“Can you tell me what’s going on?”
“…”
Evan’s silence drew a sigh from me. First Father, then Sys, now Evan—all clamming up as if their lips were glued shut. It was frustrating, but I decided to respect their intentions for now.
Though I might lose my temper and flip everything soon.
“I’m curious, but I won’t press further.”
“I…”
He opened his mouth as if to speak, his clenched fists showing blue veins. I waited quietly.
“I just want you to stay safe, my lady.”
“With someone like you protecting me, how could I get hurt?”
His seriousness over such a simple comment made me worry he was buckling under the pressure of guarding me. I tried to lighten the mood.
“Don’t worry too much, Evan. I’m pretty capable myself.”
“…”
His face remained rigid, my words ineffective. After a moment’s thought, I tried again.
“How much danger could a noblewoman who only visits safe places face? You’re overthinking it.”
“…”
Evan’s stubbornness won out. I raised my hands in surrender.
“Fine, I’ll be more careful.”
“I’ll increase your security when I’m not around.”
More? It’s already excessive.
Unseen, knights from our house and the imperial guard protected this estate like a fortress. When I went out, a hidden escort outnumbered the visible ones.
Adding Pison Trading Company’s men to that?
It was absurd, but the overprotection from these three men wasn’t entirely unwelcome. It made me feel cherished.
Maybe that’s why I always give in on this.
“Alright, do as you see fit. What about House Daysha’s movements?”
“They haven’t shown any activity yet.”
The Duke of Daysha remained holed up in a corner of the palace—or so it seemed.
Something feels off.
Though my actions had lessened their spotlight, Lady Daysha’s social debut was a success. The duke’s stated reason for coming to the capital was fulfilled.
Back then, Lady Daysha stayed because she was infatuated with Sys. But now, there was no reason for them to linger—yet they did. It suggested ulterior motives. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the First Prince’s death was connected to the duke.
The duke’s arrival in the capital a year and a half early, and now the prince’s unexpected death.
“Don’t let your guard down around them.”
There had to be a link. My instincts screamed it.
“Welcome, Levina.”
“Thank you for inviting me, Beeonne.”
A maid took Levina’s hat and coat. I led her to the parlor, where Mari served tea as we sat.
“It’s milk steeped with tea leaves and honey. I hope you like it.”
Levina sipped, and her eyes widened.
“It’s delicious!”
“Glad it suits your taste.”
I sipped mine, the sweet flavor and faint cinnamon aroma lifting my mood.
“Was the trip here alright?”
“No trouble at all. The carriage seats were so comfortable.”
“Marchioness Engrail must’ve lent you a fine one.”
“W-Well…”
Her face flushed, and she stammered. I knew why, but played innocent.
“What’s wrong?”
“Um, the carriage… Marquis Retan lent it to me.”
She mumbled, head bowed. I raised my voice in mock surprise.
“Marquis Retan?”
“…Yes.”
“You two are acquainted?”
“Not exactly…”
She touched her flushed cheeks, trying to hide them.
“Hmm, sounds like there’s a story to tell.”
She squirmed, unable to respond.
“He seemed a bit frightening to me…”
“No!”
She shot up, cutting me off, then covered her mouth, eyes darting in embarrassment.
“Pfft, I understand. Why don’t we sit and continue?”
“S-Sorry.”
“No, I’m the one who misjudged someone I don’t know well. My apologies.”
She shook her head as she sat.
“I thought he was scary at first, too.”
“But not anymore?”
“No, he’s really kind.”
Her cheeks flushed again as she thought of him. Her reaction showed my efforts weren’t in vain.
As I’d instructed, Marquis Retan stayed in the capital after the New Year’s ball. I summoned him to Pison Trading Company’s headquarters, where experts in charming women took him under their wing.
They refined his rough, barbaric appearance into something dangerously alluring and trained him in small, thoughtful gestures women appreciate.
Though he was awkward at conversation, we drilled him with phrases that fit a kind, considerate persona. His sparse words, when spoken, perfectly matched the concept.
All thanks to his relentless effort.
His dedication to Levina exceeded my expectations. He kept his promise to follow my guidance without complaint, never questioning the advice.
We avoided unreasonable demands, like forcing him to be talkative or constantly smiling, focusing instead on methods that suited his nature and Levina’s tastes.
The results speak for themselves.
Seeing Levina’s happy smile, I felt relieved. My worry that my judgment might harm her eased.
“That’s good to hear. By the way, isn’t that dress one of Madame Miela’s new designs?”
“Y-Yes.”
She froze mid-sip, startled.
“It’s a rare piece, hard to get. You managed well.”
“W-Well…”
“Did Marquis Retan gift it to you?”
“Y-Yes…”
Her face turned as red as a roasted sweet potato, clearly shy about admitting it. Her predictable reactions sparked a mischievous urge.
“You look even prettier than at the New Year’s ball.”
“…!”
Her face couldn’t get redder.
“They say women glow when they’re in love. Could it be…?”
“Beeonne…”
She called my name, her expression on the verge of tears.
One more nudge, and she’ll cry.
