The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 29
It had been a long day. Elysia arrived at the estate only after the night had deepened. As she carefully stepped through the open door, she saw the Viscount standing with his back to the entrance.
His gaze was fixed on the painting hanging in the hall, and he was holding a pair of gardening gloves he had just removed. With a faint smile, Elysia walked up to him.
“It’s been a while, Elysia. It’s hard to see my daughter’s face these days.”
His voice was lower than usual, reflecting his mood. Instead of replying, Elysia silently joined him in gazing at the painting. It was the first painting she had ever bought from Apelari—a sunset on a twilight shore that still stirred something deep inside her.
The crashing waves glowed white as they broke, while the golden hues of the setting sun lit up the dark sea. Despite the many brilliant paintings in the estate, this one always held her gaze the longest.
“I met the artist who painted this. I didn’t get to see him yesterday when I visited the museum.”
If she mentioned she had seen an old friend of his, he would surely be surprised. She tore her gaze from the painting, hiding her little white lie behind a composed expression.
“The Duke of Eperthier visited today.”
“…What?”
Andreas? Her pale eyes wavered. Had he come to assert control? Had he discussed monopolizing the Asterite trade with her father, or perhaps tried to plant seeds of doubt to weaken their family ties? The possibilities made her even more uneasy.
“What did he come for?”
“He seemed concerned about how you’ve been. He even knew you’ve been staying out late.”
If anything, Andreas would criticize her behavior, not show concern over his fiancée’s whereabouts. Biting her lower lip slightly, Elysia glanced at the Viscount. He let out a sigh and spoke softly.
“He came to get a promise.”
Of course, that was his intention. Elysia exhaled and lowered her head. Despite telling herself otherwise, the mere mention of Andreas’s visit made her heart race in an unusual way. Could she have been hoping for it? Whether he came to criticize or confront her, the fact that he still cared enough to be involved was… something she liked.
Her mouth felt bitter. She quickly adjusted her expression, as if trying to conceal her unsettled emotions.
“Sei, bring me a glass of cold water.”
Unlike Elysia, who felt like she was burning inside, the Viscount was smiling calmly. She admired her father’s ever-present composure, even when things didn’t go his way.
“I didn’t promise him anything.”
“Oh, thank goodness.”
She nearly thanked the heavens. For a man as kind and easy to take advantage of as her father, this was a rare response. Elysia was genuinely relieved.
“A betrothed recessive omega wandering outside late—should we call that dignified?”
Both of them turned to the voice that had interrupted them. Leaning casually against the staircase railing was Kian, gazing down at Elysia. His slightly darker golden hair shimmered under the light as it swayed gently.
“Kian! Are you feeling better?”
Her voice was filled with concern, to which Kian shrugged.
“An omega worrying about an alpha—has the world turned upside down or something?”
Though Kian had his complaints and grumbles, he was still the same dependable younger brother. Elysia smiled brightly, unbothered by his sarcastic tone.
“You met with the artist you’re sponsoring? Let’s call it what it is—extravagance. You’re the only one indulging in luxuries around here. I’m practically confined to my room, and Father is always in the garden.”
“That’s luxury?”
When Elysia responded, Kian’s eyes lit up as if she had walked right into his trap.
“Of course it is. You’ve bought dozens of paintings. Thanks to you, Brillen is no longer known for its frugality. Don’t you think you should be a little more mindful?”
“Kian’s quite right,” the Viscount agreed. “If you slip up even once, it could give nobles or even your future spouse something to hold against you.”
The mention of a spouse made Elysia flinch before she slowly nodded. Kian, thrilled to have his father on his side, clicked his tongue when he saw her blushing slightly. Shaking his head, he came down the stairs.
“You probably brought back more odd things from the museum. Why not give them as gifts?”
From up close, Kian looked much taller than before. He smiled, his eyes crinkling as he gazed down at Elysia, who returned his playful stare.
“What, do you want a gift?”
“As if I’d want one.”
When Elysia chuckled lightly, Kian pointed a finger at her, visibly annoyed.
“I told you not to copy Father’s expressions! The way you both smile the same way—it’s creepy!”
