Proofreader: somnium

Lysia was startled to see Lawrence and got off her horse.

At first, when Artizea told her not to talk as much as possible even if she stumbled upon Lawrence, she took it only as a boundary.

Lawrence is not simply the brother of the person she was serving. He was one of two people battling for the throne. He was also an axis of the complex political situation in which Grand Duke Evron was intertwined.

So she thought Artizea was being on guard against her brother. If Lysia made a mistake prematurely, it could escalate into a political problem, or Artizea could be in an awkward position.

But it wasnt to that extent. Indeed, Artizea seemed to be emotionally appalled of him.

They actually met at the Empress Palace once, but it was still recognizable.

So she was even more careful, so as not to run into him.

But like this, to meet face to face in front of the mansion, and she couldnt pretend she didnt know Lawrence and walk away.

It wasnt a slight rudeness, it was a disgrace to Artizea and Baron Morten.

Lysia got off her horse. And she greeted him politely.

I was rude not knowing that a precious guest was here.

That was referred to when she dared to look down on him from the horse.

Lawrence was not angry. He looked at Lysias face for a moment.

Lysia tried to keep her calm demeanor. However, Lawrences gaze was so deep that she couldnt win and her face turned red.

Why?

Where have you been?

Lawrence didnt have much to say, so he asked. Lysia answered with a short answer.

Yes.

Lysia did not answer in detail. Because wise people knew that they could read a surprising number of things from even the smallest clues.

The conversation did not continue and was cut off.

Lawrence thought strangely, fixing his gaze on Lysia.

She really was a woman of nothing. Shes young and quite pretty, but thats all she is and nothing more.

There were many women as pretty as Lysia. Among the women who would run to him if he just contacted them now, there were several women who were prettier than Lysia.

Still, she was stuck in his mind like a nail.

Lawrence even dreamed several times. In the dream, Lysia was lying in his bed.

When he woke up, his chest was pounding and he was thirsty. There were times when he woke up at dawn and couldnt sleep for the rest of the night.

Once he has her, this feeling will go away.

From the beginning, he had no interest in people or emotions. Even love, especially love, was not regarded as entertainment. Therefore, his lover has always been nothing more than a partner with whom to share stimulating pleasures.

Rather, the emotions he was interested in were hatred, fear, contempt, and all sorts of negative and passionate things.

This is because it was believed that this is a genuine emotion that a person can show only in the face of death.

Perhaps the reason he feels this way is because she is a woman he shouldnt have.

Seducing a woman and throwing her away was no big deal for Lawrence. It was simple, and he never had any trouble with cleaning up afterwards.

However, using his sisters lady-in-waiting as a playmate was out of character.

It was even more so if she was a girl under the age of 20. Above all, he will not be liked by the Empress.

Moreover, she was from the family of the old vassal of Grand Duke Evron. It is unwise to have a dispute with Cedric over this.

Well, is there anything you want to say?

Lysia hesitated.

Lawrence is a man of bad character.

Lysia was not the type to judge people easily by listening to words. But there was no doubt that Lawrence was promiscuous and arrogant.

There were many people who blushed and admired his beauty. There were quite a few people who positively evaluated it as being bold and aristocratic.

But even the staunchest admirer of Lawrence could not deny that his private life was debauchery.

Above all, Artizea was the one who had been subjected to the abuse in the Rosan mansion while he stood by.

She should never have been deeply involved with him, even without a warning. She had no intention of that.

However, when she sees him like this, she becomes seized with strange emotions. It felt like her heart was pounding.

The first thing she felt when she met him was excitement. She didnt know who he was, so she thought he was a kind person.

But now she feels anxious.

Theres something like a dry crumbled residue somewhere in her chest. It was so complex that it could not be classified into a simple category of like or dislike.

Lysia was still too young to understand it. Feelings of unknown names that had not yet formed are only incomprehensible.

As they were facing each other, something was unraveling, something tangled like a thread of her own.

Its only her second encounter with him, and the lifelong feelings swelled in her heart and slipped away like the wind. As if she was possessed, her thoughts of him were engrossed deep in her mind.

She painstakingly lowered her eyes. Lawrence then opened his mouth.

Is there anything difficult or uncomfortable about living in the capital?

Yes. Her Grace takes good care of me.

Do you know my name?

Lawrence asked impulsively.

Yes, Lord Lawrence.

Lysia answered obediently. Lawrences heart pounded strangely at that answer.

He thought it was the first time he had heard his own name in Lysias voice. Naturally, it gave him a fresh shock.

I live on Sabellin Street.

Yes, I know.

Come visit me anytime.

Lawrence said impulsively. So what if Lysia comes?

Well. Thats something hell think about then.

Lawrence nodded his head lightly to Lysia and got back into the carriage.

Lysia watched as the carriage left while she was still in a strange mood.

It felt so strange to her that he was being kind to her, and that he had a soft voice, she couldnt stand it. She wanted to cry and, conversely, trembled.

Lets not think about it.

Lawrence asked if she knew his name. But he didnt seem to realize that he didnt ask for Lysias name.

He might have known if he tries to find out from which family the lady-in-waiting that Artizea has brought from Evron, it will be answered by a butler or secretary on the spot.

But, to put it that way, Lawrences name was something she couldnt have known.

In short, this cannot be called a common name. It was a minor thing, but Lysia seemed to know who Lawrence was.

It was when Lysia entered the mansion. Artizea, who had finished preparing her outing, was coming out to the lobby.

Your Grace.

Oh, Lysia. You came early.

Artizea was startled.

Lysia saw Artizeas eyes clouded with anxiety.

I met Sir Lawrence in the front.

She couldnt tell a lie that would soon be revealed, so Lysia said frankly.

And she added that before Artizea could say anything.

It was nothing special. I said hello for a moment. I cannot ignore him.

Yes.

Your Grace.

Lysia made a decision impulsively.

Im going to the west.

Its been quite some time since Artizea had told Lysia to go to the West in her place.

Even before arriving at the capital, there were already plans for philanthropy. Artizea wanted Lysia to take care of it.

Even if she declines because she lacks the ability to manage a large business, Artizea insistently recommends that she just go ahead and try with a learning heart.

And after taking over the rebirth project, Lysia was told to do it this time. It was more of a pleading request rather than a command from her.

Lysia hesitated. It was because of Cedrics orders.

[Stay by her side. Thats enough.]

Cedric said Artizea was a weak-hearted person.

She seemed to know a little more about what he was talking about now. Even though Hayley is there, it was with a heavy heart to leave her behind.

But if she is the one who endangers her heart, wouldnt it be right for her to walk away?

She didnt know why Artizea was trying to keep her from meeting Lawrence until they did.

However, Lysia was well aware that Artizea liked and cared for her.

So she should listen to that. Surely, Artizea would be recommending it for her own sake. And it might be better for Artizea herself.

So said Lysia.

I am not very confident. Brother Colton is a good guy, and I think I can do it too if he helps me.

Artizea visibly sighed in relief.

Yes, youll be fine. And do well.

You cant get too mad when I fail.

I know you will do very well.

Artizea took Lysias hand and placed her forehead on the back of the hand.

Lysia gulped down the rock on her chest and swallowed it. At this point, she really didnt know what to do.

Though she thought she had made the right decision, she was still gripped by anxiety.

***

Why are you sending Miss Lysia to the West?

Alice asked in the carriage to the Keshore mansion.

After Hayley and Lysia came, it was rare for Alice to accompany Artizea when she went out. Her status has changed from the past, and her plans for going out have also changed a lot.

It shouldnt be, but Alice felt a little bit sad about it.

I know now that it is not so common to be a person of ability and trust. You believe in Miss Lysia, dont you?

The West is right for Lysia. In fact, theres not much work to entrust to Lysia in the capital.

But Miss Lysia is pretty, kind, and easily sympathized with people. And shes not as good as the knights, but shes good at fighting, and shes very good at horse riding, and I think shes perfect as Madams attendant.

What are you fighting for? In the capital, I prefer to go with you.

Artizea said in a voice with a smile on her face. Alice sulkily answered.

Madam is no longer in the position to bring a maid like me.

No matter how many people there are, I feel most comfortable with you and Sophie. Reliable.

I am busy, too. As the number of people in the mansion increases, there are so many things to take care of.

If its really hard, should I hire a separate maid?

Alice rolled her eyes.

Are you kicking me out?

Its a promotion.

I dont like it. I dont have anyone I can trust other than Sophie. After all, I have to do it myself.

Alice said so. Artizea smiled faintly.

On the way home, lets stop by for a while and go for a walk. Weve both been very busy these days, havent we?

Its okay because Im strong. But I think taking a walk is a good idea. Madam, have you hardly ever had a break these days?

While they were talking, the carriage arrived at the Keshore Mansion.

Sir Keshore came to meet her personally. She doesnt know how many nights he had been up all night from the complexion. His face was black and dead.