~Chapter 11~
Dane whispered softly, “What was your name again?”
“It is Camilla, my lord.”
“I made time to meet you, yet you were asleep?”
Though he was long past the appointed hour, his words flowed eloquently. Camilla replied with calm indifference, “Such occurrences are inevitable when one keeps a lady waiting.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Dane’s eyes. “Is that so? I heard rumors that you were no lady. Does a bastard receive the treatment of a lady in this country?”
This was a deeply insulting remark, implying he was aware of her illegitimate birth. Yet, Camilla offered a light smile.
“And you, who failed to arrive on time, do not seem much of a gentleman.”
She challenged him, her lips curving upward. “Last time, you conducted yourself precisely like one, which led me to believe you were.” This referred to the moment Dane had rescued her from Ares’s aggression.
“Hah!” Dane laughed, his shoulders shaking slightly. “No, this time you judge correctly.” He delicately twirled a stray curl of Camilla’s hair with his finger. “Though not quite the Baron’s noisy dog, I am no gentleman either.”
Camilla was almost amused by his provocative act, which was clearly aimed at mocking Ares. He’s only sixteen, isn’t he? Playing the ruffian. Compared to the genuine hooligan Ares, this was rather endearing.
Camilla met his gaze and inquired, “Why were you late?”
“Because you were a nuisance.”
“But you still came.”
“Because my butler’s nagging became an even greater nuisance.”
He shrugged dismissively. Then, his disinterested eyes swept over her as he added, “Well, I’ve seen you. That’s sufficient.” Dane withdrew his hand and turned to leave. “I shall have no further need to summon you. You may depart.”
At that very moment, Camilla spoke, her voice measured.
“If you send me away now, His Grace the Duke will merely assign you the next companion, and then the one after that.”
Dane’s steps immediately halted. He turned his head, and in the stillness of the reception room, the quiet girl whispered softly,
“I shall be like a tree; you may do as you wish.”
Her expression was devoid of artifice or plea, holding only a calculated poise. She offered a slight smile. “You prefer tranquility, do you not?”
I shall remain quiet, so you may do as you wish.
In the original story, Dane had discovered Nina in a secluded, quiet corner of the garden, far from the boisterous party, and that chance encounter had become the turning point for their relationship. Forgive me, Nina, but I must borrow this. Camilla thought, having employed a tactic inspired by the original work.
However, Dane responded with a curt, definitive tone. “…How uninteresting.”
“Pardon?”
“I would rather cultivate an actual tree than keep another person by my side.”
Wait. This cannot be happening. This was an opportunity she had fought to seize!
“What is your reason for disliking people?” She had no intention of letting this spoiled young master ruin her chance. “Why is a tree acceptable, but a person is not?”
Dane did not slow his pace, continuing toward the doorknob. I must find a way to break this deadlock.
“Is it because you fear they will leave you alone after residing by your side?”
His hand froze on the doorknob. That’s it.
Dane Escalus. He was the character of authority who could have provided the sole redemption for the heroine in the desolate, despairing novel. However, he was a terminally ill young man. This fact is virtually the Duke’s family secret. The knowledge that she possessed this information was exceedingly dangerous; she risked being branded a spy.
“Or is it because you do not wish to inflict pain upon those you cherish?”
Nevertheless, Camilla decided to gamble. Beneath his nonchalant demeanor lay an unexpectedly gentle nature. She chose to put her faith in the novel’s secondary male lead.
“Is that what frightens you, Young Duke?”
“…You.”
Dane slowly turned his head. Camilla gazed back into his blue eyes, which burned like a consuming flame, and smiled.
“In that case, do not trouble yourself.”
The original Nina had quietly integrated herself into Dane’s life by simply sharing the same space, but that was impossible for Camilla. Since she was not Nina, a different approach was necessary. Recalling the type of person this gentle young man most desired, Camilla replied,
“I shall not grieve your death.”
She looked directly at the boy, who believed that loving more people would only increase the number of those who would suffer.
“And, I will assist you in resisting death.”
“Hah?”
“Please, allow me to stay by your side. I wish to properly diagnose your condition.”
Thump, thump. Her heart was pounding rapidly.
Ah, I failed.
Thump. The bed mattress sank once, then rose again. Camilla slumped after nervously pacing. She had already dismissed Sonia, who wore a look of anxiety.
“…This is terrible.”
Dane had simply stared at Camilla, who had made her crucial offer, then drew the sword from his hip and pointed it. The tip of the blade was perfectly steady, poised to pierce Camilla’s throat.
Who told you the truth about my illness?
Would you believe me if I said I just diagnosed you?
The boy had asked coolly in response to Camilla’s composed answer.
My father mentioned you were a pharmacist of ‘genius’ talent, I believe.
That the Duke had spoken so highly was a fortunate turn of events. Camilla immediately nodded.
So, you are threatening me with this new knowledge? Telling me to keep you close so you can assist with the cure?
It is no threat. I swear upon my life, I will not inform even my father of your condition.
Indeed, it could not be a threat. Dane’s help was essential for her escape from the Mowin household. I must cultivate a relationship with you for that purpose. Camilla held Dane’s gaze intently.
Dane slowly lowered his sword. He immediately turned and strode away. Camilla called out to him once more, but the door slammed shut with a resounding boom. Left alone, Camilla returned to the Mowin estate empty-handed and was forced to acknowledge her failure. I suppose I should be thankful he didn’t have me thrown in prison. She was adept at seizing an advantage, but establishing a genuine connection with someone was not her strength.
Just as Camilla hugged her pillow tightly, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Knock, knock.
She instinctively knew it wasn’t Sonia.
Carefully opening the door, she found an unexpected person standing there: Norman, the butler, who clung to Baron Mowin like a shadow.
“What is the matter?”
“The Baron requests your presence.”
Camilla felt her heart hammering against her ribs. Anxiety grew as she followed the butler toward the study. He is probably going to express his disappointment. He must have hoped she would be accepted as the young Duke’s companion.
“Oh, you’ve arrived.”
Contrary to her expectation, the Baron’s lips were curved in a wide smile.
“You did well, my daughter.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“The Young Duke said he wished to meet you again tomorrow!”
Camilla’s eyes widened in astonishment. The Young Duke gave me a chance. However, the following words made her doubt her ears.
“And he also said he wants to meet Nina. You did very well, indeed.”
Nina, suddenly? Why the abrupt request for Nina? Is this the power of the original story at work?
In The Downfall of Nina, Dane Escalus suffered from a rare heart condition called ‘Azure Sanguis’—a disease that caused his pulse to be excessively weak and his heart to harden like stone. The unique requirement to alleviate the condition was, ironically, ‘a woman’s warmth.’ This shameless, unrealistic premise, befitting a grim, R-rated novel, compelled Dane to become an unwilling philanderer after his physician revealed this remedy on his coming-of-age day. Women, either sent by the Duke or captivated by Dane’s beauty, flocked to him from all directions. Paradoxically, Dane only desired to be left alone in tranquility.
It was during one of his quiet retreats in the secluded garden that he encountered Nina.
And after his initial meeting with Camilla, he requested Nina’s presence as well. It seemed the heroine effect might still be potent.
Do you know what your duty is now, as her older sister?
I am not entirely sure, my lord.
In a sudden shift from his praise, the Baron scowled immediately at her uncertainty.
Tch, is your mind incapable of thinking about anything but medicine?
The Baron leaned in and whispered tenderly to the now-sober Camilla,
There is no match greater than the Young Duke. You must ensure he speaks to Nina and that a strong connection develops between them, no matter what it takes.
What were they expecting from mere children? However, this turn of events was an advantageous opportunity for Camilla either way.
Inside the carriage bound for the Duke’s estate, Camilla leaned toward Nina and asked gently, “You can do this, can’t you? All you have to do is be polite.”
“Mm-hmm! If I make a mistake, you’ll help me, won’t you, Sister?”
“…Of course.”
Nina smiled radiantly. “With you by my side, I feel like I can do anything!” Nina tightly grasped Camilla’s hand.
That small hand made Camilla’s heart sink. This is not good. She had intended not to form any emotional attachments. Yet, Nina was so pure, transparent, and sincere. Her younger sister, right before her eyes, was unavoidably lovable.
