In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 39

Returning to her room, Aria finally let out a long sigh. Still in her dress, she collapsed onto the bed without changing.

Staring blankly at the ceiling, Aria’s mind was consumed with what had happened earlier.

“I won’t ever let you go again.”

The moment she heard Eric’s firm words, she had nearly accepted his feelings without even realizing it.

It was a confession she had never heard from anyone before. How many women could push away a man who approached them so directly?

But Aria had to face the wall standing in front of her.

She feared Eric might keep her in this dream-like state.

Afraid she wouldn’t be able to resist him, that she truly wouldn’t let go of his hand, she had to leave that place.

Because the moment she answered him, everything she had endured until now would become irreversible.

As she hurriedly left, she glanced back to see Eric standing there with a complicated expression.

He parted his lips as if to speak but soon clamped them shut.

Perhaps it was because she had shut her heart to him. The carriage ride back to the mansion felt colder than any time they’d spent together.

Aria sat silently, staring at the floor with a desolate expression. She felt powerless.

She didn’t know what to say to Eric or how to act around him.

It was as if a cold winter wind had swept between them in that carriage.

Recalling Eric with his arms crossed and eyes closed indifferently, Aria turned over in bed, trying to erase the image.

She squeezed her eyes shut to calm her frayed nerves.

But unable to rid herself of her turbulent emotions, she spent the long night tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

The Next Morning

Early in the morning, Eric sat before a dimly flickering candle wearing only a thin robe. Perhaps due to yesterday’s events, he had barely slept.

He feared his careless words might push Aria further away. He had tried to control his emotions.

But perhaps because of her soft, feather-light touch, or those crystal-clear eyes lingering in his memory, he once again found himself trying to possess her without restraint.

Not just her body, but even that firmly closed heart.

“Damn it… why do I keep doing this…”

A sigh escaped Eric’s lips. It was unlike him to look back on his actions with such regret.

But he knew. No matter what he did, Aria’s heart would not change from Edward.

No matter how much he longed for and wanted her, this was as far as he could go.

Still, his desire to have her only grew stronger by the day.

As if scolding himself for his unchecked greed, he ruffled his hair in frustration.

At that moment, he heard a presence outside the door. It was Aria.

After a soft knock, Aria entered with a silver tray and a glass of water.

Her face was calm as usual, and she wore her neatly arranged maid uniform.

It made one question if she was truly the same beautiful lady from the day before.

Eric, not wanting to show he had slept poorly, pretended to examine some documents.

Aria placed the glass in front of him and handed him a note.

[The butler just delivered a message. The Count has summoned you urgently. I’ll prepare your outfit.]

Eric’s expression softened with a bit of relief as he read the note.

He had feared that Aria, startled by his confession, might try to leave immediately.

Feigning casualness, he took the glass and spoke.

“About what happened yesterday… Don’t take it to heart. Don’t feel burdened by it.”

Aria’s eyes widened in surprise. But soon, she gave a gentle smile. Her eyes were especially warm and lovely today.

Eric felt a strange stir in his heart at her expression. He pushed down the disappointment rising within him at the sense of relief she showed.

He didn’t want to lose her again by letting his emotions take over.

After putting on the clothes Aria handed him, he stepped outside.

As he left, Aria’s lips drooped weakly in the now-empty room.

She tried to treat him the same as always.

But things were different now. She realized that her heart was slowly leaning toward him.

So, Aria decided to wait for Eric’s feelings to close off on their own. All while hiding her own heart deep inside.

Morning sunlight gently filtered into the study of Count Dennis at the main mansion.

There sat Count Dennis, impeccably dressed in a suit, wearing a solemn expression as he read a letter.

A strange glint soon appeared in his eyes as he read its contents.

“If Eric follows through with this…”

Just then, a knock broke his thoughts. It was the butler.

“Master, Young Master Eric has arrived.”

The door opened, and Eric entered. The Count gestured for him to sit.

“Welcome, Eric. We haven’t had a proper family meal since you returned from the Imperial Palace. How is His Majesty? I feel sorry I haven’t visited, despite receiving such great favor.”

“His Majesty is busy with matters both within and outside the palace. But he did seem more at ease than before.”

“That’s good to hear. Yesterday, I received a letter from His Majesty through his aide. A personal note stating that the trade route to the Kingdom of Atil will be opened exclusively to House Bailey. You understand what that means, don’t you?”

The Count’s eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement. He suddenly stood up.

“The Kingdom of Atil uses its steel industry to develop agriculture and produce weapons. Steel is essential to them. Granting sole access to that trade route to our house is like entrusting us with a great responsibility. Was this your plan?”

“His Majesty had already considered it before I arrived. It wasn’t my plan.”

“Still! This is an extraordinary offer, clearly made because he trusts you!”

The Count laughed proudly, his thick eyebrows raised high. His face was full of energy and confidence.

“For your sake, I will do everything to ensure our family prospers. Not just for the Emperor, but for the Empire. And to do that, I’ll need your continued help. Can I count on you?”

“I will do my best, though I may fall short.”

“Good.”

The Count handed another letter to Eric.

“Edward’s wedding will finally take place in a week. It had been delayed due to Count Cecil’s business. There will be a party at Cecil Manor before the wedding. The Count specifically asked that you be invited.”

“My presence would only be a hindrance to my brother’s wedding. I’m sure the Count sent it out of formality.”

“Formality? He insisted you be invited.”

Eric’s brow furrowed at the unexpected statement. The Count looked at him steadily.

“Have you heard of Archduke Charles? He greatly aided Count Cecil’s business and hails from the Kingdom of Atil.”

At that, Eric suddenly recalled meeting Archduke Charles and his daughter at the palace.

“I met him once at the Imperial Palace. Why do you ask?”

“He asked Count Cecil to make sure you were invited.”

“Why would the Archduke…?”

“Isn’t it because he holds you in high regard? The party will gather the children of noble families. It’s the perfect chance to secure the social footing you’ve missed. You must attend.”

Eric’s brow creased.

He knew how important social reputation was.

It would be essential to advance the mining operations in the Bailey territories.

If the noble families cooperated, both the house and its business would flourish.

But Eric had a fatal weakness unlike them.

His status as an illegitimate child only served to inflate their arrogance like Edward and Isabella.

After a brief silence, Eric spoke.

“I have no reason to attend. The business will proceed regardless. I don’t want superficial connections.”

“It’s not just about socializing. Edward’s wedding also signals that your marriage must be considered. Do you understand what I’m saying? For the family—”

“I will marry according to where my heart leads me, not the family.”

“Eric.”

The Count sighed. After a moment’s hesitation, he looked at his son with displeasure.

“You should attend at least to quiet the scandalous rumors.”

“Rumors?”

“About you and Aria!”

Eric’s face instantly hardened. The Count took a deep breath, lowering his voice.

“When your mother first mentioned it, I couldn’t believe it. But it turns out to be true. Of all people, a maid? Don’t you see how that tarnishes the family’s honor?”

“To suppress this, you must attend. If you don’t, I will summon Aria and question her thoroughly.”

At this warning, Eric let out a bitter, mocking laugh. He calmly stood up.

“Did you treat my mother the same way? Did you blame an innocent woman back then too?”

“Eric…!”

“Once she was your joy, and later, you probably cast her off like a bothersome pest.”

“I only—…”

The Count trailed off, unable to finish. Eric’s gaze toward his father grew cold.

“I’ll attend. If it’s for the family. But you’d best not lay a hand on Aria. You don’t know how this twisted heart of mine might explode.”

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