Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Miss, have you been troubled by something lately?

In response to Marshas question, Iona turned her head away from the window she had been gazing out of.

Had her preoccupation been so apparent? Marshas worried gaze was palpable.

Iona tried to appear calm, fixing her expression, but a bigger issue had arisen.

Unknowingly, a large ink stain had appeared on the letter she was responding to.

Iona hesitated, lifting her pen, and Marsha, as if waiting for this, slid a fresh sheet of paper towards her.

Youve seemed lost in thought.

Theres something on my mind.

Iona replied awkwardly.

Staring at the blank page, she mentally wrote and erased several sentences, but couldnt bring herself to actually put them down.

Eventually, Iona set the pen back on the desk.

She humbly admitted to herself that she wasnt in the right state to deal with others.

Her mind was already muddled with other worries.

Since her last encounter with Leroy, Iona had been mulling over his words.

When I first ran into you in the corridors of the imperial palace, I told you that I was glad to see you again.

I remember you saying that, but...

Have you ever wondered when our real first meeting was, and how I knew you?

Leroys calm voice belied the weight of his story.

Iona, too, had pondered when their actual first meeting was, but she had no clue, so it all remained mere speculation.

Until now, Iona had assumed theyd simply crossed paths at a public event.

But Leroys significant demeanor suggested there was more to their relationship.

Most importantly, he mentioned a time when I didnt even have a name. That means he knew me then...

This was truly strange.

A time when she had no name? That referred to before Iona entered the Modrov mansion, when she was confined, living only with her teacher, Heuser.

Back then, Iona was practically non-existent. Except for the teacher and Hayden, no one visited where she lived.

Once, there was a single attempt to escape, a fleeting moment of rebellion that proved meaningless when recaptured before a day had passed.

Could it be... did I meet him then?

Her memory was hazy, understandably so, as it was an incident from nearly 20 years ago for the present Iona.

If there was one person from that escape she distinctly remembered, it was a boy who had tried to save her.

Though time had blurred his features, the kindness he had shown her remained a vivid memory.

The boy, caught trying to help Iona, was brave even then, reassuring her first. He gave up his portion of food to help her conserve strength and bolstered her hope by talking about a brighter future.

He was a kind child.

And, like many good people, he left the world too soon.

She realized, albeit reluctantly, that her heart was leaning more towards baseless hope than realistic possibilities.

Iona muttered in a barely audible voice.

I should be past the age of believing in things like fate...

What?

Marsha asked as if she hadnt heard properly, but she didnt get the chance to clarify her confusion.

Suddenly, the door burst open as someone entered the room abruptly.

Both Marsha and Ionas gazes shifted instantly towards the door.

The uninvited guest was none other than Nils.

It seemed he had rushed in from outside, as he was catching his breath hurriedly.

Seeing his disheveled appearance, Iona couldnt help but express a natural concern.

Has he finally lost his mind?

Her question wasnt really directed at Nils.

Turning to Marsha for agreement, Iona received only a reproachful look in return, as if Marsha wanted no part in the apparent tension between employers.

Marsha, sensing correctly, knew Ionas remark was intended to provoke Nils. However, Nils seemed too preoccupied to rebuke Ionas brazen attitude.

With an urgency that betrayed no irritation, Nils quickly requested a conversation with Iona.

Iona, come out for a moment. We need to talk.

State your business first.

Its not something to discuss where others can hear.

Nils glanced at Marsha, clearly implying she should leave the room.

Although Iona was curious to see how Nils would react if she refused this rude intrusion, her curiosity about why he had sought her out was even greater.

Iona silently nodded to Marsha, who was seeking her opinion with her eyes. Marsha promptly exited, closing the door behind her.

Once alone with Iona, Nils wasted no time in getting to the point.

Do you know that Lord Leroy has bought the Siam mines?

It seemed about time for a response from this end.

Iona reached across the table to casually turn over an unfinished reply. It was a letter meant for Jerome, the mine manager, which couldnt be exposed to Nilss eyes.

While tidying up her desk, Iona responded nonchalantly.

The silver mine that used to belong to our family? I heard you gambled it away a while back.

What? Who told you such nonsense...

I mingled with your friends while you were busy with heir training. Theyre quite talkative.

With her smooth insinuation, Nils clenched his teeth, not doubting her words for a second.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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