Chapter 34

It has been five days since the kidnapping incident.

I was almost placed under house arrest by my father, who was in a state as if the world had ended, but I am somehow managing to live peacefully.

"Come here, Haniwa-chan."

"She's so cute. She even tried to help me clean just now."

"Really? Good girl, good girl."

Haniwa-chan has become more energetic and is starting to become a popular figure in the mansion, including with Yana. It makes me feel a bit embarrassed.

Although it was the first time I created a familiar, I was relieved to find out that with my magic power, Haniwa-chan can stay in this form without returning to the earth.

As a thank you for the other day, I infused a lot of magic power and tied a pink ribbon, and she seemed very happy. When I hit Evan hard for saying, "It doesn't suit you at all, it's funny," he gave me 86 points.

Still, I realized how much Evan has been protecting me on a daily basis.

"Evan, thank you always."

"No, you can't do without me, can you, Miss?"

"Maybe so."

More than anything, Evan has become an important presence not just as a bodyguard but also as a companion.

"Thanks to you, Miss, the kidnapping case was resolved successfully. It was quite innovative to catch the culprit by blending in with the children."

"It was beyond my control, though."

Thankfully, all the criminals were caught, and all the children were able to return home safely. Without Haniwa-chan's help, the rescue might not have been in time, and the worst could have happened.

Although I was scared and in pain, I thought it might have been for the best in the end.

"I was really worried. By the way, the newspaper featured a big article about how you supported the injured and weakened children and contributed to solving the case."

"Wait, that's a lie."

I really want to wait. Despite my efforts to act like a villainess within the mansion, the situation has escalated to a national level, nullifying everything I did.

"I've received many letters of concern and invitations."

"Ah, the nobles really love rumors. They must be desperate to hear the details."

"Ugh."

I held my head and face-planted on the table.

With the fateful ball tomorrow, I should have done nothing at all instead of preparing. The results are as bad as they could be.

The only silver lining is that I managed to increase Lord Zain's affection. I received a letter of concern two days ago and read it multiple times, which Evan teased me about.

Regardless, I am determined to attend the ball tomorrow. Lord Zain is also planning to attend with me.

"Still, it would have been nice to see the Duke's panic. He's always so calm and composed, but I could tell he really cares about you."

"......"

"I like that person."

"...I do too."

Evan's words made my chest tighten. Sensing something, Haniwa-chan came and rubbed against my hand, which made me almost cry from how cute she is.

"That's why I have to make Lord Zain happy."

I have many thoughts, but for the sake of the kind Lord Zain, I vowed to fully embody Grace Sentbury tomorrow.

◇◇◇

The next evening, Lord Zain came to pick me up right on time as usual.

Dressed in formal attire, with his hair swept to one side, his presence is overwhelmingly powerful, making it hard to look directly at him. I wonder why he seems to shine even more than before.

"I'm glad to see you. You look very beautiful."

"Ah, thank you."

Despite my efforts to act like a villainess, Lord Zain praised me a lot. Even the extravagant red dress with scattered jewels suits Grace.

The atmosphere feels sweeter than before, and he is much closer, with a gaze that is always gentle.

"Shall we go?"

"Yes."

– At this point, I should have a cold expression and give a cold response. However, after being saved a few days ago, I can't bring myself to do it.

That's why today, as a last resort, I planned to beg him to break up with the intensity of a dogeza. I believe that as a gentleman and mature man, Lord Zain would understand if I talked to him.

I don't think someone would say "No" to a woman who sincerely pleads to break up. He has his pride too.

Even with such a breakup, if he has some affection for me, I believe I can cause some damage to his heart.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that Charlotte will appear today, which is earlier than the original plan.

I told myself to be cautious and stepped into the glamorous venue with Lord Zain.