The Elrod family initially amassed their fortune through usury¹, using their accumulated wealth to acquire titles of nobility, thus consolidating their social standing.
During the reign of Eileen's grandfather, the wealthy and prestigious family went into decline.
Eileen's father was at the root of it all.
Despite his notorious recklessness, he was the only legitimate heir of the family. When Eileen's grandfather died and her father assumed the title of Baron Elrod, a chain of tragic events began.
With no one to challenge him, the new Baron ran rampant and did as he pleased. His family fell into ruin after he squandered his entire fortune.
The Elrod family's last hope rested with Eileen's mother, who tirelessly pleaded for support for her parents. She sold properties to pay off debts, but even after downsizing to a modest brick house, Eileen's father continued to drown his sorrows in alcohol and gambling.
The family's decline culminated during Eileen's university studies in botany and pharmacology. Eileen rushed home after receiving a distressing letter from her mother, only to discover that their situation had already spiraled out of control.
Unable to pay Eileen's tuition and struggling to put food on the table, the family was forced to sell their only remaining asset, the brick house. Despite Eileen and her mother's great efforts to keep it, they found themselves fighting a losing battle.
In the midst of despair, Eileen's father casually mentioned Cesare.
His mother would give him a dirty look every time he said that.
Cesare was aware of the Elrod family's situation. He subtly asked if Eileen needed financial help. The girl always refused, insisting that they were fine.
But her reasoning was different from her mother's. Eileen wasn't afraid of her passion. She simply didn't want to appear miserable in front of the man. And yet, there came a time when she was forced to seek help.
Eileen's father was the root of the problem.
'I didn't even have the money to pay for my mother's funeral.'
Perhaps she would have died on the same day as her mother if it hadn't been for Cesare.
The day his mother passed away…
After gathering every penny she had, she sent it to the doctor, who confirmed her mother's death. After that, all that remained was a single, lonely house.
The girl had no idea how long she had sat there alone beside her mother's body. At some point, Eileen got up and went to the Imperial Palace. She didn't have enough money to rent a carriage, so she wandered aimlessly until she ran into Cesare by chance.
Dressed in hunting attire, the man looked as if he had returned from a hunt. As soon as Cesare noticed Eileen's pitiful state, he realized that his old nanny had died.
"Eileen Elrod."
Eileen stood at attention upon hearing her full name. Cesare wasn't much of a comforter. However, he decided to be her pillar of strength in his own way.
"Get a grip. Where is Baroness Elrod's will?"
Cesare was the first to receive the will. He didn't wipe away Eileen's tears until he delivered the papers to her lawyer, far from the greedy clutches of Baron Elrod. Eileen murmured distractedly, clutching the handkerchief Cesare had given her.
"I have a funeral to conduct..."
"Eileen?"
"But I don't have any money..."
"I need money... Please lend it to me. I'm so sorry. I'll definitely pay you back."
Eileen couldn't remember what Cesare had said in response. During that time, she was almost completely out of it. Unable to cope with her grief, she finally lost consciousness. The funeral had already ended when she regained consciousness.
In the capital's most opulent cemetery, lilies surrounded her mother's tomb. They were the Baroness's favorite flower when she was alive.
Eileen tried to pay for the funeral expenses, but Cesare refused, claiming it was his last gift to his deceased nanny.
— ……
Eileen couldn't stop reliving the moment. The unexpected proposal and the kiss triggered a wave of thoughts in her mind, making her attempt to read seem pathetic. She sighed and put down the book before getting up from her chair and approaching the mirror.
The woman reflected was unattractive, with messy blonde hair, bangs that covered half her eyes, large glasses, and baggy clothes that revealed nothing of her body.
The ladies of society were always immaculate. Makeup and well-groomed hair were a given. They wore dresses that accentuated their slender waists, shoulders, and bare arms. Unlike Eileen, who was only interested in plants, they were well-versed in a variety of subjects, including dancing and etiquette.
There were so many women out there who were as beautiful as flowers. Yet, someone as traditional as Eileen was about to become Archduchess. It was a complete disgrace to Cesare's reputation. She couldn't bring such shame upon someone who was more than a simple benefactor to her.
How could she avoid execution and not get married at the same time?
After considering how to persuade Cesare, she felt uncomfortable and opened the bedroom door. The house was silent.
Her father had not yet returned.
Although it was common for him not to return home after gambling or drinking, today was different.
'My father must have heard that the Arc de Triomphe has been approved.'
That morning, she saw her father with a smile. He had probably heard the news before Eileen.
She wondered if her father had gone out to meet Cesare and engage in meaningless conversation. Then she decided she would confront her father when he returned. For now, she had decided to go to bed early.
But her father did not return the next day. A week passed, and Eileen remained alone.
******
It could only be one of two things. Either he was dead, or he somehow acquired some money and got into a gambling spree.
There were no rumors about his death, so it was probably the last one. There was only one place he could have gone to lose his money.
I think he went to see His Grace, after all.
Cesare had never been friendly with his father, seeing him as a stranger. She knew that if Cesare had given her money, she should have received something in return. But she had no idea what her father could have offered.
She had to find her father, return the money, and persuade him never to do such a thing again. So she set out to find the gambling den her father frequented.
Hello, young man. Come in! Is this your first time here?
— You're so cute. Want to have some fun with your little sister?
Eileen could only stare blankly at the scene before her. The gambling den was out of sight, and she was surrounded by women with partially exposed breasts, laughing and taunting her mercilessly.
All of this happened because Eileen was afraid to walk alone in the streets at night. So she disguised herself as a man, albeit poorly. She wanted to ask where the gambling house was, but she was afraid her voice would give away her disguise.
Eileen ran forward, unsure where to look. The women in red shawls burst into laughter whenever they saw someone uncomfortable. She felt like running away when they stretched out their arms to grab her.
That's when a man came into Eileen's field of vision. He looked like a mobster, leaning against the wall of the store, smoking a cigarette.
To be continued…