"You ask a lot of questions, don't you?" Ryan finally spoke, his voice calm as usual. However, behind his words, there was something deeper, a secret that Ryan hid deep in his heart.
His gaze remained focused on the beautiful night sky, as if searching for answers among the twinkling stars.
Ryan stared out the window, lost in thought, his mind filled with unease.
"Damn, it feels exhausting after fighting with Dad... I didn't expect to faint after using the Frozen Destruction Sub-Skill. When using the Frozen Heart Skill, I never felt this tired," Ryan thought, still feeling the effects of the previous battle.
"What should I say to her? Should I be honest? No, that's unnecessary... Ellina won't come with me. Besides, there's no point in Ellina knowing about this." Ryan's eyes glanced briefly at Ellina, who stood calmly.
"Ellina... such a beautiful woman. Ellina's face is graceful, her body enchanting, with unwavering loyalty. In the novel, Ellina always faithfully served Lyana, even until Lyana married Evans. But Ellina... she never had a romantic or intimate relationship with anyone, if I remember correctly." Ryan's gaze studied Ellina's figure more closely.
"It is said that Ellina once served Ryan... me." Ryan's thoughts paused for a moment as memories from the novel returned to his mind.
"After Ryan died, Ellina began serving Lyana. As far as I remember, the reason Ellina never formed a relationship with another man was..." Ryan's face slightly furrowed as he realized the irony of the situation.
...
...
...
In Lyana's Room.
Lyana sat in front of the mirror as Ellina skillfully styled her hair. Today was a big day; the engagement with Evans was approaching, and Lyana looked radiant with happiness.
"Why have you never wanted to find a man to marry, Ellina?" Smiling brightly, Lyana turned to Ellina.
"Do you really want to know, Miss Lyana?" Ellina paused for a moment, her lips curving into a melancholic smile.
"Of course! You never seem interested in anyone, which makes me curious."
"In the past... I promised Mr. Ryan." Ellina sighed softly, continuing her work gently.
"Brother Ryan?" Lyana was surprised. Hearing Ryan's name made Lyana fall silent.
"Yes, Miss. Mr. Ryan once said that I should become his second wife, after Her Highness Princess Alina. However... before that could happen, Mr. Ryan passed away..." Ellina's voice softened as she lowered her head.
"So, that's why you don't want to marry... because of the promise you made to Brother Ryan?" Lyana fell silent, feelings of sadness and sympathy filling her heart.
"Yes, Miss... I cannot break that promise." Ellina gave a small smile, though there was bitterness behind it.
"Yes, that was the first promise that Mr. Ryan and I made, and also the last. However... that promise could not be fulfilled. Ah... I'm sorry... I shouldn't have brought up something so sad." Ellina tried to wipe away the tears flowing down her cheeks, but they wouldn't stop.
"Ellina..." Lyana approached and gently hugged Ellina, trying to offer comfort.
"I... I'm afraid to enter a marriage with a promise to be together forever, because I'm worried that promise won't be kept again..." Ellina revealed the real reason behind her reluctance to marry.
"I'm sorry, Ellina. I shouldn't have asked that. But you can't keep dwelling like this. You have to move forward and grow. I know that Brother Ryan would be very happy if you married the man you love. Don't be afraid of promises that may not be kept, but try to make them right in the future," Lyana said softly, trying to encourage her.
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