CHAPTER 57…………………………………

Matthias, too, had recently started understanding the concept of arranged marriages while studying.

The union between noble houses.

Marriage between a man and a woman.

“Weren’t you also involved with Marquis Odilon’s family?”

“I heard you were even engaged at one point, though it was called off later.”

“Well, Lady Odilon couldn’t have helped it. Their family was already in decline.”

The ladies murmured among themselves about how a nearly bankrupt family could have managed such a match.

Hearing this, Matthias felt his mood sharply drop.

It wasn’t just that he disliked the gossip about Renestie; more than that, his mind kept returning to Odilon.

Aria had clearly said she had no connection with him.

Engaged?

So they had nearly gone all the way to marriage? Realizing they had been that close tightened his chest.

“By the way, who is the person beside you? Seems like a partner.”

One of the ladies, who had been chattering among themselves, tilted her head.

Matthias’s gaze naturally shifted elsewhere. Next to a woman with neatly cascading silver hair down to her waist, a man caught his eye.

Of course, Matthias knew him too.

The aide who had spent the most time with her recently. He understood it was for work, but still, it grated on him.

“Hmm. Seems like I’m meeting him for the first time?”

“Could he be a noble? His face isn’t bad.”

“Seeing them together, he actually suits the young lady…”

Hearing their conversation, Matthias quietly stepped away. If he stayed, he felt drawn immediately toward those two.

Forcing his gaze elsewhere, he scanned the surrounding nobles a few more times before finally turning his attention again.

Aria, who had just finished greeting Lady Hessler, came into view.

She looks okay…

Though she seemed a bit pale compared to yesterday. Was she pushing herself too hard even now? Matthias felt an unnecessary twinge of worry.

And then.

Why now…?

Dressed so beautifully like that.

Did she even realize the nearby nobles were all watching her?

If another noble took interest… or if that Odilon heir noticed her again…

No.

Matthias bit the inside of his cheek. The metallic tang of blood soon filled his mouth, but if he didn’t do this, the tight, restless feeling in his chest wouldn’t ease.

Not allowed.

Who could even consider taking interest in her.

The thought of anyone else with her chilled him to the bone.

He took a long stride toward her, carrying drinks from a nearby table. The closer he got, the heavier his chest felt.

“Would you like a drink?”

“!”

Aria, surprised by his appearance, smiled brightly. Even behind the mask, she recognized him.

Matthias, staring briefly at her radiant face, moved his lips.

Something deep in his throat tickled, but he suppressed it.

“I’ll drink it well.”

Her gentle voice carried both a greeting and a quiet encouragement. He nodded, forcing down the laugh that threatened to escape.

He just wanted everything to be over and to return.

…I have to act quickly.

Matthias eagerly awaited the moment they would return to the mansion together.

“Long time no see, Lady Renestie. Do you remember me?”

“You’ve worked hard all this time. Now that the big event is over, take some rest for a while.”

“You seem even more beautiful than before…”

Perhaps thanks to meeting Odilon and Hessler. As the charity party officially began, more nobles than expected gravitated toward her.

Of course, among them were many who were interested not only in her but also in Kenneth, who had been by her side.

That’s actually good.

It gave her a reason to speak a little more. Moreover, any difficult or awkward questions were skillfully intercepted by Kenneth, so her mental fatigue was minimal.

Truly a competent aide. The best…

He managed everything so seamlessly. She almost wanted to take him to every party from now on.

And I’ve made some acquaintance with the other nobles.

They hadn’t discussed business much, but that was already something. Better to secure this foundation and leave room for next time rather than trying to resolve everything today.

Feeling unusually content, she took another sip of champagne offered by a servant.

“How many drinks are you having?”

Kenneth noticed her empty glass and tapped her shoulder.

“Not many. This won’t even get me drunk.”

“Say that with your flushed face, and it’s not very convincing.”

“…Flushed?”

“Yes. Red enough to make someone wonder if you’re drunk.”

“Nope.”

Her mind was still clear; her words weren’t slurred.

“Must be tired. Only your face is red.”

“That’ll hit me hard soon. Go rest a bit first.”

“But—”

“If you stay like that, no one else will make another appointment with you.”

What could anyone do with someone who seemed drunk? Kenneth, assessing her coolly, called over a nearby servant.

“I’ll keep an eye on her here. Go rest and drink some water.”

“…I’ll be back soon.”

She could’ve stayed longer, but saying so left her with nothing more to add.

Reluctantly leaving the matter in Kenneth’s hands, she stepped away with the servant.

Yet, as she was about to exit, the servant guiding her suddenly stopped.

“I’ll escort you to the guest lounge.”

“Ma…”

She almost called out his name but quickly stopped herself.

So the servant who came with me was Matthias.

He must have been nearby. Realizing she could trust him, she felt a wave of relief.

But with the area still exposed, she held back her joy until they entered the mansion.

Once inside the guest lounge.

She immediately wrapped him tightly in her arms.

“Ah, Ari…”

“Were you doing well?”

Was it really the alcohol, or did meeting him in an unfamiliar place make her unusually glad? Her chest felt warm and soft for some reason.

“J-just a moment.”

“You were nearby? You came straight here.”

“Yes, but…”

Matthias slowly wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Feeling the warmth of his skin pressed gently against her, the tension in her body seemed to ease.

“You weren’t troubled?”

“…No.”

“Did Lady Hessler explain well? Didn’t the other servants find it strange?”

“Yes. They didn’t think it was strange…”

Trailing off, he cast his gaze downward, looking strangely uncomfortable as if in mild trouble.

“What’s wrong?”

“J-just a moment.”

Speaking in halting phrases, Matthias slowly bit his lower lip. At that moment, she watched him without realizing.

Click—.

The sound of a door handle turning reached her ears.