Chapter 46

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 46

Chapter Title: The Moment a Star Fell on the Count's House (7)

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As they approached the front door, the commotion outside grew even louder. One voice from the group was filled with anger. Wondering what was going on, I glanced at Ethan, but he had already turned toward the stairs. I followed him down to the lower floor.

When we reached the central hall, Isabella was there too. She looked up at Ethan anxiously, and he shook his head. Relief washed over Isabella's face.

The noise outside intensified. It seemed like the door would burst open any moment.

"What should we do?"

"I'll buy us some time for now."

Ethan headed toward the door. Isabella followed a couple of steps behind. I watched their backs curiously.

Then someone grabbed my hand. I turned to see Lucas standing there.

"Lord Lucas?"

His face was pale.

"Are you unwell?"

"Paula."

"Yes."

"This way."

He pulled me along. I asked why, but he didn't answer. He just led me anxiously to the opposite side of the door with a tense expression.

His steps were quick—more like running than walking. I matched his hurried pace and ran alongside him.

Moments later, a noisy murmur rose from behind us. Looking back, I saw Ethan facing off against two men: a somewhat young gentleman and an old gentleman. The young one's face looked familiar.

James Christopher.

Lucas stared straight ahead, refusing to turn back. His hand trembled in mine.

Lucas bolted up the stairs. He rushed to the top, then suddenly hurried back down. He climbed a couple more steps before stopping blankly, as if he'd forgotten the way to his room. I took the lead and guided him. As soon as we entered the room, he locked the door and drew all the curtains over the windows.

Only when not a single ray of sunlight pierced the room did Lucas collapse. He leaned against the windowsill with one hand and sank to the floor. I hurried to his side.

"You don't look well."

"I got a bit of a shock."

Lucas forced a smile. But it faded quickly. Fear etched across his stiff face. He let out a deep sigh and rubbed his face with both hands.

I waited quietly until he calmed down.

"Paula."

"Yes."

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

I wasn't sure why he was asking, but I answered anyway.

"Yes, I had four younger sisters."

"That's a lot. Must have been a harmonious family."

I didn't bother denying it. Most people assume a couple with five daughters must get along well, but the reality was different. The moment I learned why I was born, all I felt was misery. Even the villagers who watched our family shook their heads in pity.

"Normal siblings probably get along well, right? They might bicker, but they're happy together, and worry when apart."

"Probably."

For normal siblings, anyway.

"Without fearing each other."

"Likely. But why do you ask?"

"Paula. I'm scared of James."

It was the first time I'd heard him mention 'James Christopher'. So the man I'd seen earlier was indeed James Christopher. Who was the other one? I had no idea why they'd come to the mansion, but the old gentleman looked furious.

"James is my eldest brother. He was calm, smart, and admirable—even to my young eyes, he was a cool big brother. But now... I'm terrified of him. Really terrified."

"Why?"

"Because he's a scary person."

Vincent had said something similar before. Judging by Lucas's reaction, he must truly be frightening. Lucas was trembling so much he didn't know what to do.

"I knew he'd come, but it's still scary. I told myself I'd be fine, that I could handle it, but when I think about facing him, I just can't bear it. That's why I ran away. And I was scared to run alone, so I dragged you along."

"......"

"Pathetic, huh?"

Lucas smiled weakly. I shook my head.

"If that's pathetic, then our Master couldn't show his face anywhere."

This Master was quite the coward too. He just pretended otherwise.

Lucas burst into laughter at my words. But his smile still lacked strength, and the hand on his forehead shook faintly.

"Sometimes, I want to throw everything away and run off. To some faraway place where no one knows me."

"Sounds nice. Pick somewhere with a good view."

"Want to come with me, Paula?"

His sudden invitation made me blink. Honestly, it was tempting. Not a bad idea at all.

"I'd be honored."

"Then let's go."

"Sure. Take me with you someday."

"Let's go now."

Lucas grabbed my arm. His grip conveyed a fierce determination to take me if I wanted. I laughed, saying it was an honor even in words.

"Let's go now."

He repeated.

"Take me later, not now."

"Why not now?"

"I have things to do right now."

"You like Vincent?"

My heart dropped. I gasped in shock. The slightly relaxed atmosphere froze in an instant.

Lucas leaned toward me.

"If you do, give up."

"Why... why say that?"

"You'll only get hurt."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Let go."

I couldn't understand why he was saying this out of nowhere—it was bewildering and scary not knowing what he knew. Either way, it wasn't a welcome topic. I shook my head and tried to pull my hand free, but he only gripped tighter.

"Don't hide it. You're at least attracted to him."

"Lord Lucas."

"Let's run away together instead?"

Run away with me. Abandon everything and leave. To a faraway place. Somewhere with no one else. He whispered while grabbing my other arm too. His brown eyes flickered with desperate longing. My confusion grew.

"Wh-why are you doing this all of a sudden?"

"Because I want you to come with me."

"Lord Lucas."

"Will you run away with me? Hold my trembling, powerless hand and go together."

Why was he saying all this to me? Was he teasing me?

"When I said I like you, Paula, I meant it."

"Th-that's ridiculous. Why would you like someone like me? What's the reason? I don't get it......"

I refuted immediately. I barely held back a scoff. But he smiled sadly and confessed his true feelings.

"There's no big reason for liking someone. At some point, I just got curious about you, wanted to see you, felt happy and joyful being together, and hoped you'd stay by my side forever. That's how I like you, Paula."

"......"

"I love you."

Lucas pulled me into his arms. He rubbed his cheek against my ear and whispered his feelings again. His tearful voice seeped into my heart. I felt the sincerity in his words with my whole body.

"I... I......"

"Your answer."

He hugged me tighter.

"Can you give it later?"

"......"

"Not now... later... please, later......"

He mumbled, burying his face in my shoulder, then suddenly pushed me away. Seeing him force a smile toward me, I couldn't continue.

Moments later, a knock broke the silence.

"Lucas."

It was Ethan. Lucas smiled bitterly and released my arm. He stood and walked to the door.

After a brief talk with Ethan, Lucas glanced back at me. Our eyes met, his face resolute, before the door closed and he vanished.

I could only stare blankly at the door until then.

Snapping out of it, I returned to the central hall. Ethan and Lucas stood outside the open door, facing a man.

Ethan was chatting with James. They smiled like ordinary brothers—calmer than I'd imagined.

James's gaze occasionally drifted to Lucas, who smiled back. They exchanged a few words now and then. But the smiles were brief, and conversations short.

James patted Ethan's shoulder, then hugged him. Ethan smiled awkwardly and accepted. It looked like a warm brotherly moment to anyone watching. But my eyes kept going to Lucas. Away from James's gaze, his face was rigidly tense.

The old gentleman approached them. After a short talk, they moved to the annex parlor. James spoke sparingly, as if observing, while the old gentleman openly showed discomfort in silence. Neither seemed inclined to leave. Things appeared to be heading south.

I left the parlor first, praying Vincent and Violet would take longer on their walk as I kept watch outside the door. Lucas approached me, followed by Ethan.

Trouble struck after quite a dull wait.

Vincent and Violet returned from their stroll. Violet spotted us lingering in the central hall and waved. Her bright smile was pleasant to see.

"Why is everyone hanging around here?"

Lucas hesitated at her question. As I did too, Ethan stepped in.

"Marquess Marguerite is here."

"Father?"

That's when I realized who the old gentleman was. Violet, beaming happily, looked puzzled.

"Why's he here?"

"Go up first. He's in the parlor. And Vincent, I need to talk to you."

Ethan grabbed Vincent's arm and signaled me. I quickly stood by Violet. Meeting her eyes brought last night to mind. While I stiffened briefly, she smiled warmly as always.

"Wonder what brings Father here. Showing up out of the blue without a word. Do you know anything, Paula?"

"I haven't heard the details."

"Hm. That's weird."

I forced a smile as she tilted her head.

Halfway up the stairs, someone came down from above: Violet's father, the old gentleman. An elderly woman stood behind him.

She glanced nervously at him. He scowled upon seeing Violet. Ominous. As I tensed, Violet noticed them too and hurried up with a bright smile.

"Father—oh, Nanny? Why are you here?"

The old gentleman's gaze on her beaming face was ice-cold. The woman called Nanny behind him fidgeted silently, watching his face. Sensing something off, Violet stopped. Finally, the old gentleman spoke.

"Take her away."

"Yes."

At his words, the nanny descended the stairs and seized Violet, dragging her off.