Chapter 06
To Miss Diana Wellington.
I could not forget our pleasant meeting, so I write to you like this. Did you return home safely yesterday?
First, I must apologize for my rudeness last night. I acted hastily and committed a serious discourtesy.
As a token of my apology, I have sent a bouquet that I thought would suit you well.
Our previous meeting left a strong impression on me.
Your careful words and thoughtful behavior reminded me how such qualities can serve as an example to others.
After spending time together, I found myself growing more curious about you.
It would be enjoyable to build our relationship slowly, but since our families are already discussing marriage, there is no need to take a roundabout path.
If you are willing, would you send me an invitation? I would like to visit the Wellington estate.
I would be delighted if I could spend more time with you, within the bounds of propriety.
Please choose a convenient date, and I will adjust my schedule accordingly.
I look forward to your reply.
—Ian Crawford
***
The elegant handwriting was filled with warmth.
Anyone who read it would misunderstand.
It was no wonder her mother had been so excited.
“After spending time together, I grew more curious…?”
Diana muttered in disbelief.
Then, like liquid turning into steam at its boiling point, her confusion quickly turned into anger.
“That’s a lie… He’s curious about something else!”
Whether she overheard the casino conversation!
Whether she truly didn’t hear anything—or was pretending not to!
He needed to figure that out before deciding whether to kill her or not!
Do you think I wouldn’t realize that? Who do you think you’re fooling?!
She had been terrified ever since returning home.
But strangely, at this moment, her fear faded.
So this is how you’re going to play it?
The villain turning into a cursed doll wasn’t something she expected.
But what mattered was how to survive this.
And Diana quickly came up with an answer.
Fine. Then I’ll just keep pretending I don’t know anything!
No matter what he says, she’ll smile and brush it off.
Let’s see if he can keep up the act of “pleasant conversation” then!
***
One Week Later
In the afternoon, a carriage bearing the ducal crest passed through the gates of the Wellington estate.
Diana gripped her fan tightly as she watched it approach.
I am happy. I am excited.
She tried to hypnotize herself.
I didn’t hear anything that day. I’m just glad to see him again. I’m so excited I could die!
Even if it was fake, she had to act excited.
Pretend to be happy. Pretend to be clueless.
Like those annoying noble ladies in transmigration stories, she would act overly cheerful and clingy.
At least that might make him lose interest.
Being reincarnated as an extra was bad enough.
Dying on top of that?
Absolutely not.
This time, I’ll get rid of my death flag completely.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Her mother, standing beside her, misunderstood her nervousness—but there was no time to correct her.
The carriage finally stopped.
Diana greeted Ian Crawford with a bright, practiced smile.
“Welcome, Lord Ian! Welcome to the Wellington estate!”
“It’s good to see you again, Miss Diana.”
Ian removed his hat and greeted her politely.
“Thank you so much for coming. I’m so happy to see you again. You look even more handsome than before!”
“Haha, and you seem even more beautiful. Thank you for inviting me.”
“Who would refuse the future Duke? Please make yourself at home.”
Ian’s smile deepened slightly.
“Then please call me Ian.”
“…”
“As if I were your fiancé.”
His bold words were so direct they were almost overwhelming.
Diana tightened her grip on her fan.
Like that’s even possible!
She barely managed to keep her composure—just as her mother appeared.
***
“Young Duke Crawford, welcome.”
“Countess Wellington.”
Ian greeted her formally, kissing the back of her hand.
“Thank you for inviting me. I hope I haven’t caused any inconvenience.”
“Not at all. It may not compare to your estate, but I hope you’ll understand.”
“That’s not true at all. They say a home reflects its owner—seeing you, I understand why this estate is so beautiful.”
That flawless smile…
Why did it feel so unnatural?
Maybe because she herself was also wearing a similar mask.
“We’ve prepared some light refreshments. Shall we?”
“Of course.”
They moved to the tea room.
But unexpectedly, her mother sat down with them instead of leaving.
Wait… I thought she’d leave us alone?
Her confusion didn’t last long.
Because her mother suddenly said something shocking.
****
“It may be awkward to say this myself, but Diana has grown up very well.”
Diana nearly spit out her tea.
“She’s always been gentle and easygoing. Isn’t my daughter lovely?”
“M-Mother!”
“Other children become sensitive and difficult as they grow up, but not my daughter. She’s always been so good.”
Why is she saying all this all of a sudden?!
“She’s been so restless ever since meeting you. That’s never happened before.”
“Please… please stop, Mother…”
“You shouldn’t act like that just because you’re shy.”
I’m not shy; I’m panicking!
Why are you advertising your daughter to the villain?!
Diana’s face turned bright red.
“I’ve always worried she might meet the wrong man, since she’s grown up so beautiful. But now she’s old enough to sit and drink tea with someone like you. How wonderful.”
“Please, just stop…”
“Oh my, don’t interrupt like that.”
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, Miss Diana. It’s natural for a mother to cherish her only daughter.”
Ian’s smile was brighter than ever.
So clear and perfect—it made her uncomfortable.
“You two look wonderful together. Please, take your time talking.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
With a meaningful glance, her mother finally left.
Diana already felt completely drained.
Meanwhile, Ian looked very pleased.
***
“Your parents seem to care deeply for you.”
“I’m sorry. That must have been uncomfortable.”
“Not at all. Your father has spoken proudly of you many times. I remember it well.”
“…That’s embarrassing.”
Father… what have you been saying outside …?
“Close family relationships are nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, they’re something to envy.”
As Ian lifted his teacup, it felt like a gentle breeze passed through the room.
“However, I behaved quite rudely toward such a precious daughter last time.”
Here it comes.
Diana tensed.
“I apologize again, even if it is late.”
“It’s alright. It’s already in the past.”
“I was distracted that day. Someone kept approaching me.”
His excuse was smooth.
“I tried to shake them off but ended up entering the lounge where you were resting.”
“I see. But really, it’s fine. I didn’t even know you were there.”
“That was my mistake. I didn’t expect anyone to be on the balcony.”
At least that last part sounded sincere.
But everything else is a lie.
During their walk, Ian had clearly been aware of his surroundings.
He must have already noticed someone following him.
And he had told that man he’d given him multiple chances.
So this “random person approaching him”?
Complete nonsense.
***
“I didn’t hear anything, so it’s fine.”
“…”
“I was just surprised when you grabbed me.”
“Is that so?”
Diana deliberately emphasized that she heard nothing.
I don’t know anything. Even if I did, I didn’t. So stop checking!
Stop treating me like a corpse you’re poking to see if it’s really dead!
“You said the same before. Then let me ask you this.”
His tone shifted slightly.
“Can you swear, on your family, that you heard nothing?”
“…What?”
“Even if your mother’s life were at stake?”
His voice remained calm.
But the meaning behind it was anything but.
Diana’s smile completely disappeared.
A threat.
Sudden and unmistakable.
Her blood ran cold.
“Well, Miss Diana?”
The man holding the teacup—
Like a cursed doll—
Waited for her answer.
