The night remained deep and still. Outside the window, the wind stirred the curtains, bringing in a trace of cool air. Inside the room, the warmth from earlier lingered in the air. Livia sat at the edge of the bed, draping the silk robe that had fallen to the floor over her shoulders. The sash was loosely tied around her waist, concealing the faint flush on her skin. Her hair was slightly tousled, her gaze deep, and her lips bore the subtle swelling of lingering heat.
She slowly rose to her feet, her bare feet sinking into the soft carpet as she walked toward the window. The night breeze brushed against her cheeks, dispelling the heat from her body and gradually restoring her clarity. Taking a deep breath, she turned to look at Marcellus on the bed.
He was half-reclining against the headboard, his bare upper body bathed in the glow of candlelight. His muscles were well-defined, exuding quiet strength. His gaze was cast downward, as if he had already anticipated what was coming.
As expected, Livia's voice, now calm and composed, broke the silence. "The matter regarding Elise—you promised me before. It's time to fulfill that promise."
Marcellus raised an eyebrow slightly. No surprise there. The moment Livia knocked on his door, he had known that tonight was not merely driven by emotion. Yet, hearing her say it outright still brought a hint of bitter amusement to his heart.
"You mean… acknowledging Elise as my sister?" His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of complex emotions beneath.
Livia nodded, her tone devoid of hesitation. "Yes. Since you've already agreed, don't go back on your word."
Marcellus fell silent for a moment before sighing. He ran a hand through his hair, his voice tinged with both exhaustion and resignation. "Livia, you didn't have to do this. Even without tonight, I would have said yes."
He lifted his gaze, looking at her deeply, his expression carrying something almost imperceptible. "You don't have to… use this method."
Livia's fingers curled slightly, but she did not respond. She knew exactly what he was implying. Yet, she remained composed, straightening her robe before turning away. Without hesitation, she left the room.
Marcellus watched her retreating figure, his brows furrowed, his expression unreadable. He had known from the start that Livia was never someone who would show weakness easily. If she had come to him tonight, it had to be with a purpose. He hadn't wanted to tear apart her pretense, but neither did he wish for her to make such a choice just to gain his agreement.
The cold night breeze drifted in from the open window, carrying a chill. His hand slowly clenched.
Back in her own chamber, Livia shut the door behind her, leaning against it as her chest rose and fell slightly. Her fingers instinctively tightened.
She told herself—this was for Elise. For Adrian. She knew the weight of Marcellus' name in the noble hierarchy, knew his influence could change Edgar's stance. She had to secure his support, had to give Elise a proper identity, had to ensure both Elise and Adrian a future without darkness.
Yet, as she closed her eyes, what surfaced in her mind was not her carefully calculated plan, but the warmth of the embrace from earlier—the familiar heat, the heart-stirring breaths, the memories she had locked away in the depths of the night.
She had told herself over and over again: this was merely a transaction. Nothing more.
But deep down, she knew—that wasn't entirely true.
She missed it. Missed his gentleness, missed the sense of security in his arms, missed the way he murmured her name in the dark.
But there was no going back. She had chosen her path, and this time, she would not turn back.
Taking a slow breath, she forced herself to suppress the emotions rising within her. Pressing a hand to her temple, she steadied herself, then walked toward the bed, pulling back the covers and lying down. Closing her eyes, she let the night swallow everything.
The Next Morning
At the break of dawn, the entire city was shaken.
As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the castle towers, the news spread like wildfire—Marcellus, the ever-composed, reserved nobleman who never acted on impulse, had just made an earth-shattering announcement.
From this day forward, he officially recognized Elise as his sworn sister and bestowed upon her his family name.
Like a boulder dropped into a still lake, the declaration sent shockwaves through every corner of the city.
For the nobility, mornings were typically leisurely—tea gatherings, hunting excursions, discussions in grand studies, or elegant strolls in garden courtyards. But today, nearly every noble household was engaged in the same topic.
"Have you heard? Marcellus acknowledged a common girl as his sister!"
"It's more than that! He granted her his surname! Do you know what that means? By law, they are now family by blood!"
"Unbelievable! Does Marcellus truly intend to defy the entire noble class for this girl?"
"The problem is… he actually has the power to do so."
Whispers filled the aristocratic halls, but the commotion was not confined to the nobles alone. In the bustling streets, the common folk were equally astounded.
"Who is this Elise? How did she make Marcellus go this far?"
"I heard she's Adrian's beloved, but her low status made the city lord disapprove…"
"But if Marcellus has taken her under his wing, will the city lord still oppose it? Elise is no longer just anyone—she is Marcellus' sister. Who would dare look down on her now?"
Speculations ran rampant, but regardless of public opinion, the decision had already been made.
Inside the Castle
Marcellus stood in the grand hall, exuding an air of authority and composure.
Dressed in a black formal suit, the golden insignia at his collar gleamed under the morning sun. His eyes were steady and unwavering as he stood atop the grand staircase, facing a room full of nobles and family members. His voice was calm yet resolute:
"From this day forth, Elise shall bear my name and be recognized as a member of my family."
The air in the hall grew tense in an instant.
The envoy from the city lord's estate stiffened, his expression shifting subtly, but he did not dare to object outright. The assembled nobles exchanged hushed whispers, their eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.
Marcellus cast his gaze across the room, his tone unwavering. "She will inherit my family name and enjoy the full protection of our house. Anyone who dares to oppose this decision—will stand against me."
His words were not loud, yet the weight they carried bore down upon the crowd like an unshakable mountain.
Among the gathered guests, Livia stood silently, the corner of her lips curving ever so slightly.
Her fingers slowly curled, lightly tracing the embroidery on her sleeve.
Now, all that remained was for Edgar to make his move.
That day, the city trembled at the weight of Elise's new identity.
And yet, the real storm—was only just beginning.