Chapter 9
“And now, I hope you won’t say, ‘It’s fine, it happens all the time,’ again.”
Ah, so the suggestion wasn’t because she was worried about her own reputation being tainted by the strange rumors, but because of me, the so-called ‘villain’ or ‘witch,’ who would bear the brunt of the consequences and suffer the most. It was all for my benefit.
In the novel, Arahan was as compassionate as Osborne. Of course, his kindness was more of a formality than anything, and unlike Osborne‘s overwhelming kindness, it was always measured and never excessive. Because she was a lady, because she was a woman, he adhered to the basic social expectations. With that, he easily maintained a spotless reputation.
The reason I never developed much affection for Arahan in the book was because of this very trait. A meeting between two kind-hearted individuals? How dull. One was overly kind, and the other was brimming with politeness and consideration. The Emperor, caught between them, acted like a tyrant, endlessly vying for Osborne’s affections. Even that Emperor, despite loving Osborne, attempted to kill her—and it was Elizabeth who orchestrated that.
Now, I think I can finally understand why Osborne loved Arahan.
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“Lady…? Are you alright? You don’t look well. Your cheek…”
“No, I’m fine. It’s just been a while since anyone worried about me.”
Back when I was Isehwa, who cared for me? The only person who ever did was my mother. But after she passed away, my father abandoned me with his mistress and the insurance money, leaving me alone.
The excessive attention Elizabeth received was alien to me, since I had never been shown such care. Maybe that’s why Arahan‘s words hurt me even more.
“I don’t believe that’s true. Count Arlesia and Lady Anais care about you and love you too.”
“Right. You’re right. Haha, well then, let’s hurry to the dessert shop!”
The love and concern I should have gotten, not the one Elizabeth deserved. It was so clearly not mine. I might miss it when I return, but wasn’t I supposed to avoid attachment? Yet, after only two days, here I am, already starting to form attachments.
I took the first step forward, gazing up at the clear sky. No matter what, I didn’t belong in this world. The harsh reality of my original world, even though this one was peaceful, would remain unchanged. So, I decided to maintain a certain distance, staying within limits.
As we moved away from the street, the area filled with dessert shops was crowded with couples and young ladies enjoying tea. Many of the young ladies weren’t looking at the cakes or cookies on display, but instead at the man beside me, Arahan. If I hadn’t been dressed as a man, in servant’s clothes…
Ah, just thinking about it is terrifying. Of course, Elizabeth would have relished those gazes, but…
Arahan walked towards the largest shop on the dessert street, where a long line had formed. Every step he took was followed by countless gazes. Some tried to get his attention, while others observed from a distance. Naturally, I stood beside him, fulfilling my role as a servant.
“Lady… Hmm. I’m not sure what to call you.”
“Well, just call me ‘El,’ it’s simple.”
“Is that your alias?”
“It’s not, but it just seems like a simple, easily mistaken name.”
“Indeed, it is. ‘El.’ Anything you’d like to eat?”
I turned to look at the beautiful cakes on display. They were far more exquisite than the book’s descriptions. The author did well, but these visuals were in another league. I couldn’t help but lick my lips, staring at each dessert through the glass window as I tried to choose.
“They’re so beautiful…!”
As I gazed at the cakes with wide eyes, I noticed Arahan‘s shoulder flinch slightly. But I was so absorbed in the desserts that I didn’t pay much attention, continuing to pick.
“Oh my~ isn’t that Lord Arahan?”
A voice, high-pitched and dramatic like a character from a shoujo manga, pulled my attention to its owner. She had dry, curly red hair, unlike Elizabeth’s, and deep green eyes that lacked the sparkle Osborne‘s held. Her gaze was dull, like one of those forgettable extras.
“Oh, Lady Charlotte, is it? How nice to see you.”
Arahan, smiling kindly, tilted his head, clearly wondering why she was making such a scene. How did he know everyone by name and face? He seemed to remember all the nobles.
“Oh, it’s nothing much~ By the way, I read the newspaper this morning.”
The woman, whether named Charlotte or not, put on her most sorrowful expression and continued in a pitiful tone.
“Are you alright…? Oh my, because of that wicked girl from Arlesia, Lord Arahan is suffering… I’m sure the Vincent family won’t let this go!”
…Huh? What’s this? She’s openly calling her a wicked girl? Just as I was about to ignore it to avoid further trouble…
“It seems like a word a noble lady shouldn’t use… Could you please correct yourself?”
Arahan stepped in. Why was he being so nice all of a sudden?
“Oh, I’m sorry. I got carried away. But are you alright? You haven’t been threatened… or put under any dark magic, have you?”
Lady Charlotte’s expression, filled with false concern, was so ridiculous that I almost moved to say something. But Arahan, still smiling, stiffened and stared at Lady Charlotte. His voice, calm and steady as when he dealt with the nobleman who tried to hit the child earlier, now carried a hint of irritation and anger.
“As much as you are a noble lady, I don’t think you should speak so carelessly about Lady Arlesia.”
“…But!”
“Even though you are from an earl’s house, I’m sure you understand that Lady Arlesia is the only granddaughter of the Vincent family… If even one member of the Vincent family is present on this street, your recent statement could cause trouble for your family.”
“……”
Ah, so Elizabeth is the granddaughter of the Vincent family. That explains it.
Now, I understood the reason for Arahan‘s kindness. Both families were prominent and staunch imperial supporters, so naturally, they had connections. Plus, if Elizabeth‘s grandfather personally came to ask, “Is it you? The one who touched my granddaughter?”—I could see why Arahan would go so far to protect me.
Lady Charlotte, her shoulders hunched under Arahan’s stern words, looked around to see if anyone would come to her aid. No one did. Realizing this, she quickly flushed red, covering her face with her fan, but someone would definitely remember her words today. I couldn’t wait to tell someone about this. But for now, I just wanted my dessert.
“Um, Lord Duke?”
“Oh, my apologies. Have you decided on a cake?”
“…No. They all look so delicious that I can’t choose…”
“I see.”
…??? What does he mean by “I see”? I only asked for his opinion, so why is he walking confidently toward the shop? Is he planning to ask the staff for recommendations? After chatting with the employee for a minute, Arahan returned to my side and spoke.
“Let’s go.”
“Go where? No, wait—weren’t you going to buy me a cake?”
“Yes, I bought the cakes, now we need to eat them. You don’t want to eat them here in the middle of the city, do you?”
Of course not. A lot of people would be watching us, and even though I’m disguised, someone might recognize me. Plus, I couldn’t guarantee that someone like Lady Charlotte wouldn’t be around, so for my comfort, I wanted to eat somewhere else. Arahan must have noticed that, suggesting we go somewhere else.
“Well, that’s not it…”
At least tell me where we’re going!
But I didn’t voice that aloud. I couldn’t, really. The cakes that had been on display earlier were quickly selling out, and the signs on the display now said “sold out.” Could it be…?
“Lord Duke, just to ask…”
“Be careful. When El asks, it hurts.”
“……”
“I’m joking.”
“You said it so seriously, I thought you were being serious… Anyway, you didn’t buy all the cakes in that display case, did you?”
“I did.”
“…Huh?”
“I bought them all because you couldn’t decide.”
Oh my God, this man must be out of his mind. Or maybe he plans to use them for something else? Could it be?! Wasn’t this the kind of consideration he should be showing Osborne? Wasn’t I supposed to be his enemy? When I stared at him in shock, Arahan just blinked at me, looking confused by my reaction.
This can’t just be because I’m the granddaughter of the Vincent family, right…?
It had to be because of the slap. I had no idea why I had to take that hit for him, and why things had unfolded this way
