Chapter 03
“Good evening. Young Duke, we’ve met before—do you remember me?”
“Of course, Countess Wellington. Have you been well?”
Ian Crawford’s smile was so bright that anyone would misunderstand it.
That’s how flawless his demeanor was.
From the moment he appeared, Diana noticed more and more eyes turning toward them.
Every single glance was focused on one person.
Wow… my skin is practically burning.
She expected it, but it seemed there were countless noble ladies aiming for the young Duke Crawford.
Even so, the man at the center of it all calmly smiled as if he noticed nothing.
Not for me, though.
Diana pretended not to notice the stares.
“As I mentioned in the letter…”
The duchess cleared her throat and looked between Ian and Diana.
“In my eyes, you two suit each other very well. And you’re only a year apart in age, aren’t you? I’m sure you’ll have things in common.”
“Aunt.”
Ian called out awkwardly, but she simply scoffed.
“I have no intention of interfering in young people’s affairs. So why don’t the two of you take a walk?”
The Duchess Crawford handled the situation skillfully, clearly used to this kind of setting.
“If you’re going to decide whether to meet again, you should at least talk comfortably on your own.”
Diana could tell her mother felt the same way.
If anything, she looked like she was holding herself back from urging them to go immediately.
I expected this, but it’s still so awkward!
Ian seemed to feel the same, and when their eyes met, he gave a slightly embarrassed smile.
Even that could be an act, right?
…Honestly, he might be better suited to be a great actor than a villain.
“Aunt truly has a talent for putting people in difficult situations.”
“Enough talking. Just go.”
“I was planning to take the opportunity anyway.”
…What?
Before Diana could react, Ian stepped closer to her.
Ignoring the duchess’s scolding, he approached her directly.
“Miss Diana, if you don’t mind, would you like to get some fresh air with me?”
It sounded like a casual invitation, but refusal wasn’t really an option.
“…Of course.”
Diana forced a polite smile and left with him.
Naturally, the number of eyes on them doubled.
“Were you surprised?”
As they reached the start of the walking path, Ian finally spoke.
“My aunt can be quite direct, and sometimes puts people in awkward situations. I’ll apologize on her behalf.”
“It’s alright.”
Even that short reply took a lot of thought.
Did it sound rude?
Should I have added something more?
The man beside her looked perfectly composed, but the longer she stayed with him, the more tense she became.
Her head felt dizzy.
No. You’re doing fine.
Silence is golden.
Keep the conversation minimal.
“But Miss Diana, have I done something to make you dislike me?”
“…What?”
Startled, she turned her head.
And met his gaze—
…Wait, are our eyes actually meeting?
Up close, it was even stranger.
Are his eyes open… or closed?
“So now you’re finally looking at me. You’ve been quiet for a while—I thought perhaps you disliked me.”
So they really had made eye contact.
“Was I making you uncomfortable?”
“No, not at all. I was just surprised to meet you.”
Worried her answer sounded too obvious, Diana shifted the topic.
“I thought you might feel uncomfortable about this kind of meeting.”
“A meeting with such an obvious purpose is burdensome for anyone. But personally…”
Ian replied calmly, without changing his expression.
“I find meeting a beautiful lady like you always refreshing.”
“…Thank you.”
Wow. Even if he fell into water, only his mouth would float.
He spoke effortlessly.
A person like him could probably sell anything to anyone.
“Are you very busy with court work?”
“I’m ashamed to admit that I am. The former Prime Minister left me endless work, and I didn’t expect things to be this overwhelming even at the end…”
“That must be difficult.”
“Yes. But I have to endure it.”
Ian chuckled lightly and touched his neck.
“I ended up complaining in front of a lady. I’d appreciate it if you could forget what I said.”
Diana nodded stiffly.
“My aunt is always worried about my marriage. It seems she finally went as far as arranging a meeting like this.”
“That can’t be. It just means she cares about you.”
After a moment of admiration, Diana carefully tested the waters.
“Then… do you not intend to marry?”
“Someday, I will. As a young duke, it’s not something I can avoid.”
He slowed his steps slightly.
“But I don’t think now is the right time. There are still… things I must do.”
“I see.”
If that was true, it was the best news she’d heard all day.
“What about you, Miss Diana?”
“Me?”
The question suddenly turned back to her.
What would be the most natural answer?
After thinking, she lowered her head shyly.
“I… I’m not ready yet either.”
It was clearly an act, but convincing enough.
“I’ve never even considered marrying into a prestigious family like the Crawfords… I don’t think it suits me.”
“Are you perhaps hiding the fact that you don’t like me?”
“N-No, that’s not it!”
“Ha, just joking.”
His intuition was oddly sharp.
Was that another trait of a narrow-eyed villain?
“Then it seems we’re in the same position.”
Ian spoke in a slightly relieved tone.
“I’ll politely explain things to my aunt. That neither of us is ready yet.”
“Are you sure that’s alright?”
“I’ve already worried her enough. A little more won’t make much difference. But…”
He deliberately slowed his pace.
“Until this walk ends, would you accompany me as a change of mood?”
“…Yes, of course.”
Diana felt a strange emotion.
Ian Crawford was exactly as she had imagined.
Friendly, smooth-talking, hiding his true thoughts perfectly.
Very… aristocratic.
Well, he is the definition of nobility.
A childhood friend of Crown Prince Cedric, a genius guaranteed to become the youngest prime minister, and the future head of a ducal family.
Who would refuse such a man?
And because he seemed so kind and approachable, people easily fell for him.
“Watch your step.”
“Thank you, Young Duke.”
“‘Ian’ will suffice.”
The two, both wearing polite masks, faced each other.
The summer night was filled with the scent of flowers.
Lanterns softly lit the path.
It was a romantic setting—
But Ian remained the same.
“Count Wellington seems quite skilled at poker.”
His ability to choose neutral topics was impressive.
“You must have fallen for my father’s exaggerations. He just enjoys gambling.”
“Is that so? What a pity I didn’t get to learn from him.”
He responded appropriately, keeping the conversation smooth.
But he never asked things like, “What do you like?”
And he never suggested, “Shall we meet again?”
He never hinted at a future.
It was a clear line.
He really has no interest in me.
The more they talked, the clearer it became.
She probably wouldn’t even meet him a second time.
And he’s been distracted this whole time.
Was something bothering him?
It wasn’t obvious, but—
Wasn’t he looking toward that rustling bush earlier?
He was unusually sensitive to his surroundings.
Even though he hid it well, one thing was certain.
Right now, he didn’t even see Diana as someone worth using.
Changing the story… is going smoother than expected?
The opposite of love isn’t hate—it’s indifference.
She truly felt that now.
As they reached the end of the path—
Suddenly, the strap on Diana’s shoe snapped.
“Oh—are you alright?”
Ian quickly supported her.
“Thank you. I’m fine. The strap just broke a little.”
“Let me help you.”
“No, it’s alright.”
This was the perfect chance to end things.
Diana shook her head.
“I don’t want to embarrass myself. I can walk carefully, so let’s part ways here.”
“But—”
“And if you support me, people might misunderstand. It’s better to end it here.”
“…Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’ll head to the lounge.”
“If that’s what you wish… then alright.”
After her repeated refusals, Ian nodded.
“I had a pleasant time today, Miss Diana. I hope you return safely.”
“Me too. Have a good evening, Young Duke.”
After reminding her to be careful, Ian left.
Once he completely disappeared from sight, Diana felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
She almost wanted to shout.
Yes! That did it! The fiancée route is over!
I’m sorry, Mother… but at least I avoided my death flag!
Left alone, Diana suppressed her excitement and hurried away.
Walking without limping made her feet hurt even more.
By the time she reached the lounge, her shoes were completely ruined.
But she didn’t care.
At least, not yet.
“Did you see her earlier? Sticking so close to Lord Ian?”
“I did! She acted like she wasn’t interested, but the moment she got a chance, she clung to him like a beetle.”
“For a newly risen noble, she’s quite shameless. How can she have no sense of embarrassment? Right, Carmine?”
“Well, what can you do? It’s only been three years since the Wellington family was elevated to count status.”
“Soon she’ll realize that money alone isn’t enough to act like true nobility.”
Her mood had been so good just moments ago.
But now—
