The dining hall was quiet, filled only with the faint clinking of cutlery. Evandria sat straight on her chair, hands neatly placed on her lap, with Elion seated across from her. The long table between them felt unnecessarily large.

A few servants stood at a respectful distance, led by Veronica, who remained silent and alert near Elion.

Evandria stole a glance at Elion. His expression was as cold and composed as ever.

How can someone be this calm?

The silence was beginning to irritate her. She felt like she should say something, but she did not want to be the first to break it. Finally, she cleared her throat and spoke in a low voice.

“Good morning.”

Elion paused his movement for a brief moment. “Morning.”

Just one word. He did not say anything else and then went back to his food.

Evandria picked up her spoon and took a hasty sip of soup. “Ah…!”

The soup was scalding. She dropped the spoon back into the bowl with a loud clack, her face turning a bright, embarrassed pink.

Elion’s eyes flicked toward her. He stared at her with the same calm expression before speaking. “…Be careful.”

That was the extent of his concern. Evandria blinked, then quickly looked away, puffing her cheeks in a silent pout.

This time, she carefully blew on the soup before taking another sip.

Across the table, Elion calmly cut his bread with neat, precise movements.

Why does even eating look intimidating when he does it?

The silence stretched again until Elion spoke, his voice cutting through the air. “Veronica, didn’t I tell you to prepare a different room for her? Why was it not done?”

Veronica bowed her head instantly. “Forgive me, Master. It was an oversight on my part. I will have it ready by this evening.”

“See that you do.”

Evandria froze, her spoon hovering inches from her mouth.

What…? That means he already told them about it. And here I thought he might get angry if I changed rooms… But wait. Why is he letting me change rooms so easily? Don’t tell me he has some hidden motive behind this… No, no. I’m just overthinking. And isn’t this good for me too? That’s what I wanted anyway.

Evandria was so lost in thought that she did not realize Elion was still watching her.

“What is the matter?” he asked.

“Oh… um, it’s nothing.”

“Then eat. You barely touched your food.”

“Oh, y-yes.”

“Veronica, we’ll be leaving shortly,” Elion said.

“Yes, Master. I’ll have everything prepared immediately.” Veronica glanced at Evandria, then spoke again in a hesitant voice. “Master, regarding Lady Evandria, she has been staying here ever since she arrived…”

“She will stay here,” Elion said. His voice was flat, leaving no room for argument.

The cold finality of those words made Evandria flinch. The tiny spark of appetite she had managed to muster vanished instantly, her expression dimming with a quiet, crushing sadness.

So this is it… He’s showing his true colors. He wants to confine me here just like he did to his first wife. But I’m not her. I’m Evandria. I won’t let him have his way.

I heard he never let his first wife leave the estate. No one even knew what she looked like. People only whispered that he kept her locked away, and in the end, killed her.

How can someone kill his own wife? Just thinking about it makes me angry. He’s not human. He’s a monster.

I refuse to remain trapped in this place. I’ll go outside.

But how am I supposed to do that? He won’t agree so easily. He already said no.

But no matter what, I won’t be his prisoner.

Evandria remained lost in her thoughts, her fists clenched tightly in her lap.

Then, Veronica’s hesitant voice pulled her back to reality. “Umm… Master.”

“What is it?”

“There is an invitation. For a social event at Flower Castle.”

“You already know I don’t attend parties or gatherings.”

“Yes… I’m sorry, Master.”

It went quiet again, but Evandria took a breath and spoke up. “I want to go there.”

The words echoed like a thunderclap. Every servant in the room froze, their eyes widening in sheer shock. They stared at Evandria as if she had just confessed to a crime, before slowly, fearfully turning their attention back to the master of the house.

Elion turned his head slowly to face her. “What?”

Evandria swallowed the lump of fear in her throat, forcing her chin up. “I-I want to go to that event.”

Elion stared at her for a long, agonizing moment. Then, in a voice clipped and devoid of warmth, he replied, “No.”

“But why not?”

“Didn’t you hear me? I said no.”

Hearing the harshness in his voice, Evandria’s courage wavered. She lowered her head, staring at her lap.

Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m asking, you jerk. Why not? Well… I already know the reason. 

“There is nothing there,” Elion added, his voice a bit more normal now. “Just wealthy people speaking sweet words for their own benefit, and nobles showing off their nobility.”

“Umm… but…” Evandria whispered, keeping her gaze on her lap. She let her voice waver just a little, letting the genuine loneliness of the past few weeks bleed through. “I was… getting bored here. So I thought it would be a good idea to go there… that’s all. I’m sorry.”

She looked small. Defeated. Her head remained lowered, her eyes fixed on the tablecloth, waiting for Elion to dismiss her completely… 

Until she heard the words she never expected to hear.

“Alright. We will go.”

Evandria’s head snapped up. She stared at him, her eyes wide with utter shock. But Elion gave her no time to process. He had already stood up from his chair, smoothing down his coat with an elegant flick of his wrist as he walked toward the exit.

She looked at his retreating back, completely stunned, wondering if her ears were playing tricks on her.

“W-Wait… did you say we will go?” she asked.

“Yes,” Elion replied without turning back, and left the room.

Evandria just sat there, completely confused. He had been so firm about saying no, and then he just… changed his mind?

Veronica looked at her and gave a small, kind smile. “Thank you,” she whispered, then followed after Elion.

“Eh?” Evandria muttered.

What was that for…?