Chapter 289: House Rossweth

Passing through the wrought-iron gate bearing the proud sigil of House Corvaris—a majestic silver phoenix entwined gracefully around a gleaming sword—the carriage gently rolled along the curved cobblestone path. The road wound serenely through lush gardens filled with moonflowers and verdant trees, their delicate fragrances drifting on the evening breeze.

Two imposing phoenix statues, carved from pale marble, stood sentinel beside the grand entrance. The carriage came smoothly to a halt just before the main doors, and immediately, one of the knights riding behind dismounted swiftly, hurrying forward to open the door for Lady Mio.

He extended his hand courteously, helping her descend with practiced elegance. Mio placed her hand delicately in his, stepping down gracefully, and gave him a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Sir Iskiel.”

Iskiel bowed respectfully, sincerity radiating from his voice.

“It is my honor, my lady. Please enjoy yourself tonight. Your father was quite worried about you.”

Mio lifted her fan, partly concealing her soft frown as she mumbled,”…If father was truly so worried, perhaps he shouldn’t have sent me to the capital all alone.”

Iskiel offered a wry, sympathetic smile before stepping aside.

“We will be waiting for you here, my lady. Please have a good time.”

With a resigned sigh, Mio moved toward the entrance, where two guards immediately bowed formally upon noticing her arrival. Suppressing another weary breath, she passed them, her heart already tightening anxiously.

The main hall of Duke Corvaris’s estate opened before her in a grand spectacle, warm golden light spilling down from crystal chandeliers, illuminating rich crimson carpets that stretched elegantly through columned corridors. Soft, refined music echoed from deeper within, guiding her toward the ballroom.

Gathering her courage, Mio entered the expansive ballroom alone. Immediately, her presence drew glances from the gathered nobles, whose idle chatter filled the air as they drank wine, mingled, and glided gracefully across the polished obsidian dance floor.

The grand ballroom soared above her like a cathedral, its vaulted ceiling intricately painted with murals depicting ancient men worshipping the radiant sun. Massive arched windows were draped in shimmering pale gold silk, pulled aside to frame views of twilight gardens. Court musicians played serenely upon a raised platform at the far end, while long tables laden with delicate rose-shaped cakes, goblets of fragrant rosewater wine, and exotic lace-wrapped fruits lined the elegant walls.

Yet the beauty offered no comfort. Mio felt the weight of countless stares pressing heavily upon her, each gaze like a needle piercing through her composed facade. She trembled softly, raising her fan slightly higher, desperate to shield herself from the whispering voices that floated mercilessly toward her.

“Isn’t that the eldest daughter of House Rossweth?”

“How unsightly. Arriving late without even an escort—did the Marquis abandon his eldest daughter at last? Well, considering her reputation, it was inevitable. Perhaps he’s finally had enough.”

Mocking laughter erupted cruelly, heedless of Mio’s presence. They spoke as if she wasn’t even there.

“Indeed, the Marquis enjoys favor from the royal family. Such a shame his daughter behaves this way.”

“Pity, really…”

Their voices clawed into her heart, the pain blossoming into shame as Mio turned away hastily, hiding her burning face behind the trembling fan. Her hand shook slightly as she reached for a glass of wine, hoping it might ease her trembling nerves.

‘I… I can’t endure this.’

Desperate to escape, Mio noticed a butler passing nearby and softly called out,

“Excuse me—”

He halted abruptly, eyes turning cold as he assessed her briefly.

“My lady? How can I help?”

He wore an expression that clearly betrayed no desire to assist her, yet she pressed on quietly.

“I’m feeling rather unwell… Is there somewhere I might rest for a moment?”

He paused, staring impassively, before nodding reluctantly.

“Please follow me.”

Silently, Mio trailed behind him through winding corridors until, unexpectedly, they emerged into a serene garden filled with moonflowers glowing softly beneath the moonlight. The butler bowed stiffly.

“You may rest here, my lady. Enjoy the fresh air.”

“…Thank you,” Mio replied quietly, watching his retreating back disappear quickly down the corridor. Perhaps he wasn’t as cold as he appeared after all.

Inhaling deeply, Mio felt tranquility slowly returning. The peaceful solitude was a balm to her wounded heart. She strolled gently through the moonlit garden, fingers brushing tenderly against the delicate petals of blooming moonflowers.

“House Corvaris truly cherishes moonflowers, don’t they?” she murmured softly, crouching down as she gently caressed a petal, her lips curling into a faint, wistful smile.

“It must be nice to be a flower,” she whispered to the fragile bloom. “To exist peacefully, untouched by the world… and then quietly fade away, without anyone demanding more from you.”

Lost in contemplation, she briefly wished she could simply remain here, forever untouched by the cruel expectations of society.

Yet, inevitably, peace shattered.

“You there—what do you think you’re doing!?” a sudden, furious shout erupted from behind, jolting Mio to her feet.

She spun around, startled, to see another butler rushing angrily toward her. Upon seeing Mio clearly, his face contorted into even deeper contempt.

“Ah, of course! The Marquis Rossweth’s eldest daughter! First you cause a scene at your own sister’s debutante ball, now you attempt sabotage at the Duke’s youngest daughter’s ceremony by trespassing into her private garden!?”

Mio flinched, panic rising sharply.

“N-no! You misunderstand, I—”

“Enough excuses!” he snapped coldly, seizing her arm harshly, causing Mio to cry out in pain. “I’ll personally escort you to the Duke!”

“Wait!” she pleaded desperately, but he ignored her, dragging her roughly away.

‘Private garden?’ she thought frantically.

‘But that other butler guided me here…’

Understanding struck her like a knife. Her heart sank.

‘Of course… It was a trap.’

Tears welled in her eyes, the unfairness crushing her resolve.

‘Why… why does the world insist on tormenting me? Perhaps I should simply give—’

“Argh!” the butler’s sudden scream interrupted her despairing thoughts. Mio blinked in confusion, finding herself abruptly freed from his painful grasp.

She stared in disbelief—the butler’s hand was twisted grotesquely. Before she could fully comprehend the sight, another strong yet gentle hand grasped her, pulling her protectively backward, until she felt herself pressed firmly against someone’s chest.

An icy voice spoke from above her head, low and menacing.

“Just who do you think you are to dare touch her with your filthy hands?”

Mio’s heart skipped wildly, recognizing the cold, commanding presence immediately. Her eyes widened in disbelief, horror, relief, and something deeper she dared not name.

The butler looked up, frozen in fear. Slowly, Mio tilted her head back, eyes trembling as she met the piercing gaze of the masked man towering protectively over her.

Her lips parted, voice shaking uncontrollably, barely able to whisper his name.

“P-P-Prince Lykos…!”