Chapter 125

Chapter 125

“As I said, for the headless soul, we’ll consult the temple.”

The Duke turned to look in the direction Shion had run off, then spoke. I nodded in acknowledgment and rose to my feet. There was no point trying to talk further with the headless man anyway. He wanted to hide his sin. Whether that was out of shame or fear of even speaking of it, I couldn’t tell. Either way, I could guess that the records left in the imperial court weren’t false.

“Let’s head back. I’ll escort you again.”

The Duke turned to me and continued. It seemed he had no intention of chasing after the headless ghost either. Besides, deep darkness had already settled outside the window. It was time for the living to call it a day.

“Yes, let’s go back.”

I replied with a nod. Then I stole a glance up at him. A question was forming in my mind.

“Duke, is there really a priest who can exorcise a soul that isn’t an evil spirit?”

“Well…”

But the Duke only gave a vague answer. That wasn’t quite the reaction I’d expected.

“Huh? But just now you…”

“I said that to draw a response from him. The number of priests who can perform exorcisms is very small to begin with. Among them, finding one who would bend their religious convictions… I think that would be difficult.”

In short, he’d lied. My eyes went wide as I stared at him.

“So even the Duke knows how to lie.”

“When necessary… a certain amount of deception is just savvy.”

He gave a light laugh and turned his steps toward the door.

‘Wow… that’s new. I kind of like this side of him.’

If someone called it love-blind, I’d have to agree. But still, seeing this unexpected side of him was rather delightful. I trotted along after the Duke, then grabbed tight onto the hem of his jacket.

He caught my hand and pulled me close, guiding me smoothly to his side. Then we stepped into the corridor together, walking down the long hallway. Every little moment of it rang so sweet in my heart that I wished I could hold onto the time forever. But unfortunately, we reached our destination all too soon.

“Go on in now, Laura.”

The Duke set me down in front of the door and bid me goodbye.

“Yes, you too, Duke. Good night.”

I returned his goodnight greeting. But I couldn’t step into my room right away. It seemed to be because of the regret of parting. Of course, I’d see him in the study tomorrow, yet I felt an odd reluctance to let him go.

Still, saying ‘Want to come in for a moment?’ felt far too embarrassing. Suggesting ‘Shall I walk you to your room this time, Duke?’ seemed equally ridiculous. I couldn’t think of a suitable word to hold him back. I felt like a child flustered by first love, unable to settle down.

And then it happened. Suddenly, a familiar voice began drifting from a distance.

“Laura’s reaction today was amusing, wasn’t it? She’s definitely fun to tease. Speaking of which, do you think those two might actually get married?”

“Hmm… Who knows? But if things keep going this way, maybe?”

Those voices mixed with footsteps, approaching us. I rolled my eyes, thoroughly flustered. I didn’t want anyone to catch me with the Duke. The mere thought of it was embarrassing enough to make my face burn.

“Laura, wait a moment.”

The Duke suddenly reached his arm past me, grabbing the doorknob. He stepped close in front of me and opened the door. I gasped, backing into the room. At the same time, the door creaked shut, its misaligned hinges groaning.

“I’ll leave after a bit. Just until everyone passes by.”

“Ah… Yes, sir.”

He must have sensed I was worried about others seeing us. I was grateful, but having his chest so close was rather awkward. I swallowed hard, frozen in place. My hands were raised like a shield between us. Naturally, his body pressed against my palms as if sticking to them.

‘Hah… He always seems to be sitting and working, but he’s actually firm… Well, he does go horseback riding, so of course he’d have muscles. Ah, he smells like the morning air. It doesn’t seem like cologne… This is… This is… really nice. No, wait. That’s not the point…’

I swallowed audibly. I felt oddly dizzy. All the while, someone’s voice was approaching outside the door. Then, it gradually faded away from my ears.

“Laura.”

Once the murmuring voices completely disappeared, the Duke looked down at me and called my name.

“Yes?”

“Everyone seems to have passed by. I’ll be heading back now.”

“Ah… Yes, sir.”

I nodded hastily and stepped back from him. Then I realized that, despite having had plenty of opportunity to avoid him, I had been standing right up against him. I must have been overly conscious of his presence. I wanted to act as if nothing was wrong, but it was far from easy.

“Since I’m already in this situation, should I ask him to stay for tea? We could drink together and build a nice atmosphere. Ah, but the only tea in my room is that stomach-soothing blend Ann gave me… That’s hardly romantic!”

For a moment, my mind went blank. Then I suddenly remembered—the room was an absolute disaster. I’d been in such a rush to leave this morning that I’d tossed my clothes everywhere. Startled, I threw the door back open.

“Th-then, goodbye! See you tomorrow!”

Despite wanting to stay calm, my voice came out frantic. I fumbled the Duke out of the room and shut the door. Then I spun around, hurried to the bed, and flopped down. The messy room came into view. The thought that the Duke must have seen all this mess made my head spin.

“Ugh! I’m such an idiot!”

I started to get up to clean the room, then stopped and buried my face in the pillow. I squeezed my eyes shut, swearing to myself that I’d keep my room spotless from now on.

* * *

The garden tucked in one corner of the Imperial Palace was defined by its open landscaping. The breeze was cool, and a sweet floral scent hung in the air. White tables were scattered across the wide clearing, laden with gorgeous, appetizing food arranged neatly.

‘Wow, this place is amazing. It’s just crowded right now. Once the people thin out, it’ll be quiet and peaceful, I bet. Are there ghosts here? If only there were no ghosts at night—it’d be absolutely perfect!’

I looked around, taking it all in. The Imperial Palace’s rose garden was beautiful too, but this place was stunning enough to make your head spin.

‘I wonder if this is exclusive to Her Imperial Highness? Since she’s hosting the tea party, it might be.’

Then I headed straight for one of the many tables to pick out some food. A few young ladies were already there, chatting among themselves.

“Oh my, a new face. Is this your first time attending?”

A girl with big, cute eyes spotted me and asked. I smiled sheepishly and confirmed it.

Today was the day of the tea party at the Imperial Palace. At first glance, it sounded like a day that had nothing to do with me. But to understand why I was here, I’d have to go back a few days.

“Laura, the Imperial Family is holding a tea party. Would you like to go?”

I’d been sitting at my desk working as usual when the Duke suddenly spoke to me. Surprised by his unexpected words, I turned to look at him, my eyes wide.

“What? The Imperial… tea party?”

“Yes. The one hosted by Princess Enshania.”

“But an Imperial Princess? Doesn’t His Majesty only have a son?”

“Princess Enshania is His Majesty’s younger sister.”

“Oh…”

Now that he mentioned it, I thought I’d heard something like that before. The late Emperor had a daughter born to him late in life. Apparently, the Duke was referring to that very Princess.

“But that party—can I just go if I want to? I haven’t even received an invitation.”

Honestly, the idea of a tea party hosted by the Imperial Family did intrigue me just from hearing about it. But showing up uninvited would be a terrible breach of etiquette. And to make matters worse, I’d obviously know absolutely no one there.

“You can attend Princess Enshania’s tea party without an invitation. Her goal is to meet many noblewomen. I’d like you to make your presence known there.”

The Duke replied. But I couldn’t quite grasp what he meant by ‘make your presence known.’ So I just stared at him, waiting for an explanation. He soon added another sentence.

“Because you’ll be attending high society often from now on.”

“…Huh?”

“By my side, that is.”

“Ah… so…”

I could finally nod in understanding. It seemed he meant I’d be his partner whenever a banquet was held at the Imperial Castle from now on. For that, I needed to gradually blend into high society. If that was the case, I had no reason to hesitate. Wouldn’t it be enough to just show my face once in a while?

“Well then, I’ll do that!”

“Good. …And, as I’ve said before, if you ever face unfair treatment, you don’t have to endure it.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle things well on my own!”

I answered with a fairly confident tone. After that, I picked out and bought new dresses and accessories, then attended the tea party. I was a bit nervous, but since it was a party that didn’t require an invitation, it seemed the formalities weren’t too strict. The atmosphere was that relaxed.

‘’I really just need to show my face. The food’s good too, nice.’’

I thought this while eating the sweet desserts laid out on my plate. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a familiar silhouette approaching.

It was the Three Musketeers—the ones who bullied me.