32.

Serenity ultimately chose five different shades of green curtains, each to be used according to the seasons, as originally planned. For the bedding, she selected white linens with intricate embroidery, which would add a touch of elegance to the otherwise simple space.

The ride back in the carriage was quiet. Clagen, who had been gazing out the window into the darkness, suddenly spoke.

“I suppose that’s why I fell for Julie.”

It was an abrupt confession.

“I like things that don’t change. So did Julie.”

“…”

Serenity was caught off guard and momentarily at a loss for words. Clagen continued, sensing her surprise.

“I never realized it until she was gone. I’m quick to notice others, but it’s hard to understand my own feelings.”

Clagen’s face bore a bitter expression as he added,

“I need to reconsider talking about Julie to convey my sincerity. The more I talk, the more exposed I feel. It would have been better if I had been a decent person from the start.”

The carriage came to a stop.

“Would you like to get off?”

Clagen didn’t wait for Serenity’s answer. His emotions, perhaps triggered by seeing traces of Julie in Serenity, were more intense than he expected. Unnecessary words kept spilling out.

Serenity alighted from the carriage.

“Until we meet again, stay healthy. I hope by then, we can save Julie.”

Clagen had no intention of staying at the castle. He got back into the carriage after bidding farewell. He had traveled from the capital to spend a half-day with Serenity.

Serenity was engulfed in mixed emotions.

She had seen Clagen’s sincerity, but her heart was not moved.

Past wounds do not justify all actions, and Clagen seemed aware of this.

…Yet, she learned one crucial fact.

The reason Clagen became the heir of earth.

The earth always remains in place, accepting and embracing change while maintaining its position.

Hearing why Clagen liked Julie made Serenity realize exactly what Julie had wanted from the heirs.

‘I wanted someone like that.’

Someone whose attitude towards her didn’t change.

Someone who would always be by her side with sincerity.

Someone constant.

Julie had wanted such a person, and now Serenity did too.

At that moment, she faintly felt the power of the earth before it faded away.

* * *

The curtains in Serenity’s room were changed. The bedding was also replaced. The castle was filled with the shades of green she had chosen.

‘How fascinating.’

It was intriguing to see how her choices had transformed the castle’s appearance. Whether walking down the hall or entering her room, the green hues always greeted her.

Waking up in the morning and opening the green curtains brought a sense of peace. Serenity opened the window and closed her eyes, basking in the sunlight.

“The weather is nice.”

It was a brilliantly sunny day.

After frequent visits to the lakeside, Serenity had successfully familiarized herself with the wind. She understood what Dante had meant. With her eyes closed, she could feel the flow of the wind.

However, unlike her water ability, she knew little about the other elements’ powers. Information on each ability was provided only to the heir candidates.

The wind was the most useful power to kill Julie. Serenity needed to fully understand and utilize this power. So she sent a letter to Dante, using a method similar to how he had sent his letter.

After writing the letter, she released it with the envelope Dante had given her.

“To Dante.”

At her command, the wind carried the letter far away.

She still had no idea about the power of the earth. Despite faintly feeling its presence while listening to Clagen, she didn’t know how to understand or use it. The same went for the power of fire.

‘It can’t be hidden forever.’

Serenity resolved to make an effort.

‘I’m moving towards happiness.’

Murmuring to herself for encouragement, Serenity left her room.

At that moment, Adele came running towards her.

“Miss Serenity!”

“What’s the matter?”

“Miss Yulia Liv is here. She said she visited a nearby estate and decided to stop by to greet you….”

Yulia’s visit was unexpected. Having the person she despised most in her favorite place was irritating. Serenity frowned.

‘There’s no need to meet her inside.’

Serenity loved the castle. The more her touch transformed the space, the more affection she felt for it. She didn’t want to bring Yulia into such a cherished space.

‘There’s no need to spend much time with her.’

She had no reason to accommodate Yulia’s desires. It wasn’t Serenity who was in need; it was Yulia. It wasn’t a bad idea to make Yulia stew until she was desperate.

‘This situation and position in relationships underscore the importance of current circumstances.’

Serenity moved leisurely.

* * *

The place chosen to meet Yulia was a restaurant in the heart of Artera. It had a discreet space ideal for private meals, making it perfect for their meeting. It was also a place recommended by Anna.

As Serenity sat, she observed Yulia approaching.

Yulia had put extra effort into her makeup and hair, which suited her well. However, her face showed signs of anxiety. Her bitten lips and wavering eyes revealed her unease. Having always had to cater to Yulia’s moods, Serenity knew exactly what state she was in.

Yulia smiled as she spotted Serenity.

“It’s been a while, Miss Serenity.”

Yulia’s smile was awkward as she sat down.

“I’m patrolling the territory and happened to be near Artera. Our last meeting didn’t end well, and I feel I didn’t express myself properly. So, I took the liberty of coming to see you.”

It was true that the Liv estate was close to Artera, but there was no pressing reason for Yulia to visit Serenity first. It was a transparent lie.

“I see.”

“I think there was a misunderstanding last time. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

Yulia repeatedly thanked Serenity and presented her with gifts. A box contained famous macarons from the capital, while another held a set of teacups with floral patterns. The carefully chosen gifts were clearly well-prepared.

“I’ve brought these gifts to show my sincerity. And actually, I wanted to show you this.”

After some hesitant delay, Yulia handed Serenity a small box filled with letters.

‘Hmm?’

Serenity frowned slightly.

“These are the letters Julie and I exchanged. She preferred writing to talking…”

Presenting evidence that even the person involved didn’t know existed was absurd. Serenity opened one of the letters.

“Julie and I were very close.”

The letters, written in an imitation of Julie’s handwriting, were full of expressions of affection towards Yulia, addressing her as ‘sister’ and reciprocating her feelings. Yulia’s responses were equally dramatic, referring to Serenity as her dear sibling.

‘She must have spent a lot of time on this.’

Finding a handwriting expert and writing so many letters must have cost a lot of money. Yulia must have felt quite the sting spending so much on something related to Julie.

This was precisely what Serenity had initially wanted.

But seeing it now didn’t make her feel good.

“So… do you feel the misunderstanding is resolved now?”

Yulia asked tentatively. Serenity, with a disinterested look, diverted the topic.

“Could you bring us the menu, please?”

“Oh, it’s lunchtime already.”

Yulia quickly adjusted to Serenity’s lead.

Yulia dragged out looking at the menu, knowing that their meeting would end after lunch and trying to buy more time.

‘Why isn’t she reacting as I expected?’

Yulia bit her nails in frustration. She had come all the way here with the letters because it seemed like something Serenity really wanted. Spending so much money just to fabricate a relationship with Julie Liv was infuriating, but she thought it would be worth it for a proper reward.

Knock, knock. There was a knock on the door.

‘Who could it be? The waiter is already here.’

It seemed wise to check.

“Come in.”

As Serenity allowed entry, a man entered, wiping sweat from his forehead as if he had just run. He glanced between Serenity and Yulia before addressing Yulia.

“Excuse me, are you Miss Yulia?”

“What is it?”

“Our shop is on fire, and it’s spreading quickly. Could you lend us your power?”

“…My power?”

Yulia inhaled sharply. She lowered her trembling hands under the table to hide them.

‘But…’

This was also an opportunity to impress Serenity. Yulia bit her lip.

“Excuse me, Miss Serenity.”

Yulia asked for Serenity’s permission, and Serenity nodded. Yulia was solely focused on winning Serenity’s favor.

* * *

The fire was larger than Yulia had anticipated. Flames were engulfing the shop.

People were desperately pouring water to extinguish the fire, but the flames were fierce and not easily subdued. There was a risk of the fire spreading to neighboring shops. The shop owners outside were anxiously stamping their feet.

Yulia sensed the water energy around her. Serenity could also feel the water energy.

Soon, a spray of water rose from Yulia’s hands. The water swirled into a vortex from her palm and fell onto the flames. With a hiss, the fire diminished slightly.

People looked at Yulia with admiration.

“Amazing.”

“That’s the power of a water heir…”

However, Serenity, comparing Yulia’s power to the fire, came to a different conclusion.

‘…It’s not enough.’

Sure enough, the flames grew stronger. The fire spread to the shops on either side.

“Quickly! We need more water! Get more people!”

People began to move hurriedly. Serenity glanced at Yulia.

Yulia’s face was pale with fear.