Chapter 91

The third volume of the book will be released on March 15!

There's an ultra-HAPPY cover illustration by Mr. Atsumi, so I think it will be more enjoyable to read if you look at it first (probably).

"Perhaps we should have a proper conversation sometime."

"…………"

"Any response?"

"Yes."

Despite the cold sweat that wouldn't stop, even such a trivial exchange made me feel loved.

"Please, don't do such things anymore. You should rely more on those around you."

Lord Zain always says this, and I can't express how much it means to me.

After talking with Charlotte, I did feel anxious. If I confide in him, my heart might feel a little lighter.

However, if I tell him something so uncertain that even he can't do anything about, it would only burden him, who is already so busy. I intend to rely on Lord Zain only when I'm truly in trouble.

Most of all, I can't afford to be weak in front of Lord Zain, who cares for me so much.

"Thank you. I will."

"Ah."

Mariabel also said, "I'll do my best to help too!" and her happy smile overflowed.

I want to do my best for the people I love as well.

"Do you have time after this? If it's okay, I'd like to talk a bit at the duke's residence."

"…Is this going to be a lecture?"

"Maybe."

When I asked quietly, Lord Zain gave me an ambiguous answer with a faint smile.

Still, since we haven't spent much time together recently, I nodded immediately.

◇◇◇

"Thank you, Miss! I'll take my leave here."

As soon as we arrived at the duke's residence, Mariabel disappeared to her room at high speed. I felt guilty, knowing she was being considerate.

Lord Zain led me down the corridor to his room. When I was urged to enter, his pleasant scent tickled my nose.

"Lord Zain, I'm sorry—"

Before I could apologize, my lips were sealed.

Surprised by the sudden action, I looked up, and Lord Zain chuckled, releasing my lips.

"You look so cute when you're scared, I couldn't help it."

Realizing he wasn't really angry, I felt relieved.

Lord Zain led me to the sofa and we sat down together.

"Please, don't do anything dangerous. I might have to lock you up."

"…Are you joking?"

"Who knows?"

With a cheek resting on his hand, he said this with a carefree smile. I resolved to do as he said.

"But, I plan to be more proactive in social events centered around women."

"You're not good at such events, are you? Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"…It's true that I feel uncomfortable because of my past actions. But I want to walk proudly by Lord Zain's side as his partner."

At first, I'm sure I'll have a lot of hard times.

But for the sake of living by Lord Zain's side, I can endure anything.

"That's why I will reflect on my past actions and work to restore my honor!"

When I declared this clearly, Lord Zain's golden eyes widened, and then he smiled.

"…What do you plan to do to make me even more infatuated with you?"

"Lord Zain?"

"Nothing, it's fine. I'm really happy to hear your feelings, thank you. I'll come to pick you up, so let me know when you know the date."

"No, you're so busy, it's fine. You have to pick up Mariabel too."

"I usually entrust Mariabel's pickup to someone I trust, so it's not a problem."

Still, I know Lord Zain is very busy, and while I'm very happy, I also want him to rest.

So, I intended to refuse jokingly.

"Besides, if you come to pick me up, rumors will spread that you really like me."

"To let everyone know I'm only interested in you, it's convenient."

"Eh?"

I froze at Lord Zain's casual response.

It turned out that Lord Zain had met Evan at work the other day and learned that I was quite worried about Charlotte.

While it was true, I was embarrassed. It was surprising that Evan would talk about me, and even more so that it was this topic.

"Um, it's not… that… but…"

"I really have no interest in anyone else, so I didn't even notice her feelings. I'm really sorry."

"Don't apologize, Lord Zain isn't at fault! I was just being paranoid."

On one hand, I realized that Lord Zain understood the significance of picking me up and was acting for my sake.

While I knew it wasn't like him and felt embarrassed, my heart was overwhelmed.

Seeing me at a loss for words, Lord Zain smiled.

"If it can ease your anxiety, I'll do anything."

"……"

An overwhelming feeling of "love" welled up from deep within my heart, and I threw myself into Lord Zain's chest.

"Grace?"

"…I love you. I really, really love you."

I love Lord Zain so much that words can't express it.

Wanting to convey even a little of this feeling, I tightened my arms around his back. Lord Zain also hugged me tightly, and a happy smile overflowed.

"Lord Zain hasn't been going out much recently, has he?"

"Yes. I hardly ever went out even before, but it's decreased even more recently due to being busy."

"You seem very busy. Is something happening?"

I asked, concerned about the increase in monsters due to the miasma that Charlotte had mentioned, but Lord Zain shook his head.

"I was just working ahead to take a break."

Feeling relieved by the positive reason, I was called by my name.

"Can I have a week of your time at the beginning of next month?"

"Yes. I don't have any plans, so it's fine."

The restaurant can manage without me for a while, and I don't have any other important plans.

Still, I wondered what he planned to do for a week.

"Is something happening?"

"It's almost your birthday, right? I want to invite you to the Winslett dukedom."

"…Huh?"

Realizing I didn't know Grace's birthday, I was taken aback.

The novel didn't provide such detailed information about minor characters, and I didn't have many opportunities to ask others, "When is my birthday?"

I was impressed that Lord Zain knew something I didn't.

"Can I really visit the dukedom?"

"Yes. I want you to see the place where I grew up."

Actually, I had always wanted to see where Lord Zain grew up and learn about his childhood.

‘I want to visit the Winslett dukedom next time. It's a wonderful place.’

‘Yes, please.’

I remembered this conversation from my first disappearance a few months ago. At the time, I had given up on it, thinking it would never happen since I would eventually part ways with Lord Zain.

That's why it was incredibly joyful to see it come true.

"I'm very happy. Please, I would love to!"

"Good. I'll make the arrangements."

After making the travel plans, Lord Zain, who had work scheduled for the night, took me back to the mansion.

"Welcome back, Miss. You seem to be in a very good mood. Did you tear off a dress from a lady you dislike and stuff it in her mouth to make her silent?"

Evan greeted me at the gate with a smile, noticing my excitement about the birthday trip.

"Of course not… but maybe that's something the past me did…?"

"Yes, she seemed very happy and said it felt great."

"……"

The evil deeds of the villainess Grace, which always exceed my imagination and common sense, gave me a headache.

Despite declaring to Lord Zain that I would "restore my honor," I sighed deeply, realizing the road ahead would be long and difficult.

When I mentioned the trip, Evan also said he would go with us.

"Is it really that the young lady, who was such a terrible brat, is turning eighteen? It's quite moving."

"What kind of sentiment?"

Even though he said that, Evan, who probably suffered the most from the original Grace, must have many thoughts. I decided to make up for the past by being kind to Evan.

"Being excited is good, but be careful not to act rashly. I don't want to get scolded by the duke too."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you."

I thanked Evan and thought about inviting Yana and Haniwa to the trip as well, walking lightly to my room.

Once again, the third volume of the book will be released on March 15 by Bezslog Bunko!

Mr. Atsumi's cover illustration is so amazing…!

Seeing Grace smile for the first time is so touching;

Zain is also incredibly cool~!!!

All the illustrations are divine and the best ever!!!

Please look forward to the pre-order!＞＜♡