[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 23

At first, the personal funds that the Countess managed herself were depleted. Then, her jewellery followed—heirloom pieces, rare gems that could no longer be mined, were sold at bargain prices. Tyron exploded when rumours spread that she had even sold off parts of the estate, and her second son’s engagement was broken off.

“I’m leaving this place. To hell with all of it! Damn the Eclipse name! What? An honourable family? It will all be ruined in this generation, so what good is it to anyone? I’m leaving, starting over from scratch. I’m done with this doomed house, done with it all!”

Every night, arguments erupted. Tyron would cry and berate the Countess, who would turn away and ignore her.

If the Countess hadn’t neglected her duties for so many years and hadn’t disappointed Tyron so deeply, Tyron might never have given up on her mother. But the eldest daughter of the Eclipse family was already worn out. The years of bearing excessive responsibility and managing the estate had taken their toll.

Looking back, it’s possible Tyron was already preparing to leave even then.

But even if Jade had known this then, what could he have done? He was only twelve years old and powerless to change anything.

The dining room still displayed the portrait of the fortunate man who had died before Jade was born. Jade would gaze at his face every time he sat down to eat. He had brown hair and grey eyes—though the hair and eye colours were different, he looked strikingly similar to Jade. He also resembled Hans Pitch.

His brothers urged him to understand their mother, but Jade simply couldn’t. The more he thought about it, the less he could comprehend. What exactly was this love his mother so fervently professed?

What could be so powerful that it blinds you, binds you, and leaves you fumbling in the darkness, endlessly searching for the shadow of a decayed corpse?

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

Tyron Eclipse disappeared one day, leaving behind only a single letter. His bed and drawers were neatly arranged. His jewellery, a few pieces of clothing, and a horse were gone. Despite intense questioning, the servants claimed they hadn’t seen the young lord. It was clear Tyron had paid them off in advance.

This happened two days before Eclipse Castle was sold. It was a meticulously planned escape, carried out under the watchful eyes of debt collectors.

Hans Pitch had long since vanished. The Countess, devastated by his departure, showed no reaction to Tyron’s escape. She didn’t even attempt to search for him. Ultimately, the two weak-willed brothers and twelve-year-old Jade Eclipse had to confront the debt collectors who stormed the castle with a band of mercenaries.

The fake rubies on the Countess’s chamber pot were pried off, and the platinum plating on the door hinges was scraped away. After they loaded every valuable item from the house into their wagons, the mercenaries turned their attention to the young Eclipse men.

Especially the youngest, Jade Eclipse, whose striking face drew their notice.

“Boss, come take a look. This kid’s got a pretty face... and he’s from a noble family. He could turn some heads in the arena with a little training.”

When someone admired Jade, a one-eyed woman emerged from the group and grabbed his chin, turning his face from side to side. Her sharp yellow-green eye appraised him critically before giving her approval.

“He’ll do.”

“Leave our brother alone. He’s still just a child. Take us instead...”

His two brothers tried to block the way, but it was useless. Having only practised formal swordsmanship, they were ill-prepared for real combat and quickly subdued.

“You need to pay off your debt—2 billion Elysian. Don’t even think about running. We’ve got your precious little brother right here in our hands.”

“...”

“Choose, young lords. Mercenary guild or the gladiator arena?”

Unlike his brothers, Jade didn’t bother with futile resistance. Instead, he answered without hesitation on their behalf, sparing them from having to make the choice.

“Mercenary.”

On that rainy night, the Eclipse family fell. Jade Eclipse read Tyron’s letter in the gloomy, desolate castle and made a vow.

[Jade Eclipse, never fall in love.]

I won’t, Tyron.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

When Kirona regained consciousness, it was already midnight. She woke up drenched in cold sweat, lying on the bed in her office. As she moved slightly, a cold, wet towel on her forehead fell to the floor.

Her fever had subsided considerably, and strength was returning to her body. Feeling oddly refreshed, Kirona threw off the blanket and carefully exited.

“Marie?”

There was no response. The room was silent and empty. A breeze slipped through the open window, and the guards who should have been stationed outside her room were nowhere to be seen.

A cold sense of foreboding gripped Kirona.

Ah, it must be him. He’s here.