Chapter 51

For some reason, it wasn't showing up, so I reposted it. Sorry >.<

"Hahaha! My stomach hurts from laughing so much, not just you, but I've also grown to really like the Duke!"

The day after my third attempt to run away, I visited the Gardner Duke's mansion again and faced Ranhardt, who was laughing heartily.

──Yesterday, after being caught by Lord Zain, I gave up resisting, had a meal with him, stayed in the room next to his at the hotel, and obediently returned to the capital with him today at noon.

"I don't need dinner or the hotel. I'll return to the capital on my own, so please leave me alone."

"Is that so? What a pity. If I cancel now, the meal will go to waste, and I'll have to pay the full price, but it doesn't matter to you, so you don't need to worry about it."

"……"

I might have lost the will to resist. I didn't think I could win against Lord Zain. He seemed to understand me well and had what felt like precognition.

After returning home and collapsing on the bed, I received a message from Ranhardt, who came to report on recent events.

He held his stomach and laughed throughout, and his reaction to the bracelet exceeded expectations, making him look satisfied.

"Ah, I laughed so much. So, what do you plan to do next?"

"I'm going to give up on the escape plan. It's a waste of money, too."

Since running away would only result in being caught, it's a waste of travel and accommodation expenses. I also have the restaurant to think about, so it's time to consider other methods.

Ranhardt wiped away the tears at the corners of his eyes and exhaled.

"Well, the Duke won't give up on you just like that. Why do you think he likes you so much?"

"……I want to know that, too."

"But, these things aren't logical. Once you think this person is the only one for you, it's over. You can't escape, and it's scary."

He laughed as if it were someone else's story, leaned back on the sofa, and drew a beautiful curve with his lips.

"What are your plans from tomorrow? If you're free, do you want to hang out with me?"

"I'll think about it while I prepare for the restaurant. At the very least, I need to make sure it can run even without me."

"Restaurant?"

Ranhardt blinked his long-lashed eyes and tilted his head, asking, "What are you talking about?" It seemed he didn't know I was preparing to open a restaurant.

When I explained the concept, Ranhardt made an impressed sound.

"Grace, you really do unexpected things. I can understand why the Duke cares about you. You're completely different from the other young ladies."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Of course. Can I come and visit when you're preparing?"

"Sure, but it won't be fun for you at all."

Ranhardt, after all, is the next Duke. When I asked if he didn't need to work, it turned out he usually does what he should.

He actively participates in social events and seems to be the type who can efficiently handle anything.

"By the way, how is Charlotte? Have you seen her at social events since then?"

"Yeah, Charlotte Clive. I see her often."

Charlotte, with her natural brightness and sincerity, has quickly become a central figure in society.

I remember in the novel, there was a man who supported her, and perhaps that's why she fit in so well.

"And I've seen her talking to the Duke."

"……What?"

──Lord Zain and Charlotte have already met?

My heart leaped at the unexpected news. After all, there had been no signs of it.

"It was around the evening of the day you went to the mountains."

Ranhardt had attended a night party at a certain earl's house and saw them there.

A cold sensation washed over me, and my heart beat rapidly. I clenched my hands tightly, then suddenly spoke again.

"What was it like?"

"I only saw them from a distance for a moment, so I couldn't tell much. It's rare to see the Duke talking to a woman alone, so I just happened to notice."

Perhaps they were destined to meet naturally. Even if I did nothing, there's a possibility they might be drawn to each other as in the novel.

Still, Lord Zain chased me to the mountains and the mysterious town even after meeting Charlotte.

It seems his feelings haven't changed, and I'm just in the way. Perhaps deep down, I thought that if they met, things would somehow work out, which is why I feel a sense of urgency.

"What should I do from now on…"

"At this rate, no matter what you do, it won't work."

Ranhardt, seeing my agitation, clearly said this and crossed his legs.

"You're fundamentally kind, so you can't be harsh to others. People can't hide their feelings that well."

Ranhardt added, "Especially when it comes to affection."

"Because you like the Duke, he can't give up on you. And you shouldn't show that kind of face."

"……That kind of face?"

"Yeah, you didn't realize it. You two are really troublesome."

Although I didn't understand the full meaning of Ranhardt's words, the first part hit a sore spot, and I couldn't say anything.

I bowed my head and clenched my hands on my knees. Suddenly, Ranhardt stood up and sat next to me.

Surprised by the close distance, I took a small step back, but he put his hand around my waist as if to say, "Don't run."

His experienced touch made my body stiffen.

"There's a good way to make the Duke give up."

"What?"

"Really like me. Then the kind Duke won't be able to be forceful. Because he genuinely likes you."

"……"

"Besides, it might help him move on. It's said that having someone you like love someone else is the most painful thing."

Ranhardt is probably right. If Lord Zain is hurt, the story might return to its original course.

"Playing pretend with infidelity is half-hearted. I think it's much better to really like me. Do you hate me?"

He lifted my chin with his fingertips and our eyes met at close range.

Surprised by the closeness, I quickly looked away and was told, "That face and that reaction are unfair."

"I don't hate you, but…"

"Then you can like me, too. It's okay."

I don't hate Ranhardt, of course, and I appreciate his kindness and willingness to help me.

Still, I wasn't sure if I could like him as more than a friend.

"If you can't think of a better way, don't you think it's worth trying? I'd be happy if you liked me."

"……That might be true, but…"

"Right? I think the best way to break up with the Duke is to do something unlike the current you."

He smiled and stroked my cheek.