Chapter 8

As I tried to stand to see Ilvys off, I was hit by a light dizziness.

"Please forgive me. Lady, may I have your hand?"

With no strength in my legs, I pressed my temples and sat down. A hand was extended in front of me. Was he asking me to take it?

"I appreciate it, but what is that line?"

"Oh, didn't you like it? I thought women would enjoy such things."

"It depends on the time, place, and person."

"Do you like it?"

"It depends on the time, place, and person. By the way, not this time."

"That's harsh."

Shrugging, Ilvys didn't seem the least bit disappointed. Since there was no reason to refuse, I decided to accept his kindness.

Reflecting on it, I had never held hands with my fiancé outside of being escorted at parties. I had continued this pretend relationship even at this age, not wanting to trouble my timid fiancé.

I hadn't had such a carefree conversation with a man since childhood, and the fact that it was with someone I had just met yesterday, not my fiancé, was something I couldn't have imagined two days ago.

"I never thought I'd be escorted by a guest in my own mansion."

"That means Amalia hasn't been blessed with good people. Any decent man wouldn't leave a lady as charming as you alone."

"…Are you saying my fiancé isn't decent?"

"Sorry, did it sound that way?"

"How insincere."

As we walked calmly to the entrance, I saw my mother, who seemed to have been waiting. I was startled, hoping she hadn't overheard our conversation, but if she had, she wouldn't be this calm.

So, I followed Ilvys's lead and put on a face that showed I had nothing to hide.

"Mother, this is… Duke Ilvys, he's leaving."

"Amalia doesn't seem to be feeling well… I'm sorry for the trouble at such a time."

Thanks to my deliberate correction, she quickly noticed the change in how we addressed each other. Frowning, she still seemed agitated and even said something nasty to Ilvys.

"…Thank you for your concern. But Amalia is usually quite lively, so there's no need to worry."

Ilvys's hand tightened, and the pressure was transmitted through our joined hands.

"I can't treat the important daughter of a noble family so casually. Even if you say that, I'm sure you would keep Amalia away if I did something."

If we made any mistakes, my mother would immediately use it as an excuse to keep me away, and she would make it look like it was my fault.

Ilvys seemed to understand this, and while he wore an archaic smile, his eyes didn't smile.

Realizing the pressure of his smile, my mother hurried to smooth things over.

"Such concern from a duke is a great honor for Amalia."

"Hehe. That's why I'll come again tomorrow. Is that alright?"

"Y-Yes! Of course!"

With that, my mother couldn't deny it. Satisfied with her quick agreement, Ilvys released her and then, in stark contrast to before, showed a gentle smile.

"I'll come a bit later tomorrow, so please rest well."

"Understood. Thank you for your concern."

Ilvys seemed to want to say something to me, who had returned to a stiff attitude, but unfortunately, I couldn't give in.

If I showed any incompetence here, my mother would definitely criticize me, and if I made her any more upset, the consequences would be scary. I wanted to start acting like a lover from tomorrow, so please let me off the hook today.

"Truly, only a lady like you can make me so flustered. Well, it's the first day, and I'd say the results are excellent."

Ilvys stared at me for a while, but when he realized I wasn't going to give in, he reluctantly gave up.

"Thank you for seeing me off. I'll take my leave now."

Good or bad timing, as Ilvys was about to leave, a terrible purring voice came from the entrance, blocking the way.

"Such a grand carriage stopped in front of our house, I wondered who it could be… Duke Lambert!"

My sister had returned.