A Silent Encounter
The maid knocked cautiously on the door. “Today is the banquet, young master.” At her words, I slowly opened my eyes beneath the blankets. Thin sunlight seeped through, brushing the edge of the sheets. Summer was just beginning, and even this early the air already carried a lingering warmth.
A banquet… Of course.
Ever since I came to this world, noble gatherings had never been pleasant for me. Calculations hidden behind smiles, the subtle hierarchies woven into every word. People might mask their scent with perfume, but they could never completely hide what lay beneath. Besides… I, Leonardo Heavenfield, was known as the incompetent one. I had no choice but to remain one step removed from their circle.
“Yeah… I’ll be up soon.”
I answered half-heartedly and pushed myself out of bed with the same expression I wore every day, as if yesterday and today were simply more of the same. Though perhaps today would be different.
“Haah…”
After washing and changing, I walked slowly down the corridor toward the sitting room. This mansion was where I had been born and raised, yet everything still felt foreign. The lavish portraits on the walls, the perfectly ordered movements of the servants—every detail was so flawless it felt suffocating.
“Leo. You’re up early today.”
Mother sat at the dining table, greeting me with a gentle smile. Her hair caught the morning light and glowed with a warm luster. On the surface she always appeared mild and serene. But I knew better. Those smiles were armor, worn so she would not break.
“Yes. It’s because of the banquet. On days like this, even silence draws every eye.”
Mother raised an eyebrow, then gave a quiet laugh.
“You’re perceptive, my son. Still, you needn’t be so sensitive. It’s all right to simply be yourself.”
Instead of answering, I lifted my spoon and tasted the soup. The warm potato broth slid down my throat, and for a moment it felt as though my heart filled a little more than my stomach.
“…Do you truly mean that, Mother?”
“Of course. Whatever you look like, I love you.”
My hand paused mid-air.
Please don’t say things like that. I’ve had enough empty hope in my last life to last an eternity.
She looked at me and added softly, “But at least for tonight’s banquet… I hope you’ll carry yourself with a little more confidence.”
“Why?”
“…Because I still wish the world’s gaze on you might one day change.”
I neither nodded nor argued. I simply finished eating and rose from my seat.
“How is this attire, young master?”
The banquet outfit the maid presented was striking—deep blue silk embroidered with silver thread. I shook my head at once.
“Too conspicuous. Something else.”
“…I thought you might say that. Then perhaps this?”
The garment she offered was a calmer shade of gray. In certain lights it shimmered with a faint violet hue that somehow felt right.
“This one.”
I changed and stood before the mirror. On the outside I looked every inch the noble youth. Inside, I was still only an ordinary man who wished to live quietly.
The banquet would not begin until evening. Until then the mansion buzzed with preparations: receiving palace envoys, finalizing the menu, directing servants. As the eldest son I could not withdraw completely, though I tried to stay on the periphery.
“Young master, some say the floral arrangements near the flowerbed feel out of place.”
“Ask whether they truly clash or simply differ from expectation. If the goal is to draw the eye elsewhere, that location is correct.”
“Understood.”
“And begin the music at six. Line the carriages at the main gate. Have cocktails ready so early arrivals won’t grow bored.”
It was strange. My body moved before my mind could catch up. Had I done these things before?
No, I haven’t… but it feels familiar.
Perhaps it came from my previous life—always reading the room, considering everyone’s feelings so no one would be inconvenienced. Company, bosses, clients, colleagues. And now I found myself in that same world once more.
“Leo.”
The voice that called my name was low and firm. I straightened reflexively.
“Father.”
My father. Duke of the empire. Cold, unyielding, merciless in his power. He looked me over from head to toe with an appraising gaze. It was painfully familiar.
“Do not embarrass us tonight.”
“…I will keep that in mind.”
“The eyes of every noble house are on you. See that you give them no reason to call you useless again.”
“Yes.”
He said nothing more. All he wanted was for the name Heavenfield to remain unstained. Watching his back retreat, I whispered inwardly.
I expect nothing. Today, like every day, I only hope to pass through quietly.
As the sun dipped lower, noble carriages began arriving in a steady line. In the quiet twilight, soft murmurs and the clop of hooves drifted through the grounds. The banquet was nearly upon us.
Just get through tonight…
That was all I wished for. But I did not yet know that this night would mark the beginning of everything.
“They say the baron’s daughter is coming as well. It would be good for you to greet the younger nobles, wouldn’t it?”
“……”
“Leo?”
“…Yes. Of course.”
From dawn the servants and nanny had been bustling. Father had arranged the entire affair himself. It was to be held at Terins Castle, the grand estate under our family’s domain—a magnificent stage for high society. To me it was merely another obligation.
The mirror showed a noble youth whose clothes fit to perfection. Yet the shell was empty. I muttered to myself.
I have no talent whatsoever.
“Still… you look rather fine today, Leo.”
At breakfast Mother had smiled at me with that familiar expression—part worry, part resignation, and a quiet attempt to see through me while pretending calm.
“I’m nervous.”
I wet my dry lips. Mother set down her fork and met my eyes.
“Tonight you are the host. There’s no need to feel so burdened.”
“…The host?”
I looked away. I knew that standing on stage did not guarantee applause.
The banquet unfolded in all its planned splendor. Golden ornaments adorned the castle, brilliant chandeliers cast their light, and the mingled scents of perfume and cigar smoke created a subtly oppressive atmosphere. The nobles of this world laughed as though born for such evenings, probing one another’s weaknesses, wrapping praise and scorn into single sentences.
I nodded as if accustomed to it, lifted my glass, followed the expected path, and watched my father’s mood. The banquet hall felt like hell—magnets sewn into my eyelids, urging them to close. The noise called splendor, the greedy stares hidden behind laughter, wrapped around me like chains.
It’s worse than a company dinner surrounded by every boss I’ve ever had.
I stood in a corner, precariously tucked between wall and lamplight, glass in hand. One more drink and I could pretend to be tipsy, blend into the background. Then this wretched scene might at least blur.
That was when I heard it—a high-pitched laugh that grated on the ears.
Again… her.
Countess Monde. Close to my mother, the hostess, she used every opportunity to approach under the guise of teaching me social etiquette, dispensing lectures and advice with relentless zeal. Each time she claimed it was out of concern for me while slowly devouring my soul.
“Ohohoho, Young Master Leonardo! Standing against the wall like that, who would guess you are the precious heir of the Heavenfield ducal house?”
Her fan fluttered busily in her hand.
I wish no one knew, yet you announce it every time and ruin everything. It would be perfect without you.
I turned reluctantly and forced the most peaceful smile I could manage.
“Countess Monde, how pleasant to see you. I was admiring the dignity with which you alone guard this vast hall.”
She gave a short snort. Her face clearly read No matter what you try, it’s useless.
“Hehe, young master. Your humor remains unchanged. But aside from that humor, have any other areas improved?”
I lowered my head slightly, keeping every trace of emotion from my voice.
“I apologize, Countess. I am lazy and clumsy by nature… I am trying, but it isn’t easy.”
Her expression grew stricter. She looked me up and down as though inspecting defective goods.
It felt exactly like hearing a superior say, “You seem to lack passion.” If I killed myself trying, would any of you be satisfied? Of course not. So this is the best I can do.
“Tsk, Young Master Leonardo. How long do you intend to remain like this? A noble child must be lively and confident for the family’s honor! You should participate actively in society and, of course… find a suitable spouse to strengthen the house!”
Her gaze slid to the young lady beside her. Golden hair, blue eyes—a perfect noblewoman by any measure. A carefully practiced smile of interest graced her lips.
I offered the lady a dazed smile. She bowed politely in return.
“I mean no offense to the lady… but I am so inadequate that I fear I might bring shame to someone of such high standing.”
Countess Monde snapped her fan shut with an audible click, visibly frustrated.
“Haah… Young master. How long will you continue to demean yourself? From what I see, Lady Rubia would make an excellent support for you! Take courage!”
Lady Rubia blushed and stole a glance at me. The curiosity in her eyes was a kind I knew all too well. I smiled awkwardly once more.
“It couldn’t possibly be.”
The countess’s eyes widened in shock. She pointed at me and lowered her voice.
“Young Master Leonardo! Are you making sport of me right now?!”
I feigned confusion.
“Sport? I am speaking from the heart, Countess.”
If any of you had ever truly looked inside me, you wouldn’t be able to say such things.
At that moment I noticed Father watching us from across the room. I swallowed my resentment and bowed to Lady Rubia.
“It was an honor to meet you, my lady.”
Did her pupils tremble slightly? It must have been my imagination…
Before the countess could say anything more, I slipped away from the group. I retreated once more into the shadow of the wall, letting the light and noise of the banquet hall fade into the distance.
Another mission completed safely. And so my evening passed. Just as it always did.
“Leo. You should greet that young man as well.”
Black uniform, perpetually cool tone, eyes like cold metal. He indicated another noble’s son. I lowered my head.
“Good evening. I am Leonardo Heavenfield.”
Before I finished, the other party smiled and took my hand.
“My, the young master of the illustrious Heavenfield family. I’ve heard much about you. Such humility!”
“……”
I smiled out of courtesy. Inside, a sigh echoed.
The rumors are probably all false anyway.
The banquet ended without incident. At least on paper.
I stepped outside and breathed in the night air. It carried the scent of oil and damp earth.
“Did the closing remarks go well?”
“Yes. I followed Father’s instructions exactly.”
Mother studied my eyes for a moment, then smiled without a word. The look said, You endured well.
The night air had not yet grown cold. Early summer heat still lingered in the ground, only beginning to fade after sunset. I draped a black cloak over my shoulders, declined the servants’ carriage, and chose to walk back to the mansion alone. The noisy toasts and endless conversations always left me drained.
Mother remained warm, but Father treated me like a ghost. Political maneuvering, flattery, and subtly entangled gazes tightened my chest. Through it all I smiled, nodded, clinked glasses, and ignored the stares that wished to drag me down.
I walked quietly, gazing up at the sky. One star, then two, appeared. In the distance a dog barked intermittently. Lanterns with candles lit the path here and there. I had deliberately avoided the main road and taken the quiet back alley.
But something felt different tonight. The dirty lane lay submerged in pitch-black darkness and a heavy stench. The dark seemed alive, swallowing every corner of the alley.
Within that darkness, a faint shape began to emerge.
Even from a distance, instinct told me what it was. A person. Someone helplessly curled up, yet undeniably alive.
My heart suddenly hammered. As though possessed, I drew a sharp breath and hurried forward.
“Hey! Are you all right?”
My voice trembled, yet it was the only light cast into that darkness.
There was no response.
“What are you doing there?!”
A low groan drifted through the shadows, accompanied by faint breathing.
“…Ugh…”
The pain in that voice was so small and blurred it sounded as if it had been forced from vocal cords long sealed and hardened.
A chill ran through me. I stepped closer. Even with me standing right in front of her, she remained curled up, head bowed.
“Are you hurt? Speak to me. If there’s anything I can do…”
No answer came. Only faint groans slipped out like threads from an old blanket.
I reached out and grasped her shoulder. It was cold and terribly thin. Her head lifted the smallest fraction. Hair dusted with dirt, yet still faintly shining. Her lips moved, but no words formed. It was as though something blocked her throat; only silent struggle remained.
Could it be…
She cannot speak?