The night deepened, casting long shadows across the Eryndor household. Basil sat quietly in his room, his mind replaying the conversation with Lira. Her silence and refusal to share her feelings gnawed at him, leaving an unfamiliar sense of unease.
As he mulled over her words, Celeste entered the room, her delicate features lit with curiosity. She had overheard the conversation between Basil and Lira, and though she usually respected boundaries, this time she couldn't resist.
"You seem troubled, husband," Celeste said, her tone playful but concerned as she settled on the chair opposite him.
Basil sighed, his sharp gaze softening when he met her eyes. "It's Lira. She's been acting strange lately. I can't figure out what's wrong."
Celeste smirked knowingly, leaning back in her chair. "You truly are clueless when it comes to women, aren't you?"
Basil raised an eyebrow. "Enlighten me then."
"It's jealousy, Basil," Celeste said simply, her voice tinged with amusement. "The girl's in love with you. It's obvious to anyone who's paying attention."
Basil blinked, her words catching him off guard. "Jealousy? Love? Lira?"
Celeste chuckled, standing and walking over to him. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression soft. "You've been blind to her feelings for years. She's always been by your side, enduring everything for your sake. And now, seeing you married to me, it's shaken her."
Basil frowned, the realization sinking in. "So what am I supposed to do about it?"
Celeste grinned. "Isn't it obvious? Marry her. If you care about her even half as much as she cares about you, then give her the place she deserves in your life."
Basil stared at her, momentarily speechless. He had always respected Celeste for her sharp mind and unwavering confidence, but her suggestion surprised him.
"You're... okay with this?" he asked cautiously.
Celeste laughed softly. "I knew what I was getting into when I married you. Besides, Lira is someone important to you. I'd rather see her happy than watch her suffer in silence."
Basil nodded slowly, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, Celeste. I'll talk to her."
Later that night, Basil found Lira in the garden, her silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. She looked up when she heard his footsteps, her expression guarded.
"Lira," he said gently, approaching her.
"Young Master," she replied, her voice steady but distant.
Basil took a deep breath. "There's something I need to ask you."
She tilted her head slightly, confused.
"Do you love me?" he asked bluntly, his eyes locked on hers.
Lira's breath hitched, her composure cracking. She looked away, her hands clenching at her sides. "Why are you asking me this?"
"Because I need to know," Basil said firmly. "I've been blind to so many things, but I refuse to be blind to this."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to find the words. Finally, she whispered, "Yes. I love you. I've loved you for as long as I can remember. But I know my place. You're married now, and I have no right to—"
Basil stepped closer, cutting her off. "Lira, stop. You've always been by my side, even when I didn't deserve it. I don't care about the past. What matters is now. And now, I want you to stay by my side—not as my maid, but as my wife."
Her eyes widened, disbelief and hope mingling in her expression. "You mean that?"
"I do," Basil said, his voice steady and sincere.
Lira's tears spilled over as she nodded, her heart too full for words. Basil reached out, gently wiping away her tears.
"You've always been mine, Lira," he said softly. "And now, it's time everyone knows it."