Chapter 13

An unusually intimidating dinner with Lord Philip.

The sorrow of having to marry such a person overwhelms my heart.

Will my life as Jill Westeria end in tragedy like this...?

Just waiting for time to pass—this dinner with Lord Philip has become a kind of ascetic practice, training me to suppress my emotions.

"Philip, it's been a while. I heard you were here, so I just came to say hello."

"Ah, Duke Belclaire, what a surprise. It's quite rare for you to visit this place."

At that moment, one of the great nobles, Duke Jade Belclaire, appeared in the private room of the restaurant where we were dining.

He inherited his father's title at a young age, still in his twenties, and with his well-defined features and beautiful black hair, he is as popular among women as Lord Eric.

I had heard that he rarely came to the capital, only appearing in social circles, so I was surprised when he suddenly showed up.

"Hahaha, I just thought I'd enjoy the taste of the capital now and then. You look like you want to say that a country bumpkin like me doesn't fit in with the city's restaurants, don't you?"

"No, no, that's not it at all. Your Excellency is too kind."

"Ahaha, I'm sorry. I have a habit of making silly jokes. Well, is she your fiancée? I believe you are from the House of Westeria—"

"My name is Jill Westeria. I'm honored that you remember me, even though we only met once."

To my surprise, Duke Belclaire remembered my face.

Perhaps it's the charm of an adult. Unlike Lord Philip, who is always angry, he looks incredibly handsome.

"I can't help but remember a beautiful face. After all, I'm still single and hungry for a good match. Oh, I envy you, Philip."

"S-such a thing to envy..."

Lord Philip, perhaps because he had just insulted me, seems unable to process Duke Belclaire's words.

His unpleasant attitude towards me shows that he has no affection for me. I can tell even without him saying it...

Duke Belclaire... he called me beautiful and said he would like to marry someone like me.

If my fiancé were someone with his ease and warmth, I wouldn't have to worry about my sister's situation...

"Your Excellency, we are just finishing our meal. May we take our leave now?"

"What, you're already done eating?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, I have to hurry."

Perhaps because he feels uncomfortable with Duke Belclaire's presence, Lord Philip quickly tries to end the meal.

For me, the dinner with him was painful, so I am grateful...

"Sorry, but can I borrow your fiancée for a little while? No, of course not in a bad way. I just want her to join me for dinner."

Eh? Duke Belclaire wants to have dinner with me?

Such a wonderful invitation makes me want to cry with joy...

"......It's fine. Do as you please."

Lord Philip's eyebrows twitched, but he accepted Duke Belclaire's request and allowed me to have dinner with him.

Then, he left the private room and went home.

"Well, it's been a long time since I've had dinner alone with such a beautiful woman. Let's start with a toast, shall we?"

"Y-yes..."

Duke Belclaire smiled, showing his white teeth, and I couldn't help but catch my breath.

To think such a wonderful person exists... and he's single...

"I said I remembered you, but it's not just because you greeted me. I've been dissatisfied that you, who excelled in magic studies, didn't become a Holy Maiden."

"---!?"

"I've always wondered why your sister, who had average grades, was accepted while you were not."

"B-Belclaire...?"

"Call me Jade."

His black eyes stared intently at me, and he stood up... slowly approaching me.

Then, he gently stroked my head.

"I believe in your abilities, especially in poison magic. I have connections in the church and wanted to recommend you to become a Holy Maiden..."

"Me... a Holy Maiden...?"

"Unfortunately, your sister became the third Holy Maiden. The country's rules limit the number of Holy Maidens to three... and replacements are only made when a Holy Maiden retires or... dies."

I didn't know. I didn't know that Duke Belclaire had such high regard for me...

So, if my sister hadn't become a Holy Maiden, I could have become one...

If only Lady Reia weren't there...

"If only Lady Reia weren't there..."

"Eh...?"

"Sorry, just talking to myself. Since I have the chance to have dinner with a beautiful woman, I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest today."

After that, I spent a dream-like time.

Duke Belclaire, no, Lord Jade... I think I'm falling in love with you...