Previously
Evgenia meets with the Duke and Sionel, who surprisingly praise her for striking the Crown Prince rather than scolding her. The Duke confirms that Euclid Rodion has accepted the marriage proposal, though the response was delayed due to the Rodion family's financial inability to afford magical transport.
‘That man’s mind is far too young for his age.’ He really was still a child.
I shook my head, remembering Alexis storming out of the dining room with red-rimmed eyes.
To be honest, though, I didn't have the luxury of worrying about Alexis right now.
Walking down the hallway, I replayed my conversation with the Duke in my head.
From the corner of my eye, I glanced at Anne, who was quietly following behind me.
I distinctly recalled her asking me that after putting a subtle squeeze on the knight stationed at my door. She had even asked with some curiosity whether I took a liking to him.
Back then, I had casually nodded, never imagining Evgenia had been scheming to hire a personal knight.
‘Wait a second. What was that knight’s name again?’
Something about him had felt strangely familiar, but with my mind clouded by the lingering cold, I had pushed it aside.
Afterward, I had forgotten about it entirely, assuming it wasn't particularly important.
And yet…
The moment I saw the knight standing rigidly outside my door, I froze.
It wasn't just because of his presence. That faintly familiar name suddenly struck me like a bolt of lightning.
( ‘Grisel Fion.’ )
He was the very knight who, after Evgenia’s divorce and fall from grace, had sacrificed his life to protect her during her rebellion.
Just an extra among extras, with a role far less significant than Anne’s, which was why it took me so long to remember him.
( ‘What in the world…?’ )
Swallowing my bewilderment, I invited Grisel into the room, and he dropped onto one knee at once.
Not long ago, he could barely look me in the eye, trembling like an untried novice. Today, however, his demeanor had shifted entirely, his expression solemn and resolute.
Baffled, I blinked as he confessed with deep remorse.
“…”
Though I was still confused and unsure of what had transpired, one thing was clear:
( ‘If I say the wrong thing here, this could go horribly wrong.’ )
My instincts—the very ones that had guided me through investments and rarely led me astray—flared to life once more. Whatever this was, it smelled like hitting the jackpot.
Unable to remain silent, I offered the safest word I could muster. As if eager to prove his loyalty, Grisel stood ramrod straight in an instant, ready to follow even the most extreme command.
Carefully, I chose my next words.
His resolute response was followed by a nervous bite of his lip.
Seeing his face contort with emotion as though he were on the verge of tears, I hesitated, unsure of what to say. Then Grisel continued, glancing toward Anne.
So it really had been Anne's doing.
Wait—what? A hostage?
I nodded reflexively, stunned that such ruthless words could come from Anne, who had always seemed so gentle.
…I'm not so sure you actually understand, though.
…Is this real?
Watching Anne lecture Grisel on showing me proper reverence while he nodded fervently left me thoroughly bewildered.
When they finally turned their attention back to me, my brow furrowed.
Exhausted by this sudden turn of events, I hadn't even had the chance to properly savor the joy of receiving Euclid's response to the proposal.
Only after Grisel offered a salute and withdrew did I sink onto the sofa, worn out, watching Anne firmly close the door behind him.
To uncover every detail about that knight in just a single week, even leveraging his brother's medical expenses to secure his absolute loyalty—that was far beyond the work of any ordinary maid.
( ‘And her mistress, Evgenia, must have been just as extraordinary.’ )
I had assumed she was merely a shallow villainess obsessed with the Crown Prince, but…
As I sat lost in thought, Anne's familiar, caring voice broke through as she approached.
I looked up at her before asking casually,
The moment the words slipped past my lips, my heart thudded in my chest.
To tell the truth, when I told Melissa about my engagement to Euclid, I was far more anxious about Anne's reaction.
Having served Evgenia for so long, she knew her better than anyone, and such a drastic change would naturally raise suspicions.
Unlike my family, who received excuses about wounded pride and bitter disappointment, Anne had simply been presented with a fait accompli.
( ‘I thought she would question me at least once, but…’ )
Despite having ample opportunity, Anne had shown no inclination to pry.
Even now, her wide-eyed surprise melted swiftly into quiet understanding as she lowered her gaze.
Anne's words carried an undeniable sincerity.
Come to think of it, I had feared her suspicion from the very beginning. Yet even when I claimed partial memory loss, she had neither mocked nor doubted me. She had only become more attentive.
( ‘She truly trusts Evgenia.’ )
She believed whole-heartedly that if Evgenia needed help, she would ask. Because of that, Anne never questioned my memory lapses or my inexplicable behavior, choosing instead to offer unconditional support.
How could someone trust another so completely?
Knowing so little about the history between Evgenia and Anne, could I truly uphold that trust?
As if worried her answer hadn't been enough, Anne added softly,
…No, it’s honestly just because he’s my favorite.
Though I knew the plain truth, hearing Anne declare her unwavering confidence in me stirred something inexplicable deep within my chest.