I gently stroked Elena’s head as she quietly sobbed in my arms.

Activate my inner strength, perhaps because I held her close, the tears that seemed endless gradually subsided, and her body, as cold as ice, began to regain warmth.

Having lived as a young master of a noble family, carrying a handkerchief had become second nature, so wiping away her tears was not difficult.

True to the wealthy Count Kraus House, the handkerchief was made of soft silk, but I couldn’t help but act cautiously, fearing that I might injure her delicate face while drying her tears.

‘Are teenage girls generally so emotionally volatile?’

Isn’t sixteen already past the age of puberty? I’m not so sure.

I don’t have mind-reading powers, so how could I possibly know someone else’s innermost thoughts?

However, the fact that Elena Edelweiss was crying certainly shocked me; in the novel, she was portrayed as an introvert with a heart as strong as steel, shedding tears only on rare occasions. It seemed like a significant change from the novel, and even in the short time since we met—less than a day—I only saw her as lively and cheerful.

But now, the girl who was laughing and chatting with me moments ago suddenly broke into tears when the topic shifted. It was I who felt bewildered.

Could it have been an act? But the regret and sadness reflected in her eyes were undeniably directed at me, Damian. Yet that didn’t quite seem to match the Damian I was familiar with.

If she knew the original Damian, she would have probably hit me with a look of hatred rather than snuggling up so sweetly in my arms. So it must be genuine feelings directed solely towards me, but had there been anything that could warrant her affection from yesterday?

I decided not to dwell on it any further. I knew further pondering would only lead to unnecessary headaches.

I had already given up trying to find an answer yesterday, and I would only end up with pointless assumptions. It would be evident that I wouldn’t obtain anything meaningful.

Asking her directly seemed out of the question. I certainly didn’t want to make her cry again with just a word, even though this Damian’s body seemed to want that very thing. I have no interest in making people cry.

Why doesn’t she realize that her smiling face is far more beautiful than when she’s crying? This is exactly why I got disqualified as a third-rate villain early on. This dude is completely clueless.

‘I really don’t understand anymore.’

There’s no such thing as inexplicable kindness.

I know this very well, but whatever the reason may be, once the original story begins, it’s clear that her heart will eventually drift towards one of the male leads.

So, I shouldn’t entertain unnecessary thoughts.

I’m just a villain in the story after all.

Villains are meant to inflict wounds and bear hatred, not to receive love. No matter what efforts I make, the fact that I am Damian, the antagonist, won’t change.

My attempts to break off the engagement early for my own well-being might be a pointless endeavor. The outcome was already predetermined.

Even if the original story begins, I might remain her fiancé for quite some time. But the engagement between Damian Kraus and Elena Edelweiss is absolute. If I couldn’t even change one person’s fate, there’s no way I could alter an event as significant as a turning point in the world.

I will inevitably wound her and leave.

I merely hope it ends simply as a “parting.”

Thus, my actions now exist merely to alleviate some sense of guilt for whatever may transpire in the future.

“How long will you keep this up? Didn’t we say we would go explore the Lord’s Castle together?”

I softly called out to Elena, still nestled in my arms, giving her an affectionate pat.

I wiped away all the tears she had shed.

Her eyes had only slightly reddened; they didn’t appear overly puffy. She still looked beautiful in my eyes.

It was impossible not to notice that her previously chaotic breathing had now returned to a calmer, steadier state, especially being so close to her.

“The weather is lovely today. While you can see the garden from here, it would be much better to see it in person. The gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers. Of course, Isilia Pavilion holds more than just that.”

As she slowly leaned away from me, she stepped back from my chest.

Elena had very fair skin, so her face noticeably reddened. Perhaps aware of this, she averted her gaze and lowered her head, trying to hide.

Maybe having cleared her worries a bit, I couldn’t help but smile at her behavior. At the sight of me laughing, she curled herself up even smaller, but to me, she was just adorable.

I extended my hand in front of her, who was covering her face with both hands.

“Then, please allow me the honor of introducing you to Isilia Pavilion.”

Elena remained silent. I decided to add a few more words.

“By the way, I haven’t explained the origin of the name Isilia. The name Isilia comes from the first lady of the Kraus family. So, the first head of the household built this annex in her honor. Since then, Isilia Pavilion has established itself as the residence of the Kraus house’s lady.”

Just then—

“Elena, as my fiancée, the future Countess Kraus, wouldn’t it be wise to familiarize yourself with the pathways here?”

As soon as I finished speaking, her small hand tightly grasped mine.

Once one of her hands was removed from her face, half of her visage appeared.

Her exposed side was still flushed, but the corners of her mouth were uplifted, and her violet eyes sparkled with joy reflected in my gaze.

At the sight of her face, a thought drifted quietly into my heart: perhaps, when that fateful day arrives, she won’t be the only one feeling sorrow.