The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 37
Andreas was the first to speak, his voice cutting sharply, as if each word had been carved from ice. Even if one were to press frost against skin, it would not be as cold as his tone.
Whether Gréa was oblivious to his mood or deliberately ignoring it, she maintained her elegant smile.
Elysia found her confidence unsettling.
Was she relying on the backing of the Marquis’s household? Or was she using Andreas’s silence as her shield? There was no way to tell.
“I was out for a walk. I wanted to take in the beauty of nature.”
Suddenly, Gréa grasped both of Elysia’s wrists, wearing an expression of deep distress.
“Lady Brillen, oh my—”
As if startled by her own actions, Gréa gasped in mock surprise and quickly let go.
“Ah, my apologies. I only wanted to offer my sincerest regrets…!”
Was she planning to keep apologizing until Elysia relented?
Elysia withdrew her hands from the air, maintaining an awkward smile.
Gréa carried herself with the textbook grace and dignity of a noblewoman. She smiled sweetly, her eyes curving gently.
At this point, it was clear she didn’t care whether Elysia forgave her or not.
Elysia felt irritation creeping in—Gréa was subtly pressuring her to react.
“Seeing you two together so intimately has made my walk even more enjoyable.”
At this, Andreas let out a dry chuckle, while Elysia forced herself to find something to say.
“You must truly love gardens, Lady Celliez.”
“It’s always for the sake of peace of mind. And how wonderful it would be to share that with the Duke of Eperthier, wouldn’t you agree?”
The discomfort was relentless.
Gréa was well aware that neither Elysia nor Andreas appreciated her presence, yet she continued speaking anyway.
“Lady Brillen, congratulations on your engagement.”
Elysia flinched.
Though brief, there was no mistaking the malice in Gréa’s words.
She smiled, yet it felt as if a dagger was hidden behind her back.
Maintaining a good relationship with the imperialist noble faction—especially with the Marquis of Celliez—was crucial.
Elysia touched her lips thoughtfully before making her decision.
“…Thank you, Lady Celliez.”
Then, just as Gréa had done moments earlier, Elysia grasped both of Gréa’s delicate wrists.
Gréa’s eyes widened in surprise.
Whether Andreas liked it or not, he would have to continue facing the Marquis’s daughter.
For both his sake and her own, it was best to remain amicable with Gréa.
After all, the reality was that they would continue to cross paths.
“I had no idea you cared for me so deeply! I’m truly touched by your kindness, Lady Celliez. I hope we can continue to be good friends.”
Elysia pretended to be oblivious, playing the role of someone who had only just stepped into high society.
She grasped Gréa’s hands and shook them enthusiastically, smiling brightly.
At the display, Andreas let out a faint chuckle.
Both Elysia and Gréa turned to look at him at the same time.
Andreas quickly erased the amusement from his face under their combined scrutiny.
“Elysia, do you enjoy Lady Celliez’s company?”
Elysia was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed herself.
Gréa, on the other hand, fluttered her lashes at Andreas, as if trying to hold his gaze.
It was a deliberate attempt at seduction.
The way she ‘casually’ ran her fingertips along the back of her neck was so blatant that even Elysia found it excessive.
Without thinking, Elysia tried to gauge Andreas’s intentions.
Though they were meant to be polite acquaintances, his face remained utterly indifferent.
“Andreas, what about you?”
At the sound of his name, Andreas sighed as if he had no choice.
Then, turning slightly toward Gréa, he gave her a faint smile.
“I was hoping to take a private walk with my fiancée—without uninvited guests. We’ll take our leave.”
Andreas naturally bent his arm and pulled Elysia’s hand into place, linking them as if they were walking arm in arm.
Without hesitation, he led her away from Gréa.
Their strides naturally fell in sync.
Elysia pressed her lips together, trying to suppress the giddy feeling rising in her chest.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the path and the people strolling through the park.
She felt noticeably more at ease.
