Chapter 20

---

I thought, "Why is Lord Zain here...," but then I remembered that it was about time for him to return to the capital.

More than anything, it wouldn't be strange for him, a duke, to attend a large evening party hosted by a marquis family.

Incidentally, even while he was in his territory, we had been exchanging letters, and we had planned to have our second date next week.

"…Right now, you are—"

"Lord Zain, I'm so glad to see you!"

Indeed, being in an unfamiliar place alone was unsettling, and I couldn't help but feel relieved to see a familiar face.

To maintain the image of a villain, I had been keeping a cold expression, and my mouth was starting to twitch. Feeling relieved, I smiled as much as I could.

Lord Zain looked taken aback.

"…"

"Um, Lord Zain?"

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking."

He said that and then covered his mouth with his hand, turning his face away from me. Perhaps he had been a bit too familiar.

He was wearing a black jacket with gold embroidery, and as always, he looked incredibly handsome.

Indeed, all the women around him were gazing at Lord Zain with dreamy expressions.

"Is the rumor true, then?"

"No, it's still unclear."

I had heard that our relationship was the center of gossip, and it seemed to be true. I could feel the curious gazes of others.

"Are you here alone today?"

"Yes."

"If you don't mind, would you like me to escort you?"

"Of course! Thank you."

I hadn't expected to meet Lord Zain, so I was dressed as usual, but he didn't seem to mind. Perhaps it made me look special in front of him.

When I took his outstretched hand, the distance between us closed, and I felt nervous. I decided to think about Lord Ranheart later.

"Since a lot has happened, I'm a bit nervous… I'm glad you're here, Lord Zain."

"If that's the case, I hope you'll call me when you go out in society in the future. I'll try to make time."

"Is that okay? Thank you."

"Yes."

Despite being one of the busiest people, Lord Zain was so kind, and it touched my heart. I hoped he wouldn't overexert himself and would take care of himself as we walked through the hall.

Then, a young lady with an air of a high-ranking noble approached Lord Zain. Her gaze was directed at me, filled with clear hostility.

"Lord Zain, who is that person…?"

"She's my lover."

Lord Zain immediately said this as if it were a matter of course, and the young lady's eyes widened in surprise. I probably had the same expression.

When it was said so clearly, it felt more embarrassing than I had imagined. It seemed that everyone around us had heard, and the commotion grew.

"Shall we go? I want to introduce you to my friends."

"Y-Yes."

After that, I was introduced to various nobles and Lord Zain's friends, but thinking about our relationship of just one year made me feel guilty and my heart ached.

I could only hope to play a supporting role to the wonderful Charlotte, who would be introduced in the same way someday.

"…Ah."

I noticed a corner where light refreshments were served and was captivated by the sparkling sweets.

Lord Zain, noticing my reaction, stopped immediately.

"Is there something that caught your attention?"

"Um, can I have a little cake…?"

"Have as much as you like, not just a little."

"Thank you!"

Actually, I hadn't eaten much because I had tightened my corset, and I was quite hungry.

I took two small cakes and put them on a plate, savoring them. The deliciousness and sweetness made me forget the fatigue from earlier.

"Wow, it's so delicious! The sweet and sour taste of the fruits and the sweetness of the cream are perfect… I feel like I'm coming back to life…"

"…"

"Um, Lord Zain?"

When I called his name, he was staring at me in silence and then looked startled.

"You look so happy when you eat anything."

Caught off guard by his smile, my heart skipped a beat. Feeling embarrassed, I quickly shifted my gaze to the plate in my hands.

"Lord Zain, would you like to have some too?"

"No, I'm fine. It's enough just to watch you."

Hearing that, I felt so embarrassed that I wanted him not to look, but I put the cake in my mouth.

Despite being hungry, my chest felt full, and I couldn't eat much.

---

After that, Lord Zain was called by an acquaintance, and sensing the serious atmosphere, I said I would go outside for some fresh air and left him to go to the balcony.

"…Phew."

The night breeze felt good, and I could feel myself gradually calming down. Lord Zain's demeanor had been completely different from the previous days, making me feel restless.

—Charlotte must be much kinder and sweeter. Thinking about how happy she must be to be loved by Lord Zain, I looked up at the night sky.

"Miss Grace, you're here."

Suddenly, I was called from behind.

"…Lord Ranheart"

"Oh, you remember my name. I'm glad."

He narrowed his violet eyes and smiled beautifully.

Even up close, his perfectly chiseled face left me in awe. He was a different type of handsome compared to Lord Zain.

"Thank you for helping me the other day."

"No, having a popular lover can be tough. But today, you seem different and beautiful."

"Really?"

"I prefer this side of you. It's more like you, Miss Grace."

He came to stand beside me, tilted his head, and looked up at me with his eyes. He must be doing this because he knows his face is good.

"Hey, will you go out with me next time?"

"…What?"

"You'll get tired of the duke in about three months, right? I'll be waiting."

His words were so light, as if they could be carried away by the wind. But if I were the old Grace, I might have said yes.

"I'll think about it. See you later."

I wanted to refuse immediately, but I might need his help in the future. I tried to look as calm as possible and gave an ambiguous answer before leaving the balcony and returning to the hall.

As I was about to enter, I met Lord Zain at the balcony entrance.

"Ah, you're done talking… Lord Zain?"

"…"

He didn't answer, and I couldn't read his expression as he looked down at me. I couldn't look away from his beautiful golden eyes.

He seemed a bit unhappy and deep in thought, which made me worry if something had happened.

After a moment of silence, Lord Zain finally said, "…Ah, I see."

"It seems I'm a much simpler man than I imagined."

I didn't understand what he meant. He smiled at me, who was tilting my head in confusion, and took my hand.

I didn't understand, but I was relieved that he was back to his usual self, and I squeezed his large palm in return.

He looked behind me and relaxed his lips.

"Let's go before any more bad bugs come. I'll take you home."

"Ah? Did… did I have bugs…!?"

I've always been afraid of bugs, so I panicked.

It wasn't the season for bugs, but perhaps one had followed me when I went outside just now.

Lord Zain chuckled at my reaction.

"I'll make sure no more come near you, so don't worry."

"…?"

With such a beautiful face, is Lord Zain good with bugs? I wondered as he led me away, and we left the glittering hall together.