After Putting the Slayer of the Night to Sleep, I Ran Away - Chapter 15

“I happen to have an extra dress with me. Come with me to the lounge, Lady Ayla.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary…”

“Please, don’t refuse, my lady. It would be a shame to go home like this. For a lady, a dress is no small matter.”

Vivian turned to Lord Rodrigo.

“It would be all right if the lady stepped away for a moment, wouldn’t it, Lord Rodrigo?”

“Yes. Of course, Lady Vivian.”

“Then shall we go, Lady Ayla? My private lounge is just over there.”

Before Ayla could respond, Vivian had already linked arms with her and gently steered her in the direction of the lounge. Reluctantly following along, Ayla caught a glimpse of Lord Rodrigo’s displeased expression.

The sight unexpectedly lifted a bit of the weight from her chest. She felt a small sense of relief, even satisfaction.

Ayla drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, sneaking a glance at Vivian as they walked side by side.

Vivian was the daughter of Count Helios, a southern noble who only stayed in the capital during the social season. Judging by her actions, she had clearly stepped in to help on purpose. But Ayla could not begin to guess why.

“I don’t understand. We’ve barely spoken before,” she thought.

There was no reason for Vivian to draw attention to herself just to help someone she hardly knew.

However, Ayla’s confusion melted away the moment they reached the lounge.

“That engagement. I thought you were not going through with it, Lady Ayla.”

“What?”

“I heard a rumor that you were planning to break it off.”

“Oh. That rumor.”

“Do you know how happy I was when I heard it? And yet here you are, arriving with him as your partner today.”

Ayla felt slightly more at ease. Apparently, word had spread about her confronting Rodrigo to demand an annulment. That alone gave her a small sense of satisfaction.

But judging by Vivian’s face, she had taken it far more personally.

“That man is no good. He is not someone who deserves you.”

“Lady Vivian…”

“I really am sorry about the dress. But I overheard how rudely he spoke to you. Every time I’ve seen you, my heart would race and I couldn’t even say a proper hello. But he dares to speak to you like that? No matter how I look at it, he is completely wrong for you. You deserve so much better.”

She clenched her fists.

“A man who is with you should at least have the looks and charisma of the First Prince, and the kindness and sincerity of His Holiness the Pope. And as it happens, the First Prince is looking for a bride this season. Maybe it’s time to consider a different path.”

Ayla suddenly burst out laughing.

So genuinely amused, tears began to form in her eyes. Vivian, who had been passionately ranting just a moment ago, stared at her in stunned silence.

“I am so sorry, Lady Vivian. I didn’t mean to laugh that hard. I promise I didn’t take your words lightly. Please don’t be offended.”

“No, not at all. I’m not offended in the slightest. I’ve just never seen you laugh like that before.”

Ayla smiled softly.

“I don’t even remember the last time I laughed like this. Why don’t we sit and talk a while?”

As Ayla gently invited her, Vivian finally snapped out of her daze and hurried to help.

“Of course. My goodness, where is my mind? Please have a seat, Lady Ayla.”

“Thank you. Please, sit with me.”

As Ayla gracefully sat down with a warm smile, Vivian quickly took the seat across from her and cleared her throat.

“Ahem. I apologize if I startled you earlier. I tend to be a little impulsive. I’m not exactly good with words either.”

“Not at all. You were very honest. But may I ask, what should I call you?”

“Oh, if you don’t mind… I would love for you to call me by my name. My name is…”

“Lady Vivian Helios of the House of Helios. Is that correct?”

Vivian gasped in delight.

“You know my name? Oh no, I’m so happy I could cry.”

For Ayla, who had memorized the entire noble registry of the Empire, it was nothing special. But for Vivian, it seemed like a deeply touching moment. She covered her mouth with both hands, bouncing lightly on her feet before quickly pulling herself together and continuing.

“As much as I want to sit down and have tea with you, Lady Ayla, there’s something even more important right now.”

Vivian clenched her hands tightly over her lap, her expression suddenly serious.

“I know this may sound forward, but there’s something I must tell you.”

“I’m listening. Please speak freely.”

“As I said, I’m not very good at dressing things up in pretty words. So I’ll just be honest.”

“Go ahead.”

“Lord Rodrigo Esteban is trash.”

Ayla’s eyes widened in shock.

She had never heard a noblewoman speak that bluntly before. Although she had not been very active in high society, she had certainly never met anyone like Vivian. But Vivian seemed to misunderstand the reason for her surprise.

With a long sigh and a frustrated expression, Vivian raised her voice slightly.

“You didn’t know, did you? I figured you wouldn’t be the type to pay attention to gossip. I mean, you never seemed interested in social events. That’s why I had to say something, even if it’s rude. I’ve been trying to find the courage to speak to you for so long. I acted on impulse today, but I don’t regret it. I know I’m being bold, but I really don’t think that man is right for you. The way he spoke to you earlier made me so angry. How could someone treat you like that?”

Vivian’s face changed expressions repeatedly as she spoke, her emotions written clearly across her features.

Ayla stayed quiet but was deeply moved. Vivian had taken a risk to speak up for someone she barely knew. It was something no one else had done, and Ayla felt a genuine warmth in her heart.

It had been so long since she had received this kind of honest kindness.

“Vivian.”

“Yes, Lady Ayla?”

“Thank you. Truly, from my heart.”

“Oh no, please. I didn’t do anything.”

“You told me something no one else had the courage to say. And I know how hard that must have been. I really mean it. Thank you.”

“Then does that mean… you’re going to reconsider the engagement?”

“Yes. I’m going to end it.”

Vivian’s face lit up like sunlight breaking through clouds.

“That’s such a relief. I’m so glad, Lady Ayla. That’s the right decision.”

Ayla smiled softly as she watched Vivian’s enthusiasm. She wondered why someone would be so genuinely kind to her, especially when they had barely spoken before.

Even though she was receiving help now, she silently promised herself she would return this kindness one day.

“Vivian, could I ask for another favor?”

“A favor? Of course. Anything you need.”

Vivian leaned forward, her brown eyes sparkling with anticipation. Ayla couldn’t help but smile at her warmth and sincerity.

“Earlier, you mentioned that the First Prince is looking for a bride. Could you tell me more about that?”

Because Ayla had spent so much time in the lounge with Vivian, she did not spend long at the banquet itself. The Emperor and the royal family had already left, and when Marcus said it was time to go, Ayla simply followed the rest of her family out of the hall.

To the eyes of others, the Everett family appeared united and graceful as they walked toward their carriage. But as soon as the door closed, silence fell between them.

Ordinarily, Ayla would have felt anxious in such a heavy silence. But tonight, for the first time in a long while, the quiet felt peaceful.

Please, let us just arrive at the estate like this.

Ayla silently hoped for peace, but as always, it was too much to ask.

“Ayla Everett. Your wedding has been moved up by one month.”

The sudden announcement from Marcus made her snap her head up in shock.

“What are you talking about?”

“We finalized the agreement with Count Esteban at the banquet today. So consider it settled.”

Her lips parted slightly in disbelief.

His attitude never changed, no matter the circumstance. It was so cold and unfeeling that Ayla no longer even felt anger. She simply let out a quiet breath, trying to conceal the exhaustion that was rising inside her.

Then, Marcus’s hard voice landed sharply in her ears.

“Your answer?”

“Yes. I understand.”

Ayla nodded calmly.

If he said to consider it settled, then she would. There was no point in protesting now—not because she agreed, but because she had no intention of following through regardless.

She turned her head slightly and caught the smug expression curling on Shuell’s lips beside her, as if she were enjoying every second of this.

Across from her, their mother Claudia stared out the window, refusing to even glance Ayla’s way, as if eye contact with her daughter would be too unpleasant to bear.

Steadying her thoughts and tightening her grip on her emotions, Ayla spoke again, this time clearly and firmly.

“What about Bam? The cat in my room. What did you do to him? You didn’t hurt him, did you?”

The only reason she had quietly endured the banquet was for Bam, the small cat she had taken responsibility for.

The thought that something might have happened to him filled her with dread. Her heart pounded. Surely Marcus wouldn’t have gone so far as to harm such a defenseless little creature.

Biting her lower lip in worry, she waited as Marcus gave his reply, his tone laced with mockery.

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