Chapter 9

9

‘...What are you doing in the middle of the night?’

It was precisely 3 a.m., but it was so dark it might as well have been night. I couldn’t sleep, so I came out to the garden for a brief walk without waking Charlotte. I never expected to find Theodore here.

‘This is strange...’

I wasn’t sure if it was just my feeling, but he seemed to be in an odd state. I recalled that his complexion had been poor not long ago. Perhaps he was unwell. I hesitated for a moment, then quietly approached him slowly.

Theodore stood in front of the old plum tree in the garden, lost in thought. His hollow eyes seemed to be searching the distance. He didn’t notice my approach, as if deeply engrossed in his thoughts. Normally, he would have sensed me immediately.

“...It would have been better if he were here.”

Theodore muttered something absentmindedly. His voice was so low that I couldn’t hear it clearly, but I sensed sadness in it. I thought I heard the word ‘brother’.

‘If he means ‘brother’... Camille Valentin, the original heir of the Valentin family, perhaps?’

I had heard a little about him. As I tried to recall the vague memory, something flashed in my field of vision.

“...!”

No way.

I froze, staring at Theodore. A transparent droplet was rolling down his cheek.

‘...Tears?’

Is he really crying?

I was taken aback by the unexpected situation. I never thought I would see this man cry... and his mumbling about his brother suggested he had a story. It wouldn’t be wise to pry too deeply. After all, we are only a nominal couple.

I decided it was best to leave quickly and took a few steps back. But I accidentally stepped on a small twig.

“...!”

The sound of the twig breaking echoed loudly in the quiet morning garden. I froze in my retreat. Theodore paused, then turned to look at me. His hazy eyes began to glow with a fierce light as our gazes met.

“A, I...”

“...What are you doing here?”

“...”

It felt... strange. His tear-streaked face, angry like a wounded animal, was a sight that would evoke sympathy from anyone.

My heart raced. Theodore approached me with quick steps, and I couldn’t look away from his fierce expression.

“What are you doing?”

“I was just taking a walk...”

“At this hour of the morning? Taking a walk and peeking at me crying?”

“I wasn’t peeking...!”

He grabbed my arm and pulled me close. I lost my balance and my face collided with his chest. It wasn’t soft at all, and my nose and forehead tingled. I lifted my head, and the man’s tear-streaked face came into view.

...My fingertips trembled slightly. I didn’t understand why. Or maybe I did. I felt I should wipe away the tear marks on his pale cheek.

I had this feeling for some reason...

“Investigating the Valentin estate isn’t a wise choice. You won’t find anything even if you dig.”

“It’s not that.”

“Or, did you really come out for a walk at this hour? Without a maid? Do you expect me to believe that?”

“...”

I didn’t think he would believe me if I said I had come out for a walk. I quickly gave up on trying to convince him and answered casually.

“Think what you will.”

“Huh...”

Theodore wiped his face with his sleeve, laughing sarcastically. After crying, he roughly rubbed his eyes. Even as I was being suspected, I couldn’t help but think that it must hurt.

“Follow me.”

“...!”

He gripped my wrist tightly and started dragging me somewhere. I was worried he might lock me in a dungeon, but the direction wasn’t downward. I followed him, relieved, but it was hard to keep up with his long strides.

Finally, we arrived at my room. He stopped at the door and turned to look at me. I was out of breath from walking faster than usual.

He clicked his tongue at my appearance. I felt my face heat up and bowed my head. ...It was strange. I found it harder to deal with this man than with Lady Seymour, the other people, or even my family from the Everett estate.

It wasn’t just because of guilt.

“Go inside. Don’t wander around alone in the dark.”

“...”

He must not be worried about me. He just doesn’t want me to pry unnecessarily.

I nodded silently and grabbed the doorknob. I was anxious that I might hear his voice again, but I also wanted to talk to him more. Wanting to talk to him... I must be crazy. Why do I have such a desire? It’s not normal.

“Good night, then.”

I quickly went inside and closed the door, leaving those words behind. I didn’t see the expression on Theodore’s face.

* * *

I couldn’t sleep at all. Theodore’s tear-streaked face kept haunting me. I sighed and got up. I pulled the bell cord to summon Charlotte.

“Madam, did you cough? Which should I prepare first, your meal or your washing water?”

“I want to wash first. Prepare a simple meal with some fruit.”

“Yes, I will. Please wait a moment!”

Shortly after, Charlotte brought the washing water. After washing up, I ate a few slices of orange and apple for breakfast.

I’ve always had a small appetite, but since coming to the Valentin estate, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to eat. Charlotte seemed very worried about this.

“Madam, you should eat more for lunch.”

“I will.”

“...”

My weak response made Charlotte turn her head and sigh. I felt guilty towards Charlotte, but I couldn’t force myself to eat food that didn’t sit well. It was better to eat a little than to force myself and end up vomiting.

“Charlotte, could you call a merchant before afternoon? I need to buy something.”

“Yes, I understand!”

I had to make it look like I wanted to buy new jewelry. I changed into a neatly ironed dress and asked Jenna to do my hair. Unlike Laura, who still acted uncomfortable around me, Jenna was calm and easy to talk to, even though she seemed to dislike me.

Most people in the Valentin estate probably dislike me anyway.

* * *

“Now that I look, your taste is really poor.”

“...”

The merchant’s face crumpled at my sarcasm. I was currently rejecting the seventeenth piece of jewelry he had shown me.

Actually... I don’t intend to buy any jewelry. I’m just pretending. However, I didn’t feel guilty towards the merchant. He had taken a bribe to keep quiet and then told everything to Theodore.

It seemed he never intended to keep the secret. Anyone sharp enough would have figured out I was a fake duchess, so he probably thought there would be no consequences for breaking his promise. And indeed, there weren’t. But... there are many ways to get back at him.

I learned that from over ten years at the Everett estate.

“Is this the last one? Show it to me.”

“...Yes, Madam.”

The merchant, trying to hide his displeasure, placed the last piece of jewelry on the table. It was a pearl necklace adorned with a bright green peridot. ...It was the same color as my eyes. It would definitely suit me. I couldn’t help but linger on it. But.

“This one is no good either.”

Just as I expected, the merchant clenched his teeth.

“Then I’ll buy it, this necklace.”

Suddenly, a cold voice came from the living room entrance.

I stiffened and turned my head. Theodore was standing at the entrance, arms crossed.

...The living room has an open archway without a door, so I didn’t notice him. There would be no sound of a door opening, and it’s easy for him to move silently.

“Your Grace, Duke Valentin.”

The merchant jumped up and bowed deeply to Theodore, much more respectfully than he treated me. Theodore dismissed the merchant’s greeting with a casual gesture and approached me.

“Leave the necklace here. The head steward will collect the payment.”

“Yes, yes, thank you, then... I will take my leave now.”

The merchant, who seemed to have regressed in language skills in front of Theodore, glanced at him with genuine respect.

...Now that I think about it, this merchant is also from the Valentin estate.

Indeed, it makes sense.

Theodore Valentin is a beloved lord.

“So, Miss Everett, you think this necklace is no good.”

“...”

I remained silent. Theodore picked up the necklace with both hands and placed it around my neck.

On closer inspection, this necklace was a choker that tightly encircled the neck.

“Wear it even if you don’t like it. It’s a gift from a lowly person to Miss Everett. I don’t want to be misunderstood as neglecting the great daughter of the Everett estate.”

“...”

He seems to have a major misunderstanding. Well, he knows me as the Duke of Everett’s real daughter. If he knew I wasn’t even a bastard and was completely unrelated to him, how would he react?

Moreover, if he knew I wasn’t of noble birth, would he despise me even more...?

“Lift your hair, just for a moment.”

Theodore frowned and ordered. He wanted to put the necklace on me himself, but the hair covering the back of my neck was bothering him.

I obediently gathered my hair and lifted it slightly. Theodore leaned closer. His breath seemed to brush past my ear. I shivered involuntarily, and he paused for a moment. A tense atmosphere filled the brief moment of stillness. The ticking of the clock seemed to grow louder, and then the cold metal touched my skin.

“...Done.”

He mumbled, as if swallowing his words, and quickly pulled away. When our eyes met, he scowled and turned his head. I touched the necklace absentmindedly and thanked him.

Theodore left without a word.

* * *

The next afternoon, the head steward came to see me with a slightly dark expression.

“Lady Seymour is looking for you, Madam.”