I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 59
The only problem was that she became someone who didn’t care to squeeze out her daughter for her own survival.
“I suppose I should return to Baron Thierry’s manor now, Young Marquis.”
“I will ensure that someone escorts the Baroness.”
“Thank you, dear. How did I get such a dependable and responsible son-in-law?”
Baroness Thierry said, playfully patting Mellias on the shoulder.
Mellias felt odd at that moment.
Illein and her mother were very much alike in appearance, from their hair color to their eye color, even their facial features. However, he felt as though they were completely different people.
Maybe it was because of their actions and expressions.
“See you next time.”
He said, sighing as the Baroness left.
Once it was just the servants, Mellias, and Illein left inside, she bowed her head and said softly.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what exactly?”
“For everything.”
“There’s no need for that.”
Mellias wondered if perhaps Illein had always lived under the coercion of her parents. That might explain her desperation to cling to the idea of becoming an imperial official.
If she had never once lived according to her own will, it would be natural for her to want to prove herself by becoming an official.
Mellias felt a growing desire to understand this woman who might become his wife.
She was cautious and tried to smile brightly, despite avoiding his gaze.
He continued to think about her.
It made him think that he might have overlooked many things If today’s events hadn’t happened.
“Illein.”
“Yes?”
“Please be at ease around me.”
“I wish Melias could do the same.”
“I am already comfortable.”
With that, Mellias took her hand again.
Illein was surprised but decided to stay still.
Choosing the dress had taken longer than handling other matters, but they didn’t mind.
“So… are you prepared for tomorrow’s dance party?”
Mellias asked, nodding at Marquis Wignum who was waiting for him after he brought Illein back to the estate.
“I’d like to talk more…”
“If it were so urgent, you could have sent someone for me.”
“I couldn’t wait.”
They were in the main entrance of the mansion.
It was unseemly for the Marquis to be waiting at the door for his son, considering their status. However, Marquis Wignum was too excited about his son’s growth to care about such formalities. He knew well that such actions wouldn’t diminish his reputation.
“Let’s go to my room.”
“Not the drawing room?”
“Yes.”
Mellias rarely entered his father’s bedroom, which made the situation somewhat awkward.
They proceeded to the Marquis’s room without further conversation.
When they entered, a servant quickly made tea, then left to give them privacy.
“I’m surprised it’s tea. I expected you to offer liquor.”
“I have a busy schedule tomorrow.”
Marquis Wignum was a responsible man, which often made him regret how similar his son was to him, especially in his serious demeanor.
Seeing his grown son brought a wry smile to his face.
Mellias stared into his teacup, his mind unintentionally drifting to Illein.
‘Melias seems like a really good person.’
She had said and appeared embarrassed by the awkward situation.
“I’ve forgotten how long it’s been since you lost your mother and had to grow up alone.”
“…Father.”
“I never remarried out of selfishness. I couldn’t love anyone more than your mother.”
“…”
“Now that you are grown and about to be engaged, I worry maybe I’ve only ever imposed my sense of responsibility on you.”
Mellias was surprised his father would have such delicate considerations.
His father had always seemed busy. When they ran into each other, their interactions were limited to minimal conversation.
Though not devoid of affection—he had always provided what was needed.
Mellias felt a deep love for his father. He also carried a strong sense of duty toward their family.
As a noble, he thought that was simply the way of life.
Mellias was somewhat taken aback by his father’s words, but after some thought, he answered.
“When I first saw Illein, it felt like an obligation. We needed someone reliable to help with Wignum’s dam.”
“Yes, that’s why I arranged the marriage.”
Marquis Wignum knew that marriages among nobles were often not founded on love.
He had been the same. Except, unexpectedly, he fell deeply in love.
“I didn’t love your mother at first. But every time she held you, and every time she smiled lovingly at you, my heart stirred.”
“…”
“That’s why I introduced you to a good match. I thought maybe you would find someone to love, just like I did.”
