The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 19
Only then did Elysia realize Helen’s true intention, shaking her head gently.
“Staying too late wouldn’t be proper etiquette either. I’ll take my leave now.”
Helen looked dissatisfied but quickly softened her expression as she saw Elysia once again put on her familiar smile.
***
It took quite a while for the carriage to exit the Eperthier estate. Sei quietly observed Elysia before offering her a packet of snacks.
“Would you like some? The Madam packed them for you.”
“I’ve already eaten plenty.”
“But you didn’t eat anything at all.”
Despite the years that had passed, the Duchess remained just as kind. It seemed Helen had invited Elysia to gauge the situation as Andreas’s mother.
When the carriage finally arrived near the Brillen estate, Elysia forced her tired body to rise. As she stepped onto the carriage’s footplate, holding the servant’s hand, she stumbled slightly. In the darkness, deep green eyes glimmered.
“…Your Grace? What are you doing here?”
Her surprised, suddenly high-pitched voice betrayed her confusion. Andreas stood there, expressionless, steadying her wobbling waist.
Elysia hesitated at his unexpected action, pulling back instinctively. Once she regained her composure, she gave him a small nod to express her gratitude.
“You must have something urgent to say.”
What could it be? Was he about to call off the engagement? The tension in Elysia’s voice was undeniable as she asked,
“At this hour?”
“Yes, because it can’t wait until later.”
The fact that Andreas was standing outside meant he hadn’t knocked on the door. This implied that he had either just arrived or already knew she was out. Given that she had just met with his mother, the latter seemed more likely.
There was no carriage in sight that he could have taken. Had he been waiting for a while? As she bit her lower lip lightly, she averted her gaze, feeling tension creeping from her toes up her body.
“It’s already quite late.”
When she emphasized the time, Andreas’s eyebrow twitched. He stepped closer to her, directing his gaze toward Sei, who immediately bowed and stepped away to give them space.
“I’m very busy, but I thought it best to deliver this to you as soon as possible.”
It wasn’t the kind of statement one should make to someone who had spent the entire day running around because of him. Elysia quickly erased the expression of annoyance that threatened to appear.
“You didn’t send a servant instead?”
“How could I trust them?”
Andreas smiled crookedly, making Elysia recall the impersonal tone of his previous letter. Yes, if that kind of letter was what he could muster, perhaps meeting him in person was better.
“I need to know the status of the military reorganization along the trade routes. It’s better if I check it myself.”
Apparently, Andreas had considered the consequences of her backing out of the engagement. To think he would come this late just to discuss this. It was clear that to him, she was merely a tool to be used. Feeling a surge of frustration, Elysia spoke sharply.
“Since His Majesty’s decree arrived today, Your Grace should arrange an official meeting with the Viscount.”
Just as she tried to pass him, he spoke again.
“I heard that an omega like you holds the real power in the Viscountcy. How convenient.”
An insolent remark. From the beginning, Andreas seemed determined to belittle her father as well. Was he hoping to push them to their breaking point so they would give up?
Andreas’s mocking smile as he intentionally provoked her made Elysia grit her teeth, her slender fingertips trembling slightly.
“Then trust in my abilities and wait,” she retorted.
“Your abilities? You expect me to trust the abilities of a mere omega?”
He sneered. There was no sign that he intended to hide or suppress his arrogance and disrespect. His hair had fallen slightly forward, evidence of his own exhausting day. The fact that he had come in less than two days suggested how important he considered this matter. Elysia lifted her gaze to meet his.
“I assume you mentioned me in front of others again.”
Surely, he had discussed the benefits he would gain from their engagement while invoking the Brillen name in front of others. He had baited her into a situation where it would be difficult for her family to refuse without facing repercussions.
When he didn’t deny it, her anger flared. Once again, she was being treated as a tool simply because she was an omega.
‘Shouldn’t you prove yourself useful as a tool? It’s only natural to be discarded once you’ve served your purpose.’
‘You’re not even worthy of being a useful tool to me.’
As her small shoulders trembled visibly, Andreas shook his head slightly.
“I’ve never met an omega as pompous as you.”
