After everything had concluded, Lyna, upon returning to Bolsheik, tended to her lips first.
During her journey back from the palace, she had diligently covered her chin and mouth with a scarf to ensure no one would catch a glimpse of the wound on her lips.
Even within the mansion, she didn’t bother summoning a doctor. Instead, she applied the medicine that Becky had obtained from somewhere.
“The medicine the young lady provided was incredibly effective…”
Her escort had remarked, and indeed, Lyna’s scratches and minor bruises had healed in an instant.
“Hmm.”
Despite having applied the medicine, when she examined herself in the mirror, she could still see the congealed blood within her lips, prompting her to release a short sigh.
“Of all places to get injured.”
The lips were a difficult area to conceal naturally with clothing.
However, she was well aware that it would be troublesome if she continued to display the injury for all to see.
“This should suffice.”
Observing her lips, deeply stained with red, or rather, dark red, Lyna nodded and soon fell into contemplation.
She had confirmed the engagement during an unexpected three-party meeting with the emperor.
“When will the engagement ceremony take place?”
“Soon…”
Before Ainar could finish his sentence, the emperor, rubbing his weary face, interjected.
“Two weeks from now.”
Whose command would make her bow her head?
Of course, she could bow her head willingly, but both Ainar and Lyna, as the betrothed couple, desired to proceed as soon as possible, so they obediently acquiesced.
“You may leave.”
Fatigue apparent in his demeanor, the emperor issued a dismissal order, and Lyna made her way back to Bolsheik.
With those thoughts in mind, Lyna gradually opened her eyes.
This engagement had merely been a means to rid themselves of the troublesome Smith, yet even His Majesty the Emperor had taken an active role.
“What could he have said?”
Undoubtedly, her father, the Duke of Bolsheik, had engaged in a private meeting with the emperor, resulting in some form of agreement…
Indeed, there were numerous requests that the royal family could make to Bolsheik.
Despite the current imperial family’s proclamations resonating across the continent, they could not match the immeasurable power derived from Bolsheik’s rich history.
Thus, within that vast array of difficult-to-recall matters, what could it be?
Lyna quickly shook her head.
After all, she was someone who would be leaving the family.
What use would there be in knowing such things?
No, it would be better not to know.
The dealings with the royal family would remain a family secret.
Jane, who was far luckier than her, despite her modest abilities, would handle it.
Speaking of Jane, she had unearthed something during the hunting competition.
“What was that…”
Something that Jane held dearer than her own life.
Amidst the rampage of the black tiger, Jane hadn’t fled but instead rushed toward the ferocious beast.
She frantically dug beneath the surface and retrieved something.
“There’s no way Jane would stoop to that level.”
Indeed, it was inconceivable for Jane to soil her hands with dark soil. Despite not being born into nobility, Jane carried herself with more aristocracy than any other noble.
Or rather, she desired to appear aristocratic.
She endured rigorous etiquette lessons within a short period and thereafter avoided any actions that could invite criticism.
‘You’re merely a shadow! If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be here!’
‘Calm down, Lyna. Many eyes are watching us.’
Thus, Lyna often heard remarks stating that Jane resembled Bolsheik more than Lyna herself, who was gradually losing her rationality and behaving like a wild beast.
“Perhaps it’s because she wasn’t part of the family yet?”
Something that Jane had dirtied her hands for, taken risks to obtain…
However, Lyna’s worry was fleeting as she shook her head.
“I need to see it for myself.”
After all, Lyna didn’t face the same circumstances as Jane, which compelled her to resort to various means to enter that forest.
If Lyna wished to enter the forest, it would open for her at any time.
The royal family could not refuse a request from a member of Bolsheik, who had suffered a grievous accident during the hunting competition’s finale.
It was necessary to confirm the matter related to Jane, as it concerned Lyna herself.
She didn’t want to continue trailing after Jane, but the truth was that Jane played the most significant role in securing her freedom.
It would be better to know everything.
As Lyna prepared to rise and write a letter, a knock came at the door.
Knock, knock.
Holding a pen, Lyna casually granted permission.
“Come in.”
Becky silently entered through the door.
“Becky? What is it?”
Lyna had instructed the servants to leave her undisturbed, as she detested anything that disrupted her thoughts.
If her father needed her, Sebastian would be the one to inform her, not Becky.
“I have something to tell you.”
At Lyna’s signal granting permission, she nodded.
“Go ahead.”
Nervously, Becky presented something.
Unfolding the dirt-stained handkerchief, a peculiar scent mingled with the damp, earthy aroma.
“What is this?”
Lyna stared at the unknown object, unsure if it was grass or a flower, and questioned Becky with curiosity.
“It’s what the suspicious woman had in her possession during the hunting competition. Only remnants remain, but I kept it just in case.”
Upon hearing that, Lyna slowly raised her head, her gaze fixed on Becky.
The suspicious woman could only be Jane.
And if it was something Jane had kept…
With lowered eyes, Lyna looked at Becky and spoke.
“It was dangerous.”
“Yes.”
Though not a commendation or praise, Becky obediently lowered her head.
Even a passing observer could discern that it was perilous to pursue Jane’s trail in their current circumstances.
Becky nodded in agreement with Lyna’s subsequent words.
“There was no need for you to do that.”
“Yes, I know.”
Indeed, there was no necessity to take such risks in a life-threatening situation.
But…
If it weren’t for the Lyna standing before her, her breath would have already been snuffed out.
Even if she had chosen to flee when she first encountered the man who knew about her past and posed a threat, and even if she had kept running…
Yes, there was no hope of eluding pursuit indefinitely.
Because she was well aware that the salvation named ‘Emma,’ which had unexpectedly come her way, would not continue forever.
However, a miracle occurred.
This time, it was a miracle that not only enabled her escape but also shattered the chains of her haunting past.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“What?”
“What you said is true, Miss. There was no need for it at that time, but I risked my life.”
Becky spoke cheerfully and confidently, despite recounting such a weighty tale.
“Since I have already devoted my life to you, Miss, it is enough if it can be of assistance to you.”
“No, wait.”
Lyna raised her hand to halt Becky’s further words.
She didn’t display surprise or sentimentality.
Only a hint of weariness showed on her face.
Not that it wasn’t genuine; Lyna rubbed her temples, succumbing to a sudden wave of fatigue.
She had heard such sentiments before.
One day, sometime before her return.
Even in Lyna’s life, riddled with misfortune and continual setbacks, there were moments when she had aided others.
Though ultimately ending in failure.
‘Thank you. Thank you.’
Facing the individual who deeply bowed before her, Lyna uttered words with a despondent expression, ‘What is there to thank? Nothing has been resolved.’
She was merely grateful that the situation hadn’t deteriorated further.
However, he stammered, gently grasped Lyna’s hand, and with teary eyes forced a smile as he replied, ‘You’re the only person who has ever shown such care for me.’
Despite losing what was dear to him, he remained by Lyna’s side.
‘I would gladly sacrifice my worthless life if it could be of any help to you…’
She shouldn’t have said those words.
She shouldn’t have accepted him, the man who knelt and pledged to dedicate his remaining days to her.
‘Miss! It’s dangerous…!’
She should have anticipated that it would end so abruptly.
It was only when he closed his eyes, consumed by her ill fortune, that she truly understood the depth of her own wretchedness.
Lyna closed her eyes and reopened them, filled with profound determination.
It was a thing of the past, or rather, something that would not occur in the present.
Since Lyna no longer acted as she did before her return, events stemming from her immense misfortune would not transpire.
For a while, Lyna silently gazed at Becky.
Had it been a mistake to reach out to her, someone who seemed like an impediment due to her desire for freedom?
Yet, any regrets were fleeting.
It would have been far more regrettable if she had refrained from helping Becky out of fear of an event that had not occurred and would not come to pass.
“Becky.”
“Yes.”
A glimmer of darkness danced within Lyna’s eyes, but only Ainar, who could gaze into her eyes with longing, would notice.
“Don’t do that.”
“Huh?”
“You don’t have to devote your life to me. You don’t have to risk your life for my sake.”
Although her words might sound as if she didn’t need Becky, the latter couldn’t respond immediately.
It wasn’t so much about not needing her, but…
“I have just pulled you out of the abyss, and I don’t want to see you fall into an even deeper pit in vain.”
Indeed, it wasn’t a matter of not needing Becky, but rather pushing her away for her own sake.
Once again, the lady utters incomprehensible remarks.
She had said the same when she repaid all her debts.
She had warned that being around her would inevitably lead to unfortunate circumstances.
Becky didn’t understand why she thought and concluded in such a manner.
But yes, if the lady was concerned about that and pushing her away…
Becky smiled innocently.
“Yes! I won’t devote my life to you or risk my life for you!”
It was a response that came too simply and too quickly to be entirely sincere, but Lyna nodded in response.
“Good.”
However, even that agreement lasted only a moment…