Chapter 30

When it comes to hearing rumors about your lover's infidelity and actually witnessing it firsthand, there is quite a difference.

Most of all, Lanheart's sophisticated cover-up was so high-level that I felt I would be the one to be dumped before I could even break up with him at the ball. I couldn't stop sweating.

"…………"

"…………"

The unfamiliar man who seemed to be Zain-sama's subordinate looked at me and Lanheart, comparing us, and gave us a look as if we were trash. It was the perfect reaction.

"…………"

"…………"

If I were to brazen it out here, it would be an immediate breakup flag, and if I tried to make excuses, it would only pour oil on the fire. I was desperately trying to figure out how to speak when Zain-sama broke the heavy silence.

"Grace, you're here too, huh?"

"Uh? Ah, yes..."

I was taken aback by the completely opposite reaction I had expected, a smile that was no different from usual. Soon, Zain-sama called out to the man who seemed to be his subordinate, "Let's go."

"I'll contact you again. Let's spend this weekend together."

"Y-Yes..."

And with that, Zain-sama left the scene casually, leaving me enveloped in a sense of relief and a hollow emptiness, as if withered leaves were flying by.

"Wow, that was a surprise. What a timing."

"…………"

"Are you okay? You look dazed."

Lanheart was waving his hand in front of my face, saying, "Hey."

I suddenly looked up and clutched my head. Because, no matter how I thought about it, the reaction just now...

"Maybe he doesn't like me at all..."

When I muttered this, Lanheart nodded and said, "Indeed," and then burst out laughing after looking at my probably pale face.

"If he really liked a woman, he wouldn't be able to smile after encountering such a scene."

"…………"

"I'm relieved I didn't get killed, though. There's no one in this country who can beat him."

"Ugh... What should I do..."

Lanheart was right. Zain-sama was probably just dating me out of a sense of duty, and the fact that I thought we had become close might have been because I was in a position like Mariabel, his sister.

If that's the case, his infidelity in this situation is just lowering my favorability. With no time left, the development is too despairing, and I can't stop sweating.

"But why was Zain-sama here?"

"Casinos are actually used for meetings and such. Your knight might have been here for the same reason."

The common point between Zain-sama and Evan is that they are both among the strongest knights in the country. There might have been something that gathered such people.

"Let's go back for now. We've accomplished our goal."

"Yes..."

Of course, I don't want to hurt the kind Zain-sama, and it pains me, but I'm in trouble if there's no damage. Have the past few months been a complete waste?

As Lanheart led me by the hand and we walked slowly, I noticed that the area ahead was noisy.

It seemed that a large hole had been made in the wall, and the owner, who looked like he was happy that the repair costs were paid immediately, was visible.

"Maybe someone got angry and frustrated?"

"Haha, who knows?"

Lanheart laughed oddly and said, "Well, it's getting fun again," and left the casino in high spirits.

◇◇◇

A few days later, I was called to the Duke's mansion to meet Zain-sama.

I was led to his usual room, and I was confused about how to approach the situation.

Normally, I should act like the Grace in the novel, gradually showing signs of boredom, but it seemed like a bad move now.

"Would you like the same tea as usual?"

"Y-Yes... Thank you..."

The maids quickly prepared the tea and left. Soon, we were alone, and I immediately took a sip from my teacup.

"It's been a while since we met, hasn't it, since the casino?"

"Ah... S-Sorry..."

I was taken aback by the sudden smile and the topic, and I hurriedly tried to look composed.

"Y-Yes. What were you doing at the casino, Zain-sama?"

"Just discussing work."

"Was Evan there too?"

"Yes."

As I thought, Zain-sama put his teacup down and propped his cheek on his hand.

"So, what were you doing?"

The straightforward question made me break out in a cold sweat.

However, I decided that a straightforward response was better than a curveball, so I gripped my hands tightly.

"I was cheating!"

"Is that so. That's sad."

Zain-sama, still propping his cheek, didn't change his expression at all, showing no damage.

I was filled with a mix of relief that he wasn't hurt, frustration, and a strange sense of loneliness, and I lowered my eyes.

"So, it doesn't matter to you, does it..."

"Not at all. It's the opposite."

"Wh-What?"

"I was more irritated than I imagined and almost lost it, so I left immediately."

When I looked up in surprise, our eyes met.

What did he mean by "imagined"?

Most of all, I couldn't hide my confusion at the fact that he was irritated. If it was true, I couldn't understand why he had smiled and not blamed me.

"Grace"

Zain-sama touched my cheek and called my name.

"What were you doing with Lanheart Gardner?"

"U-Uh..."

"What did you talk about? Where did he touch you?"

"…………"

His face was so close that our noses almost touched. He held my hand, intertwined our fingers, and my heart pounded.

"You're a really bad woman."

His eyes, which seemed to be on the verge of melting, made even me, who is often called insensitive, realize.

"…Are you jealous?"

"Of course."

Zain-sama said this with a self-deprecating smile, and I couldn't utter a word.