What Remains at the End of Regret - Chapter 11

Even so, Vivian’s troubled heart found no resolution.

Before that summer came to an end, news arrived that the Duke of Lockberg had passed away. The young marquis returned to the capital.

First the duchess, now the duke.

The death of the kind and noble Duke, who had spent his life loyal to the imperial family and caring for the people, brought sorrow across the entire Argent Empire.

Vivian was one of the many affected by the loss.

＊ ＊ ＊

“We’ve arrived at the Port of Faubert!”

The familiar salty scent of Faubert’s sea breeze filled the air.

After two months, they were finally back in Argent.

Hayden pulled back the curtain and looked out at the vast, blue Tannic Sea. As he stretched and stepped out of the cabin, his face relaxed.

The sea reminded him of someone.

That little voice filled with determination, saying she would cross the sea one day no matter what.

“Careful with that!”

The goods from the latest trade deal were being unloaded in a rush.

At the docks, where crates of wine were being organized, Hayden’s father, Bender Harper, looked up to see his son walking toward him.

“You worked hard, Hayden.”

Hayden nodded and glanced at the merchants moving quickly around them.

Bender Harper was a successful businessman who had gained great wealth by adapting to changing times.

He had lifted the once-poor Harper family with clever decisions and sharp instincts. This latest exclusive wine contract with the Principality of Lehmann was another achievement that proved his ability.

“Come on, we’re heading to the baron’s estate.”

It was Baron Mabel who had shown interest in the Harper family.

Even though noble status still existed, society was changing. The line between nobility and wealthy merchants was beginning to blur.

Some of the townhouses owned by merchants in the capital were now more luxurious than those passed down through noble families for generations.

The baron recognized this shift and accepted it.

The monopoly on the Lehmann wine trade would become a powerful step forward for the Harper business.

With the success of this deal, both families saw the perfect chance to finalize the engagement between their children. It was an agreement they had spoken about since Hayden and Vivian were young.

Many noble families had already begun joining with wealthy merchant families through marriage.

Looking toward the future, it was a smart decision for both sides.

Even if a young noblewoman from the countryside were to marry into another noble family, it was uncertain if she would gain more than what Hayden Harper could provide.

The baron made his decision quickly. Bender Harper also agreed without hesitation, having already calculated the benefits of stepping into noble society through this match.

To both families, this was a profitable and promising arrangement.

“Hayden!”

Baron and Baroness Mabel smiled with pride as they saw Vivian waving cheerfully at Hayden.

At the entrance of the estate, Baron Mabel reached out to shake Bender Harper’s hand.

“I heard the exclusive contract with the Principality of Lehmann went through. Congratulations.”

“It was all thanks to your support, Baron.”

“Let’s continue the conversation inside.”

Laughter echoed across the estate.

As the adults walked ahead, Hayden stepped closer to Vivian.

It had already been two months since they had last seen each other.

The face Hayden had imagined night after night was just as beautiful as ever. All the frustration he had held onto seemed to fade away.

“Have you been well, Vivian?”

“I have. What about you?”

“I’ve been doing well.”

“So? How was your first trip overseas?”

“Are you really that curious?”

“Of course, I am.”

“Then next time, let’s go together. I’ll take you.”

Vivian smiled brightly at Hayden’s words and nodded. Hayden reached out and gently touched her messy hair.

He thought of a future that still felt far away, a day when he would lift a veil from her pure white face with his own hands. He imagined Vivian looking at him with those same wide, loving eyes.

With a soft touch, he tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled. Vivian smiled back without hesitation. She likely had no idea what was on Hayden’s mind.

“Oh, right. Who was the guest you mentioned?”

“Hmm?”

“In your letter, you said someone was visiting Faubert.”

“Oh.”

Vivian suddenly lowered her head at the memory of the young marquis.

It had already been a month since he left.

She answered Hayden in a very quiet voice.

“The Duke of Lockberg.”

“What?”

“It was the Duke of Lockberg. Back then, he was still the young marquis.”

After the duke’s funeral, his only heir had taken the title without much delay. The title ceremony had been held, and news of it spread quickly throughout Faubert.

Vivian sighed and began to tell Hayden everything.

She confessed the mistakes and awkward moments she had experienced with the young marquis.

She had not told anyone else before, but she trusted Hayden enough to be the first.

Vivian believed Hayden would understand the confusing emotions she had kept inside.

“So all that happened with the young marquis, or I guess the duke now.”

“Yes.”

“It’s alright. Just try to forget about it. You probably won’t see him again anyway.”

“You’re right. Talking to you really helps. Thank you, Hayden.”

Vivian smiled again, this time more freely.

Hayden’s gentle support always gave her strength. She appreciated his kindness and the way he could simplify her worries.

He was a wise and caring friend.

Vivian also knew about the conversations between their parents. She was aware of the engagement being discussed.

But she didn’t want to overthink it.

Spending time with Hayden made her feel good, and for now, that was enough.

She liked the affection he showed her. She liked his warmth.

And so, her thoughts led to a simple conclusion.

Maybe the future she dreamed of could remain steady and secure if Hayden was part of it.

Suddenly, all her complicated feelings felt lighter.

Vivian looked up and met Hayden’s deep gaze.

He smiled at her in the same familiar way she had once smiled at him.

Before the summer ended, Vivian Mabel and Hayden Harper were engaged.

Considering that both of them were still young, the wedding was set for the summer when Vivian would turn twenty and complete her coming-of-age ceremony.

It was an engagement unlike any other.

＊ ＊ ＊

A fresh breeze filled the bookshop, carrying the salty scent of the Tannic Sea.

A glass ornament hanging in the open window swayed gently in the wind, producing a soft and clear chime.

The sound of the sea outside and the quiet rhythm of the chime blended into a peaceful melody.

As Len stirred his tea with a teaspoon, his eyes turned to the table where Vivian lay with her head turned toward the shoreline.

Her white hair fluttered gently in the wind. The scene looked like something out of a painting, and Len took a moment to take it in.

Of course, the girl in the picture was actually the same wild child of Faubert, now grown up and letting out a quiet sigh.

“Even after growing up, you still come snooping around someone else’s bookshop. You haven’t changed a bit.”

His tone was gruff as he brought a teacup to her table, his footsteps heavy.

But Vivian could hear the affection behind his words.

Len gave a fake cough and turned his eyes to the newspaper, though he kept glancing back at her when he thought she wouldn’t notice.

Vivian had been staring at Len, her clear eyes filled with a strange playfulness. As soon as her cheerful voice filled the room, Len quickly turned his head away.

“You’re the one who said I could come anytime I wanted.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“Still, once you say something, you can’t take it back. That’s the duty of a proper lady.”

“I am not a lady, you know.”

“Same idea, really.”

“You must have learned all the wrong things from that Madam Pudding or whoever she is.”

“It’s Madam Pourin, Grandpa.”

Their light-hearted teasing settled into a quiet pause, then both of them let out soft, amused laughter that filled the cozy space.

“You’re twenty now. I would think you’d have grown up by now.”

“I have grown up a lot.”

“And how exactly have you grown? You still look as small as ever.”

“That’s just how I look to you. Rose keeps telling me I’m more than ready to get married.”

Vivian took a sip of the tea Len had handed her and gently set the cup back down.

Suddenly, Len slammed his hand on the table.

The teacup rattled sharply against the surface.

“That’s nonsense. Don’t listen to a word that woman says.”

Vivian slowly turned her gaze toward the glowing sea outside the window.

“Summer is almost here.”

“It is.”

To Vivian, summer meant change.

“I meant my wedding.”

Len stayed silent.

“You’ll be there, right?”

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