CHAPTER 80…………………
80. Another Path
“Uh, that is… certainly…”
The clerk was a commoner, a department store employee, but not particularly knowledgeable about high society gossip.
Although he could read, he didn’t have the leisure to pay attention to newspapers or gossip columns every morning.
Such a person would have no way of knowing the rumors quietly spreading in the social circles about a broken engagement between the Duke’s family and the Marquis’ family.
Still, from years of experience dealing with customers at the department store, he had enough sense to notice that Hildegard’s expression of confusion signaled that something was amiss. The problem was that he didn’t know exactly what was wrong.
First, the clerk pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow, bowing his head.
“I heard that the finest masterpiece made by Aeolian’s master was recently sold to a very distinguished person… I must have misunderstood. On that day, I happened to be away, and someone else shipped the item and only checked the ledger.”
“A distinguished person…?”
Hildegard deliberately drew out the words and lifted her chin. That simple movement alone transformed her demeanor from a businesslike listener into the proud air of an aristocratic young lady.
The Crow Marquises could not be said to have an ancient lineage, but they wielded enormous wealth and influence. Families that could surpass their prestige were few even in the capital, so there was no way a mere commoner could compete.
The clerk, who had only been trying to explain, found himself caught in a trap and nervously darted his eyes.
“It’s best not to overthink and make things inconvenient for both of us. Just be honest. There’s nothing to prevent you from checking separately if needed.”
“Uh, that is…”
“Do I need to call the manager for you to come to your senses?”
At Hildegard’s low bark, the clerk bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the floor and began to stammer.
“A few days ago, after the department store closed, a noble gentleman purchased the most precious necklace in our store. It was extremely expensive and somewhat out of style these days. To my eyes, it seemed like a once-in-a-century treasure, but unfortunately, no one recognized its value, and it usually just sat in the safe…”
The clerk glanced at Hildegard, as if hoping to change the subject mid-sentence.
“And yet?”
Seeing her cold gaze, he immediately despaired.
“…Fortunately, it seems that His Grace, the Duke of Saide, recognized its value.”
Hildegard’s eyes darkened further at the mention of the Duke of Saide, and the clerk’s face fell.
“Isn’t His Grace your fiancée? So, naturally, I assumed he bought it for you…”
The clerk froze when he saw Hildegard clutching her skirt, trembling.
“I-I’m sorry, miss.”
“Why are you sorry?”
At her quiet voice, the clerk lifted his eyes to gauge Hildegard’s expression, but had to immediately bow his head again at her next words.
“Is it because someone serving noble guests is ignorant of social news? Or because you spoke recklessly despite knowing nothing? Or maybe because you gossiped about a customer?”
“I was wrong, miss. Please spare my life.”
The clerk, pale as death, sank to his knees.
“My only intention was to congratulate the two of you on your marriage.”
Not realizing that he was digging his own grave, the clerk continued to stammer his excuses.
“I thought everyone knew that the engagement with the Duke of Saide had been broken… Do you think I find you laughable?”
“Eek!”
The clerk took a deep breath and lowered his head to the floor.
“No, miss. I truly didn’t know. I said it without knowing, without any understanding.”
Tears ran down as he clasped his hands in supplication.
The commotion drew the attention of bystanders. The bodyguard protecting Hildegard scowled, but it was during the department store’s busiest hours.
A few noblewomen who recognized Hildegard had stopped in their tracks, watching the scene unfold with intrigued eyes.
Lingering here any longer would only tarnish her reputation.
Biting her lip, Hildegard lowered her head.
“It’s not my fault.”
She protested silently, but it did nothing to ease the bitter feeling in her chest.
Even in her childhood at the orphanage, Hildegard never lowered her head unless she had truly done wrong, even if it meant taking a beating.
Though she was an orphan, her pride had never been broken.
So why now? She had achieved the noble status she longed for, yet her soaring pride seemed to sink repeatedly into the mud.
After the broken engagement, the Marquis had blamed her for everything—because she could not control a man’s feelings and supposedly brought shame to the family.
Yet Hildegard felt wronged.
“What did I do?”
She had never even spoken properly to the Duke.
The Marquis blamed her, but in reality, she had never been given the chance to do anything wrong.
She was blameless, yet the marriage fell through. So who was really at fault?
As she unconsciously felt resentment toward the Duke of Saide, Hildegard’s mind went to Anje, who had always shadowed him like a shadow.
Of course, that woman…
“Miss, it’s best we leave now.”
The bodyguard whispered, having spotted the department store manager descending the stairs. He too judged that escalating the incident would bring no good.
Wiping her damp lashes casually, Hildegard turned and said,
“Let’s go to the palace. And get me some information.”
* * *
“This is a waste.”
When summer came, the lace decorations that had seemed out of fashion reappeared. Anje stared at the beautiful, delicate lace on the chest and arms as if trying to kill it with her glare, then sighed deeply.
How had she ended up riding in a carriage with the Duke like this again?
The Duke, resting his chin on his hand, watched Anje’s expression of dissatisfaction with amusement and spoke.
“What is?”
“I mean, you keep dressing your aide in expensive gowns. Do you know how much just this lace costs? Even the decoration on this one arm could cover a month’s food for commoners. The money alone could feed a starving tenant or two… yet you waste it…”
“Today is the banquet hosted by the Marquis of Aragon. Do you know him?”
“Of course. He’s famous for being… I mean, he values tradition greatly. Servants say his household observes the old customs even on a couple’s wedding night.”
The Duke laughed at her slight frown.
“Even if I care about my tenants, I can’t bring them to a banquet like that. So I bring you instead. Thanks to your mother, you now at least look like a proper young noblewoman.”
Was that a compliment—or a disguised insult?
The Duke, arms crossed, seemed in a good mood.
Why not? He had successfully dragged the reluctant Anje to the banquet.
Although he didn’t enjoy banquets, seeing Anje dressed up was a rare pleasure.
Plus, watching her angry, displeased face whenever he teased her was a little fun.
“Becoming a real young noblewoman isn’t going to happen just from this. You’d be better off sleeping off your backlog.”
Muttering, Anje took advantage of the Duke’s good mood to ask a question she had been holding back.
“By the way, why did you break off your engagement with Miss Hildegard?”
“Why do you look like you regret it?”
“Because it seems a shame to have missed such a match.”
Anje scowled, having revealed her true thoughts.
“What shame? Do you know who the first person Miss Crow, who broke off with me, went to see?”
“……”
“The Emperor. As soon as the scales tipped on one side, they leaned to the other. And yet, should I feel pity for her? I mean nothing to her. So why should I feel regret or sadness? I’ve never placed romantic significance on marriage, but this is absurd. The Duke of Saide is just the counterweight on Miss Crow’s scale. Do you think that’s reasonable?”
The Duke stopped speaking and chuckled, shrugging.
“Well, you may be right, but it’s clear that Miss Hildegard had feelings for Your Grace.
