CHAPTER 181: FOOLISH AUREN!

Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, Elyria and Auren walked side by side beneath the shade of wisteria trees. The air was calm, filled with the soft hum of distant laughter and lute music that was being played by the courtesans practising for tomorrow.

Auren’s steps were steady, but his eyes kept drifting toward her. He wanted to speak but had no idea how to start a conversation. He cleared his throat and finally parted his lips to speak.

"It hasn’t changed much," he said softly. "You always kept this place beautiful."

Elyria smiled faintly. "I didn’t do anything."

For a while, they walked in silence. Every now and then, courtesans would bow politely, their eyes flicking curiously between the Marquess and their lady.

’Is that man a noble?’

’Is he here for Rin’s mother? They look good together,’

’Shhh! You can’t let them hear you,’

Auren cleared his throat.

"You don’t have to humble yourself. You’ve built something remarkable here, Elyria. I never thought a brothel could look... elegant."

"It’s not just a brothel," she replied. "It’s a home for the Omegas who were thrown away by nobles and men who used them. We gave them work, dignity, and safety."

His eyes softened. "That sounds like Rin and... You."

She looked ahead, avoiding his gaze.

"Don’t speak as if you still know me, Auren."

He chuckled quietly. "You’re right. I probably don’t."

They reached a balcony overlooking the inner courtyard, where the decorations were being hung... silk banners, lanterns, and garlands of gold feathers.

Auren frowned slightly. "What’s all this? Is there perhaps a celebration happening?"

Elyria followed his gaze. "The Golden Goose game. It’s tomorrow night."

He froze. "The Golden Goose game?"

She turned her head. "You know it?"

Auren nodded slowly. "Of course, I have. It’s... infamous. Nobles and commoners alike attend for the entertainment... and for the golden goose himself." He hesitated. "Who’s performing again? Rin? I’ve heard so much about him,"

"I guess my son is that popular," Elyria’s lips curved into a faint smile. "However, not anymore. Rin won’t be the golden goose,"

"Really? It’s a shame that everyone would miss their favourite golden goose." Auren blinked. "So who... Who would be replacing Rin?"

"Me," she said simply.

He stopped walking. "You?"

She nodded, her tone calm. "Yes. I’m taking his place from now on."

"What?" Auren’s brows furrowed. "But... why?"

Elyria turned to him, meeting his gaze. "Because I want to."

"That’s not an answer," he said quietly. "Elyria, you don’t need to..."

"I do," she interrupted. "I can’t allow my son to continue, especially since he would be getting married after the war. I don’t want him to ruin his relationship with his partner,"

"But..."

"And also, it’s my decision." She concluded after the second interruption.

He took a slow step closer. "You said Rin’s getting married. Why risk yourself now? You could..."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Auren."

He stopped immediately.

"Don’t question my choices. You said you’d given up on me, didn’t you?"

His shoulders stiffened. He lowered his gaze. "I said I would. I never said I did."

Elyria sighed softly. "You’re still the same fool."

He smiled faintly, though his eyes looked tired. "Maybe. But it’s because I loved you. I still do."

Her voice turned colder. "Then stop."

He flinched slightly at the sharpness in her tone.

"No matter what you say or do," she continued, "it won’t stop me from being the golden goose. This is my choice."

Auren’s shoulders sank, defeat heavy in his voice.

"You always did whatever you wanted. I admired that about you."

She turned away. "Then keep admiring from afar."

He exhaled deeply, then smiled weakly.

"Thank you for the tour. I’ve seen enough. It’s... been good to see you again."

Elyria nodded, her expression unreadable.

"I’ll have Rin escort you to the exit."

"No need," he said softly. "I remember the way."

They walked in silence back to the entrance. Seraphina was waiting near the carriage, her eyes red from crying. When she saw her father, she straightened immediately, pretending composure.

Auren turned to Elyria one last time and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Lady Elyria. And... please, tell Rin I said goodbye."

"I will," she said softly.

Their eyes met for a moment... old feelings, regrets, and unspoken words flickering in that brief silence... before he turned and entered the carriage with Seraphina.

The wheels began to move, the sound fading slowly down the lane.

Elyria stood there for a long while, her gaze distant. She remembered the woman that humiliated in public. She was also a noble lady and was supposed to be Auren’s wife. No, she was Auren’s wife even though she’s late.

Seraphina looked just like her mother and seeing her face one more time, made Elyria remember that same woman.

She rubbed her forehead and tried to forget Auren again but she just couldn’t. It’s all Elias’s fault but she couldn’t blame him. Her innocent and sweet son had no idea about her past.

"Still haunting old ghosts, are we?"

The voice made her glance to the side. Lirien approached, folding her arms, a teasing grin on her face.

Elyria sighed. "You really like showing up at the right time, don’t you?"

Lirien smirked. "That was Auren, wasn’t it?"

"Yes, he was the one,"

Lirien’s eyes rolled. "Please... don’t tell me he’s still after you."

Elyria said nothing.

"Elyria."

Still silence as Elyria pressed her lips together.

"Why aren’t you saying anything?" Lirien pressed. "Talk to me."

Elyria finally looked at her.

"Didn’t you just say I shouldn’t tell you he’s after me?"

Lirien groaned, dragging a hand over her face. "You’re impossible."

"Maybe."

"Ugh." Lirien sighed and muttered, "Fine. I’ll double the security tomorrow night, just in case that lovesick fool decides to crash the Golden Goose choosing."

Elyria turned her eyes back to the fading street and murmured softly, "Yeah... do that. It’s most necessary,"

She didn’t smile. She didn’t frown.

But her eyes, which were glowing faintly under the lantern light, hinted at thoughts she didn’t voice.

’I can’t believe he still loves me after so long... You’re still a fool, Auren,’