Chapter 38

"Then, what are you going to do? Are you going to pretend to have an affair again?"

"…I think Lord Zain really, really, l-likes me."

When I say it out loud, my heart is squeezed tight, and I feel so nervous.

Seeing me flustered and stammering, Lanhart laughed as if it were amusing.

"I'm so jealous, I envy the Duke."

"Liar."

"It's the truth."

No matter how many times I beg him to break up now, Lord Zain won't nod in agreement.

Lanhart said that pretending to have an affair was effective, but now it feels counterproductive. I was thinking of a new strategy while getting ready.

"So I'm going to disappear for a while."

"Ahaha, that's your move this time. You're really amusing."

Originally, I was supposed to have broken up with Lord Zain and be making the final preparations for the opening of the café. But since things have turned out this way, there's no choice but to postpone it.

"…Right now, I'm just in the way."

If I disappear without a word, Lord Zain will surely be hurt and feel lonely.

Then, Charlotte will appear to comfort him, and the story will return to its original flow.

Every time I see Charlotte, she is beautiful, cute, and dazzling, the perfect heroine. I'm different.

–I can't help but think that Lord Zain will eventually fall for Charlotte.

"……"

Every time I think about it, my chest aches. I tell myself that I don't need such feelings and lift my head.

"That's why I want your help."

"Of course. Where do you plan to go?"

"Because of my amnesia, I don't remember this country, and I haven't decided yet. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Got it. I'll pick out some secret travel destinations for you."

"Secret travel…"

"Yeah. For someone you can't meet openly."

Lanhart put his index finger to his lips and smiled beautifully. His incredible charm made me dizzy.

I remember hearing a rumor that Lanhart even had an affair with a married woman. It's not a commendable action, but as an ally, he is very reliable.

"And the duration… how long does it take for someone to move on to a new love?"

"I can do it in 5 minutes."

"……"

"Well, usually about 3 months should be enough, right?"

"3 months…"

It's a painful period to think about the café, but there's no choice.

"Then, please find me a good place to stay for 3 months."

"Got it. When do you plan to go?"

"I need to prepare… would it be okay in 4 days?"

"Of course. I'll have everything arranged by tomorrow night."

"R-Ranhart-sama…! Thank you!"

It must be better to do it as soon as possible. I'm truly grateful to the overly reliable Lanhart, but I'm also scared of what kind of thanks he might expect from me.

But if it saves both our lives, it's a small price to pay.

"…But, will he really break up just because of that?"

"Huh?"

"No, I might go on a trip too."

"I'll pass on that."

"That's cold. That could be fun too."

I'm already conspicuous enough on my own, and if Lanhart comes with me, we'll surely attract attention.

"See you again, my cute affair partner."

"Yes, thank you for everything."

We continued to discuss various things, and as I saw him off to the carriage, Lanhart kissed the back of my hand.

At first, I was startled, but since this is normal for him, I've become much calmer about it.

As I was about to return to the mansion after seeing off the carriage, I saw a beautiful young man coming from the back garden.

"Oh, Al. You're here."

"Yeah."

The stalker, Al, now appears in various places in my house as if it were normal, and I no longer worry about illegal entry. It feels like a kitten coming to play in the house.

"…Is that guy still on good terms with you?"

"Yes. He's been very helpful."

"Hmm."

Al looked at the direction Lanhart had gone, narrowing his eyes. Al and Lanhart have contrasting auras and don't seem to like each other much.

I invited Al to have tea with Evan and Yana, and we walked back to the room together. The servants are also used to Al's presence and have completely adapted.

"Oh, right. I'm leaving the capital in 4 days and won't be able to see you for a while. I plan to return in 3 months, so let's play together then."

"Where are you going?"

"I haven't decided yet, and I don't plan to tell anyone."

"…Hmm."

Al sighed and said, "I'll have more work to do," shrugging his shoulders. I don't understand, but he looks sad, and maybe he's feeling lonely about not seeing me for a while.

"3 months will be over before you know it, so don't be down."

"Huh? Don't misunderstand, idiot."

And so, I decided to leave the capital – and Lord Zain – in 4 days.

◇◇◇

Two days after meeting Lanhart, I was visiting the Winslett Duke's mansion. I was tense and breaking out in a cold sweat.

Today was the third Sunday of the month, and I was making lunch with Mariabel, as had become a regular event.

After much deliberation, I decided to make it the last time, and I brought a notebook with many recipes, as Mariabel had sent a letter saying she was looking forward to it.

"Grace, I've been waiting for you!"

"Hello, Mariabel."

Mariabel greeted me with a sunny smile and hugged me tightly.

I've only known her for a few months, but I now cherish her like a real sister.

She is so cute and dear to me that I hugged her small, slender body tightly in return.

"Grace"

"Lord Zain…"

Lord Zain was also there to greet me. Of course, this was the first time I had seen him since the night of the ball when I tried to break up with him, and I wanted to run away immediately.

Lord Zain, who I hadn't seen in a few days, was as beautiful and handsome as ever, and I felt like crying a little.

"Thank you for coming."

"N-no! It's my pleasure, thank you."

Lord Zain seemed as usual, and I tried my best to maintain a calm appearance as we walked to the mansion together.

"Then, my brother did this – …"

"Hehe, really?"

Thanks to Mariabel's bright and talkative nature, I managed to avoid feeling awkward with Lord Zain.

Just as we were about to reach the large room where we usually spend time together, Mariabel suddenly clapped her hands as if remembering something.

"Actually, I have a present for you! I'll go get it, so please go to the large room with my brother."

"Wait, Mariabel – …"

Despite my protests, Mariabel ran down the corridor, leaving Lord Zain and me alone.

"……"

"……"

Suddenly alone, an incredibly awkward silence filled the air.

I wasn't mentally prepared, and I didn't know how to speak to Lord Zain, who was walking slightly behind me.

But since I planned to disappear in two days, I decided to act as usual and was about to turn around when he spoke.

"I thought you wouldn't come anymore."

"……"

Suddenly, he hugged me from behind, tickling my neck with his soft silver hair, and his sweet voice echoed in my ear.

"I missed you."

I couldn't move a single finger.