Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Parting Ways
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“Resuan, do you remember what I told you about the Crown Prince all this time?”
“...”
“What about Knight Commander Kaisen?”
At the sudden topic, Resuan fell silent, as if her lips had been glued shut.
I had cautiously brought up Ryan and Kaisen's attitudes toward me a few times before.
It wasn't a subject she liked. She extremely disliked discord between people.
‘I’ll do what I can...’
Resuan had listened to my stories, sympathizing with pity and encouraging me.
I thought the situation might change. But that was just my misconception.
Even after what Resuan said, their attitudes didn't change.
The same situation repeated several times, but Resuan just repeated the same words, unable to alter anything.
She even started avoiding the topic altogether.
The limit of what she could do was ‘here’. Ryan and Kaisen mattered more to her than pushing her opinion for my sake.
She seemed to dread the very idea of uncomfortable conversations with them. She didn't want any conflict.
I had no intention of weighing our friendship, but it hurt quite a bit back then. I realized I needed some distance from Resuan.
Afterward, I maintained that distance while holding onto a sliver of hope that I might be wrong.
I made excuses that she just hadn't opened up yet, showing her consideration—buying her favorite foods or remembering a dress brand she mentioned in passing and gifting it to her.
Small acts of thoughtfulness were my specialty and my effort.
But I had never received proper consideration from Resuan.
Until I pointed it out myself, she showed no interest in learning about me. Her efforts only appeared after my prodding, and even then, they faded quickly.
It was time to acknowledge it.
“Resuan, I'm not saying you're wrong. They were probably more precious to you than I was, so it was the natural choice.”
The definition of ‘friend’ that Resuan and I held was fundamentally different.
I wasn't that important to Resuan.
As I sorted through my thoughts and spoke, my mind calmed.
Yes, this was how it should have been from the start.
Knowing Resuan's true nature wasn't bad, and not wanting regrets in this second chance at life, I had stubbornly tried until the end.
But not everything goes my way.
“Since our ideas of a friend's place differ so much, it's better for both of us to part cleanly here.”
At my words, Resuan's eyes shook violently. Seeing her face flush bright red, I knew.
How much my words had hurt her.
But I didn't offer clumsy comfort. I thought this pain could be a stepping stone for the future.
A good way for both of us to move forward.
“So I won't accept the gift. As a commemoration of our final friendship, I won't hold your rude visit today against you either.”
Resuan's pupils emptied.
She looked bewildered by my completely different attitude from before. It wasn't incomprehensible.
This world revolved around Resuan.
How many people would actually leave her like this?
Especially someone she'd been chatting with face-to-face until recently.
“Well then, I'll be going now.”
I gave her a polite bow and turned away.
Resuan clumsily grabbed my wrist and asked.
“What if I change? Could things between us change then?”
Her words made me pause—probably because of the faint lingering hope I still held for Resuan.
Turning back, Resuan's face filled my view. Her eyes sparkled, reflecting the sunlight through the glass. Her lively, lovely face was endearing.
The sincere face that had always forced me to console myself that maybe this time would be different.
But in that moment, I discarded every last bit of lingering hope.
I was sick of seeing that face. Utterly fed up.
Did I really need to return to an environment where I might get hurt again? No—to a place where hurt was almost certain?
“No.”
My fear stemmed thoroughly from my experiences.
The moment I answered firmly, Resuan's hand dropped away.
“What I've waited for so far is enough.”
Tears finally welled up in her eyes. Even the clear, glass-bead-like teardrops looked drawn in a picture.
‘Who’s here to wipe them away?’
I worried she might grab me again, but Resuan didn't. She stood frozen in place, like she was nailed to the spot.
I drove in the final wedge with a last goodbye.
“Resuan, thank you for everything until now.”
It was to bring closure.
Resuan, who had been staring blankly at me, hurriedly looked away.
As if feeling a twinge of guilt now, of all times.
After that, she hastily left the scene. The gift box remained where Resuan had been.
Once again, only I was left in the garden.
‘Tired.’
I covered my face with both hands. Sinking into the sofa, I let out a heavy sigh.
As if this would be easy for me.
‘Maybe if I cried like Resuan, I'd feel better.’
But no tears came.
Just then, a knock echoed from the garden gate again.
‘Leti?’
I didn't even want to let Leti in. Especially after what happened earlier.
I slowly walked toward the door.
To lock it.
But an unexpected guest stood before the glass door.
“...Rido?”
Surprised, I blinked, then understood when I saw his formal attire.
‘He came to say he's heading back.’
Our eyes met, and Rido smiled softly, like a puppy delighted to see its owner.
After rehearsals ended, Rido would often come find me to express his thanks. It wasn't hard to hear his gratitude, and it put me in a good mood, so I never refused.
But not now.
My mood was foul, and I couldn't even manage my expression properly. I had no desire to open the door.
‘What to do.’
After hesitating, I waved Rido away. At my shooing gesture, he looked troubled in place.
‘...What?’
Did he have something to say? As I tilted my head, Rido fidgeted. It reminded me of how he'd waited for Resuan's words earlier.
‘Why are so many people visiting today?’
Grumbling inwardly, I eventually opened the door. The uninvited guest who appeared after Resuan didn't seem like he'd leave easily without achieving his goal.
He was someone who felt genuine human fondness for me, and I didn't dislike him. I had no reason to create unnecessary friction.
Even living as a noble, my modern sensibilities remained inside.
As the glass door opened, Rido immediately bowed deeply.
“Thank you for allowing us to use the magic tool again today!”
“It's nothing special.”
After our usual exchange, Rido pulled out a small box he'd hidden behind his back.
“I always feel like I'm indebted to Lady Etwar, so we prepared a modest gift. Would you accept it? The whole troupe put it together.”
Inside the box he handed me directly was a handkerchief. The smooth fabric was neatly folded with floral embroidery.
Receiving kindness after so long lifted my spirits.
Yes, how happy it is when what you give comes back.
I don't always give kindness expecting something in return. But knowing they thought of me as much as I did them brings joy.
Feeling this kindness now showed how bleak my year had been.
I lifted the corners of my mouth and took the handkerchief. Its smooth texture felt like a spring breeze.
“It's nothing much. I'll gladly accept the handkerchief. Thank you.”
Sending Rido as the representative instead of presenting it in front of the whole troupe was probably consideration for my dislike of burdening people.
How strange. A mood soured by one person was brightened by another.
Knowing my kindness had truly helped someone improved my spirits a bit.
“...Is something bothering you?”
Rido asked, studying my face.
I quickly shook my head. I didn't want to show weakness in front of Rido.
I felt sorry for him, but Rido was a famous actor embroiled in scandals and rumors. With what Darsi had relayed about the government last time, caution was best.
I'd received the gift, so that was enough. I issued an order to leave.
“No. Go on now, Rido.”
But Rido ignored me. Instead, he gazed at my state with the passionate expression he used in his acting.
‘...What?’
His unexpected reaction flustered me. I told him to leave—why was he staring instead?
“If something's happened, please tell me. I can listen.”
...As if I was in a position to confide in Rido?
Suspicious. Something smelled off.
This wasn't just grateful words.
Was it human fondness, or romantic interest? Alarms blared in my head. My nerves stood on end.
I tore my gaze from the handkerchief and slowly lifted it to his face.
A slightly flushed face. Gentle eyes. A face staring piercingly at me.
“...I want to listen by your side.”
Darsi's words came to mind.
Rido, drawing closer, subtly rubbed the back of my hand with his.
The unanticipated touch made my body jolt. I reflexively pulled my hand away.
“The actor Rido has started openly taking your side.”
...Dangerous. I could guess what Rido was about to say. My body stiffened.
Rido confessed his feelings right before me.
“I don't even dare hope for the seat beside Lady Marso. I just want to become your lover and stay with you even from the shadows.”
Kneeling and gazing at me fervently.
‘...What?’
Of course, to me, it was an utterly absurd confession.