I Became My Son's First Love - Chapter 71

The letter offered blessings for her new beginning, with a postscript saying not to worry because Dane would take good care of everything. Eve’s lips curved slightly upward as she read the letter. Aeshath truly was a good friend.

Although Aeshath had intended to keep the events at the gallery under wraps, rumors about Azazel’s accident and his prolonged unconsciousness began to spread. It was inevitable that news of the young Duke of Seratine’s accident would shake the capital. Fortunately, thanks to Aeshath’s efforts, the fact that Eve had been present at the scene remained hidden, allowing her to quietly leave the capital.

Eve didn’t return to her hometown of Jenna but instead traveled to the Cherani estate, where her sister Cynthia lived. The Cherani estate, managed by Cynthia’s husband, Viscount Tamin, wasn’t far from the Jenna estate, and with Cynthia living there, it was an ideal place for Eve to stay.

The house that Cynthia helped Eve find was a bit smaller than her mansion in the capital, but it wasn’t bad. Although the house was modest in size, Cynthia had renovated it extensively, making it acceptable even to Eve, who had grown accustomed to grander homes. After the divorce, Eve had asked Cynthia to manage the small things, occasionally sending items over, and it seemed Cynthia had paid great attention to detail.

Cynthia didn’t ask Eve many questions after their long-awaited reunion. She simply welcomed her sister back into the family fold. Thanks to this, Eve easily adapted to life in the Cherani estate.

One afternoon, Eve, enjoying a cherry pie, asked Anna, who approached her, “How are you adjusting to country life?”

It had been over two weeks since they arrived at the Cherani estate, so it might have been a late question.

Anna smiled brightly and replied, “It still feels a little unfamiliar, but I’m happy to learn new things.”

The empire was vast, and each region had its own lifestyle. With different clothing, food, and housing, it would take some time for her to fully adjust. The maids who had accompanied Eve occasionally mentioned similar things with a laugh.

“This year will fly by.”

The three maids would take turns staying by Eve’s side for a year each. Though Eve had told them it wasn’t necessary to leave the capital, Anna had stubbornly insisted on accompanying her, perhaps due to the incident at the gallery. Her presence helped Eve adjust smoothly to life in the Cherani estate.

While Eve was taking another bite of her cherry pie, Anna cautiously spoke, “My lady.”

“Yes?”

Eve looked at Anna, who spoke with a somber expression, “About the news from the capital…”

Judging by Anna’s dark expression, it didn’t seem to be good news. Eve shook her head firmly, “No, there’s no need to tell me.”

Whatever happened in the capital was no longer her concern. Eve had already left and had no intention of returning.

Seeing Anna still hesitating, Eve gestured toward the door, “Go on and rest. You deserve it.”

Left alone, Eve watched the curtains sway in the breeze as she continued enjoying her snack. In truth, there were other ways to hear news from the capital if she wanted to. After all, there was a man who visited her dreams every night.

According to him, he planned to visit her today, so if she became curious about the news, she could simply ask him directly. Eve wasn’t in a hurry. She enjoyed her tea and read a book, later joining Cynthia and her family for dinner.

It had been a delightful evening, teasing Viscount Tamin, only to be scolded by Cynthia, and then spoiling her adorable young niece with gifts. After finishing her day and returning to her room, Eve realized that the person she had been waiting for had arrived. She greeted the figure standing in the shadows.

“Hello.”

In response, the shadowy figure stepped forward. Azazel stood before her and greeted her, “It’s been a while.”

It was amusing to hear him say that, considering they met every night in her dreams. With a soft chuckle, Eve looked him up and down and asked, “But your appearance has changed, hasn’t it?”

As Eve pointed out, Azazel’s appearance under the moonlight was different from the one she had known. His once radiant blond hair had a hint of gray, and his once clear blue eyes had a hint of turquoise.

Azazel smiled softly and replied, “Somehow, it ended up like this.”

Eve reached out to touch his hair, “Can’t you go back to being blonde?”

The feel of his hair still pleased her, and as Azazel lowered his gaze, he answered, “No. This change happened naturally as I recovered. Do you dislike it?”

Her hand, which had been brushing his hair, moved to his face, caressing the eyes that looked at her with uncertainty. Though his brilliance was slightly different, he remained just as beautiful.

Gazing into his still-translucent, now turquoise-tinged eyes, Eve responded calmly, “It’s not bad. You’re still beautiful.”

“Thank goodness. I was worried it might not be to your taste.”

His genuinely relieved smile was lovely.

Eve hadn’t really thought about wanting to see him. After all, she saw him in her dreams constantly. Yet, now that she could feel his warmth in her hand, she realized she must have missed him without knowing it.

Watching Azazel smile shyly, Eve said again, “You’re beautiful.”

At her sincere words, Azazel’s cheeks flushed as if a field of summer roses had bloomed on his face. Smiling, he rubbed his cheek against Eve’s hand.

“Still, thanks to this, you’ll face fewer troubles.”

Curious about what he meant, Eve looked at him, and Azazel, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, whispered, “The young Duke of Seratine was known for his striking blonde hair and blue eyes, right?”

“But you still look the same.”

At this, Azazel smirked, “The Count was infamous for his promiscuity, and there are many illegitimate children, aren’t there?”

“Ah…”

It was an undeniable fact. Given the Count’s numerous illegitimate children, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of them resembled him. However, this raised another issue: wouldn’t this remove the advantage of stepping away from the title of the young Duke of Seratine? Even if he wasn’t officially recognized as the Count’s son, Azazel would still resemble him.

Just as Eve was about to point this out, she ended up laughing along with Azazel’s triumphant expression. For now, she just wanted to share this moment of laughter with him. This cunning and clever man would surely figure out a way to handle the situation. For now, simply seeing his beautiful face again was enough.

At that moment, Azazel, while absentmindedly playing with Eve’s hand, casually remarked, “The young Duke of Seratine is dead.”

“…What?”

Surprised, Eve widened her eyes and stared at Azazel, who continued, “The news of his death spread through the capital today…”

Eve half-listened to the rest of his explanation. It was only natural that the young Duke of Seratine would disappear now that Azazel had come to her. But to announce his death… it left her feeling strangely unsettled.

She finally understood why Anna had wanted to share the news from the capital earlier. Azazel wrapped up his story by mentioning that Aeshath would handle everything.

“Eve, are you tired?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Hmm.”

Azazel, after a moment of thought, pulled Eve toward the bed and seated her there, saying, “Then, shall we chat a little more?”

Eve nodded readily, and Azazel began to speak in his low voice. They discussed whether he should keep his name or change it, what new identity he should assume, how he would settle into this new place, and how he planned to get along with Eve’s family.

As Eve listened to Azazel discuss their future together, something she hadn’t even thought about, her mind, which had been clouded with various concerns, started to clear. It seemed that Azazel had planned out his future with her in detail. All Eve had to do was stay by his side and watch how things unfolded. Azazel would make sure not to put her in any danger and would come to her in a way that she would like.

As time passed and their connection deepened, perhaps she would grow to like Azazel even more than she did now—or perhaps less. Either way, at this moment, she didn’t mind spending time with him. She trusted that Azazel would do everything he could to ensure that her feelings didn’t waver. Eve sat beside Azazel, listening to his quiet voice and occasionally nodding along. It was a peaceful time, and the sensation of holding hands made her fingertips tingle.

As Eve became aware of the calmness settling over her, she started to open a small door for Azazel in her heart—a door that, as she expected, would gradually grow larger. She wasn’t sure when Azazel would notice the door, but she decided to place a small music box beside it. When he followed the sound of the gentle melody and discovered the door, she imagined Azazel smiling brightly as he opened it.

The End