Chapter 23

"......Rufus"

Without thinking, I called out his name. Rufus, with his narrow eyes wide open in surprise, muttered, "Why are you here?"

I have heard that he and Eliza are acquainted, but his face clearly showed how strange it was for me to be invited to this birthday party. I wonder why.

Next to him stood Lord Kevin, whom I hadn't seen in a while.

"Well, is some kind of trouble about to start?"

"It's Lady Sadie, after all. She might have a complaint or two, right?"

Even though it was a coincidence, just the sight of Rufus and me facing each other made the surroundings noisy.

Thinking I shouldn't cause any trouble, I hurried to leave, but Lord Kevin stepped between us.

"Good evening. You're wearing it, I see."

"Ah, yes. Thank you very much."

"The person who gave that to you would be happy to know."

His gaze was directed at the ring on my right hand.

"I really like this ring. I was so happy. Could you please tell the person who gave it to me that?"

"Of course, I will."

"I'll wear it always and treasure it."

Wishing that my gratitude would somehow reach him, I glanced at Rufus, who was, for some reason, covering his mouth with one hand and looking down. Is he feeling unwell?

"Rufus is lowering his dignity by being with a woman like that."

"Really, isn't he?"

Worried, I was about to call out to him, but I heard those voices and immediately clamped my mouth shut. I still felt many piercing gazes from around me.

"Excuse me, then."

I really wanted to talk to Rufus, even if it was just a little. However, from the fact that he had given me the ring anonymously, it was clear that he was trying to avoid direct contact with me.

Deciding that at least I had been able to thank him in person, I was about to leave quietly when—

"......?"

For some reason, Rufus firmly grabbed my wrist as I turned to leave.

Wondering what was going on, I turned back to see him with a puzzled expression, looking at his own hand. The part he was holding felt incredibly hot.

Rufus seemed to be trying to say something for a while, but then he opened his mouth as if he had made a decision.

"......It suits you well."

His unexpected words made my heart skip a beat.

I never thought he would say something like that directly to me. Looking up at him in surprise, I saw his face was clearly flushed.

Could he be blushing? Happiness welled up inside me, and I couldn't help but smile.

"I'm so happy to hear that from you, Rufus. Thank you."

"......Yeah."

Eventually, he gently released my arm and slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. It was the first time I had seen his smile since he grew up, and it was so beautiful and kind that I couldn't help but smile back.

"......I want to keep talking to Rufus like this, even if it's just occasionally, just a little bit."

Feeling so happy that he had spoken to me, those words slipped out of my mouth without thinking.

I couldn't say that I wanted to be close friends, as it would be presumptuous. But I wanted to maintain a relationship where we could exchange a few words now and then.

However, the moment I said that, Rufus's expression changed to one of utter despair.

After a heavy silence, he finally spoke.

"......I don't want that."

It was a shock, but it was probably a normal reaction. It must have been special just now. I regretted getting carried away.

"Y-Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. Someone like me—"

"No, that's not it, I—"

Just as Rufus opened his mouth in a flustered manner, a voice called out.

"Sadie?"

Turning around, I saw Gerald with a smile, standing right next to me.

Realizing that I had made him wait by stopping, I apologized, and he said, "It's okay," taking my hand gently.

He looked at me and Rufus and said, "You shouldn't be here," then started walking, pulling my arm.

"Let's go?"

"Y-Yes..."

Though I hesitated a little, I bowed to the two of them and started walking when Gerald gave me a smile that left no room for argument.

I could hear Lord Kevin's exasperated voice behind me, "How stupid can you be?"

◇◇◇

"......You don't like him, right?"

"Huh?"

"You don't have feelings for Rufus Langridge, do you? You won't, right?"

As we walked quickly through the crowd, he suddenly stopped and asked me this.

Of course, I like Rufus. He didn't abandon me when I was a terrible person and cared for me deeply.

The engagement break was inevitable and understandable. And most importantly, he still worries about me and even gave me a ring.

"Rufus is actually very kind."

"So what?"

"Huh?"

"I'm kinder to you than he is."

His unusual way of speaking left me a bit confused. Noticing my reaction, he smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to confuse you."

"......Yeah."

"He's not suitable for you."

Saying this clearly, Gerald stroked my cheek.