Chapter 35

Simultaneously updating Chapter 2.

"Ah, it's Lady Grace. I heard you were injured in that incident, but it seems you're all right now."

"So, your relationship with the Duke continues, doesn't it?"

"Perhaps you've reformed under Lord Zain's influence?"

Ignoring the now customary piercing gazes and whispers, I first headed towards His Majesty the King, the host of the event.

"…I never thought you would become so close."

"Yes, meeting her was fortunate."

"Actually, I thought you were not fond of that type of person."

"Even His Majesty can misread situations, it seems."

I watched nervously as His Majesty, who was spitting out sarcastic remarks, and Lord Zain, who was responding with a smile.

For His Majesty, who wants to marry one of his own people to Lord Zain, I am nothing but an obstacle.

After leaving His Majesty, Lord Zain stopped and turned to me, his face showing a look of regret.

"I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable."

"No, it's completely fine. I'm not bothered at all."

From my perspective as someone who has read the novel, I understand that this is how things are, so I'm not bothered by it anymore.

As I continued to deal with the people who came one after another, I suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, Grace. Good job."

"Ranhart."

He seemed to be receiving special treatment today, shining brightly as always.

After the incident, Ranhart sent me letters and gifts to check on my health, which raised his status in my eyes.

"It's been a while since I saw you, Duke."

"…Yes."

Despite being in the position of the other party caught in an affair, Ranhart's dignified attitude, which showed no awkwardness, even earned my respect.

Lord Zain gave Ranhart a cold look, grabbed my arm, and started walking.

"Let's go."

"Ah, yes. Ranhart, see you later!"

"Grace."

It seemed that my casual "see you later" caught his attention, and Lord Zain's face clearly showed irritation.

Compared to when we first met, he now seems to express his emotions more openly.

"You really are a flirt, aren't you?"

"Do you dislike me now?"

"Completely? You need to try harder to look only at me."

"……"

My cheeks flushed as he casually said this in my ear.

While being led through the crowd, I noticed a particularly striking beauty, and I felt the heat drain from my body.

"–Charlotte."

It was undoubtedly Charlotte, the heroine from the theater the other day.

Seeing her in the same lemon-colored dress as in the illustration, I realized that the story was unfolding as it should.

"You look pale. Are you all right?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a bit overwhelmed by the crowd."

"Let's take a break."

"No, I'm fine. Ah, the person over there is–"

Trying to hide my agitation, I headed towards an acquaintance with Lord Zain and waited for time to pass.

◇◇◇

Eventually, the clock struck midnight, and I steeled myself.

"Lord Zain, would you like to get some fresh air outside?"

"Yes, of course."

As the ball was nearing its end, I took Lord Zain's hand and led him out of the hall to the garden.

In the novel, this is when Grace tells Lord Zain that she wants to break up. Recalling the location from the illustration, I stopped in front of the fountain.

"…Grace?"

Turning to face Lord Zain, I looked him straight in the eye.

Bathed in moonlight, he looked so beautiful that I felt he was very far away.

–Grace Sentsberry is just a stage prop to bring Lord Zain and Charlotte together.

After reminding myself of this and taking a deep breath, I spoke.

"Lord Zain, please break up with me."

"No way."

His immediate response with a smile and his attitude, which seemed to say, "What nonsense are you talking about?" threw me off.

"I really want to break up! Please, I beg you!"

"Reason?"

"Well, I can't explain it well, but I absolutely want to break up… I'll do anything, just please break up with me."

"No."

Panicking, I tried to stay calm.

Yes, as a mature and gentlemanly adult, Lord Zain would surely understand if I explained–

"I really need this, please, break up with me."

"No."

It's not like he would say "no" to a woman who is seriously begging to break up, and he has his pride–

"Please! Please break up with me!"

"Just give up already."

Lord Zain, with his dazzling smile, showed no intention of breaking up, and I broke into a cold sweat.

"…Ah."

Just then, I saw Charlotte's figure across the fountain, and a wave of anxiety washed over me.

'I will always be by your side. I will never betray you, until the end of my life, forever.'

'Being by your side is the greatest happiness for me.'

I recalled the words of the two people I loved, which I had read many times. I mustn't be swayed by fleeting emotions.

–I have to stay strong. After all, Charlotte is here. It will be fine, definitely.

Clasping my hands tightly, I looked up.

"I don't like you anymore. In fact, I, I hate you! Please break up with me!"

Even though the original Grace would say things a thousand times worse, my chest ached.

Lord Zain's face turned serious, and he spoke.

"Even so, I like you."

My heart skipped a beat at his words.

While I had sensed his affection, this was the first time he had explicitly said "I like you." My heart raced painfully.

Feeling both happy and seeing Charlotte cover her mouth with her hands in shock.

"You're really a poor liar."

"N-No, that's not–"

"I like that about you."

"……"

As Lord Zain approached, I instinctively took a step back, but he grabbed my hand. The spot he touched felt unbearably hot.

I couldn't look away from his golden eyes, which seemed to be melting.

"I have no intention of breaking up with you."

At the edge of my vision, I saw Charlotte's handkerchief, which she was supposed to give to Lord Zain, floating away.

Not knowing what to do, I clutched my head.