I Became the Heroine’s Stand-in - Chapter 82

A few days after the banquet, Diana and Ersivan left the duchy.

Their destination was Count Mernard’s estate.

By autumn, the western regions celebrated the Harvest Festival, a tradition to commemorate the year’s agricultural yield.

This year, Count Mernard’s estate had achieved a particularly bountiful harvest and had decided to host a grand festival in honor of their hard work.

Naturally, they had invited Diana and Ersivan to witness the festivities.

Moreover, since the count’s family had been unable to attend the previous banquet due to festival preparations, this visit also served as an opportunity to reconnect after a long absence.

“That sounds nice. The timing is perfect—let’s go together.”

“You truly intend to go?”

“Aren’t they your family? You met my parents, so it’s only fair that I meet yours.”

That damned fairness. That damned ‘balance.’

He had never been one to take less than what he gave. Even though he was clearly reluctant, he still insisted on going, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

And so, for the entire journey to the count’s estate, Diana remained restless and on edge.

Whether it was the magic Ersivan had cast on her or simply her nerves overpowering her usual motion sickness, she had long forgotten about her queasy stomach.

Had Ersivan felt this same way when he had accompanied her to the imperial palace to meet his family?

“Evan.”

“Yes?”

“…It’s absurd to say this when we’re practically already there, but—you really don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”

The familiar scenery outside the window confirmed that they were nearing the Mernard estate.

Despite her genuine concern, Ersivan merely smiled, as composed as ever.

“What are you so worried about? No matter how much the count and countess may dislike me, I highly doubt they would go as far as poisoning my tea—unlike someone else we know.”

It was a clear jab at the Empress.

She couldn’t tell if he was joking or if he truly meant it.

In the end, Diana could only offer an awkward response, bringing the conversation to a forced close.

If his goal had been to silence her, he had certainly succeeded. She raised no further objections for the remainder of the journey.

As the estate gates finally came into view, an inexplicable sense of dread settled in her chest.

But it wasn’t just because Ersivan was about to face his enemies on her behalf.

No.

It was because—

“You are not to leave until you understand your mistake.”

“F-Father, please! I—I was reckless! I acknowledge my arrogance! I swear I’ll never act out again, so please… please—!”

“This is for your own good, my dear. Do not resent me.”

“There is nothing to fear. Just empty your thoughts and return with a clear mind. Reflect, and when you come back as the perfect Lillian, all will be well.”

Perhaps it was because the last time she had left this place, she had carried nothing but bad memories.

As the painful memories resurfaced, her steps faltered before she could even realize it.

By the time she snapped out of it, Ersivan was already waiting for her outside the carriage, watching her with a concerned gaze.

“Are you alright?”

“…Ah, of course. I think I just felt a bit motion-sick.”

For something she had just come up with, it was an impressively believable excuse.

Ersivan, seemingly convinced, let it go and offered her his hand once more.

After stepping down, they made their way toward the estate’s front gates.

The moment the gatekeeper recognized her, he nearly jumped out of his skin, before immediately breaking into a flurry of excitement.

“Ah, my lady! What a surprise—!”

“Am I not allowed to visit my own home? And besides, I believe it’s time you address me with a more fitting title.”

At her pointed remark, the gatekeeper stiffened.

Then, as if only just now realizing the tall figure standing beside her, his expression turned to sheer terror.

“T-The Duke of the Empire…!”

His hand trembled against the spear he held, though he made a desperate effort to compose himself.

It wasn’t as though the count and countess had openly insulted Ersivan in front of their knights.

And yet—”So even knights are shaken by mere rumors.”

Diana mused internally, watching as the once-disciplined soldier trembled like a leaf.

“The influence of hearsay is truly frightening, isn’t it?”

Even among fellow knights, the weight of Ersivan’s reputation was enough to send fear rippling through their ranks.

“Surely you won’t turn us away—so will you show us inside?”

At her prompting, the gatekeeper finally came to his senses and scrambled into action.

Had Diana not gently suggested he notify the count first, the poor man would have likely fumbled the entire process for another few minutes.

Upon receiving a positive response from the count, the gatekeeper swiftly opened the gates.

“Thank you. You’ve done well.”

“Not at all! It is an honor to welcome you, my lady!”

His ears flushed red, as if embarrassed by his own hesitation.

And, as if to make up for it, he suddenly declared with unwavering determination—

“I will do my best to serve you properly next time!”

Then, turning toward Ersivan, he bowed deeply once more.

“And if I ever have the honor of welcoming His Grace again, I would consider it the greatest privilege!”

Ersivan responded with the same practiced smile he used for formal occasions, a perfectly measured expression that did not quite reach his eyes.

But even that was enough for the gatekeeper’s face to turn scarlet, as if he had just received a love confession.

At the bizarre sight, Diana finally understood the reason behind the man’s odd behavior.

His strange demeanor had nothing to do with fear.

“You’re quite popular, Evan.”

“Am I?”

Diana, feeling unexpectedly pleased, grinned to herself.

Ersivan, on the other hand, seemed utterly indifferent.

As they continued their lighthearted conversation, time seemed to fly by.

Perhaps it was because she had grown accustomed to the much larger duchy, or maybe it was simply because her mind was elsewhere, but before she knew it, they had already crossed the vast garden and arrived at the estate’s entrance.

The Earl and Countess of Mernard, dressed in lavish attire, welcomed them warmly.

Despite the short notice, the couple had managed to prepare themselves flawlessly—a clear indication of how many servants had been mobilized behind the scenes.

The countess, practically rushing toward them, reached for Diana’s hands with an overly affectionate expression.

“My dear daughter!”

That sickeningly familiar, fabricated voice.

Diana stole a quick glance at Ersivan, gauging his reaction, before forcing herself into the performance.

“Have you been well?”

“Oh, how I’ve worried for you! I could hardly sleep at night. But seeing you beside His Grace, the Duke, such an exceptional man… at least I can find some relief.”

Now, the countess’s curiosity shifted toward Ersivan.

Her intent was clear—she wished to properly greet him.

Ersivan, ever composed, turned his head slightly and extended his hand, placing a polite kiss on her fingers as a formal gesture.

With the introductions settled, the Earl gently urged them inside.

Due to Cardel’s enchantment, which ensured their carriage moved swiftly and smoothly, they had arrived far earlier than expected.

“I thought it might be a good opportunity to strengthen our bond over tea. It would also allow us to catch up on our daughter’s recent affairs. Doesn’t that sound pleasant?”

The Earl suggested a casual tea session, subtly hoping they would accept.

Though his expression was composed, it was evident he was eagerly expecting a positive response.

Ersivan, however, barely concealed his disdain.

Just sitting in their presence was revolting enough—now they wanted to engage in small talk?

If Diana had wanted it, he might have considered it.

But judging from her stiffened expression, she was just as unwilling as he was.

“I must admit, the long journey has left me rather tired. Would it be alright if I retired to my chambers for a short rest?”

Since they both shared the same reluctance, Ersivan did not hesitate to refuse.

A clear look of disappointment crossed the Earl’s face.

“But surely—”

Clicking his tongue, he turned his attention elsewhere, now focusing on Diana.

She hesitated immediately.

“Does he really expect me to have a deep conversation with my father?”

“Is that necessary?”

Logically, it made little sense, and yet…

For some inexplicable reason, the words refusing him didn’t come as easily as they should have.

She sought reassurance, subtly lifting her gaze toward Ersivan, whose arm still rested lightly over her shoulders.

His eyes met hers, silent but clear.

“Do as you please. Whatever you decide, it’s your choice.”

That was the meaning behind his gaze.

Thanks to that, Diana snapped back to reality.

She had spoken freely before the Empress and even the Crown Prince.

And nothing had happened.

Surely, the same applied here—even in the presence of the Count and Countess of Mernard.

They might resent her, but no true harm would come of it.

Thus, with a serene expression, she donned the face of Lillian—only to utter words Lillian would have never dared to say.

“It’s not as if today is the only day. We’ll be staying for a few more days, so there’s no need to rush, is there?”

Of course, she had no intention of entertaining them later, either.

She would simply come up with another plausible excuse each time.

Hearing her firm rejection, the Earl could find no counterargument.

With no other option, he sighed and led them to their rooms—Ersivan to the guest quarters, and Diana to the room she once used as Lillian.

It had been months since she had last set foot here.

Though she had lived far longer in this room than in the duchy, she now felt as if she had stepped into an unwelcome space.

The lavish wardrobe by the entrance immediately made her head spin.

It was pristine, untouched—as if nothing had ever happened here.

As if the scars of her past had been erased, leaving no trace.

After the maids finished unpacking, Diana collapsed onto a chair, exhaustion settling over her.

That was when her gaze fell upon the table—specifically, the worn-out map placed upon it.

It was the same map Lillian had used since childhood, tattered from years of use.

Normally, she would have glanced past it without a second thought.

But today—something caught her attention.

“…What?”

For some reason, certain locations on the map had been marked in yellow.

And by pure coincidence, those very locations matched the train station records Diana had reviewed when searching for Lillian’s residence.

What did this mean?

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