Chapter 4

"What are you doing here?"

The beautiful young lady, even in the dark, looked down at me and asked.

"Uh... well..."

"My name is Diane. And you are?"

I blinked. Should I not give my name? But she had introduced herself, and more importantly, I couldn't take my eyes off her flaxen hair and deep green eyes, so I didn't feel like resisting.

"My name is Adel."

"Ah, Adel. It's dangerous to be walking alone at this hour. Please, get in."

"Uh...?"

I was taken aback by her sudden offer.

"Come on, quickly."

Diane opened the carriage door and grabbed my hand, pulling me in.

"Ah... ah..."

"Get in."

I was forcibly pulled in.

"Um... um..."

"How old are you?"

Diane put a fan to her mouth and tilted her head. She looked a bit older than me, probably in her early twenties. She must be a lady of some household.

"I'm 16."

"Then, weren't you supposed to be a debutante tonight?"

She hit a sore spot, and I looked away.

However, I hadn't even given my family name, and I was in such a ragged state. How did she know I was a noble?

"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it."

When I remained silent, Diane said this and lowered her eyes.

"Please don't be upset. Maybe you didn't have a dress prepared?"

"Um, something like that."

I glanced up at Diane's face.

Her aura was more pure and clean rather than alluring. She was wearing a bright red dress, but the design was quite old-fashioned.

Still, the fabric was clearly of high quality, and it suited her very well.

"Hmm. But, you must complete your debutante duties."

"Ah, yes..."

I couldn't tell her that I was planning to run away and become a commoner, so I smiled ambiguously to avoid the question.

Then, I realized something.

The carriage was heading down an unfamiliar road.

"Um, Diane...?"

"Hehe. Before you go home, would you like to visit my house?"

"Wh-What!?"

"It must be fate that we met like this."

Diane smiled warmly.

What is this person? She's incredibly pushy.

"But, I need to get home soon."

"Please, don't say that."

My protests were easily brushed aside, and the carriage was drawn to a mansion outside the city.