Wildflowers Bloom on the Grand Duchy’s Wall - Chapter 63

Though the family had all but fallen, the legacy of the previous Count de Bermore remained unchanged—after all, history could not be rewritten. The previous Count had once served as the Emperor’s special envoy and played a key role in resolving a major diplomatic crisis.

Owning the de Bermore estate still held a certain significance.

The bishop made his desire to purchase the estate very clear, and even as he left, he continued to gaze in admiration at the beautiful gardens. After seeing the two visitors off, Lilien stood by the main gate for a long time, unable to bring herself to close it.

“I guess the time to really say goodbye is finally approaching.”

Lilien said quietly. Her voice was so faint it seemed the lightest breeze might carry it away. Christian put a comforting arm around her shoulders and gave a reassuring squeeze.

As she walked through the spring-colored garden, Lilien’s shoes felt weighed down by regret.

This was not only a place full of memories with her father, but the seasons of her mother and father’s lives were layered here as well. Petals from the magnolia tree—planted by her mother in anticipation of Lilien’s birth—were fluttering down.

With a heavy heart, Lilien turned away from the garden and stared quietly down the hallway from the front entrance.

Objectively, it was a good thing.

The bishop had offered to buy the estate for a fair price, just as Lilien had hoped. She tried her best to accept reality.

But only four days later, the contract was called off as abruptly as if all her mental preparation had been for nothing.

Hearing the news, Lilien stared blankly at Christian. Perhaps thinking she was deeply shocked, he gently tried to reassure her.

“Don’t be too discouraged, Lilien. No one gets full from the first spoonful.”

His words were barely heard; her mind was elsewhere. Only the phrase ‘first spoonful’ stuck in her thoughts, reminding her of that night she’d nearly finished a bottle of brandy on her first attempt at drinking.

And, inevitably, Cairn’s embrace—how his broad chest had felt like a peaceful refuge as her world collapsed—came rushing back.

She consciously tried to push Cairn out of her mind, reminding herself that he was not hers to rely on. Yet, at moments like these, she couldn’t help but want to lean on him. She knew she shouldn’t…

“Lili?”

She needed to sell the estate as soon as possible, yet all she could do was chase her own thoughts in circles.

“Hm? Oh… yes, you’re right. I’m sure someone else will come to look at the estate. You can’t expect everything to work out on the first try.”

A small part of her was relieved—she’d have a little more time here, and maybe… just maybe, Cairn might come to see her before she left. She felt foolish for hoping, but Lilien was still guided more by her heart than her head.

She just wanted to see her one and only friend again.

* * *

But then, strange things continued to happen.

An admiral in the navy, who had planned to settle in Baltan, came to see the house and left very satisfied, yet days later, sent word that he wouldn’t be buying after all.

This sort of thing happened several more times, until eventually, no one came to view the property at all.

Seeing how dispirited Lilien had become, Christian took her out to a bookstore, hoping to lift her spirits. But even there, she just wandered aimlessly among the shelves, sighing deeply.

“Christian, do you think something’s wrong? Maybe there are bad rumors about the house? It’s strange that not a single person wants to come see it anymore.”

Even hearing that Ashburn’s new book had been released did nothing to brighten her mood. Enjoying literature was a luxury she couldn’t afford now that survival itself was uncertain. She had no energy left for reading, let alone writing.

“Hmm… I don’t know, Lilien.”

Christian, too, was surprised that selling the estate was taking so long. He hadn’t expected things to be this difficult.

“Oh, by the way, while I was out looking for your new book, I overheard the ladies gossiping about Ashburn again.”

At this, the corners of Lilien’s downturned eyebrows twitched—Christian could tell he’d piqued her curiosity, and let out a silent sigh of relief.