A Noble’s Entanglement

Upon reflection, it was obvious. If I told him my name, how could he not guess my identity?

Mylian pursed her lips, her gaze fixed on Stella’s disguise. Deep down, she wished the young man wouldn’t speak carelessly, especially concerning that dreadful sister of hers.

“I am certain Mylian is a young lady of the Candace family—at least, one of them.”

Stella merely explained the situation to Eveming. Eveming quickly composed her surprised expression, nodding before turning back to Mylian, confusion and bewilderment etched upon her brow.

“My sincerest apologies from before, Miss Mylian! Your attire was simply too plain, making it utterly impossible to discern that you were a young lady of noble birth.”

It’s good that you couldn’t tell, Mylian sighed inwardly. She wished she had never encountered nobility, nor possessed this empty title.

“I have never had the pleasure of visiting Miss Mylian’s home. I hope you might introduce me someday.”

Eveming smiled, attempting to engage in normal conversation. Yet, these words touched upon a highly sensitive topic for Mylian.

“That is not my home, and I have no family there, Saintess.”

Mylian reminded her in a low voice, causing Eveming to shiver once more.

“Oh, did I say something wrong again?”

Eveming instinctively recoiled, seeking comfort. It was astonishing to see the Saintess, usually so revered, appear so flustered. Mylian was as dangerous as a live volcano covered in frost.

“The Saintess said nothing wrong. It’s just that Miss Mylian can be a bit extreme in her ways; she doesn’t much care for talking about her family.”

Stella offered words of comfort to Eveming. However, Mylian felt utterly betrayed, and the disappointment swelling within her could only be voiced aloud.

“You’re the extreme one! Whose side are you on?!” Mylian blurted out inadvertently, but Stella, hearing this, revealed a faint smile.

“Oh? So, may I take that to mean Miss Mylian implicitly accepts me as being on your side?”

“What nonsense are you spouting! I’m just… just…”

Mylian’s tongue seemed to tie itself in knots, her face gradually flushing crimson.

“See? You can’t even articulate a proper argument. If you implicitly accept me as being on your side, then you should listen to me properly.” Stella tapped her palm with a finger, calculating. “Look at how much you owe me. How could you just leave a note and run off?”

“I didn’t shamelessly beg you for your help! I have my own freedom!” Mylian retorted fiercely, even forgetting they were still inside the Saintess’s carriage.

“I certainly haven’t restricted your freedom, but if you’re going to leave, you should at least say so in person, shouldn’t you? Not just disappear without a word.” Stella crossed her arms, shaking her head in displeasure.

“It’s good enough that I left you a note! Why are you trying to push your luck?! You frivolous noble!” Mylian argued, her face red, but her tone had somewhat softened.

“Heh… uh…” Eveming watched the two, speechless. She felt as though her Saintess’s halo was currently shining as brightly as a lightbulb in the middle of their lovers’ quarrel.

“All in all, you shouldn’t have left the restaurant. Wouldn’t it have been better to wait for me?”

Stella delivered her final blow. Mylian, holding no advantage, bit her lip, turning her head to gaze out the window in silent resentment.

“I know you don’t like long lectures, so for now, travel home with the Saintess. I’ll deliver the repaired photo frame to the Candace Manor tomorrow.”

Stella was about to use this excuse to keep her sister close, but Mylian shook her head in refusal.

“No, I will not stay there. There are people I despise there. I would rather wander.”

Stella heard her clearly. Her sister’s tone brooked no argument; persuasion would likely be futile.

I can only settle for second best, and have my sister make an appearance at the banquet at a crucial moment, Stella mused.

“Since Miss Mylian has her reasons for insistence, then I can offer you a place to stay. How about we meet tonight?”

“There must be a condition, right? You don’t seem like the type to act without expecting something in return.”

“Indeed. You must attend important events of the Candace family. For no other reason than to uphold the honor of your noble name. That is the simple condition.”

Stella stood with her arms crossed, awaiting her sister’s response.

To attend important matters of that family in exchange for a place to stay—it was a very good deal.

Mylian pondered for a moment. Only one problem remained to be solved.

“I agree, but I have a sister, and she is very…”

“I’ll handle her. You needn’t worry.”

Stella puffed out her chest, thinking, With me here, everything will align with my sister’s wishes.

Strange, this young master looks so confident. Does he truly have the ability to deal with Stella? Mylian grew increasingly curious about Della, unsure where his self-assurance came from, and why he clung to her so tenaciously.

“Miss Mylian, I won’t say anything more than necessary. I must attend to your affairs.” Stella turned to Eveming. “Saintess, please allow me to alight here.”

“Oh, alright. Goodbye, Young Master Della.”

Eveming waved farewell. Stella nodded silently, her gaze lingering on Mylian for a few extra moments, much like an elder cautioning a child not to wander off.

Is he treating me like a child? I’m not that naive.

Somehow, watching Della’s departing figure, Mylian felt a pang of concern in her heart.

Though brief, two profound impressions had already been etched into Mylian’s mind.

The first was Young Master Della’s aid on that snowy night. The second was how he had personally picked up the photo frame and promised to repair it.

“What exactly are your intentions toward me, Della?”

Mylian clenched her fists. Alone in the world, she had nowhere to go, and there was no news or direction pointing toward her original home.

She truly, truly could only rely on Della. She couldn’t even place basic trust in anyone else.

“Miss Mylian, are you and Young Master Della… lovers?”

Eveming asked, mustering her courage. Mylian immediately glanced at her.

“No, he merely helped me.”

“Oh… but I feel Young Master Della cares for you a great deal.”

“That’s his wishful thinking, I haven’t…”

Mylian left her sentence unfinished. Given Della’s selfless help thus far, she couldn’t bring herself to speak ill of him.

Location: Candace Manor Entrance.

Cynthia was checking the goods against a list when she suddenly felt someone watching her from behind.

“Are the items all accounted for?”

“Miss, everything is here!”

Cynthia turned around. Stella, dressed in a white Western-style dress, was surveying the piles of goods, crystal clear beads of sweat glistening on her cheeks.

“Miss, were you running just now?”

“Yes, just a bit of exercise. Prepare some refreshments; the Saintess will be arriving soon.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Cynthia hurried to the back kitchen, while Stella made her way to her room. She needed to choose a suitable outfit for her sister.

Opening the wardrobe, Stella deliberated before finally pulling out a pink and white Western-style dress. This was a dress she usually couldn’t bear to wear, as she loved the color scheme too much to risk staining it.

“Sister, I hope you appreciate this.”

Stella decided to make the painful sacrifice, giving this beautiful dress to Mylian. However, the identity presenting it couldn’t be herself; it had to be Young Master Della.