Chapter 17
After that, Pierce sent a small jewel, just as he had promised.
Though Charlotte, reluctant as ever, had it delivered through Laila.
“Master Pierce said, ‘If you attach it to <The Owner’s Seal>, it will fend off anyone trying to kill you.’”
“Really?”
“Yes. He made this face.”
Laila lifted the corner of her round eyes with her tiny winged hands, mimicking Pierce’s expression.
“Hahaha!”
Laila, imitating Pierce’s mischievous glare, looked absolutely adorable, like a little penguin plush.
Honestly, Pierce could have at least used a prettier expression for kind Laila.
Charlotte laughed, and Laila, encouraged, added,
“And he said even if you get badly hurt in a fight, you won’t die.”
Of course, he wouldn’t let it slide entirely.
Just as Charlotte had suspected, Pierce had played his little prank: he’d made sure the jewel would protect her, but any injuries she suffered would still hurt.
Well, at least it wouldn’t kill her, so maybe she should be thankful.
“Still… considering it’s from naughty Pierce, this isn’t too bad.”
Since she had to attach the protective jewel anyway, Charlotte examined <The Owner’s Seal> just as Pierce had instructed.
The moment she did, the jewel flew and snapped onto her bracelet like a magnet.
A shimmering light slid across the surface of <The Owner’s Seal>, just like the first time it had recognized her.
At the same time, a strange, ominous energy wrapped around her wrist.
I hope I get through tonight safely… Charlotte muttered under her breath and checked her dress one last time before stepping out.
From between the balcony’s pillars, Laila shouted,
“Milady, the Duke’s carriage has arrived!”
“Alright, got it.”
Charlotte grabbed the mask Lacal had sent her, held her dress, and walked toward the magic gate.
Laila waddled behind her, following into the living room.
“Milady.”
“Hm?”
“You look really, really beautiful today.”
“I know.”
The blue-toned dress was made of light fabric yet elegantly designed to avoid excessive exposure.
No matter how many times she looked at herself, it suited Charlotte perfectly.
“Hehe. Be careful out there.”
Laila gave a deep little bow, her cuteness making Charlotte want to hug her.
Fighting the urge, Charlotte tightened her arms.
“Thank you for making me look so beautiful, Laila. Rest well until I return.”
“Yes, milady!”
Just as before, the Duke of Statuar’s carriage waited outside.
As Charlotte stepped out, Lacal descended from the carriage.
Tall and imposing in a blue frock coat with a crisp white cravat, Lacal’s gaze lingered on Charlotte in awe.
The crimson sky cast a lazy shadow over her fiery red hair, making her look mesmerizing even without the mask.
Charlotte’s forest-green eyes sparkled as she approached.
“My Duke.”
Snapping out of his daze, Lacal took Charlotte’s pale hand and kissed the back of it.
“You look utterly breathtaking today, Miss Charlotte. No flower at the ball will be as enchanting as you.”
The warmth of his breath on her hand sent a thrill through her.
Her heart raced uncontrollably.
At the same time, his dangerously alluring gaze and velvety tone pressed against her skin.
It was intoxicating.
During the summer festival, men and women dressed to reveal skin, but even fully clothed, Lacal’s presence was seductively overwhelming.
“It’s thanks to the makeup and the dress that you think so highly of me,” Charlotte said politely.
“You were beautiful even without it.”
Despite Charlotte’s modesty, Lacal continued his praise.
It felt… dangerous. The gentlemanly Lacal exuded the scent of a predator.
But it wasn’t the kind of situation where she could shy away.
“Yes, I know, I look this good.”
She decided to just accept it.
Compared to Lacal’s unearthly beauty, Charlotte herself was undeniably elegant and enchanting—like a swan transformed from an ugly duckling.
Seeing herself in the mirror earlier had left her awe-struck.
Confident and self-assured, she had a charm that made Lacal smile happily.
“Shall we depart now?”
“Of course.”
Holding her large hand, Charlotte climbed into the carriage, and Lacal followed.
The coachman quietly urged the horses forward.
The streets were bathed in the evening glow.
People gathered in clusters, laughter and excitement spilling from every corner in anticipation of the festival eve.
Charlotte’s curious eyes roamed around.
This was her first time outside since transferring and visiting the mansion—except for that one brief moment.
Is this the street with the stalls Laila mentioned?
That looks more like a square… Laila said she performs tightrope acts in the square, right?
Since she had Pierce’s protective jewel, maybe she could take Laila for a short walk tomorrow afternoon.
Lacal, who hadn’t taken his eyes off her since she entered the carriage, asked,
“Aren’t you going to ask where we’re headed?”
“Where are we going?”
Charlotte’s face shone with excitement she couldn’t hide.
“To the Marquess of Chester’s residence.”
“Oh, right.”
One of the three families mentioned in the letter.
Charlotte paused, gazing out again.
“What should I do to help at the Marquess’s residence?”
In most novels, when the male lead or supporting male asks a female character to accompany him to a ball, there were usually two reasons:
One, to act as a public girlfriend.
Or two, to fend off other women who might cling to him like a stalker.
Given Lacal’s immense popularity, it was likely the latter.
Reading Charlotte’s thoughts, Lacal said,
“I can handle the ladies’ problems myself.”
Of course. Lacal had the skill to negotiate even with someone as difficult as Pierce.
“Then why ask me to be your partner?”
“Would you believe me if I said it’s because I’m curious about you, Miss Charlotte?”
“Eh?”
“I’m saying I’ve taken an interest in you.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. Interest?
They had only met twice.
Once had been for legal consultation, so she barely knew him personally…
Could he seriously claim romantic interest already?
Charlotte treaded carefully.
“You mean… interest as in friendship?”
“Friendship, yes.”
Ah, friends. Her shoulders relaxed like air escaping a balloon.
She’d needlessly tensed up.
“In my position as Duke, I’ve seen many young ladies, but none quite like you, Miss Charlotte.”
“Am I really that unusual?”
“Not unusual—distinct. Honest without pretense, cheerful, and fun.”
Not like the other girls, who feigned modesty but lacked genuine refinement.
“You left out ‘beautiful.’”
“I said you were beautiful the moment I saw you.”
“Oh, right.”
“Would you like to be friends with me?”
Charlotte studied Lacal for a moment.
A friend… since the infinite transfers, she had no one she could call a friend. She had moved so often, sometimes surviving only a day or a year and four months.
So being offered friendship now felt truly touching.
And with a high-ranking Duke, no less.
Even better, he had admitted his interest in her.
How rewarding.
Yet, while the feeling was pleasant, part of her felt oddly empty.
She realized she had subconsciously hoped for a hint of romance.
“Charlotte.”
The deep, smooth voice was irresistible.
“Since we’re friends, perhaps we can drop the formal titles.”
“Call me Charlotte.”
“And I suppose you can now call me by my name?”
Even during the ride from the Able estate to the mansion, Lacal had asked her to call him by name.
If he asked, why not? It wasn’t difficult.
“Lacal.”
At her voice, his face brightened like he’d received a gift.
Her heart tightened, her neck heated.
A friendly smile between friends felt surprisingly… provocative.
This man—friendship was clearly just an excuse. A true master of seduction, no doubt.
Charlotte met his gaze but eventually turned away, realizing that dealing with a man who seemed capable of stealing one’s soul required a high level of boldness.
