Chapter 79

Chapter 79: A Gentle Breeze

Seres stood amidst several guards, his expression unchanged even as he was threatened by their swords. It seemed he had seen death too many times, his black eyes beneath his gray temples still fixed on Lolan Hill.

“Ceres, do you have anything to say?” Chelsea, the head maid, returned from outside and looked at this colleague she had worked with for nearly ten years, asking him the question.

“I have nothing to say. Explanations are just a cover-up. Besides, I truly wronged Lord Angus.”

“You’ve contributed no less than I to the Carites Guild. Over the years, you’ve been diligent and helped the guild through many difficult periods. If there’s something you can’t speak about, explaining it to Miss Lacy might lead to forgiveness and understanding.”

Chelsea stood by and tried to persuade him. Although Ceres had made mistakes, his achievements couldn’t be overlooked. As long as it wasn’t a principle error, it could be forgiven.

Ceres remained silent, unmoved.

Lolan Hill watched Ceres, who was as unyielding as iron, and sighed inwardly. Why wouldn’t he explain himself? She wanted to give him a way out, but apart from his shortcomings regarding Mrs. Mera, Mr. Butler had been impeccable in other aspects.

She raised her sleeve, signaling the guards to step back, then asked Chelsea to bring some black tea.

In the tranquil room, only three people remained. Through the window, one could see people walking in the courtyard—the guild’s accountants, maids performing chores, and occasionally, a few children running around. The crisp autumn air had lifted everyone’s spirits, making them more cheerful than usual.

The sunlight slanted into the room, not too strong. Lolan Hill sat in the light, her pale red dress glowing.

“Could Uncle Ceres tell me more about that child?”

“Regardless of whether he is Lord Angus’ bloodline, I will keep my promise and protect him until he comes of age, and I will never harm him.”

Ceres looked into Lolan Hill’s clear, transparent eyes, paused for a moment, then slowly spoke.

“That child is indeed not Lord Angus’ biological son.”

“Nor is he Mrs. Mera’s.”

“He was born to a comrade of mine and a young lady from the Helis family. Due to their vast social differences, they couldn’t be together. In despair, my comrade’s old wounds resurfaced, and he died young.”

“At that time, the Helis family was in intense conflict with us Carites over spice trade issues. I only learned that my comrade had passed away when I was commissioned by Lord Angus to investigate Mrs. Mera. His child was used by the Helis family to disrupt Carites. If Lord Angus died under any circumstances, revealing the child’s identity would grant him the right to inherit, thus dividing the guild.”

“Mrs. Mera is simple and kind, but also rather timid. If questioned harshly, she might not withstand the pressure. Therefore, the Helis family approached me, promising to treat the child and his mother well if I turned a blind eye and didn’t expose the truth. This way, my comrade’s child could be protected.”

“I didn’t immediately agree, but after some time, the Helis family reconciled with Carites, exchanging benefits. This child became less important. If exposed, it would break the fragile peace and jeopardize the survival of my comrade’s descendants.”

“Thus, my family and the Helis family tacitly kept silent, pretending it never happened, and ceased all contact.”

“Until yesterday, the Helis family’s guards attempted to assassinate the Young Lady. Given our guild’s current prominence, they urgently needed to know Miss Lacy’s stance on the Helis family. They contacted me again.”

“This is how things stand. I am willing to accept any punishment, only hoping that Miss Lacy won’t blame the child.”

Although Lolan Hill obtained much information by scanning the city’s data, piecing together some truths, it was a matter from over ten years ago, and she was still unclear on certain details.

Only now did everything become clear. Lolan Hill lowered her head and stirred the teacup, feeling sorry for Angus. She hadn’t expected him to have no offspring. This man who had experienced great ups and downs quietly passed away in the mountainous regions.

“I understand. I promise you. I won’t pursue the child; after all, he is innocent.”

“But because of your leniency, you deceived Angus. He neglected to remarry because of you, and now the Carites family has no heirs.”

When the young lady said this, Ceres finally lowered his head in guilt, not lifting it again.

“In a while, claim you’re old and retire as the butler to live in the southern islands.”

“I shall comply with the Young Lady’s punishment and properly hand over all matters,” Ceres’ voice sounded much older.

“And I will visit the Helis family tonight. You’ll drive me there again.”

“Yes, Miss Lacy,” Ceres responded decisively.

Watching Ceres leave the study, Lolan Hill put down her teacup and slowly walked to the windowsill, observing the bustling courtyard of the guild.

She couldn’t stay here forever. Who would lead Carites then?

Her thoughts drifted, watching the colorful leaves sway in the sea breeze. Bright leaves shimmered like scales under the sun.

The young lady extended her finger, feeling the touch of the wind between them, occasionally blowing her hair into disarray.

Lolan Hill, Lolan Hill, don’t think too highly of yourself. Would others be unable to live without you? The guild and life would find their own sunshine. They would have their own ideas and choices, forging their own paths.

Leaning against the windowsill, she softly hummed a melody from memory, her fingers tapping lightly to the beat.

[That little bird cannot yet spread its wings]

[But one day it will soar]

[Children, walking on summer tracks]

[The gentle breeze caressing bare feet]

[Childhood memories]

[Fading away]

[Dreams to be realized]

[Within our grasp]

[We constantly seek]

[Scattered clouds of seasons past]

[From the moment we crossed the hill]

[It has always been so]

[Unchanged]

[Just as we have been steadfast]

[We can surely protect]

[That indomitable strength]

I wish the protagonist would sing, but she is quite shy. I need to think of a way.

End of Chapter