Chapter 50

The day after being forcibly returned to the capital with Lord Zain, I brought Evan to a popular café in the city.

I had heard from Yana that this place, frequented by commoners, was both cheap and delicious, which made it a great spot for me. It was my first time here, but it was bustling with activity, nearly full.

“So, why are we having a meeting in this place today?”

“It’s definitely strange that Lord Zain knows all our destinations. There must be a leak somewhere.”

“I see, that makes sense.”

“That’s why I chose a place we don’t usually go to.”

Of course, I don’t suspect Yana or Evan, and I don’t want to suspect the people in the mansion, but it’s better to be safe. The noisy and bustling atmosphere, unlike that of a high-end establishment, was also convenient.

Evan, after nodding in agreement, immediately ordered the most expensive tea and cake set without hesitation.

“Tomorrow, I plan to disappear without deciding on a destination.”

“Tomorrow? That’s sudden.”

“Yes. If it’s this sudden, even Lord Zain won’t be able to prepare, and if I don’t know where I’m going, it will be impossible for him to chase me.”

I vowed to escape this time and cut a piece of the strawberry cake that had just been served, bringing it to my mouth. At that moment, a small boy ran by and collided with me.

As a result, the cake fell from the fork and the cream stuck to my dress.

I tried to take a handkerchief from my bag, but a beautiful green handkerchief was suddenly offered to me.

“Are you okay? If you’d like, you can use this.”

“Oh, thank you.”

I took it without thinking and looked up to see a strikingly handsome man with black hair and black eyes.

He was about the same age as Evan, and the women at nearby tables were staring at him dreamily. From his attire and demeanor, he seemed to be a lower noble or a wealthy commoner.

Regaining my composure, I tried to return the handkerchief, but the man shook his head slightly.

“If you don’t need it, you can throw it away. Goodbye.”

He said this with a bright smile and quickly left.

Left in the spot, I clutched the handkerchief and looked at Evan, unsure of what to do.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? Just a handkerchief. Men want to look good for the women they like.”

“Is that so?”

“In situations like this, it’s better to use it boldly for their sake.”

Sometimes, Evan says surprisingly sensible things.

Since he also knows a lot about noble society and manners, I decided to follow his advice.

“Still, he had such a beautiful face.”

“Well, sure. I’m better-looking, though.”

“……”

Thinking that there were still such handsome men in the world, in addition to Lord Zain, Ranhardt, and Evan, was terrifying. I finished wiping my dress and inserted my fork into the cake again.

◇◇◇

The next day, I left the mansion early and hopped into a random carriage. I asked Evan to follow me secretly to avoid drawing attention.

“Hmmm……”

After about half a day of continuous travel, I raised my head and looked out the window, drowsy.

The streets, dyed orange, were unfamiliar, and I was certain I had come to a place I didn’t know.

If even I didn’t know where I was, Lord Zain shouldn’t be able to track me here.

However, staying in the same place for too long would increase the chances of being found, and I would need to repeat this process for several months. It was difficult, but there was no other way.

“Excuse me, I’ll get off here!”

I stuck my head out the window and called to the driver, who stopped the carriage immediately. I thanked him, paid the fare, and got off, looking around the bustling streets.

After being jolted in the carriage for half a day, I felt travel fatigue all over my body and decided to rest at a random café.

The stylish, white-themed interior was bustling, and I sat down at the only empty seat at the end.

“What? 1200 Mia for a cup of tea…!?”

When I saw the menu, words unbecoming of a marquise’s daughter slipped out. I had thought it was a commoner’s café, but I had accidentally entered a high-end one.

Reluctantly, I ordered a single cup of ultra-premium tea and gazed out the window, planning to find a hotel to stay in for the night.

“Is this seat okay?”

“Oh, yes! Please…?”

“Thank you.”

I answered reflexively before turning around and immediately stiffened.

– I couldn’t possibly mistake this beautiful voice.

Still hoping it was a mistake, I cautiously shifted my gaze to the opposite seat.

The moment I saw the face of the person who sat down, I realized I had failed again.

“Grace, was this game of hide-and-seek fun?”

“Um… well…”

“Trying to run from me is impossible, and you never get tired of it.”

In contrast to my flustered state, Lord Zain narrowed his sun-like golden eyes softly and smiled.

He looked at the menu and ordered a cup of coffee and an apple tart.

“At this price, Grace, you probably didn’t order anything besides a drink. Order whatever you want; I’ll pay.”

“W-Well, I do have money…”

Lord Zain, who ordered my favorite without hesitation, looked out the window.

“We’ll stay at a nearby hotel tonight and go sightseeing tomorrow. It’s my first time in this city, too.”

“…What?”

“This area is famous for delicious seafood, which you like. I’ve already made preparations for dinner.”

Feeling completely defeated by Lord Zain’s impeccable preparation, I held my head in my hands.

I couldn’t understand why everything was already prepared, and I didn’t even know where we were.

This was really bad. I clenched my hands tightly, steeled my heart, and opened my mouth, but—

“Lord Zain, we should—”

“Grace.”

My name was called, interrupting and reprimanding me.

“My feelings will never change. No matter where you run, I’ll chase you to the ends of the earth, so it’s better to give up.”

“……”

He is always so composed, the most beautiful and perfect person I have ever known, and I feel I can’t compete with him.

He called my name again, and I remained silent.

“I will never let you go.”

Then, with a smile more beautiful than anyone else’s, Lord Zain neatly cut the tart and offered it to my mouth.