimed that it was due to the chaotic atmosphere in the city, but the truth was that Claude had made the decision to avoid any interruptions during his time with Lia.
Pepe donned her maidās uniform with pride, distinct from any others, and boarded the waiting carriage with eagerness. Her excitement stemmed from the thought of dressing her mistress in a new dress, an act that would surely irk the young noblewomen who had been chattering away earlier.
As Pepeās eyes brimmed with ambition, a figure caught her attention. It was a familiar one, with thick white hair and a stern countenance that had remained unchanged over the years.
Pepeās surprise was palpable, and she pressed her face to the carriage window in disbelief.
Lia stood in front of the mirror, her attention divided between Pepeās chatter and the documents that held her gaze.
āIām sure it was Betty,ā Pepe insisted.
āBetty is in Cosoar,ā Lia replied. āIs there any reason for her to come to the capital?ā
āFrom what I heard, everyone who worked in the Marquisās townhouse was either fired or returned to the manor. Marilyn Shelby says she went out on her own. So I think the Marquis, who was worried about the mistress, sent the maid.ā
Pepe continued to prattle on as she helped her get dressed, tightening her corset and layering a blue coat and skirt over her, but Liaās mind was preoccupied with the blueprint of the bridge design, which seemed flawed, based on the weight of the wagon. She knew she needed to speak to Claude about it.
She hadnāt even finished getting ready, her hair hastily tied back, when she left Pepe behind and made her way to Claudeās study. Her thoughts were in turmoil, and her expression was somber as she walked slowly, lost in her own thoughts.
Betty was in the capital. Lia had pretended to be unperturbed in front of Pepe, but she couldnāt deny that she was concerned. Betty was someone she couldnāt afford to overlookāa person who knew the truth of her past but chose to feign ignorance. Despite that, Lia cherished the memories she had with Betty, the genuine gestures and words that had been exchanged between them.
When Lia arrived at Claudeās study, her complex emotions were momentarily forgotten as she found Kieran sitting there. She stopped in surprise, her bright smile fading slightly as Kieran turned to look at her with a serious expression.
āCanilliaā¦?ā Kieranās voice caught, and he exhaled deeply, relieved to see her walking normally.
āBrother,ā Lia called, biting her lip. It was an unexpected reunion, and Lia hadnāt anticipated Kieranās presence.
Kieran, who seemed flustered, stood up and pulled her into his arms, expressing his relief at seeing her well. Claudeās eyebrows furrowed at the display of affection, and he couldnāt hide his discomfort.
āIām gladā¦ Iām glad youāre safe, Lia,ā Kieran murmured, showering her with kisses on her forehead and the top of her head.
Claude, unable to contain his irritation any longer, rose from his seat and approached them.
āBe polite to the woman who will be my wife, Kieran,ā Claudeās tone was composed, but his expression and touch were not. He stepped between them, separating Lia from Kieran with a hidden annoyance evident on his face.
āA little distance would be appropriate,ā Claude added pointedly.
Liaās laughter bubbled over, a melody that filled the room as she leaned her head against Kieranās chest. He laughed too, his arms wrapped around her, setting an example for Canillia, who looked on with awe.
āLady Canillia, itās been too long,ā Kieran said, his laughter subsiding.
Claudeās expression softened in relief. Lia, remembering the purpose of her visit, presented a blueprint and plans to Claude.
āIāve taken a look, and it seems to be the wrong design. The load calculations are off. We need to account for both cars and wagons now, right? If we proceed like this, weāll run into trouble,ā Lia said, her eyes glancing at Kieran, who shrugged in agreement.
āMy lady has always preferred numbers and plans to jewelry and dresses,ā Claude remarked with a smirk.
āIt seems like herself,ā Kieran added, looking at Canillia with fondness. Though her external appearance remained the same, her expression had become much richer than before, as if she had taken a step beyond his reach.
āI need to send this to Lord Carso by the end of the day, so please review it quickly,ā Lia said, trying to hide her embarrassment.
āHeās not doing anything right,ā Claude muttered under his breath.
As Claude and Lia examined the documents together, Kieran felt his heart swell at the sight. This wasnāt Canillia, who used to be scared and intimidated in front of Claude. She had grown up, not just in front of Claude, but in front of everyone.
Kieran smiled wistfully and recited in a low voice, āI have something to say.ā
As both Claude and Lia looked up at him, Kieran slowly knelt before Canillia, holding her hand and placing his forehead against the back of it.
āAt your wedding, let me have the honor of walking you down the aisle,ā Kieran said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Liaās emerald eyes widened in surprise.
āI know. I donāt even want to imagine you walking down the aisle without me. But I havenāt done enough for you until now. Iāve always been ahead of myself. So let me play my part as the elder brother for the last time. I want to remain a part of your family, Lia,ā Kieran said earnestly.
Lia looked at Claude, seeking his guidance. Claude, looking at Kieran with a calm expression, simply nodded.
āFollow your heart,ā Claude said softly.
Lia took a deep breath and made her decision. She couldnāt ignore Kieranās sincere request. She lowered herself and faced him.
āAre you sure about this? Youāve even cut ties with your own family because of me. You didnāt have toā¦ā Lia trailed off.
āItās not because of you. Itās all thanks to you. Andā¦ I canāt escape my fate as a member of the Vale family anyway. Iād rather play the role of a gracious host. I want to remain a part of your family, Lia,ā Kieran said with conviction.
With her decision made, Lia nodded. It was as if a weight had been lifted from Kieranās shoulders as he hugged her tightly, exhaling a breath he had been holding in. Claude, unable to contain his emotions any longer, placed his arm between them.
āThatās settled, then. Letās end this discussion,ā Claude said, his voice filled with finality.