Killing Your Sweet Breath - Chapter 30

Chapter 15.2

Both Winter and Van couldn’t think of anyone who would visit the Helgram estate.

Even though the emperor had acknowledged their relationship, Van was still the man who had killed his own two brothers—the emperor’s sons.

Few people would dare request a meeting with Van Helgram in person. It would have been safer to send a secret letter to the estate instead.

No one wanted to risk incurring the emperor’s displeasure.

“Who is it?”

“Lady Lillian of House Antherden is here to see you, Lady Winter.”

Lady Lillian?

The room fell silent, the surprise palpable. Even the butler delivering the message sounded awkward.

“Wouldn’t it be better to send her away?”

Sheeran suggested, taking advantage of the silence to voice his concern.

Van chuckled, despite his own surprise, remembering how Sheeran had been worried that Lillian might harm Winter.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Sheeran. Lillian isn’t foolish enough to cause trouble in my house.”

Winter agreed as she left the room. She instructed the butler,

“Show her to the drawing room. I’ll be there shortly. Sianna, could you prepare some tea?”

Then she turned and headed down the long corridor toward the drawing room. Her curiosity quickened her pace as she wondered what Lillian wanted to discuss.

When she entered the drawing room and took her seat, it wasn’t long before Sianna arrived.

Compared to her appearance at the banquet, Lillian’s current outfit was more modest, though still lavish enough to flaunt her family’s prestige even in casual attire. She wore an elegant dress adorned with jewelry, and her smile was difficult to read.

Lillian greeted her first, and Winter responded politely.

“You look as beautiful as ever, Lady Antherden.”

“Please, call me Lillian. May I also call you Lady Winter?”

“Oh, of course!”

Winter replied, trying to sound excited about her upcoming wedding. She did her best to mimic the tone and mannerisms of other noblewomen as they interacted.

They exchanged pleasantries, inquired about each other’s well-being, and shared thoughts on the banquet they had both attended.

As the two women continued chatting and laughing behind polite masks, the maids brought light refreshments and tea.

“I should have invited you first, but I’ve been so preoccupied that it slipped my mind. I don’t know much about hosting banquets, and it seems His Grace didn’t suggest it either. It’s embarrassing.”

Winter said with a shy laugh as she sipped her tea.

To an outsider, she would have looked like a simple country girl lucky enough to have secured a match with a duke.

“It’s a difficult task for everyone. There’s no need to feel embarrassed, Lady Winter.”

“But Lady Lillian, you successfully hosted such a grand banquet. I really do admire you!”

“Hehe, thank you for your kind words. If you ever need any help, just ask me. I’m always happy to assist, especially for you, Lady Winter.”

“Really? Thank you so much.”

After chatting for a while, Winter felt her performance was pretty convincing.

It was so convincing that she wondered if a new persona had taken root within her.

“But aren’t you curious why I made this sudden visit?”

She set her teacup down with a soft clink, causing a ripple in the tea. Her eyes grew sharp, ready to reveal her true intentions.

“Ah, does the reason matter? I’m just happy to have made a friend to talk with here in the capital.”

But just because she decided to reveal her true colors didn’t mean Winter had to play along.

Winter noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor but maintained her innocent expression.

“I’m not one to beat around the bush, so I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve taken a liking to you, Lady Winter, and I’ve come to a conclusion.”

Lillian tilted her head, her lips curling into a broad smile.

“You are aware that there was a possibility I could have married Duke Van Helgram, yes?”

“Oh, yes… but His Grace said it wasn’t something I needed to worry about…”

Winter replied, deliberately exaggerating her troubled expression.

After all that back-and-forth, they were finally getting to the point. Soon, she would uncover Lillian’s true intentions for visiting the Helgram estate.

Winter lowered her head slightly, listening intently.

“I’ll become the lady of this house. In return, you can have Van Helgram.”

“Pardon me…?”

I’ve heard plenty of strange things today, but this takes it to a whole other level, Winter thought to herself.