Find the One Who Abandoned Me - Chapter 59

“How close are we, really?”

“Not that close, but I did listen to your dilemma the other day.”

Calliope laced her fingers and rested them against one cheek, tilting her head slightly. The gesture was so deliberately affected that Lady Berchia clicked her tongue in annoyance. Still, since it wasn’t an outright refusal, Calliope pressed on.

“Actually, it’s not really a favor—more of a deal. You’ll be attending the Royal Knights’ investiture ceremony at the palace, correct?”

“Mother is busy, so Father and I will be going.”

“In that case, could you… say hello to my fiancé?”

“Say hello?”

“Just approach him first and exchange a few words. We’re both part of the royalist faction, so it’s not exactly a wild request, is it?”

“And what do I get out of it?”

“In return, I’ll arrange a natural opportunity for you to meet Otis Glayderth.”

The moment she finished speaking, Berchia’s brow furrowed sharply. It might’ve made someone else’s blood run cold—but Calliope knew better. That reaction wasn’t a rejection.

“…I’ll think about it.”

That meant yes. Calliope shifted her gaze to the side for a moment. Even with her help, she knew the chances of something actually happening between those two were virtually zero.

“Thank you. And if it feels too awkward, should I arrange a meeting with my fiancé first?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Why not? Among his peers, my fiancé is unmatched in swordsmanship.”

“…What?”

Berchia’s eyes narrowed. As the daughter of Duke Dylas, renowned for his martial prowess, she herself possessed formidable skill with the sword. Though she rarely showed it publicly, few their age could match her—let alone best her.

But one of those few was Calliope’s fiancé, Isaac. He would eventually be known as the kingdom’s greatest swordsman. That much was certain.

A genius who manifested sword aura at age twenty. Calliope suspected he’d achieved it even earlier, only hiding it until he was old enough to protect himself. She wasn’t sure exactly when—but it was sooner than anyone knew.

“If you’re curious, just let me know. Anyway, that’s all I needed. I have others to meet today.”

Just as she’d said, Calliope didn’t linger. She left like the wind.

Her next destination was the Esteban estate. But this time, she wasn’t there to see Isaac. She’d come to see his brother—Erben.

Now that he’d fallen completely out of favor with their father, he didn’t have much influence left. Still, Erben wasn’t an idiot, and unless the issue was gambling, he wasn’t without political sense. It was entirely possible he’d try to weasel his way into the upcoming public event.

“What brings you here? You didn’t come to see Isaac?”

His tone was sharp, full of bitterness. Understandable, considering how Calliope had last left him thoroughly humiliated.

“Please. Do you think I came here because I missed you?”

She glanced at the table—still lacking even a basic tea service—and smiled.

“I know you’re officially barred from the upcoming event, but I came to be sure. It’s my fiancé’s first official appearance, and I’d rather avoid distractions.”

She crossed her legs. The pose was unapologetically arrogant—deliberately so.

“You’re clever, so who knows what excuse or pretense you might try to use to get in.”

“You think I’d pull something like that—?”

“Enough. I’m not here to waste time listening to your excuses. I’m very busy, so let me be brief. Unless you want your repayment deadline moved up by six months, I suggest you stay home and rest.”

Erben’s hands trembled on the armrests of his chair. He was trying hard to suppress his anger—and doing a decent job of it. Being barked at by someone much younger wasn’t easy to stomach. But Calliope had no intention of appreciating his restraint.

“I’m sure Isaac already told you, but I have no interest in stealing your place. Neither of us even wants to be part of this family.”

“…I can understand Isaac, but what reason do you have to be so bitter toward this house?”

“In-laws are always exhausting. Judging by Father-in-law and Brother-in-law, I can already guess how miserable married life would be. I need to secure my own future.”

She let out a short, mocking sigh.

“Oh, and after the wedding, Isaac won’t be moving into the Esteban estate. He’ll come live at the Anastas estate instead. The Marquess and I have already agreed. All that’s left is to discuss it with the Earl.”

“He’s moving into your estate?”

“It’s not a bad outcome for you either, is it?”

Erben fell silent. Despite disgracing the family name with his gambling, his position as heir remained intact. Isaac was technically qualified, but hardly a serious contender in comparison. Still, the situation nagged at him.

If Isaac married and immediately moved out of the Esteban house, it might actually help settle the dust. In fact, …

Erben glanced sideways at Calliope.

Just keeping that thorny woman out of this house is a win.

With a calculating expression, he replied with mock generosity.

“Very well. I’ll try to persuade Father.”

“Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor. It’s obnoxious. Are you not aware who’s holding the reins here?”

Her round crimson eyes beamed with childlike cheer—but her smile was icy.

Erben said nothing. He merely clenched his jaw and bit the inside of his cheek to keep from reacting.

That woman must never set foot in this house.

Meanwhile, Calliope, still smiling sweetly, rose from her seat.

And so, the long-awaited day of the Royal Knight Investiture arrived.

The Anastas family stepped into their carriage dressed to perfection—so much so that their appearances practically shimmered. Calliope was no exception. She had initially chosen a modest, graceful outfit that wouldn’t draw too much attention. But Circe had simply said, “Make it dazzling.” And, well, here they were. Poor Susan had ended up reattaching all the embellishments she’d removed with tears in her eyes.

The glitter dust on Calliope’s eyelids made her lashes feel unusually heavy. When she tried to touch them, Carolie hissed and swatted her hand away.

“You’re not messing this up after all that work.”

One might think Carolie was the older sister.

“Is there anything special happening after the ceremony?” Calliope asked in the quiet carriage.

Her entire family turned to look at her.

“There’s a party after the investiture,” Circe answered. “It’s an important chance for the new knights to meet noble families and make strong impressions.”

“Your father and I will be leaving after the ceremony,” she added. “Carolie and Capir are still too young.”

Calliope gave a bright smile.

“Then I’ll stay a little longer. My fiancé will be with me anyway.”

“You haven’t made your full social debut yet,” Circe said pointedly. “Don’t linger too long.”

Calliope nodded. That was fine—Isaac didn’t enjoy crowded spaces either, so they wouldn’t stay long.

“Of course. I’ll be careful.”

“You’re a clever girl. You always know what to do,” Circe added.

And as if he couldn’t be left out, Illan chimed in with a short nod. Calliope just smirked faintly and turned to look out the window. The royal palace was coming into view. Her heart fluttered with anticipation.

That place… it held their memories—and her heartbreak.

The place where he left me.

And yet, she smiled. This time, in this life, he wouldn’t be able to leave her.

She wouldn’t let him.

Their carriage rolled up to the gates of the palace.

The area was already crowded with carriages from other noble houses, all lined up to enter. But the Anastas family, being of high rank, bypassed the queue and entered through the main gates without delay. Power certainly had its perks. Calliope stepped down from the carriage, accepting her father’s arm for formality’s sake.

The moment her shoes touched the ground, all eyes turned toward her.

Those who kept up with the latest gossip stared knowingly.

Those who didn’t narrowed their brows and whispered to the nobles beside them.

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