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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: An Unwelcome Encounter
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The dance finally ended.
At the same time, the Duke, the man of the hour, was practically swarmed by the other nobles.
“My apologies, Lady Ansi.”
Of course, the Duke tried his best to escort me a little longer.
It was truly a gesture worthy of the male lead of this world, but...
“It's quite alright. I'll take my leave now.”
...I had absolutely no desire to get caught in that massive crowd by staying with the Duke.
I smiled brightly and stepped back.
Still, I felt a faint sense of déjà vu.
‘Didn't something like this happen at the salon before?’
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
Then again, it was a situation where the nobles couldn't help but be so eager.
How often would they get the chance to meet a high-ranking noble like Duke Claudius in this southern countryside?
They want to exchange a word, make an impression, look around to see if any scraps might fall their way—that's how it is.
Just like... how Serapina used to...
“...”
As I unintentionally thought of Serapina, I felt my spirits sink.
I remembered Serapina, who would seek out only the highest-ranking nobles every time she entered a ballroom, flashing them her charming eye-smiles.
And behind her, I remembered myself, standing there like a forgotten sack of barley.
‘Enough. Thinking about this will only sour my mood.’
I shook my head, trying to brush away the thoughts of Serapina.
‘That aside, where is the Duchess?’
Glancing around, I made my way out of the ballroom.
A moment ago, just as the Duke and I were heading to the dance floor.
The Duchess had clearly...
“I'm going to get some fresh air, so you go have a good dance, Lady Ansi!”
...said, pushing me forward.
A moment later.
I stepped into the garden.
The soft, flowing moonlight bathed everything in its glow.
An occasional night breeze rustled the leaves of the well-manicured garden trees.
All was quiet.
‘...It's peaceful.’
I walked slowly.
Somehow, I don't think I've ever felt this at ease while attending a party.
To think I could be this relaxed just by not having to watch Serapina and Gregory's every move.
It made me realize anew.
Just how miserable I was when I was with them.
And how much my life changes depending on who is by my side.
‘The Duchess. And... the Duke.’
I unknowingly clenched my fists.
It felt as if the touch of the Duke's hand, which had held mine, still lingered.
Long, elegant fingers.
A gentle warmth.
Even the strong force that had wrapped around my waist in an instant.
Recalling all those sensations, my mouth suddenly felt dry.
‘Honestly.’
I squeezed my eyes shut.
I know full well that I shouldn't,
but...
‘I think... my heart fluttered a little.’
A flutter.
Of course, this feeling was only natural.
What woman wouldn't be captivated by a man as perfect as the Duke standing right before her?
As proof, I present the ladies attending tonight's party.
The moment the Duke entered the ballroom, every lady stared at him with an intense, mesmerized gaze.
Hoping for a chance to greet him, or even just to meet his eyes once.
In such a situation, I had even danced with the Duke.
Wasn't it only natural for my heart to pound for him?
It's just that I know he is destined to end up with Serapina.
Which makes it relatively easy to sort out my feelings...
But just then.
“Lalitt!”
Someone grabbed my wrist forcefully.
“Ugh!”
What the—that hurts!
I spun around in a hurry.
At the same time, my eyes widened.
‘No, what is he doing here?!’
Gregory Gusto.
My former fiancé and Serapina's number one follower.
He was glaring at me with a hostile look.
* * *
‘How much longer do I have to endure this pointless conversation?’
Dietrich skillfully concealed his boredom as he participated in the conversation.
“Our business venture this time...”
“If the opportunity arises, we would like to invite you, Your Grace...”
“I know you are busy, but if you could just review our business proposal...”
Letting all their words go in one ear and out the other, Dietrich felt an unbearable sense of tedium.
He wanted to spend his time more rationally.
For instance.
...having a more in-depth conversation about his sister with her one and only friend.
To be honest, when Lady Ansi had so cleanly let go of his hand.
Dietrich had felt a faint sense of disappointment.
Spending time with Lalitt was, in itself, immensely enjoyable.
And for Dietrich, such people were exceedingly rare.
‘So, where is Lady Ansi now?’
Dietrich lifted his gaze, glancing around.
Even amidst the large crowd, Lalitt clearly came into view.
Lalitt was standing near a window, looking outside with a bored expression.
“...”
In the midst of the bustling ballroom, Lalitt alone seemed detached, her expression serene as if she were in another space entirely.
What was her calm, pink-hued gaze looking at from beneath the shade of her full lashes?
What was she thinking, what emotions was she feeling?
...Dietrich suddenly became very curious.
“...Your Grace? Duke?”
Ah.
In that moment, Dietrich snapped back to his senses.
He had lost the thread of the conversation.
“Pardon me, what were you saying? I was lost in thought for a moment.”
Dietrich offered a smooth smile.
“Ah, well...”
The noble who had spoken to him hastily continued.
As Dietrich pretended to listen, he suddenly furrowed his brow.
‘That man?’
Just then, Lalitt was heading outside.
The problem was, someone was following her.
A noble, noticing whom Dietrich was looking at, identified the man.
“My, I didn't realize Lord Gusto would be attending this party as well.”
“That man... is Lord Gusto?”
“Yes. I believe the County of Gusto holds a summer party every year...”
Then, with a bright eye-smile, he glanced up at Dietrich.
“It seems he wanted to come to this party so badly that he'd even neglect his own family's event.”
His expression was clearly meant to flatter.
It roughly meant, ‘That's how great the Duchy of Claudius is.’
However, Dietrich didn't notice the flattery at all.
Because.
“I mean, it's been ages since Lady Ansi sent the annulment papers.”
Evanjeline's grumbling voice suddenly echoed in his ears.
“Why does he keep hitting on Lady Ansi? It's so annoying.”
Lalitt's former fiancé.
The thought of those words somehow soured his mood.
Moreover.
‘...He doesn't seem to be following her with good intentions.’
That menacing expression on his face as he tailed Lalitt.
In that moment.
Dietrich made up his mind.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Asking to be excused, Dietrich pushed through the crowd.
He began to follow Gregory at a quick pace.
But just then.
“Ah...!”
Someone let out a faint scream and collapsed right in front of Dietrich.
Dietrich reflexively caught the falling person's arm.
She was an incredibly beautiful lady.
Hair the color of new sprouts and eyes that shone more vividly than emeralds.
Her slender frame evoked a protective instinct in all who saw her.
“Thank you, I felt a sudden dizzy spell...”
It was Serapina.
