Chapter 20
The countess paced the room with a tense expression, only to startle at the sound of a knock. The maid who opened the door spoke with a puzzled look.
“Madam, Young Master Killi requests an audience with you.”
So it had come. Swallowing dryly, the countess gave a small nod.
“Very well. I’ll be there shortly. Escort the guest to the drawing room.”
“Yes, Madam.”
With every step toward the drawing room, her heart pounded violently in her chest. In the past five years, this would be her first time facing the crown prince directly.
Through the slightly open door, she caught sight of him.
Killian lounged in the seat of honor, his boots casually propped up on the table, it was an utterly improper posture.
Behind her, a maid approached with tea and refreshments.
“You—give that to me. I’ll take it in myself.”
“…Madam?”
Ignoring the maid’s confusion, the countess took the trolley and pushed it inside herself like a servant.
The moment she entered, she locked the door. Killian watched her, one corner of his lips curling upward.
“A wise choice, Countess. If anyone saw you like this, things would only become troublesome. Don’t you think?”
“…I was told you wished to see me.”
“Come, sit. I have a feeling this will take a while.”
He gestured lazily with his chin.
The countess sat down, her face pale. Like someone standing before a predator, she was rigid with tension.
Killian laughed.
“There’s no need to be that nervous. What exactly have I done to you? If anything, the one who’s caused trouble here is you.”
The amusement vanished in an instant. Tapping the armrest idly, he slowly rose. Then leaned toward her. His presence drew closer.
The countess clenched her skirt so tightly her knuckles turned white.
“Countess.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
“I consider you a rather intelligent woman. So I’d appreciate an explanation.”
Killian reached out, gripping her chin and forcing her face toward him. Fear filled her eyes.
Smiling softly, almost gently, he spoke.
“Go on. Explain why Adelaide is preparing for that ridiculous thing called a debutante. Hearing about it from her without any prior notice… well. It leaves me feeling rather… displeased.”
“Your Highness.”
“I’m certain I made myself clear. Adelaide is not to go wandering outside without my permission. Was that not our agreement?”
The countess bit her lip. He was afraid of the boy before her who was only nineteen, but possessed a gaze as cold and suffocating as a serpent.
But even so, she had to speak.
“Forgive me, Your Highness. I never agreed to such a condition.”
The countess dropped to the floor, bowing deeply.
“I am well aware of the grace you have bestowed upon our family… and upon Adelaide. But I beg of you—please grant her the freedom to live her life.”
Adelaide was the only family left behind by someone she had loved dearly. She had once been like a sister to the countess. The countess couldn’t leave that child to wither away under quiet scorn and discrimination, so she had taken her in without hesitation.
She had promised to make Adelaide happy. To love her as her own daughter.
And yet, everything had gone wrong.
Because of that boy, Killian Nachtmann.
She could not take the girl outside. Could not allow her to make friends. Even knowing Adelaide envied Roem’s freedom, she could do nothing.
A debutante was meant to be held before one came of age. At the latest, in the year one turned an adult. Miss that timing, and one would never enter society at all.
“It is only a small gathering. Very few will attend, and the hostess, Viscountess Bringham, is someone I know well. I will ensure no incidents occur. So please, Your Highness.”
“Stand up, Countess. You’re making it seem like I’m the villain here. Seeing a friend’s mother beg like this weighs on me.”
Killian extended his hand.
But instead of taking it, the countess bowed even deeper.
“Please show mercy, Your Highness. At this rate, Adelaide is too pitiful.”
Abuse wasn’t only about striking someone. Letting a once bright and lively child slowly wither like a dying flower, that, too, was abuse.
The girl who had first come to this house, was now little more than a fading memory.
And then.
“Pitiful? Who? Adelaide?”
Killian burst into laughter, as if she had just told the most absurd joke in the world.
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