Chapter 44

"Are you leaving for your new post now?"

"Yes. In two days, I’ll be gone."

Maxim nodded at Marion's question. He could sense her hesitation, as though she was holding back from asking something more. He didn’t rush her, letting the silence linger.

"Where... are you going?"

Marion’s voice was barely a whisper.

"I’ve been assigned to a place quite far from the capital. It’s called Ebel..."

Maxim trailed off, struggling to find the right words. For some reason, saying it out loud, that he was going far away, felt difficult.

Ebel was a remote area that could only be reached after passing through two cities from the capital. It was a quiet place, with few people and hardly any dangerous creatures. The terrain wasn’t particularly difficult, and there wasn’t much need for knights to maintain the peace. But it was a major trade route for caravans heading to the capital, so the presence of a knight order was still required.

"Will you have to stay in Ebel for a long time?"

Marion asked.

"Unless I’m transferred elsewhere, I think I’ll be stationed there indefinitely."

Is that so...

Marion muttered to herself, nodding. Her black hair fluttered gently. Their conversation came to a halt. Neither Maxim nor Marion said anything further. To Maxim, Marion appeared like a canary that had lived its entire life inside a cage. Even though there was a sense of suffocation, she couldn’t step outside the bars.

Maxim set his teacup down.

Could he make the best decision in this cursed situation? He wasn’t sure. He already had so much weighing on him, and it pained him to see someone else suffer in silence, unable to express their pain. He couldn't simply stand by and watch. This time, Maxim didn’t rely on reason.

"Marion."

Marion looked up at him, her eyes filled with the same familiar anxiety. To think that he could save her would be arrogance. He was in need of saving himself, after all. But one thing was clear—he couldn’t bring himself to see her as someone to be wary of anymore.

"Shall we go for a walk?"

Marion seemed startled, blinking rapidly and mouthing words without sound. Perhaps she’d been told not to leave the estate. Maxim clenched his teeth discreetly, making sure she wouldn’t notice.

"Walking... um, well..." "Just around the streets of the capital. Sitting here all day is bound to get dull."

Marion fidgeted with her hands, which had come together nervously in front of her chest.

"Don’t you want to go?"

Maxim had no intention of pushing her if she said she didn’t want to, but Marion shook her head.

"No... I don’t mind going. I just need a moment to... prepare to go out."

Marion lowered her head as she said this.

"I’m sorry... it’s just been so long since I’ve been out."

Maxim's expression hardened slightly. That bastard Emil Borden had never once paid any attention to Marion. Not only had he neglected her, but he likely despised and oppressed her as well.

"It’s fine."

Maxim’s voice was firm, his eyes hardening as he met Marion’s gaze.

"You don’t need to apologize."

He made sure his words were clear, not wanting Marion to misunderstand. It was the most resolute thing Maxim could muster in that moment.

The resolve of someone who had lost much was now being passed to someone who had never had anything to begin with.

For a brief moment, a spark of light flickered in Marion’s blue eyes. They were no longer the lifeless eyes of a doll. Her hands had already moved beneath the table, clasping together. Before she could hesitate any longer, Maxim asked one last time.

"You’ll come, right?"

Marion nodded without speaking. In a small but clear voice, she called for the servant waiting outside. The one who entered, unsurprisingly, was Jang, Emil Borden’s loyal retainer. He bowed to Marion.

"You called for me, my lady."

Maxim watched as Marion turned to Jang. Her eyes weren’t questioning but searching for something. Maxim could not assist in her search. He simply closed his eyes slowly instead of nodding.

Marion spoke to Jang.

"I’ll be stepping out for a while."

Maxim caught the subtle tremor in Jang’s shoulders, but the servant did not let it show further as he responded.

"I’ll seek permission from the master."

"Is Baron Borden’s permission required just for a brief outing?"

Maxim’s voice was cold, his eyes icy as they bore into Jang.

"The master is still concerned about—"

Maxim cut him off with an exaggerated sigh, ensuring Jang heard it.

"You know what I mean."

Jang backed down. Maxim watched him until the door closed behind him.

"...?"

Marion glanced at Maxim with a hint of curiosity. He, in turn, took a sip from his teacup, offering no explanation.

After a short time, Jang returned, this time accompanied by a maid who was nearly asleep on her feet. She offered to help Marion prepare for her outing, leading her out of the room. Maxim thought to himself how calmly they were all playing their parts in this charade.

Even after Marion left, Jang remained, staring at Maxim.

"Is there something you need?"

Jang didn’t avert his gaze.

"The master wishes to see you for a moment."

Emil Borden was seated in his study. Maxim stood by the doorway, staring at him. Emil placed his pen down with a loud thud, glancing at Maxim.

"Has there been a change of heart?"

Maxim didn’t respond. As usual, Emil carried on without caring about Maxim’s silence.

"When the count told you to break up with Lady Teodora, you acted like you’d kill anyone who tried. But now, after seeing my daughter, your heart has softened, eh?"

Emil chuckled.

"Looks like I’ll have to start calling you my son-in-law for real."

Maxim responded with calm mockery.

"Back then, you looked like you were about to piss yourself, ready to collapse. Seems like you’re the one who’s had a change of heart."

Emil’s eyebrow twitched for a moment before he shrugged.

"You’re funny, always trying to get the last word."

"Your ability to change topics is impressive."

"Who said I was changing the topic?"

Maxim asked in a firm voice.

"So, what is it you wanted to say?"

"Oh, I just wanted to offer my praise."

Emil spread his hands wide.

"I didn’t think you’d be able to care for my poor daughter like this."

"Even your flattery reeks of dishonesty."

Maxim’s voice was laced with anger. Emil let out a loud laugh at the sight of Maxim’s expression.

"Hah! You’ve really fallen for my daughter, haven’t you? I can’t believe you’re the same man who used to walk around like a corpse. Now you’re getting angry on Marion’s behalf."

"Do you even consider her your daughter?"@@novelbin@@

Maxim’s sarcasm didn’t wipe the grin from Emil’s face.

"Of course she’s my daughter. Why else would I let her marry someone as good as you?"

"You better watch that foul mouth of yours."

"Why are you so twisted, even when I’m complimenting you?"

Maxim stared at Emil, who was laughing without restraint. He couldn’t help but find the situation almost absurdly funny.

"I see. In the end, all you can do is take out your petty grievances on me. When it comes down to it, you’re nothing but a tail to the Bening family, incapable of doing anything on your own."

Emil’s expression hardened. There was no point in continuing this conversation—nothing would be gained from it.

"In the end, all you can do is mock someone like me, a man who’s practically a walking corpse. Still afraid, even now."

"Are you going to keep my daughter waiting?"

Without hesitation, Maxim turned and opened the door. Emil glared after him as he left. This time, it was Maxim who smirked. He walked away from Emil with a hollow smile on his face.

Marion was fiddling with the hem of her outdoor dress.

It was a simple, white dress with few decorations. The loose fit highlighted her thin frame. She was nervous. Walking with Maxim now felt different from their time together in the Apart estate. This time, it wasn’t a forced moment arranged by others—it was a time created by their own will. The unfamiliar sense of tension made Marion feel uneasy.

"Shall we go?"

Maxim wore an expression that betrayed some exhaustion. Marion felt guilty, thinking she had kept him waiting too long.

"Did you wait long?"

"Not at all."

Maxim shook his head with a smile. Marion found herself marveling at him. Once he smiled, he seemed more open than she had thought. Maxim began walking ahead. Marion, deliberately keeping her pace slow, followed carefully behind him.

"You mentioned you haven’t been out much?"

Marion nodded. Maxim hailed a carriage waiting by the street. The coachman grinned at the sight of Maxim helping Marion into the carriage first.

"Are you two young lovers out for a romantic time?"

Maxim couldn’t quite find a response, offering only an awkward smile. Marion, hearing the remark, blushed slightly. She brought her fingers up to her cheeks, feeling the warmth there. It was a sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time—a sense of blood coursing through her veins.

It was noon, and the sun was high in the sky.

As the carriage rattled along, Marion gazed out the window, taking in the streets of the capital. Maxim, however, didn’t look outside. The capital’s main thoroughfare only brought back painful memories for him. He tried his best not to think about Teodora.

"I’d forgotten how vast the capital is, and how many people live here."

Marion’s voice was filled with quiet awe as she watched the bustling city pass by. The sights changed rapidly—merchants bustling like waves, nobles in refined clothing walking with stiff necks, and children darting around the streets.

Her gaze was a mixture of wonder and melancholy. After she’d seen enough, Marion turned forward. Maxim’s eyes were sunken, as if his mind had fallen into a deep well. Marion sensed the emotion behind his golden eyes—sadness.

"Maxim..."

"Yes, Marion?"

Maxim quickly looked up at her, as though trying to shake off the sadness in his eyes.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

Marion couldn’t help but ask. She was anxious, worried that she might have caused him distress. It wasn’t something she would normally say to anyone, and she regretted it the moment the words left her mouth. Fortunately, Maxim answered before she could backtrack.

"I’m not unwell."

Maxim’s voice carried a hint of bitterness.

"Is something wrong?"

Marion summoned more courage to ask. Maxim didn’t seem to mind her probing; if anything, he seemed willing to share, as though unburdening himself.

"It’s more that something happened."

"Your eyes... they look so sad."

She didn’t realize that the most sorrowful eyes in the carriage belonged to her. Marion spoke softly.

"It was something sad, Marion. Something I might never get over in my lifetime."

Marion watched him anxiously, but slowly, the sadness in Maxim’s eyes began to fade.

"I’m sorry, Marion. I can’t tell you more."

"It’s alright, Maxim."

Marion couldn’t understand her own actions. She didn’t understand why her guard had lowered around him, why she was offering him words of concern, or why she was now filled with curiosity she hadn’t dared to express before.

The carriage came to a stop in the heart of the capital.

Maxim stepped out first and extended a hand to Marion. She looked at his hand. It wasn’t an unblemished one—calloused and scarred, it bore the marks of hardship. Marion hesitated only for a moment before placing her right hand in his. Through her glove, she felt the rough texture of his hand.

Maxim gently held her hand, helping her down from the carriage. The coachman watched them with a warm smile.

"It’s heartwarming to see such a lovely couple."

Maxim smiled wryly as he paid the coachman.

"Have a pleasant time."

The coachman flicked the reins, and the carriage rolled away. Maxim turned to Marion, who seemed overwhelmed by the busy atmosphere of the city.

"Shall we walk slowly?"

"...Yes."

Maxim extended his hand to her again. Marion hesitated. If she took his hand now, she feared it might awaken a feeling within her that couldn’t be undone. Maxim stood patiently, waiting. Finally, Marion, not wanting to keep him waiting any longer, took his hand. Only then did Maxim relax, leading her forward.

The two walked through the capital.

They passed through the wide plaza, down streets lined with tall buildings, and stopped occasionally to admire the strange goods displayed in shop windows. Like any ordinary people, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.

"You seem to know these streets well."

Marion commented, watching how expertly Maxim guided her from one sight to the next. He nodded with a bittersweet smile.

"Yes. I’ve been here many times."

They exited a narrow alley and entered another plaza where street performers played music. Maxim and Marion sat on a park bench to rest for a while, walking even slower after that, letting the music accompany them.

The people rushing by didn’t seem to pay them much attention, but occasionally, Marion felt curious gazes land on her. Most of the looks were directed at the mask she wore.

Maxim must have noticed too, for he pulled her closer, tightening his grip on her hand. Marion’s face flushed red.

Time passed quickly.

Before long, the afternoon sun began to turn into the glow of dusk. Maxim and Marion reached an old ruin on a hill, remnants of a castle. Watching the sunset was a cliché, but it never failed to be beautiful. As the wind blew through her hair, Marion stood there, bathed in the golden light, watching the sunset.

It was breathtaking.

Marion reflected on the day she had spent with Maxim.

When was the last time she had felt this happy? She couldn't remember. The thought made her feel a bit self-deprecating. She hadn’t expected to experience such emotions again. Yet, she was still troubled by the fact that she couldn’t help with Maxim’s sadness, by his impending departure, and by the curious stares on the streets.

In the end, I keep spiraling deeper into the swamp.

Marion gripped the railing a little tighter.

"Marion?"

"...Yes?"

Maxim was suddenly standing beside her, looking at her with concern. Her heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t a feeling of fear—rather, quite the opposite. His golden eyes, illuminated by the sunset, seemed to glow. They were different from the cold eyes she had first seen. Back then, even the sunset couldn’t have made them shine like this.

"Are you okay?"

Marion quickly nodded and bowed her head.

"I’m sorry."

"What for?"

Maxim’s voice was gentle, but Marion shook her head.

"I had a wonderful time today. It’s been so long since I felt that way... I didn’t even get to thank you."

Pain flickered in Maxim’s eyes. Marion continued, feeling that if she couldn’t help him, the least she could do was take a step forward.

"But... instead of feeling thankful, I keep getting overwhelmed by negative thoughts. I keep thinking that someone like me doesn’t deserve to be happy like this..."

Her words were disjointed. Maxim carefully placed both hands on her shoulders.

"I’m okay, Marion."

Marion couldn’t understand why Maxim kept insisting that everything was fine. Her hands trembled as she grasped her mask.

"Why are you okay? I’m... I’m so hideous, and even though you’re sad, I can’t do anything to help..."

Marion’s voice quivered.

"You have no reason to be this kind to me..."

Maxim held her steady, keeping her from falling apart. He knew his kindness might be a poison to her, but he couldn’t let her crumble.

"I’m the same as you."

Marion looked into his eyes.

"I, too, will live my life carrying the weight of my sins. I’m selfish, horribly selfish, and a hypocrite. You have no reason to be kind to someone like me."

Maxim spoke firmly.

"I... But..."

Marion was filled with confusion at his sudden self-deprecation. She didn’t understand the wounds he carried, but it was clear his words weren’t hollow.

"Yes. So, let’s consider it this way—we’re equals. We’re the same, you and I."

Marion’s eyes trembled. His words weren’t sympathy or pity—they were understanding. It was the connection between two people who had walked similar paths.

The sunset deepened. The crimson sky cast its glow over the two figures standing in the ruins.

Tears welled up in Marion’s eyes.

"You can be grateful, but there’s no need to feel sorry. We’re the same."

A tear fell. Marion grasped Maxim’s hand. This time, it was his ungloved left hand. Rough as it was, the warmth of his hand seeped into hers.

I see. At some point, I started seeing him as someone like me.

When did I start to feel that way? Probably from the moment I saw those eyes. This cursed engagement, ironically, had become a light of salvation for Marion.

Marion looked up at Maxim.

"When you leave for Ebel... I’ll write to you."

Maxim nodded.

"Yes. I’ll reply."

"I’ll write often... very often."

Marion said with quiet determination. Maxim nodded, gently holding her hand. That memory of the ruins bathed in the setting sun would likely be one of the most bittersweet and deeply cherished memories of the three years they spent together.