Chapter 33
The little duke’s leather shoes, always polished to a shine, were dirty.
As if he had rushed to the carriage, scratches were clearly visible here and there.
When she lifted her gaze a bit more, she noticed other details too.
Folded trouser hems, crumpled sleeve cuffs.
Even a cuff button that was barely hanging on.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Maybe there was another reason.
Even if he was a sly, scheming villain, it wasn’t impossible to think that he had genuinely been worried about someone.
But this ticklish feeling in her chest was unfamiliar.
So Diana chose to stay quiet.
By the time the carriage reached the Wellington estate, Ian asked,
“Have you prepared an excuse?”
“An excuse?”
“The Earl and Countess wouldn’t have permitted such a late outing.”
Realizing what he meant, Diana replied brightly,
“It’s just one late return. They’re strict, but they won’t get angry over something like this.”
“…I hope you’re right.”
But reality was quite different.
The moment she got out of the carriage, Diana was met head-on by Helena storming out of the front door.
“Diana Wellington!!”
“Mother, I’m back—”
“How can you be coming home at this hour! What on earth have you been doing until now!”
“M-Mother?”
Diana was startled. Unlike her expectation, her mother’s voice was raised an octave higher.
“I could let it slide that you went out without saying where. But you should have at least returned before dinner! Not just Sarah, but even Hannah and Brill went out looking for you!”
Helena had never once raised a hand to her daughter.
But when she was angry, no excuse could soften her.
Until Diana sincerely admitted her fault, she would be kept in place and scolded harshly for hours.
Judging by her thunderous voice, today was one of those days.
“You’re grounded. No going out for the time being.”
“M-Mother, please calm down for a moment…”
Just as Diana was gasping for breath under the torrent of scolding—
“My apologies, Lady Wellington.”
“…Little Duke Crawford?”
“It’s been a while since I last saw you. Have you been well?”
Wrapped in night dew like a cloak, the man greeted politely with a smile. And as if he had anticipated this, he shot Diana a sidelong glance.
“This isn’t the proper hour for a visit, I know.”
“Indeed, it is not.”
Helena’s gaze toward Ian was colder than ever.
But Ian continued respectfully.
“Still, there was something I absolutely had to tell you, so I came despite the impropriety.”
“…And what is that?”
“Diana’s late return home is entirely my fault.”
As he said that, Ian stepped closer to Diana and stood beside her.
“Diana, if you would—your hand, please.”
What is he thinking?
His request was unmistakably formal.
Confused, she placed her left hand onto his right hand.
And immediately froze.
Because she realized—he had just called her Diana.
“As of today, Diana and I are officially courting.”
“…Excuse me?”
“She has finally accepted my confession, which allows me to come before you and say this.”
Helena’s shock made her forget her anger for a moment as she stared at the two.
Her flushed face still carried traces of fury, but beneath the bewilderment, another emotion seeped in.
“I was so overjoyed that she accepted my feelings that I lost track of time. I deeply apologize.”
“S-So… you mean, until now, you were together with the little duke?”
“That is correct.”
“…Good heavens.”
“I sincerely apologize for escorting her home so late. I swear to you, nothing improper happened.”
What are you talking about?! When did I ever accept your confession?!
Diana’s silent scream spread like a ripple through her chest.
You’re using this fake relationship excuse now, of all times?!
Ian’s grip on her hand tightened.
And his next gesture was infuriatingly gentlemanly—he pressed his lips to the back of her hand.
Startled by the touch brushing across her bandaged skin, Diana quickly yanked her hand back.
Helena’s eyes widened at her daughter’s unfamiliar reaction.
“So it was true… the little duke does have feelings for our Diana.”
“I will treat her well. Will you watch over us?”
Ian smiled mischievously, his expression somehow playful despite his politeness.
For the first time, Diana thought she might want to learn that kind of shamelessness.
Her chest pounded so hard she couldn’t tell where the mockery ended and the lies began.
“…Fine. But in the future, you mustn’t stay out so late together. You’re still an unmarried man and woman.”
“Your words are just. I’ll stake the Crawford family’s honor to behave properly.”
“I’ll be watching.”
“If I may, would you be willing to call me simply Ian from now on?”
“Ahem… very well, Ian.”
The mother who had been on the verge of erupting with fury was suddenly calmed.
The man who had so easily smoothed over the situation gave a small smile and gently released Diana’s hand.
“I’m glad you understand, Lady Wellington. Diana, unfortunately, I must take my leave now.”
“…”
As Helena fussed belatedly over her daughter’s injured hand, Ian stepped back.
“Now that it’s come to this, you’ll have to drop that blasted honorific when speaking to me, won’t you?”
Then he whispered low enough for only Diana to hear.
“I’ll assign it as homework. Practice well.”
“What kind of homework is that…”
“I trust you’ll be an excellent student.”
This sly villain who only opened his eyes around her was nothing but trouble in every way.
Diana could only glare at him in stunned disbelief, her heart pounding wildly.
