Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Translator: Eonnicorn / Editor: Scarlet

Eva’s voice turned cold. It wasn’t because she was asked to run errands, but because Pamela didn’t ask about Cecil’s condition. Cecil was the teacher who taught her manners, couldn’t she show more care and attentiveness? Moreover, she didn’t even stop by Cecil’s room because she was afraid of catching the cold.

“Yes. Go and send in Lord Holland while holding out Sir Ruth. That’s what I ordered you, remember?”

“And I don’t want to. You’re on your own.”

“You promised me, so why are you suddenly like this, Eva?”

“I didn’t promise. You’re the only one who decided it.”

Eva nudged Pamela by the shoulder and passed by her. She didn’t want to get involved with this mother and daughter duo anymore. She was already fed up at dinner, and most of all, she didn’t want to accompany Ruth, then lead him to enter Pamela’s room.

“I’ll make sure to take Cecil to a hospital tomorrow.”

“…”

Eva halted in her tracks as she passed by Pamela. Whirling back, she demanded confirmation with suspicious eyes.

“I’ll talk with my father tomorrow about taking Cecil to a big hospital. You know I keep my word, right?”

It was an irresistible temptation. Pamela’s promise changed depending on her mood, but once she made up her mind, she would fulfill it. She was the queen of this family because the hope of the Baronet family depended on her. Neither the Baronet nor his wife ever refused Pamela’s requests.

“…I can’t bring him to your room. But I can try holding him.”

How can she refuse an offer to take Cecil to a hospital? Without hesitation, she acceded to Pamela’s proposal.

* * *

Lights from the residence shone out from the building. The moonlight was also bright, making her not afraid of the outside. However, there were no signs of Count Holland and Ruth, who had gone to have a talk. Not even Rossy, the maid who went looking for them, seemed present.

Where did they go?

Eva followed along the path for the time being as the land wasn’t as large as Bale Castle. After a short walk, Eva saw the figure of a woman leaning her body against a cone-like garden tree. One of her ears pressed on one side of a tiny gap, looking as if she was eavesdropping on someone.

“Rossy?”

Eva squinted her eyes as she called the maid’s name. Startled, Rossy scurried to her

“M-My lady.” With tottering steps, she took Eva’s arm. The light that streamed down her face, which was as white as a ghost, confirmed her identity.

What in the world did she hear back there?

“What’s the matter? What’s in there?”

“Well, Sir Ruth, Oh wait, Sir Ruth is not Sir Ruth…”

“What? What are you rambling on about? Tell me so I can understand.”

Eva shook Rossy by shoulders to wake her up from her babbling state. At that point, Rossy’s pupils, that had been flickering vehemently, returned to normal. Shaking her head to snap herself out of it, she stood upright and bowed her head.

“No, it’s nothing, my lady. I’ll get going first.”

“Rossy!”

The look of Rossy’s distant back seemed like she was in danger of being chased by someone.

What’s wrong with that kid?

Eva tilted her head and moved to where Rossy was standing. As soon as she reached out to one of the neatly lined garden trees, someone suddenly broke through them and appeared.

“Goodness!”

“Lady Eva?”

It was Count Holland, the one who emerged before the surprised woman. He must have been alarmed by the sound coming from this side since he came right through the tree without going around the path. Count Holland watched Eva with a puzzled face. In the blink of an eye, he struck an icy glare, revealing his suspicion.

“How much have you heard?”

“Hear? I simply…”

Eva bit her lips while trying to make an excuse. She didn’t do anything wrong, but she couldn’t figure out why she had to be pressed with a question like this.

“My lady?”

Appearing a step late, Ruth strode to them with ease. Unlike Count Holland, who somehow seemed grumpy, he looked like he didn’t give much thought about the circumstance.

“Tea is ready, that’s why I came to fetch you. I approached this place because I heard some noises, but I swear I didn’t listen.”

With a firm gaze and lips tightly closed, Eva proved her innocence. Sure, Rossy’s behavior was suspicious, but there was no need to mention it. Although it’s the guests’ mistake if they found out, the Baronetess wouldn’t remain still, judging by her character. She could ask her when she was alone with Rossy. There was no need to point the finger at Rossy and turn a fine night into a nightmare.

“I see. Lord Holland probably misunderstood and was a bit sensitive. Don’t you think so, Lord Holland?”

Ruth dipped his head to Eva while giving a sideways glance to Count Holland. Everyone in the present knew that it was pressure to apologize.

Count Holland’s right eye trembled slightly. Feeling uneasy, Eva tried to call it off. Beating her by a second, Count Holland softened his face and opened his mouth.

“I guess I overreacted because I was talking about sensitive things. I deeply apologize.”

“No-no, it’s alright.”

His reverting back to his modest self left Eva feeling embarrassed. She bowed her head as her cheeks flushed. At the same time, Eva also realized something as she witnessed the exchanged glances. As she predicted, Ruth’s aura overwhelmed Count Holland’s. That meant his status was at least in the same position, or above, Count Holland’s. He was more likely the Crown Prince.

“Then, shall we go inside?”

Ruth suggested, breaking off the situation. Naturally, the three people began to saunter towards the building.

What should she do?

Eva pursed her lips. She was lost in thought. She just walked out of an awkward situation and it was ambiguous to call Ruth alone here. It would raise misunderstandings with Count Holland while Ruth may refuse. On the other hand, if they walk silently and get inside the residence, she would run out of options to get him out.

“Lady Eva?”

“Yes?”

They all stopped in their tracks simultaneously. While Eva was having a hard time thinking how to persuade him, Ruth called her ahead. As both of them locked their eyes, Count Holland looked back and forth between the two with disapproval.

“The air is nice tonight, would you like to take a stroll with me?”

As if he could read Eva’s heart, Ruth initiated the prompt to be alone.