CH 3

“Then, we will take our leave.”

“Thank you for your time. Congratulations on your engagement.”

When Clyde sat up, the solicitor stood up holding his briefcase filled with papers. They all went to the entrance hall to see him off. The rest of them seemed to be concerned with the two, so the ones left at the back were Ashley and Clyde.

As they walked along the corridor, Ashley was nervous. She glanced up at Clyde, he’s a head taller than the petite Ashley. While she admired his beautiful profile, she noticed the distance between them and her parents walking in front were getting further and further. Clyde didn’t say anything, still, she noticed that he was matching his pace with her.

‘He’s a kind man.’ 

She thanked her lucky stars.

Clyde started to speak, “Actually, due to some circumstances. I am unable to leave my mansion. I apologize, I don’t think I’ll be able to frequently visit.”

“It’s alright. I can go visit you!” She was so happy that she immediately responded. Clyde, however, did not answer and gave a friendly smile.

He changed the subject, “Your parents are very delightful.” 

“Yes, they really are. What about the marquis’ parents?”

“My parents have already passed, but I have brothers. An older brother and two younger brothers.”

“So you’re four. What does your brother do?”

""

“Well, he is the king.”

“What?”

“Since we’re engaged, I’ll tell you. I’m actually the younger brother of the current king. I’m the former king’s second son. My real name is Clyde Won Tolfa Sargent.”

‘Huh..?’

Her head couldn’t keep up, she was stunned for a moment. Then, she got goosebumps all over her body. He’s the king’s younger brother, which means he’s a direct descendant of the royal family. In other words, a descendant of the hero.

She was about to collapse from the shock. The ground felt like it was shaking.

For a long time, the Tolfa royal family does not disclose to the public the number of sons of the direct royal family or the number of sons of the king.

If a king has a daughter, it will be announced. However, other than the first prince, who’s the crown prince, it will not be made public to the people or to foreign countries. Rumors were flying around saying that it was in order to avoid factions from forming, or it was due to a great fortune teller that told them to do so a long time ago. Though, the real reason is unknown.

A public announcement of a younger brother would be made if the king dies without a male heir or when a crown prince is deemed unable to succeed the throne for some reason.

Clyde’s older brother, the current king of Tolfa, is now in his mid-thirties and he has a five year old son and a two year old daughter. The whole country celebrated when they were born.

If the next child is a princess, a celebration is held. If it is a prince, they will not announce it. There certainly is no proof that there is only one prince. That’s why people don’t know that Clyde is the younger brother of the king. Only a few royal officials know.

‘So it was the royal commissioner that mediated between us.’

Her head was about to become blank. She finally understood.

“So, Lord Clyde is a descendant of the brave hero…?”

“That’s right.”

“That defeated the demon king and his subordinates?”

“Yes.”

She felt a pain in her left chest. It was the place where the hero’s subordinate pierced the black rabbit in her previous life with a spear. The feeling of fear at that time rose up beneath her feet.

‘Why…’

Her head was spinning. She couldn’t move. Her legs were frozen. Ashley desperately gulped. Her miraculous happing has suddenly turned for the worse.

‘Whyyy—?!’

* * * *

A railroad has just opened from the southern end of the capital, Catalia, where the Wollett family’s residence is located, to the south coast, Tritan. 

After an overnight trip on a locomotive that spewed black smoke, Ashley boarded a carriage. By the time she arrived at the Sargent residence, where Clyde lived, it was already dark.

Honestly, she felt extremely reluctant. She felt sorry that she received help in the royal palace and she knows that Clyde being a descendant has nothing to do with her, but she just has an instinctive sense of rejection against the great hero.

She’d rather have her engagement annulled, but she couldn’t tell that to the royal family, let alone to the Marquis, who’s status is above their family’s. In this peaceful era, it’s unlikely that one would lose their head, but her family would surely feel lost.

‘Sigh…When Clyde said that he could not visit, I should’ve not said “I’ll go” instead.’

She has nothing but regret. Her mother, who was walking quite ahead of them that time must have overheard her. Therefore the next day, Ashley’s luggage had already been packed.

“We have arrived.” 

The Sargent residence is a mansion with white walls and gray roofs built on a large plot of land. It is a three-story main building with an annex connected by a passage and a forest area at the back. In addition, there’s a magnificent two-story brick stable and a huge meadow behind the property.

Ashley felt exhausted from the long trip and the unnecessary fatigue. She only drank the soup prepared for her and was quickly guided to her bedroom.

However, Clyde stopped the butler. He took Ashley’s leather bag and began to climb up the stairs. “This way.” He says.

Golden hair and dark green eyes. Ashley realized that he looks the same as the hero that her teacher described.

‘He saved me… He helped me.” She repeated this mantra in her heart like a spell.

“I’m sorry to have you come all the way to my home. You must be tired.”

“It’s alright—”

""

The rooms prepared for Ashley are located on the second floor, just by the central staircase of the main building. It’s two rooms with windows overlooking the garden. One is her bedroom and the other is a private room, which is connected to the other room.

There was another door in her bedroom leading to the bathroom with a bathtub. Across the bathroom is an inner door which leads to Clyde’s bedroom.

“This place has been the couple’s private quarters since the previous generation. That’s why this is Miss Ashley’s room, but don’t worry. We are still in the engagement phase, so I won’t use this bathroom nor open the door that leads to it.” He gave her a reassuring smile.

‘He’s a good person.’ 

His kindness soaked her tired body. Originally, it’s such a waste that she’s his partner and she knows it well. If only Ashley’s previous life was not a demon.

Her other belongings have already been brought in. Clyde held the door open for her to enter.

“Take a good rest. Oh, there’s a red-roofed stable at the back of the property and I advise you not to go there. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your life.”

‘My life?!’

His tone was soft, but his face was serious. Ashley trembled in fear as if it was the brave hero who told her.

“I understand! I’ll never go near it!”

“…very well. That’s good.” He nodded as he pulled back with a smile on his face.

Once Ashley was alone, she staggered and sat limply on the sofa close to her.

‘Tired…’

The two of Wollett’s household maids and coachman that accompanied her had already gone upstairs to the servant’s quarters on the third floor.

Ashley suddenly felt faint. She looked around the room pitifully. There’s a large canopy bed near the wall with two brown and beige velvet curtains fastened with tassel braids. On a small table was a vase with purple lilac flowers, perhaps to match the color of Ashley’s eyes.

The white walls were decorated with numerous paintings and are lit by the soft orange lights from the candles.

‘It’s quite calming.’

The space was cozy. She took a slow deep breath and felt better. She quickly changed into her nightgown and snuggled into the duvet that has the same pattern as the beige curtains on the canopy. It smells of lavender. It was probably from the pillows. Dried flower petals must have been used as a part of the pillow stuffing. Her body was enveloped in the pleasant scent and her stiff body relaxed.

Ashley turned her head to the side and curled up her body. It was a habit that she does when she’s relaxed. She then fell asleep.