Chapter 67…………………………………………….
A little while later.
After moving over to Dian’s carriage, I found myself nervously glancing around for no reason. Maybe it was because we were sharing such a cramped space. Or maybe it was because I’d run into someone so unexpected, in such an unexpected place.
‘Just what….’
What is this man doing here?
I questioned it over and over again, but unfortunately, no answer came to mind.
‘Does he have business here or something?’
Even if I had someone to meet, wouldn’t it be strange for him to? This street was frequented more by commoners than nobles. At the very least, it wasn’t the sort of place you’d expect an heir of a noble house to visit.
“Why—”
“For what reason—”
Our voices overlapped at the same moment.
Startled, Dian gestured for me to go first. Not wanting us to awkwardly hesitate over something so trivial, I gratefully accepted the courtesy.
“What brings you here, Young Marquis?”
“There is someone I need to meet.”
“Someone you need to meet?”
“Yes. For example.”
Dian cast a sidelong glance at the house right next to us.
“Sir Hines Bentum.”
“!”
“Then allow me to ask in return. What brings the Count here?”
His question was sharp as a needle, and I was momentarily at a loss for words. But since we had already run into each other in front of the house, there was no room for excuses. Anyone could see I had come to meet the homeowner, so after a brief hesitation, I answered.
“I also have someone to meet.”
“……”
“For instance, Sir Hines Bentum.”
“Why are you looking to see him—”
“This time, it’s my turn, Young Marquis.”
We should at least keep the order.
At my words, his eyes widened before he let out a short laugh.
“Please, go ahead.”
“Why do you wish to meet Sir Hines?”
“I have a favor to ask of him.”
“A favor—”
“My turn.”
…Tch.
A give and take of words.
“And what about you, Count? Why do you wish to meet him?”
“I also have a favor to ask.”
“How troublesome.”
Dian smiled awkwardly.
“At this rate, this will never end.”
“Then shall we speak more comfortably? Was it something important enough for you to come in person?”
“You’ve seized the initiative.”
Despite his words, there was clear amusement on his face. After taking a short breath, Dian finally spoke.
“My mother once received one of his paintings. However, the colors have faded recently. I was hoping to ask whether he might restore it—if not create a new piece.”
“……”
“Of course, I know it won’t be easy. I’m aware that Sir Bentum organized and retired his old works long ago.”
He added that he had come personally to persuade him, then shrugged.
I cleared my throat softly.
“As for me… I can’t go into detail, but it’s related to business.”
The new product I was developing was still a secret. I had no intention of spreading word about a plan that wasn’t even properly prepared yet, so I lowered my head.
“I’m sorry. You were honest with me.”
“It’s quite all right. We each have our own circumstances.”
He added that he truly didn’t mind and gave a faint smile.
“In that case, how about we wait together?”
“T-together?”
You and me?
‘Why?’
The question naturally arose, but he seemed to have already decided. Dian smiled with clear satisfaction.
“Wouldn’t it be less boring to wait together than alone?”
“……”
“Since our purpose is the same, after all.”
Should I… be pleased about this?
Having suddenly gained a waiting companion, I blinked.
But whether he was serious or not, Dian showed no sign of taking back his words.
“It would be best to return for today.”
It had long since grown dark.
“Even if we stay, he likely won’t come out.”
Dian grabbed the strap hanging from the carriage wall.
“I’ll escort you.”
“We’ll…”
“Let’s meet again next time.”
‘…I’ve lost my mind.’
Why did I agree to that promise?
Well, to be precise, I hadn’t directly made the promise—but by the time I came to my senses, that was how things had turned out.
“You’ve arrived.”
How many days had it been already?
Dian came to Bentum’s house every single day without fail. I did as well, but this wasn’t like we were clocking in at work. The way we checked whether the other had arrived felt rather ridiculous.
Today, he was even sitting squarely on the steps at the entrance.
“…Since when have you been sitting there?”
“Not long. About an hour.”
He lifted the book he had been reading just moments ago. To make such productive use of spare time—I was already exhausted just looking at him.
‘He’s no easy person either.’
After unintentionally commuting here together for several days, I had come to understand Dian to some extent.
He had been acquainted with Aria in the original story, but they hadn’t been particularly close. Just a few light conversations whenever they happened to meet. Aria herself had been the introverted type and never revealed much about herself.
‘For me, that’s something to be grateful for.’
Thanks to that, someone who had once felt nothing but uncomfortable was now somewhat easier to be around. And since we kept running into each other, I’d been able to show parts of my changed personality as well—avoiding any unnecessary suspicion.
Waiting here wasn’t entirely meaningless.
And this person, too—
‘He’s absurdly addicted to work.’
I thought I was pretty relentless myself.
But he was just as much of a workaholic. Watching him read and handle paperwork even here over the past few days proved it.
“I should bring some documents next time as well.”
“?”
“Seeing you work makes me feel guilty.”
“You may rest comfortably, Count. Or wait in my carriage—”
“I’ll decline.”
Leave the Young Marquis out here alone and rest?
‘Not a chance.’
I refused without hesitation.
“—!”
Dian, who had been looking up at me, suddenly flinched in surprise. I plopped down beside him, placing my hand on the cold stone ground.
“Please stand. At least take my jacket—”
“It’s fine. I wore something comfortable.”
“That’s not the issue.”
As if he could not possibly allow a lady to sit directly on the ground, he removed his suit jacket.
“That seems rather expensive for a mere mat.”
“It’s fine. I, too, wore something comfortable.”
…This man, honestly.
Unable to refute him again, I pursed my lips in silence. Dian, smiling to himself, shifted one space to the side and laid his jacket neatly over the empty spot.
“Ha…”
With no other choice, I moved over and sat there. Only then did Dian wear a satisfied expression.
