All Chapters of The Return of the Disgraced Daughter: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Despite Lilian's thoughts, she remained silent.And in Henry's eyes, that was a wordless agreement to what Prince Michael had said.He clenched his hands behind his back, then turned toward Lilian with a cool look. "Are you sure about this, Ms. Kerr? Glaston is a faraway place—things are vastly different from how they are here in the capital."In Lilian's mind, however, Henry was merely warning her that the climate was different, and she answered solemnly, "His Highness has told me that the winters won't be as cold in Glaston, and I'm sure I could get used to it as long as it isn't cold."And to be honest, she really hated the cold—be it the cold she suffered from soaking her hands into icy water or the bone-cutting cold of being locked outdoors, she wanted none of it.Though her words left Henry unable to respond, he kept his cold eyes fixed on her, to the point that Lilian could feel his rage even without looking at him.He was upset, but why?Because she was going to marry th

More laughable words.But though Lilian wanted to laugh out loud, she could not, with the pain swelling inside her.That was when the marquise gently took her hand and explained, "To be honest, our family's position isn't as glamorous as it used to be, but we still hold influence. If the prince ever desires to return to the imperial capital in the future, his only excuse is to visit the marquis' household."She sighed softly then. "Of course, I have my own reasons for this arrangement. Henry Stark is young and accomplished, which is why he and his family are thought of highly in the emperor's court."That said, the emperor is also wary of our family these days, so if Evelyn is to marry Henry with no further issues, you can't marry someone who's too important… In that respect, Prince Michael is the ideal choice."Lilian read between the lines right then—in the end, her arranged marriage with the prince was a matter of political counterbalance.The marquis' household was eager to s

Rupert followed the marquise into Cherryton.Evelyn had already mostly recovered thanks to the family doctor's care and was basically fine, aside from the occasional cough.When Rupert and the marquise arrived, she was in the garden, admiring the flowers.The marquise frowned right then, seeing how thinly she was dressed. "What are you doing out here? You have yet to recover, and you're not wearing layers either! Quick, get inside!"Putting her arm around Evelyn, they hurried inside, with the marquise then calling Jade to bring some hot water while whipping out a bottle of medicine. "I heard your cough was serious, so I pulled some favors to get this from the palace pharmacy. "I was told it's from the Valley of the Potion Lords, and the empress herself had been coughing for two weeks and was cured with this."Rupert watched as the marquise fed Evelyn the medicine and realized right then why the marquise was in such a hurry to see his sister.He was worried too, but seeing that

Lilian sighed in exasperation, grooming herself a little before stepping out to see Evelyn.Soon, Evelyn entered her pavilion with Winter in tow.Lilian almost laughed out loud right then, seeing that Winter was really glued to Evelyn.As Evelyn entered, she bowed to Lilian. Seeing Lilian's smile, she presumed that Lilian was in a good mood.Her nervousness easing considerably, she smiled at Lilian too. "Did I bother you coming this early, sister?"Lilian sighed, unsure what Evelyn was playing at. "What brings you here?""I was just going to invite you to Felton Shrine…"Evelyn appeared quite excited too, just as Lilian suddenly remembered that the eighth day of the new year was the day for a sacred festival for the shrine.The rumor was that on this day, anyone with a penitent heart who went to pray there would be granted any wish.She had always visited Felton Shrine every year too, praying for her family and to see Henry.But after those three years, she certainly would

As Winter closed the carriage windowpane, she turned toward Lilian and exclaimed, "It seems that there are more visitors this year, milady!"Lilian smiled. "Their prayers must have been answered."Winter nodded repeatedly. "Indeed! Some say it really is the case for marriage!"Lilian kept smiling but said nothing—if anything, that was the one thing it failed, or she would have married Henry by now.Still, she soon chuckled and shook her head.It just might actually be a blessing that she never did marry Henry, or she would be caught in an inescapable hell now.Nonetheless, their carriage soon arrived outside Felton Shrine.Winter alighted first and turned, offering a hand to help Lilian get off.Then, just as Lilian's feet touched the ground, she heard the sarcastic laughter."And here I thought whose maid is so bold as to sit in the same carriage as their master. To think that it's Ms. Lestrade!""What are you talking about? That's clearly Ms. Kerr!""Oh, right! I forgot!"