I Became My Son's First Love - Chapter 61

Plants, though seemingly strong, are actually quite fragile and can die with just a slight change in their environment. It must have been difficult to fill the garden with so many of them.

Aeshath’s gaze lingered in the air for a moment. “After I divorced Dane, I traveled not just across the empire but all over the continent. During that time, I collected plants that I liked and sent them home. It was a truly enjoyable time. Those experiences and memories came together to create this garden.”

Aeshath seemed so peaceful as she spoke that Eve found herself unable to challenge her.

“I wanted to show this place to you as a sign of our growing friendship. How do you like it?”

“The garden suits you, Aeshath. It’s unique, vibrant, and it makes me feel at ease.”

“Do you really think I’m like this garden?”

Aeshath mumbled, clearly pleased by the comparison, “The world is beautiful, and every living thing in it is fascinating. To think that I resemble them is truly an honor.”

Eve recalled hearing that Aeshath was interested in everything in the world, but now it seemed like more than just interest—she appeared to deeply love all living things.

‘Does that love extend to humans as well?’

Aeshath brushed her hand over a vine hanging long behind them. “It’s nice to watch things from afar, but it’s even better to touch them directly.”

With a warm hand, Aeshath gently stroked the leaves before turning to Eve. “By the way, Eve, Dane mentioned that you and he aren’t on bad terms. Is that true?”

Though the question seemed out of place, Eve had expected it since Dane had already hinted at this conversation. She nodded lightly.

“Then how about inviting him to the exhibition tomorrow?”

Eve asked as if hearing it for the first time. “…So suddenly?”

“I have something to discuss with him. It’s a bit urgent, so I hope you’ll understand.”

Eve pretended to consider it for a moment before answering, “Dane has always been interested in Rose’s paintings, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“It’s no problem. But what do you need to talk to him about?”

“Faith and trust, perhaps?”

Eve couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “What does that even mean?”

“It’s nothing bad, I promise.”

Aeshath dodged the question, and Eve, sensing there was more to it, didn’t pry any further, simply nodding quietly. Aeshath’s deep violet eyes bore into her.

“Eve.”

“Yes?”

Aeshath’s eyes darkened, drawing Eve in as if she might fall into them. Aeshath spoke clearly, “Instinct is surprisingly accurate; it’s something primal. It helps you sense whether someone is going to harm you or not.”

Eve wanted to ask what Aeshath meant by that, but the Duchess smiled brightly again as if nothing had happened, making it clear that she wouldn’t elaborate.

***

After tea in the garden, Aeshath and Eve had dinner, but Azazel didn’t show up. Thanks to his absence, Eve was able to freely discuss the exhibition with Aeshath.

Later, as Eve returned to her room, she was startled by a sound from one corner. Could it be Azazel? A thousand thoughts raced through her mind, but luckily, it wasn’t him. Instead, Anna greeted her.

“My lady, should I prepare your bed?”

As she had just parted from Aeshath late in the evening, Eve nodded eagerly. Anna helped her undo the laces that cinched her waist and chest, then prepared a bath. While Anna dried her hair, Eve smiled at her maid.

“It’s a relief having you around. Thank you for your help.”

Anna shyly bowed and stepped back, saying, “You’re too kind, my lady. Have a restful night. Oh, and there’s a gift Lina left for you on the bedside table.”

“A gift?”

“She must have noticed you haven’t been sleeping well lately and prepared it for you.”

Once Anna left the room, Eve went to the dressing table and pulled out a hidden note from the bottom of a box. This was the only precaution she could take in a situation where she couldn’t trust her own memory. She quickly scanned the memo.

“Everything’s fine.”

Thankfully, there was nothing she had forgotten. Relief was quickly followed by a throbbing headache. Eve put the memo back in its place and collapsed onto the bed. Staring blankly at the ceiling, she tossed and turned a few times before noticing the small pouch on the bedside table. It was the gift Lina had left for her.

Judging by its size, Eve guessed it was some sort of scented candle. If it had been tea, Anna would have brewed it herself. Whatever it was, Eve didn’t want to ignore Lina’s thoughtful gesture. Perhaps the scent would help ease her headache. She reached for the unexpectedly heavy pouch and opened it.

“This is…”

To her surprise, the familiar turquoise glow of the object inside made her reflexively toss it away. Though it landed on the bed, the music box remained intact.

Eve, after a long pause, cautiously approached it again and opened the lid. A slow melody filled the room. With a rigid expression, Eve reached out to close the music box, but her fingers brushed against something unexpected. Her face reflected in the turquoise gemstone inside.

***

Though Aeshath was a duchess, it didn’t take her long to get ready. The angular dress, which shimmered faintly blue, suited her perfectly. After inspecting her styled hair, she dismissed her attendants.

“I’ll head out soon. Wait outside.”

Though it wasn’t yet time to meet with Eve, Dane was already waiting for her outside. It would be better to leave right away, but something was still bothering her.

She noticed a blue satin ribbon on the corner of the dressing table and, without hesitation, removed the pin from her hair. She replaced it with the blue ribbon, tying her hair up high instead of in the usual low bun, which she wore to match her age and position. Today, she wanted to act as she pleased. Feeling more like herself, Aeshath grabbed a box and left the room.

On the first floor, she spotted the man waiting for her—the man who had once been her husband. She greeted him.

“Hello, Dane.”

His usual smile was gone. Aeshath glanced at the dagger hidden beneath his coat. When Dane saw the box in her hand, his expression hardened even further.

Aeshath smiled slightly and approached him. Despite his wariness, she opened the box and showed him its contents. Dane stiffly looked down at the box before speaking.

“What are you trying to do?”

His voice was low, his face contorted in confusion. But Aeshath remained calm.

“I’m doing what needs to be done. Here, take this.”

“You’re saying it doesn’t matter how I use this?”

“Once it leaves my hands, it’s no longer my concern.”

Dane gritted his teeth before muttering, “I really don’t understand you at all.”

For a brief moment, Aeshath felt a pang of guilt for the confusion she was causing him. But there was no other way.

Slowly, she spoke again, “Using the dagger is simple. You just need both daggers…”

***

Around the same time, Eve was also preparing earlier than planned. Though she hadn’t slept well, she blinked her dry eyes as she finished getting ready.

“You’ve worked hard. I’ll go down when it’s time, so you may leave now.”

Anna hesitated, remembering Eve’s pale face hidden under the makeup, but eventually left the room. Alone again, Eve dropped her gaze from the mirror to the music box beneath it. Though the box was closed, it felt as if she could still hear the melody playing in the room—the slow tune, the gentle rhythm, and the person she had seen alongside it…

Knock, knock, knock.

The sudden knocking startled Eve, pulling her out of her thoughts. She let out a small sigh.

“Anna, it’s alright. I just want to be alone for a bit.”

Her voice, tinged with weariness and irritation, received no response from the other side. The silence stretched on, and just as Eve was about to turn her head, the door opened silently. In came the one who had occupied her thoughts for the past few days.

“…Eve.”

The hesitant, low voice belonged to none other than Azazel. Eve stared at him through the mirror, standing in the doorway.

“What brings you here?”

Her voice came out more calmly than she had expected. For a moment, a glint flickered in Azazel’s deep blue eyes.

“We have things to talk about, don’t we?”

His voice was more resolute now, and Eve nodded. “Yes, we do.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. I—”

Eve could sense the pleading tone in his voice, but before he could finish, she glanced at the music box, cutting him off as she turned to face him directly.

“Can you really control people?”