Chapter 46

“Why! What a wonderful day this is! For the Duchess of MacLeod to return to us!”

“...Now she is the Marchioness of Lucel.”

“Oh, that’s right. And where is the Marquis?”

The Countess, the hostess of the evening, swayed her plump body and peered behind Opal. Her loud voice echoed throughout the hall, drawing everyone’s attention. Opal maintained her smile while trying to gauge the Countess’s true intentions, but found no malice. It seemed she wasn’t thinking much, but such types were often more difficult to handle.

“My husband is a very busy man, so he couldn’t leave his desk... That’s why I decided to crash the party uninvited. Was I a bother?”

“Not at all! You are always welcome!”

When Opal answered with a slightly wistful tone, the Countess’s expression clouded with sympathy. It was painful to deceive the relatively kind Countess, who was otherwise quite talkative, but Opal thought that this conversation would make her a popular figure in society for a while. Moreover, the butler of this house would not be blamed for letting Opal in without an invitation. Watching the Countess hurriedly deny any inconvenience, Opal felt a sense of relief.

It seemed Hubert had not told anyone that Opal and Claude were returning to their homeland. Perhaps because they hadn’t encountered any acquaintances on the way, Opal’s return had not yet reached the social circles. Instead of drawing attention by writing letters or walking in the park, Opal chose to attend the evening party unannounced. The social world was flamboyant and vicious, and most people flocked to anything with a good story. As expected, many people gathered around Opal after she left the Countess.

Everyone was trying their best to get closer to Opal, who responded with a calm smile, though her heart was quite cold. Eight years ago, she had been shunned by women due to bad rumors and subjected to lewd remarks by men. Despite this, she had continued to attend social events because of her status and wealth. Now, she thought it was foolish. Realizing that nothing had changed, Opal reflected on her current position and wealth, which were even greater than before.

Formerly the Duchess of MacLeod and now the Marchioness of Lucel, her wealth continued to grow. Eight years ago, she thought she was fighting for her own honor. Now, she was fighting for Beth’s honor—though it was more likely for her own satisfaction. She could easily provide financial support to Beth without making such a fuss. As she was thinking this, Keymont, the source of Beth’s troubles, approached her.

“It’s been a while, Marchioness. Do you remember me?”

“...Yes. It’s been a while, Lord Keymont.”

“You took a moment to think, didn’t you? The pause just now was proof.”

The slight pause was due to Keymont’s overly familiar attitude, but Opal was even more surprised by his next words. Keymont, who was Hubert’s schoolmate and in his mid-thirties, was far too childish. Moreover, they had only danced once at a ball eight years ago. She had always thought he was quite conceited, but now it seemed even worse.

“Lord Keymont, it’s quite a feat to remember someone you only danced with eight years ago, isn’t it?”

“Then, to refresh your memory, we should dance again.”

Keymont’s insults didn’t faze Opal, and before she could refuse, he dragged her to the dance floor. She remembered that in the past, she had given in to his forceful attitude and danced. Perhaps Beth had also resisted at first but eventually gave in. As she was thinking this, an unbelievable statement reached her ears.

“—What did you say?”

“I said, if you’re lonely, I can be your companion.”

“Lonely?”

“If you were divorced by Hubert and then married an old man, you must be bored. I can make you feel things you’ve never experienced with Hubert. He’s a stiff, you know.”

Opal had no intention of causing a scene tonight. She had crashed this party uninvited to meet the current Keymont, as there were things she couldn’t learn from the investigation report. She had also checked Hubert’s and Marienne’s schedules to avoid meeting them. However, her disgust and nausea overcame her anger, and she left the dance floor mid-song.

“Marchioness!?”

Ignoring Keymont’s surprise, she walked through the curious gazes of the dancing crowd without stopping. Eight years ago, she hadn’t felt such disgust, perhaps because they were both younger, and Keymont, despite his conceit, was still a decent young man. Reaching the exit, she met Naja, who had been waiting in another room, and felt relieved as they left the house. A carriage, which she had expected to wait a bit, arrived promptly. As she got in, she was surprised to see Claude.

“Claude!?”

“Hello, Opal. You’re earlier than I thought.”

“That’s... but why are you here?”

“Of course, I wanted to see Opal as soon as possible.”

“Oh, I’m in the way, then.”

As Opal felt both happy and suspicious, Claude feigned a hurt expression but smiled at Naja, who was muttering to herself.

“I’m always sorry, Naja.”

“I’m enjoying it.”

“Oh...”

Naja grinned and sat across from her, closing her eyes. Though she pretended not to listen, she was clearly paying attention. Since Opal didn’t mind Naja hearing, Claude continued.

“I thought Opal would cause some trouble. I wanted to be ready to help, but it seems it wasn’t necessary.”

“Excuse me. I didn’t cause any trouble. ...I just left the dance early this time.”

“You left Keymont on the dance floor?”

“How did you know it was Lord Keymont?”

“Opal doesn’t get emotionally involved with just anyone. Since you came to see Keymont tonight, he must be the reason you’re angry.”

Listening to Claude’s calm and low voice, Opal’s discomfort began to fade. She sighed and rested her head on Claude’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Claude.”

“Yeah. I love you, Opal.”

“That’s out of context.”

“Is it?”

“But I love you too.”

“I know.”

“...Then, do you know this? The Marquis of Lucel is apparently an old man.”

Continuing the conversation felt embarrassing, so Opal changed the subject. Naja burst out laughing and quickly covered her mouth, while Claude sighed in resignation.

“Some people still believe that information.”

“I used to believe it too. The Marquis of Lucel is an elderly man.”

“The representative hasn’t changed since my grandfather’s time. Some people in Sosie still don’t know that my grandfather and uncle have passed away... So, Opal, you’re considered to have remarried an older man?”

“Yes, it seems so. To gain status and wealth.”

Hubert hadn’t told anyone about the true identity of the Marquis of Lucel, which was understandable given his dislike of social interactions.

“Wow. How high does Opal intend to climb?”

“Oh, next I’m going to aim for King Alessandro.”

“Then I’ll be left behind. Sad, but I still love you, Opal.”

When Opal made a joke, Claude played along. However, she couldn’t respond to his subsequent declaration and turned away.

“Huh? You’re not giving it back this time?”

“I never expected you to always return it.”

“Right, that’s disappointing.”

Glancing at him, Opal saw Claude smiling happily. Claude was always indulgent with Opal, and Opal was always weak for such indulgence. Unable to hold back, Opal laughed, and Claude laughed even louder. Naja watched them with open eyes, looking pleased.