Chapter 64

I am updating two episodes together: this one and the next!

"Your Grace, Windslett! Thank you for coming despite your busy schedule."

"Ah, I'm sorry for being late."

A friend had begged him to make an appearance, so he arrived late at the ball after work.

Surrounded by a crowd of people all the time, he felt the need to breathe some fresh air and found an excuse to step out into the garden.

Feeling the pleasant night breeze, he looked up at the sky. Since that day when he and Grace had watched the stars, he had taken to gazing at the sky like this.

"...It's beautiful."

Lately, he had been so busy trying not to think about her that he had no time to breathe.

"Your Grace, Windslett...?"

In the midst of this, he was called from behind.

Turning around, he saw the noble lady Charlotte Clive, who had just become a foster daughter of a viscount, staring at him with a face so red it was clearly visible even in the dim light.

He had been meeting her quite often recently, not just in social settings but also unexpectedly around town. Their encounters had become frequent, and they had even had conversations.

However, he realized that she always maintained an appropriate distance, which was why he didn't find it unpleasant.

"The other day, I shared a table with Lady Mariabel at a café... She is truly a lovely and wonderful person. I felt very happy."

"I see."

Despite her friendly attitude, he found her to be a mysterious lady. She seemed to be drunk, and her steps were unsteady.

"Kyaa..."

When she almost fell, he supported her body, which was alarmingly thin and light.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, and her face came so close that their noses almost touched. He tried to pull away, but her legs gave out, making it impossible.

After a moment, he managed to support her by her shoulders, and she apologized in a voice that seemed about to fade away.

"I'm sorry... I'm causing you trouble..."

Apparently, she had been forced to drink by a high-ranking nobleman and had come outside to sober up.

There were noblemen who would intoxicate women and take advantage of them. The thought of such despicable acts filled him with anger.

"I'm sorry... Can I just stay like this for a little while...?"

"...Ah."

She looked so miserable and was about to collapse, so he couldn't leave her or carry her. Reluctantly, he nodded quietly.

Her arms wrapped around his back, and for a moment, she repeated shallow breaths.

"Thank you, I've calmed down."

"I see."

He decided to escort her back to the venue, fearing that if he left her alone, she might collapse again.

"Your Grace, you are very kind."

"...Not really."

In the past, he would never have acted like this. He knew it was because he had been influenced by the kind and gentle Grace.

What was Grace doing now? As he thought about this, Lady Clive, who was walking beside him, suddenly let out a small cry and stopped.

Following her gaze, he saw a couple embracing in the darkness.

Such secret meetings were not uncommon in social settings, and he was about to pass by, thinking it was trivial.

"Those two... Are they Lady Grace Sentsberry and Lord Ranhardt Gardener...?"

"–Huh."

He couldn't believe it and looked again, only to realize that what she said was true.

He couldn't understand why Grace was touching that man in such a place, and it was impossible to understand.

"I've seen them together before and thought they suited each other."

"...Really."

Everything was extremely unpleasant, and he felt a burning jealousy throughout his body.

Despite this, he couldn't look away from the two, who were leaning into each other like lovers.

"I should be the one. I'll take good care of you."

As he heard this voice, he saw Grace bury her face in Ranhardt Gardener's chest, and his mind went blank.

Could she have fallen for that man?

The Grace he knew wouldn't just give herself to anyone. This made the frustration rise even more.

"Your Grace, Windslett? Are you okay...?"

Eventually, he returned to his senses at her worried voice, and a dry laugh escaped his lips.

–Grace had said to keep their distance for three months, so he was still in a relationship and had the right to blame her.

However, he couldn't move from this spot because he was afraid of hearing that she had fallen for that man.

An overwhelming anxiety spread in his chest, and he realized for the first time that he had such a weakness.

He had been able to remain strong even if Grace said "I want to break up" because he was certain she didn't really want to break up with him.

But now, it was different.

"...Miss Clive, I'm sorry. Let's go back."

"Y-Yes!"

Although she still seemed unwell, she was immediately surrounded by friends when they reached the venue.

It was a known fact that she had been forced to drink, and they were saying things like, "I'm sorry I couldn't help you" and "I was worried when I couldn't see you."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"Ah."

Thinking she was fine now, he left the scene, and his friend Boris hurriedly approached him.