Chapter 63 I will never let Livia leave me.

"Why did I marry Livia? ". The line pierced her heart like a blade. Her breathing grew rapid, her chest heavy as though a stone pressed down on it. The following words sent a chill coursing through her:

"Our marriage was solely for family interests. More importantly, it was because of her ability to sense the Grail. That was the only reason. I had to keep her."

Her fingers froze on the page, her eyes drawn to the torn edges of some entries. The gaps seemed to silently scream of secrets more vital than the words that remained. Secrets that might tie everything to the Grail.

On the final recorded page, a single line struck like a tolling bell:

"No matter what it costs, I will never let Livia leave me."

Alia's gaze lingered on the words, Marcellus's tender, low voice echoing in her mind. She recalled his apparent care and affection. But was it all just a lie? If Livia had been nothing more than a tool to him, what could she be?

"If he didn't love Livia, how could he possibly love me?" A cold realization settled in her heart.

She closed the diary and leaned against the desk, her vision blurring as tears streamed down her face. Pain surged like a tide, threatening to engulf her completely. She had long since come to terms with her feelings for Marcellus, but now it seemed those feelings had been doomed from the start.

"What was I expecting? The truth is already cruel enough. To indulge further would only lead to my ruin."

She wiped the tears from her face, her expression gradually hardening into one of quiet resolve.

"Whatever it takes, I must find the Grail. Perhaps uncovering the true secret is the only way to end this."

Gently placing the diary back, she closed the hidden compartment. Her steps were lighter as she left the study, as though afraid of waking some lurking danger within the castle. Yet with every step, her heart grew heavier, the weight of the truth pressing down on her.

Back in her room, Alia remained restless, unable to ease the ache in her chest. Even as she tried to focus on the Grail's whereabouts, the pain gnawed at her incessantly.

She knew the road ahead would be fraught with hardship. The truth might prove even more terrifying than what she'd already uncovered, but she had no choice but to face it.

Over the following days, after silently resolving herself, Alia seemed freer than before. She found herself able to face everything around her with newfound composure, even the pain and doubts lingering in her heart.

Standing in front of the mirror, she scrutinized her reflection as if trying to reintroduce herself to the person staring back.

"Feigning love? That's nothing. I've always been a master of disguise," Alia murmured, a faint, self-deprecating smile curving her lips.

Her mentor's teachings echoed in her mind, the principles she once held sacred now feeling eerily aligned with her current predicament.

"Emotions are just tools. If achieving the goal requires it, then any means can be justified."

This mindset brought her a rare sense of ease. If she could play the part of the castle's lady, then why not act as a devoted wife? If it meant unraveling the secrets and claiming the 'Holy Grail,' then it was all just a performance—and she would be the one directing the play.

Determined not to waste any more time, Alia resumed her physical training, rediscovering the skills she once took pride in. Each day, she spent hours in her private training room, the familiar routines helping her regain a sense of control and confidence.

Fortune was on her side, as Marcellus seemed preoccupied with other matters and hadn't returned to the castle in days. This gave Alia the perfect opportunity to avoid confrontations and focus on her preparations.

Deep down, Alia understood that Elias was the one who truly loved Livia. However, her own feelings toward Elias remained complicated. "Did Livia truly love Elias back?" The question haunted her. Was Livia's affection genuine, or was it merely another manipulation?

Regardless, Alia chose not to seek out Elias for now. She needed time to sort through her emotions, and more importantly, she needed information. Everything she had encountered—Elias's version of the truth, Marcellus's plans, and the mystery of the 'Holy Grail'—felt like pieces of a puzzle waiting to be assembled.

On a crisp morning, sunlight poured through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. As Alia rose from bed, her thoughts turned to Adrian's sudden invitation the previous evening. Since he had followed her advice to step up and take charge of the family's business, Adrian had been working diligently. He had even taken on the role of overseeing the city's expansion and moved into a new home of his own. Now, he wanted to show Livia and Elise his new residence and mentioned discovering something unusual during his work that he wished to discuss with Livia.

Alia knew Adrian harbored deep, passionate feelings for Elise—a love filled with yearning yet bound by the constraints of duty. They often met in secret, and Alia herself had become an unwitting accomplice, quietly supporting their relationship.

"He probably just wants an excuse to see Elise in broad daylight," Alia thought with a soft chuckle, though a faint unease suggested the invitation might not be entirely innocent.

When Elise heard about the invitation, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness lit up her face. This rare, legitimate opportunity to meet Adrian openly clearly thrilled her.

"Are you sure you want to take me along, Livia?" Elise asked timidly, her cheeks flushed.

"Of course. Do you think I can't see through Adrian's intentions? Since he's gone to the trouble of inviting you, there's no reason to be shy," Alia teased gently, her tone laced with warmth.

The two set off for Adrian's new home. During the journey, Elise alternated between excitement and anxiety, while Alia gazed silently out the window, her thoughts drifting far away.