Chapter 22

“This… this is…” I scrambled to my feet, knowing full well I couldn’t hide the evidence. I had taken those books without permission, without asking the Baron first.

To my surprise, the Baron didn’t scold me. He took the “Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy” and exclaimed, “Wow… you can understand this? I never expected…”

“No, no,” I quickly waved my hands in denial. “I can’t understand it… I was just skimming.”

The Baron sat on the sofa and smiled. “I never thought you’d be interested in science.” To be honest, these books only made me want to sleep.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me,” the Baron said lightly as he flipped through the pages.

Stunned, I felt an inexplicable joy well up inside me. Flustered, I stood before him and stammered, “Of course, if you’re willing to teach me, it would be my greatest honor… I barely understand any of it.”

“Alright,” the Baron said with an intrigued expression. “You can tell me what you don’t understand, and we can discuss it. Honestly, these books are quite obscure—I don’t fully grasp them either.”

“I… I don’t understand anything.” I stammered, feeling my face burn instantly. Nothing could make me feel more ashamed than appearing foolish in front of the baron.

“Well then, we can discuss the relationship between formal motion and force. According to Sir Newton’s theory, we use mathematical formulas to classify forms of motion, and then through multiplication operations…”

“I… I don’t know multiplication…”

The baron froze for a minute, then burst into laughter. He put the heavy book back on the shelf and asked me, “Would you like to learn arithmetic first?”

“If you’re willing to teach me,” I said, my face flushed red. “I’m very stupid… I’m truly sorry.”

“Not at all…” the baron murmured softly, though I didn’t catch it clearly. He pulled out a small booklet from the shelf and began teaching me basic arithmetic.

The baron’s voice was deep, his explanations detailed and interesting, making one feel at ease. From then on, he would set aside time every day to teach me. He was knowledgeable, eloquent, and extremely patient in teaching. Unconsciously, I became drawn to him, my gaze always following him, with indescribable emotions stirring in my heart.

I began to work very hard, sometimes even studying late into the night, just to earn an encouraging glance from him. Later, he not only taught me mathematics but also introduced me to literary works and music. Our time together grew longer and longer; sometimes he would spend entire days discussing poetry or history with me, even setting aside official duties.

By early summer, I suddenly realized that the baron had hardly gone out at all during the entire social season and rarely received guests. Most of his time was spent in the study—more precisely, spent on me. The time we spent alone together was longer than ever before, from morning till night, whether talking, playing chess, or reading.

Those days passed swiftly, almost in the blink of an eye. During that time, I couldn’t recall anything, unable to remember my past life, let alone revenge. I simply sat quietly facing the baron, listening to his fascinating stories and his lively conversations. Unconsciously, I became immersed in his thoughts.

The origin of all this was simply because I suddenly decided to learn about his conversation with Lilyanna. Before the social season ended, the baron attended Count Gerard’s dinner party once again. Just like last time, Lilyanna remained by the baron’s side, her expression full of attachment, which left a deep impression on me.

“My lord, must you really leave? Miles Manor cannot bear to part with you—not even the bustle of the capital could make you stay a few more days?” Lilyanna asked reluctantly.

“Oh, women are so simple-minded,” Count Gerard said with a laugh. “Austin is a very busy man; nothing can do without him. Next time, we can visit his manor directly, so don’t be sad.”

“Of course, my lord. I look forward to your and your daughter’s visit,” the baron replied with a slight bow.

“Speaking of which…” the count said quietly, steering his daughter away, “I’m planning to make an investment…”

As the two of them walked away, Lilyanna turned to me and asked, “Are you the baron’s valet?”

I hurriedly bowed and replied, “Honorable Miss Gerard, I am the baron’s valet, Toker.”

“Hello, Toker,” Lilyanna said with a gentle smile. “I know this is abrupt, but I have a private question I’d like to ask you…”

“Please go ahead. I’ll answer to the best of my ability,” I replied.

“This is embarrassing for me to ask, but… the baron… does he currently have any close female friends?” she asked, her face flushed red.

“Well… no, our baron has no close female friends,” I answered.

“Really?” Lilyanna’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, Mr. Toker. This answer fills me with delight.”

“You’re too kind…” After the dinner party ended that evening, I hesitantly brought up the matter while helping the baron change his clothes.

“Miss Gerard asked me if the Baron had any close female friends, and I presumptuously answered no…” I said cautiously. The Baron didn’t seem to mind, just nodding slightly. After hesitating a moment, I added, “My lord, do you… do you like Miss Gerard?”

My question was somewhat out of line—as a servant, I had no right to pry into my master’s private affairs. But I desperately wanted to know the answer, so taking advantage of the Baron’s indulgence toward me, I mustered the courage to ask, anxiously awaiting his response.

The Baron finally turned to look at me and smiled. “I thought you knew,” he said. Seeing my confusion, he added, “I don’t like women; I only like men. You know this.”

“Yes, but… I saw you two getting along so well, as if you were very compatible…” I ventured.

“What? Do you like her and hope she becomes your mistress?” the Baron suddenly asked.

The question caught me off guard, leaving me speechless. After a moment of silence, I finally murmured, “I only wish for you, my lord, to find someone who loves you and whom you can love in return.”

The Baron fell silent. He stared at me, his eyes unusually bright in the candlelight, but said nothing.

“Not that I specifically meant Miss Gerard…” I hurriedly added. “It’s just… she seemed utterly infatuated with you, going out of her way to ask about you and gazing at you with such affection, so…”

The Baron let out a low chuckle and shook his head. “No, you’re mistaken. She doesn’t love me, but it’s true that she wants to marry me…”

I looked at him in confusion. The Baron explained, “She did put in considerable effort—researching the books I bought in the capital and discussing topics I enjoy. Unfortunately, her understanding is superficial, as if she’s parroting someone else’s thoughts. She doesn’t genuinely care for these things. As for her ‘affectionate gaze,’ I dare say every target she’s set her sights on has been subjected to that same enamored look. But believing her would be foolish.”

Then, the Baron looked at me teasingly. “Moreover, she very shrewdly sought out my valet to convey her ‘feelings’ for me—and you did deliver her message. Such a girl is truly clever and deserves praise.”

It dawned on me then. Of course—she was a noblewoman. No matter how innocent or naive she appeared, her true nature would always remain elusive. Hadn’t Lauren already proven that?

The Baron continued, “Her father is reckless with money and inept at managing his estate. Despite being a count, he lives off loans. I suspect this young lady has little to no dowry. That’s why she hunts among wealthy nobles like a predator—and I’m surely not her only target.”

“She… she shouldn’t be like this,” I said angrily.

“Why not? Isn’t chasing wealth and status perfectly natural?” the Baron retorted.

“I don’t condemn pursuing wealth, but deceiving others under the guise of love—isn’t that despicable?” I exclaimed.

The Baron laughed. “Even I’m not angry, so why are you so upset? Is it because you were fooled by ‘innocent’ Lilyanna’s affections? My dear Toker, you must understand that in noble circles—especially among noblewomen—trading love for wealth is utterly commonplace. There’s no need for such outrage.”

My fury boiled over. “Why aren’t you angry? She pretends to love you just for your money—how is that any different from a swindler? If that were all, fine, but what if you fell in love with her? What would become of your love? Who would repay such wasted affection?”

The Baron fell silent, staring at me blankly. After a pause, he took a step forward and murmured, “If I loved her, perhaps I wouldn’t care if she traded her love for my wealth.”

I retorted loudly, “What wealth buys is never love.”

The baron suddenly moved very close, staring into my eyes, and I could even feel his breath. Startled, I took a step back in surprise.

The baron abruptly turned and walked toward the bed, his back to me, saying coldly, “You may leave now.”

I didn’t say much, just gave a slight bow and then left the baron’s room.

The night wind in early summer was strong, stirring my emotions into chaos. I stood alone in the dark corridor, my heart pounding fast.

Just then, I heard music coming from the baron’s room. Wasn’t he resting? When I left, I saw he had already extinguished the candles…

The melody of the violin remained graceful and lingering, flowing slowly through the lonely summer night, making it even harder to calm down.

That night, I barely slept at all.

The next day, Miles Manor received unexpected guests. Viscount Lloyd and his family arrived in a grand carriage procession.