Chapter 51

Chapter 51

"Gasp."

Without realizing it, Lucy held her breath.

Slowly turning her head, she found a sight waiting for her that was bad for her heart in more ways than one.

...It was Edward, smiling so brilliantly that it almost dazzled her.

Behind him, Sophie was catching her breath as she hurriedly straightened the lace bonnet that had become crooked from running.

"M-My Lady... I-I was trying to call the butler... pant..."

Her face was flushed bright red from exhaustion, and she looked almost pitiful as she spoke, only after noticing everyone watching her.

"I... just happened... to run into His Grace..."

Lucy blinked in surprise.

"You're already back?"

She had thought he had gone to hunt monsters. Since he had mentioned dinner before leaving, she had expected him to return around then.

Edward simply shrugged as if it were nothing.

"I just finished early."

He unconsciously left out…