Chapter 20

"If you had let us know in advance, we could have prepared a better seat for you!"

Count Ophels wore a broad smile.

However, his voice seemed a bit stiff. The Count Ophels I know, even with a similar smile, was much more domineering. Besides, he wasn't the type to come to a seat at the edge right after the ceremony.

His polite demeanor made him seem like a stranger.

As I tilted my head in confusion, Fil stood up.

"Don't worry about it, Count Ophels. More importantly, I'm here today on a personal matter. I'd appreciate it if you could keep it low-key."

"But, but..."

"That's right. Could you call me Fil today? I want to focus on being Lucia's escort."

Fil said this lightly, with a friendly smile.

However, the Ophels family's smiles seemed even more forced as they turned their gaze to me.

Only my cousin Irena, with a cute smile, directed a fierce look of jealousy at me.

I had expected her to either look triumphant or openly hostile, but being envied by Irena was completely unexpected.

...What does this mean?

Suddenly, I remembered my brother Albes's face, which had turned white, almost pale. Had he anticipated this situation?

...My stomach started to hurt.

Brother Albes, I'm sorry for laughing back then.

"Then, for the banquet later, let's prepare a more comfortable seat for you. Lucia, I've always thought you looked dignified and impressive, but today you are truly beautiful! Your height makes you look almost divine. It would be a waste to leave so soon. You should let everyone see you more!"

Count Ophels complimented me, with a full smile.

Of course, this was the first time I had been complimented by the Count.

...But it felt hollow and didn't make me happy at all. Honestly, I could only think, "Wow..."

I definitely don't want to attend the banquet.

For various reasons. I'm sure the stress will make the food tasteless.

Perhaps my inner voice reached him.

Fil declined for me.

"Thank you, but Lucia has other plans afterward. We'll skip the banquet."

"Is that so? What a pity. Then... shall we arrange a guard for Lucia? My Ophels family will ensure her safe passage to her destination. We can even escort her to the Laguren territory. That way, Fil... Sir Fil, can enjoy the festivities here."

An unexpected and impressive proposal.

It was so thorough that I doubted my ears.

Was he trying this hard to keep Fil here?

Lord Gorman also seemed surprised, his well-structured face contorting as he looked at his father.

...Right now, I feel like I could get along with Lord Gorman. I feel a bit nostalgic seeing his honest face, which I used to see often in the past.

Irena still had a soft smile, but she seemed less composed than usual.

I remember, when we were young, Irena and I fought over dolls with this kind of face. She's just as fierce as I am...

While I was lost in thought, Count Ophels maintained his impeccable noble smile.

Then, he cleared his throat a bit theatrically and suddenly lowered his voice.

"I hear that Sir Fil has been very busy lately. You need some relaxation. ...We can provide various forms of entertainment that you can't find in the northern lands?"

His tone was meaningful.

...Ah.

Could this be a topic I shouldn't hear?

I understand.

I'll pretend I didn't hear that. I've been helped more than enough by Fil today, so please enjoy your entertainment!

Just as I was about to convey this in a proper noble lady's manner, Fil smiled.

"Count Ophels"

His voice was calm.

Yet, it was as cold as a drawn sword.

"In front of Miss Lucia, I would appreciate it if you refrained from such jokes."

"Ah, I apologize! I apologize!"

Count Ophels paled and bowed deeply.

He even seemed to take a few steps back and kneel, but before his knee touched the ground, Fil grabbed his arm.

"Count Ophels, I already told you to stop that."

"Y-Yes! Please forgive me!"

Count Ophels paled even more and trembled.

Lord Gorman also trembled and bowed deeply like his father. Irena, looking back and forth between the father and son and us, bit her lip and bowed as well.

The altar room had become eerily quiet.

Despite the people still present, everyone had stopped moving, holding their breath and watching the situation.

Even I, who didn't fully understand the situation, couldn't help but hold my breath due to the icy atmosphere.

Fil glanced at me.

He probably saw my tense face, looked down, and sighed deeply.

"...That's enough. We'll take our leave now. Is that okay, Lucia?"

"Huh? Yes, that's fine."

When he spoke to me, he returned to his usual self.

So I nodded as usual.

Lord Gorman looked as if he had seen something unbelievable.

...I must have responded incorrectly.

I made a mistake.

But, seeing my secret anxiety, Fil looked very pleased.

"Let's go then. Lucia, may I have your hand?"

Politely, yet with a hint of amusement, Fil extended his hand.

To be honest, I hesitated.

Repeating what happened when we arrived made me feel embarrassed. My sense of shame was screaming.

But... overwhelmed by the pressure of the surrounding gazes, I clenched my face and placed my hand in his.