I gently stroked Elena's head as she sniffled in my arms.
Perhaps my embrace had triggered something within her. Gradually, her tears, which had seemed endless, subsided, and her icy body regained its warmth.
Since I couldn't read minds, it was impossible for me to know what someone truly felt.
What startled me was the sight of Elena Edelweiss crying. It was difficult to brush it off as typical teenage behavior. Even though Elena was portrayed as an introvert in the novel, she had always had a heart as tough as steel. I could count on one hand the number of times she had shed tears throughout the entire story.
It seemed that a lot had changed. The girl in my arms had only known me for less than a day, yet she had been cheerful and lively to me. I found myself flustered when the same girl suddenly burst into tears over a change in topic.
I questioned whether she was putting on an act, but her eyes held genuine remorse, sadness, and bitterness. Those emotions were directed at me, Damian. She wouldn't have acted this way towards the original Damian; she would have glared at me with resentment instead of embracing me so meekly. So, it meant she was behaving like this because it was me. She had acted the same way yesterday. Had she done something that made her owe me a favor?
I decided not to dwell on it any longer, as further pondering would only lead to unnecessary headaches.
I had brooded over it yesterday and eventually gave up without finding an answer. Even if I had come to a conclusion, I would have been mistaken anyway.
I didn't consider asking her directly because I didn't want to make her cry again. Damian might have desired it, but I didn't have such inclinations.
'She looks more beautiful when she's smiling than when she's crying, why can't you see that? '
That was precisely why Damian was a third-rate villain who had been eliminated from the very beginning. The fool was utterly clueless.
'I really don't know anymore.'
There was always a reason behind someone's goodwill. I was well aware of that fact. Whatever her motives, it was clear that her heart would eventually change, and she would leave for the other Male Lead candidates once the original plot kicked in.
'So let's not muse on it since I'm always going to be the villain of this novel.'
The role of a villain named Damian Kraus was to hurt the main character and be despised by her, not to receive her love. No matter what I did, it wouldn't change the fact that I had been assigned the role of a villain.
Perhaps breaking off our engagement so early on for my own safety was pointless. The outcome was inevitable.
Even after the original plot started, it was possible that I would remain her fiancé for a while. However, it was guaranteed that Damian Kraus and Elena Edelweiss would eventually break up. There was no way for someone like me, who couldn't alter a person's fate, to change a significant event that would serve as a turning point in this world.
I would end up hurting her in some way, and then she would leave. I just hoped it would end with a simple parting. The actions I took now were merely to settle my debts for the events to come.
"How long do you want to stay like this? Didn't we agree to browse the manor together?" I murmured to Elena.
I lightly tapped her, as she was still leaning on me, and wiped away the tears she had shed.
Her eyes were slightly reddish but not very swollen. They remained as beautiful as ever.
I also noticed that her breathing had returned to normal now that we were so close to each other.
"The weather is lovely today. You can see the garden vividly from here, but it would be even better to experience it in person. The breeze carries the scent of fragrant flowers. And of course, the Isilia Pavilion has more to offer than just that."
She slowly started to lean away from my chest.
Elena's skin was very white, so it was particularly noticeable when she blushed. She also knew of her trait as she lowered her head to conceal her face.
It seemed that I had alleviated some of her worries, and she had brightened up a bit.
I chuckled at the sight, and she curled up even more upon hearing my laughter, which I found adorable.
She covered her face with both hands.
I extended my hand towards her.
"So, would you do me the honor of allowing me to show you the view from the Isilia Pavilion?"
Elena remained silent, so I added a few more words.
"Come to think of it, I didn't explain the origin of the Isilia Pavilion's name. Isilia was said to be the name of the first Count Kraus' wife. The first count built this annex and named it after her. Since then, this place has been established as a space for the wives of House Kraus."
At my words, a slight flinch passed through Elena's body.
"Elena, since you are the bride-to-be to the next count of the household, wouldn't it be better if you learned the path here ahead of time?"
A small hand tightly clasped mine.
One of her hands had moved away from her face, revealing half of it. Her face was still flushed, but I could see a slight curl at the corner of her lips and her smiling violet eyes.
At that moment, a feeling tugged at the corner of my heart, suggesting that she might not be the only one feeling disheartened when that day arrived.