To the One Who's Only Cold to Me - Chapter 6

“It’s not like that.”

Ian suddenly spoke while listening to Sophia’s complaints. Sophia, not understanding what her brother had said, looked up. Ian let out a long sigh as he reached into his inner pocket, seeing the tears still welled up in her eyes.

“I’m not taking sides. Like you said, Sophia, she’s not even family. Why would I take her side?”

But he found nothing in his pocket. Realizing the handkerchief was gone, Ian paused for a moment.

‘I told myself to throw it away.’

He didn’t really regret it. He was just annoyed that he didn’t have one now. Ian ran a hand through his blond hair with irritation. It was just a handkerchief, yet he felt unusually annoyed. He bit his lower lip.

“Take out your handkerchief and wipe your tears. How do you expect the servants to see you when we arrive?”

As he spoke, sinking back into his seat, Sophia nodded and pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve. Whether it was coincidence or not, her handkerchief also had “Blue Sage” embroidered on it. It was a different design and looked almost new, but for some reason, it bothered Ian enough to close his eyes.

‘No need to care. She’s that man’s daughter anyway.’

The carriage moved smoothly, as expected for its price. But Ian’s headache didn’t go away, and he kept frowning until they reached their destination.

The Parden Count’s Morning

The morning at the Parden Count’s estate was hectic. In the kitchen, the staff bustled to prepare breakfast for the family. In the dining hall, curtains were drawn to let in the sunlight while servants attended to their masters.

Alongside the busy staff, the members of the Parden family also rose early and prepared to head to the dining room. The head of the family, Graham, always insisted that breakfast be eaten together, so sleeping in was out of the question.

“Daniel, you’re late again. That makes three times now. Be ready to pay a fine.”

“Father, I got home late from a party with friends yesterday. And I’m only three minutes late. Please let it slide.”

Once Daniel, the latest to arrive, sat down, the small dining hall filled with the family. The Count and Countess of Parden had four children, three of whom were grown sons.

“A promise is a promise. Tell the butler to deduct your weekly allowance and put it in the fine jar.”

“Mother! Please stop him. If I lose my allowance too, how am I supposed to live?”

“Enough from both of you. You, eat your food everyone’s waiting. Daniel, stop complaining and sit up properly.”

At Countess Marissa’s calm scolding, both Graham and Daniel went quiet. Graham was the first to pick up a piece of bread and place it on his plate. Everyone else, except Arthur, followed.

Arthur, the third child, was the only one who said a prayer before picking up his fork. Daniel watched his younger brother pray, then sarcastically tore off a piece of bread.

“Who are you praying to every day? You don’t even draw the goddess’s symbol like the priests”

“It’s not strange to give thanks to the great founding emperor of the Caesar Empire and the founding heroes.”

Daniel disliked Arthur’s behavior. The act of praying before meals was a tradition created by the Old Nobility faction, who used it to look down on the newly risen nobility. They claimed the new nobles had no manners. After being mocked by a fellow knight for not following this tradition, Daniel had ended up in a fistfight. Every time Arthur prayed before meals, Daniel wanted to smack him.

“You’re not even one of those flashy Levantus Duke followers. If you really want to pray, do it like the priests. Every time you do that, I’m reminded of those snobs I can’t stand.”

“Just because I act differently from you doesn’t mean you have to mock me. Aren’t you embarrassed acting like this at your age?”

“What? You think you’re just a little different from me? Look around. Who else at this table copies those guys? You know what Father’s been through, so why are you doing this?”

At Daniel’s words, Arthur put down his fork. He knew the rest of the family didn’t like what he was doing. If they did, their parents or eldest brother Edward would have spoken up by now. But only his twin sister Aisha looked worried everyone else stayed silent and ate.

“I’ll excuse myself.”

“Arthur”

As Arthur started to get up, Aisha, sitting next to him, tugged at his shirt. He brushed her hand off roughly. That’s when Graham, who had been quiet, suddenly put down his fork and knife loudly. Seeing his father react so quickly, Arthur clenched his fists. Graham had a soft spot only for Aisha, who inherited her mother’s light brown hair.

“Arthur, sit down.”

Just as the Count was about to speak further, Countess Marissa spoke first. Her expression was calm, as usual, but her tone was firm enough to make Arthur flinch.

“Yes, finish your meal before going.”

Even Edward joined in to support their mother. With no other choice, Arthur sat back down. Aisha, sitting beside him, let out a quiet sigh.

The meal continued quietly after that. The Count and Countess occasionally exchanged a few words, and Edward asked Graham for advice on family business. Other than that, everyone remained silent. But toward the end of the meal, when the servants began clearing the table and brought out tea, the calm was broken again.

“I’d like to visit the Marquis Lloyd’s estate today.”

Aisha, hesitating, spoke with her head slightly bowed. Daniel, who hadn’t said a word since arguing with Arthur, suddenly stood up. After being insulted just a few days ago, she wanted to go there? He looked at his sister in disbelief.

“Hey! Did you forget what happened at the party? They should be the ones apologizing! Why are you going first?”

“Like I said back then, Ian has nothing to apologize for.”

Aisha responded in a small but clear voice. Daniel dropped back into his seat, rubbing the back of his neck. Edward, who had been quietly watching, stepped in. He had already heard the full story from Daniel.

“Maybe you should wait, like Daniel said.”

Unlike how she immediately responded to Daniel, Aisha hesitated with Edward. There was something about her older brother’s gentle way of speaking that made it hard to say no. As she hesitated, Graham exchanged a glance with Marissa and spoke.

“Go ahead. Irma, prepare the carriage.”

“Father!”

“I heard Ian came back and you haven’t had a proper talk. I’m sure there’s a lot to say. Go.”

Daniel tried to argue again, but Marissa stopped him with a glance. Daniel scowled at his sister. Aisha silently mouthed, Just this once, please. In the end, Daniel gulped down his water instead of complaining.

“We’re all done, so let’s get going.”

As Daniel put down his glass, Graham wiped his mouth and spoke. Everyone nodded and stood up.

“Edward and I will be back late today, so keep that in mind. Let’s all do our best today.”

With that, the family dispersed. Graham and Marissa headed upstairs, chatting. Daniel checked the time and left the hall quickly, calling a servant. Arthur exited through another door, separate from the others. Aisha moved slowly only after everyone else had gone.

“Aisha. Are you really going?”

Just as she passed through the archway, Edward appeared. Startled, Aisha started to get upset but then quietly nodded. She could see the concern on his face even though he didn’t say it aloud.

“Okay. Go. But if anything happens, tell someone. Even if it’s not me… tell Daniel at least.”

Edward gently placed a hand on her head and ruffled her light brown hair. When she tilted her head back in protest, he smiled gently and offered her his arm.

“Let’s go. I’ll walk you to your room.”

The hour hand had moved twice.

Aisha had arrived at the Lloyd Marquis’ estate around 10 a.m. By the time the clock pointed to 12, she was nervously staring at the teacup in front of her.

The tea had been changed three times now strong black tea each time. She was tired of the taste after the second cup, but still picked it up again. No matter how much she drank, her lips remained dry.

The maid with her also looked uneasy. Spending two hours with a guest wasn’t normal, and the awkwardness on the maid’s face only grew as time passed.

Should I come back another time? It’s almost lunchtime, and staying longer might be rude…

The minute hand, once lined up with the hour, now pointed to “3.” Aisha decided she would leave and try again tomorrow. Surely he was busy. After six months of travel, he must have a lot to catch up on. As she started to move, the maid asked,

“Um… your tea seems cold. Would you like a fresh cup?”

“It’s fine. Actually, could you call someone for me? I think it’s time I left and set another appointment.”

“Ah, yes! I’ll get the butler right away. Please wait a moment.”

The maid looked visibly relieved to be excused from the situation. Aisha watched her leave with a bittersweet expression, then lifted her cup to finish the tea.

The tea had cooled completely. Aisha sipped it not for the taste, but to wet her dry throat—then looked out the window of the parlor.

Unlike the Parden estate garden, which was filled with Marissa’s favorite flowers arranged naturally, the Lloyd estate garden was perfectly trimmed and symmetrical. Far away, a gardener clipped the stray branches from a round bush with sharp scissors. It was clear Ian’s taste hadn’t changed.

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