After dinner, Isabel left the kitchen in a hurry. That day Malcolm was supposed to meet her to give a report on the assignment she gave. But up until this moment, she couldn't find Malcolm in Duke Greyson's mansion.
"Did something happen to him? He's not usually late." Isabel muttered while biting her finger.
When she arrived in front of her room. It seems someone has been waiting for her.
"Ah Isabel, you've finally come too. Your room is empty so I'm waiting for you here. Lady Elizabeth has sent me a message for you to meet her."
That person turns out to be Olivia. The maid who took care of Iris's needs during her stay at Red Peak.
Isabel immediately nodded, "Take me to her."
Isabel then followed Olivia. She glanced at the tightly closed bedroom door while muttering to herself, "What the hell happened to you, Malcolm?"
Olivia takes Isabel upstairs. The room where Iris is staying.
"She's waiting for you.", Olivia answered while standing in front of the door.
"Okay. Thank you, Olivia."
Olivia leaves.
"Finally, she called me too today... Even though it's only been a day but it feels like a long day without Iris who I usually take care of." Isabel muttered with a sigh.
Then she knocked on the door softly.
"It's me, My Lady. Do you need me?"
"Come in, Isabel." Iris replied from behind the door.
It was seen that Iris who had been wearing a nightgown was sitting on the bed. Isabel stood in front of the bed in a formal manner.
Isabel cleared her throat, "It's good to see you again, My Lady. How is your day?"
"I enjoyed my time here. I'm sorry I just called you today."
There was an awkward atmosphere between them.
"No problem, My Lady. So, what can I help you with?"
"I… need your advice, Isabel…"
"I am listening, My Lady."
Momentary silence. Isabel could see that Iris seemed nervous about speaking.
"My Lady?", Isabel asked back.
"Leon proposed to me this afternoon even though it wasn't official. I confuse what I must answer. So, I asked us to return to the mansion. And when I see him acting normal it makes me even more nervous.", suddenly Iris said nonstop while covering her face with a pillow.
"What??! Duke Greyson proposed to you?!", Isabel answered in shock and immediately sat down beside Iris.
From behind the pillow, Iris nodded with an embarrassed face.
"That is a big thing, Iris. I think…you're right not to rush into giving an answer." Isabel answered while stroking Iris' head.
"Is that true? Because I felt I had made a mistake by avoiding his proposal. It's as if I refuse it. It's not that I don't like it… it's just… I never imagined something like this… I mean it's my first time… and I don't know anything…. I'm so nervous…."
Iris looked at Isabel with teary eyes. Isabel smiled and hugged Iris who was confused.
"You love him, Iris?"
"…. Perhaps… But is he the right person? Does he really love me? Everything seemed to go fast. And a lot of questions popping up in my mind."
Isabel sighed with a smile.
"That's only you who knows the answer, Iris. You're still young… it's natural that you don't know many things yet. But if you are sure of your choice, I will support you…"
"Thank you, Isabel. I'm sorry too… that I ignored you…. because I disagreed about Joshua."
"I'm also sorry, Iris. Because I forced you. Even though I know that it is because of Joshua that we are here today. And what I'm asking for is a cruel thing. However...", Isabel sighed again and didn't continue her words.
"I know you have no other choice, Isabel….", Iris said quietly.
"That's how it is, Iris…. I therefore hope that you will consider what I have to say. I don't want anything to happen to you. Until I can clearly confirm his true identity, it's best if we don't have anything to do with Joshua."
"Alright… I'll try to forget about Joshua until everything clears up. Joshua…. he…. Like it was different from before… something must have happened to him during these three years. And that was probably because of the Seraphine aile that was in him. I'm worried about him…"
Iris looked down at her hands which were emitting light that then faded.
Isabel seemed stunned by Iris' expression. Iris' expression was full of determination. An expression she had never seen before.
Somehow a feeling arose in Isabel's heart. That the day she had been most afraid of all this time was getting closer. The day when Iris became independent and didn't need her….
Isabel secretly looked at Iris with a sad look. But when Iris saw her, she hastily looked away.
"Ah, speaking of which, Iris. Actually, I sent my underling to look up information in Lindheim and… he should have come back this morning. But he still hasn't returned. Maybe we should be in Red Peak for a few days to wait for him to come back. Is that okay?"
"If I'm not mistaken, it's your childhood friend named Malcolm, right? It's all right, Isabel. Leon just now also offered to let us stay a bit longer."
"How about his proposal, Iris. Won't it be gives you more pressure if you stay here longer?"
Iris held Isabel's hand, "Don't worry about me Isabel. I trust Leon will not force me to accept his proposal. Although he has the support of my uncle. I think Leon can understand me."
Isabel smiled. She felt proud too seeing Iris who seemed to be struggling with her desire to run away from trouble.
"Okay. If by tomorrow morning Malcolm has not returned. It is likely that I will follow him to Lindheim."
Isabel stood up "Is there anything else, My Lady?"
"Nothing, Isabel. Thank you for coming and… good night."
"Have a good rest, My Lady."
Isabel excused herself and left the room to return to her room.
When she was in her room, Isabel saw the full moon shining brightly from behind the window. Even though she felt more at ease because Iris had finally accepted her sugestion…. a new turmoil emerged. Regarding Malcolm who disappeared.
Malcolm, who is one of the longest-serving people in Isabel's life besides Roselle. When Roselle died, she felt like she had lost a family member. The same goes for the death of Dumar, her mentor and superior.
Isabel felt that she had lost someone important to her. And she doesn't want to feel that loss again.
"I'm sorry, Iris. I'm going to Lindheim tonight. Hopefully I can come back as soon as possible."
Isabel writes a short message about her departure. After that she put it in an envelope and placed it on the table. So that Olivia finds the letter the next day.
She opened the cupboard and took out the cloak hanging inside. Isabel sneaked into the stables.
Once outside the mansion, Isabel spurred the horse she was riding on.