The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 21
Elysia followed Sei’s gaze to the plain paper sealed directly with wax, without an envelope or any decorative touch.
Elysia had been sponsoring an artist affiliated with the Apelari Museum, and he frequently sent her thank-you letters. She bit her lip gently as memories flooded back.
It was during a time when Karmaut was rapidly expanding. The family was sinking under intense competition, burdened by the persistent stares of alphas and the suffocating weight of responsibility.
Elysia had grown tired of it all—tired of watching life pass her by while she was powerless to change its course. But she couldn’t run away.
Then one day, while visiting the Apelari Museum for business, she came across a painting that seemed to echo her very emotions. The artist was remarkably skilled. Just seeing the artwork made her feel as though all the grievances she had endured were finally being acknowledged. The struggles she had faced as a recessive omega, the days of trying to forget Andreas after he had rejected her due to his lost memories—those burdens began to melt away like winter frost.
Although the painting was displayed at the far end of the museum, it captured her attention instantly. That painting marked the beginning of her art collection.
Yosef Avriden—an artist with exceptional talent who was, unfortunately, underappreciated. Looking at him reminded her of herself, as they both faced rejection for reasons beyond their control.
However, Elysia limited her involvement to financial support. She wanted him to reach the top based solely on his own merit. Besides, as an omega, any association with an artist could easily be seen as scandalous. Being mentioned alongside Yosef could expose her vulnerability, so she remained cautious.
Yosef sent her letters almost every week. Most of them contained trivial content, but Elysia welcomed them nonetheless. She carefully opened the envelope sealed with weak glue and began reading. Her blue eyes narrowed momentarily before returning to normal.
“I’ll need to visit Apelari soon.”
“What for, Miss?”
“They claim the sponsorship funds aren’t enough.”
Elysia’s calm response made Sei widen her eyes and step closer to glance at the letter on the table.
“But you sponsor him 700 rian every month! That’s enough to feed my family of five for three months. How could that possibly be insufficient?”
Sei raised her arms exaggeratedly. Elysia tapped the table with her fingertips, contemplating quietly. The amount she provided should have been more than sufficient.
With 500 rian, the artist could secure a respectable spot for his painting at the museum, an expense comparable to a noble indulging in lavish banquets for an entire month. The remaining 200 rian should have easily covered living expenses.
“The museum director must be playing some tricks.”
“As if you’re not busy enough already, and now they’re piling more on you,” Sei grumbled, placing her hands on her hips and snorting in frustration.
Elysia gave a faint smile as she picked up the imperial decree and cloak she had received from her father.
***
It rained through the early hours of the morning.
Andreas had spent the past few days navigating social events and dealing with nobles. It had already been several days since he last saw Elysia. He returned to the mansion just as dawn was breaking.
As he descended the staircase, his gaze met Helen’s.
“You’re late.”
Andreas gave her a brief nod before heading toward his room. Helen didn’t greet him affectionately, nor did he expect her to. He preferred it that way.
The mother he remembered from his youth was a peculiar blend of noble grace and unexpected warmth. Helen often enjoyed conversing with commoners—something no duchess should do. Andreas had found it strange at the time.
Yet, everyone adored the duchess who extended her gloved hand in friendly greetings. Andreas himself had admired his mother’s free spirit and kindness.
But his father’s death had drained that vitality from her. Gradually, Helen had become consumed by loneliness. She withdrew deep into the mansion, making solitude her closest companion.
Andreas was no different in his inability to escape the weight of grief. He had to witness the crumbling of his family all alone amidst the chaos. Naturally, the bond between him and his mother grew distant, and the time they spent together dwindled. Even in their rare and awkward conversations, he failed to console her.
