Chapter 19

A few days after visiting the Duke's mansion, I was rereading the letter that had promptly arrived from Lord Zain, feeling a sense of relief that things had somehow been set back on track.

The letter mentioned that next time, we should go out to a place I wanted to visit, and that he hoped I would come to the Duke's mansion anytime. It also carefully detailed his plan to spend about a week and a half in his territory due to work.

"Seems like a lover..."

Surely, the serious and responsible Lord Zain must be trying to act like a lover as a way of thanking me.

Still, while I want him to like me, is it really right for him to play the role of a lover out of a sense of duty?

"Lord Duke must have finally noticed the charm of the young lady. I think he will fall deeper into the swamp from now on."

"Swamp...? But, thanks to Yana's genius advice. I really appreciate it, always."

Well, there's still time, and I decided to look at the increased opportunities to spend time together positively.

For now, I wrote a reply saying "I'm very happy" and "I want to see you as soon as you come back" and asked Yana to send it.

"Ah, Miss, I bought the land."

"Thank you, Evan! I'll definitely thank you properly."

In the midst of this, Evan, who had come to my room, said this in a casual manner and showed me the deed with a flourish.

Indeed, as we had discussed before, I had him buy the land in his name, which was expected to increase in value in the future.

"...Good, it should rise within a few months."

While deepening my relationship with Lord Zain, I also need to prepare for my future over the next year.

Living in this country's social circle as the notorious Grace seems difficult, and I want to live peacefully by running a small shop.

First, I need to decide and search for a place to open the shop before the land value rises. It's going to be busy.

"After this, I also want to buy the land for the shop in Evan's name... I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Don't worry about it at all. I also bought some for myself this time. But, why don't you buy it in your own name?"

"I don't want my shop to be exposed. If a villainess gives free meals to children, everyone will surely suspect that there's some ulterior motive."

"True. You might be suspected of gathering children to sell them."

Evan, who seemed to understand quite a bit, said he would continue to help, which made me feel relieved. I want to thank him properly someday.

"...Still, there's a lot to do and it's difficult. It would be nice if someone could support me."

I want to run a regular restaurant and accept customers, not just serve children. That's why I'm starting to study, but I'm a complete novice in business.

Perhaps I should consult my father. It feels like it might become a big deal, and I feel a bit hesitant.

"Miss, you have a lot of invitations."

While I was thinking about this, Yana, who had sent out letters, returned with a pile of invitations.

Looking through them, there were various events such as evening parties, garden parties, and balls. It seems that the social season has just begun, and more invitations will come in the future.

The flashy Grace enjoyed social events and often organized gatherings herself.

Although it's heavy, to fully embody Grace, I need to occasionally show up and make villainous moves. Thinking this, I decided to participate in something.

Evan pointed to one of the envelopes.

"Then, how about the evening party hosted by the Gardner Duke's family? Lady Priscilla is a very nice person."

"Did we get along well?"

"No, she's a very gentle person, so she interprets Grace's harsh words positively and says, 'Grace is a good friend!'"

"I see..."

Thinking this made it a bit easier, I read through the invitation. It was in two weeks, and there seemed to be plenty of time to prepare.

"Still, Evan knows a lot."

"Well, I'm originally a noble. And I also went to social events with the young lady."

"Really?"

When I asked about his noble background, he put his index finger to his lips and said, "It's a secret," which made him look too good to be true.

Everyone has things they don't want to talk about, so I didn't press further.

"By the way, be careful of Lord Ranheart. He's as promiscuous as the young lady was in her prime."

"Lord Ranheart?"

"Lady Priscilla's brother and the next Duke of Gardner."

"Is that so. Ranheart... Ranheart...?"

The name seemed familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had heard it. I decided to send a reply saying I would attend for now.

◇◇◇

"Don't talk to me so casually, you're a nuisance."

"I'm very sorry...!"

After giving a cold look, the man who had spoken to me hurriedly left the scene.

I had come to the evening party hosted by the Gardner Duke's family and was already tired from maintaining a serious expression and a tight-lipped demeanor.

Today, I wore a deep purple dress with heavy makeup, fully embodying the villainess style.

I was constantly busy, being approached by men who had been close to Grace in the past and being flirted with by young ladies who seemed to be Grace's followers.

The first social event was indeed unsettling, and being alone made me constantly anxious. I was just about to take a break in a corner when—

"Miss Grace, you came!"

Among the crowd, a young lady of about my age with beautiful blonde hair that dazzled approached me. From her features and demeanor, I realized she was Lady Priscilla.

She had a cute and gentle aura, took my hand happily, and smiled softly.

"My brother was looking forward to seeing you, too."

"Really?"

"Yes. He's over there now. If you'd like, you can go talk to him."

Following Lady Priscilla's gaze, I saw a man and let out a small "Ah."

I recognized his blonde hair and amethyst-like eyes from the day of the theater date with Lord Zain, when he had helped me from a woman who was complaining.

"Vera, your beautiful voice is echoing through the hallway."

"R-Ranheart-sama...!"

Evan's words about Lord Ranheart being as promiscuous as the young lady in her prime made sense.

"Then, I still have to make the rounds, but let's talk more later."

"Yes."

After parting with Lady Priscilla, I continued to observe Lord Ranheart.

He was surrounded by many beautiful women, and it was clear he was very popular. He also touched the women a lot, which made him seem rather frivolous.

"...Ah, right."

While staring at Lord Ranheart's perfectly chiseled face, I suddenly had an idea.

In a year, I have the difficult task of breaking up with Lord Zain in a harsh way, including cheating. Every time I thought about it, I was at a loss.

The kind and helpful man from the other day might agree to pretend to be my cheating partner if I asked him. He seems like a perfect match for Grace, and it would be very convincing.

For some reason, Lady Priscilla said he was happy I came, so it might be good to become friends with him for now.

Thinking this, I took a step towards him when—

"Grace."

Hearing a familiar voice, I turned around to see Lord Zain, and I was taken aback.