Evangeline's nuance that it would have been difficult to get out if the Duke had been there made Bellona's eyes flutter. In fact, she deliberately called her to avoid the presence of the Duke, but her tone was as if she were taking care of her.
'Hmph, that's just an arranged marriage.'
The Duke of Theses's handsome face that naturally came to mind made Bellona cry again. She still couldn't forget the shock of seeing him for the first time at the ceremony.
Oh my God, does such a man exist?
It was still a little girl's heart that often spent the night fresh. They said he had just come of age, and she couldn't compare him to his brother, who was the Crown Prince at the time. Every word and action of a man who seemed to be believed, even if he had been separated from the myth, shook the teenage girl completely.
Even the Duke's coldness didn't bother the girl, who was already blind. It's not just cold for her, it's cold for everyone. She took that fact as comfort to her heart.
Such a Duke of Theses reveals his heart to someone.
Bellona's heart burned. She thought it was impossible, but she became even more displeased with the existence of Evangeline sitting in front of her.
"I see The Duke is a person who values prestige, so he didn't want Young Lady to suffer the same incident on the street as you did last time. Then he doesn't want to put a dent in the family."
"...Yes."
"Alas, I brought up a heavy story. I'm sorry."
Bellona, who didn't look sorry at all, picked up a colorful macaron. Hearing Evangeline's voice shrink, her mouth began to taste sweet.
"Actually, I was worried too. Count O'Hara had such an accident."
"...Thank you for your concern."
"But I am hopeful that the body has not been found. Who knows? Maybe he'll be back safely tomorrow."
Bellona's mouth was fresh with a light smile. The sight of Evangeline, who still hasn't wavered a finger, stimulated her even more.
"Actually, I was planning to hold a ball to commemorate the naval docking a while later, but considering Young Lady's housework, I wondered if I could hold a ball. But I'm relieved to see that you're doing so well today. Do you have any regrets about me holding a ball?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"That's great. It would be nice if Young Lady could attend as well... It's hard to hope for that, so think about it slowly."
Bellona's little finger bent gracefully as she gripped the handle of the teacup. Evangeline looked at the situation and spoke up.
"What if you called me for a banquet..."
"No. I don't. No way."
"..."
"Actually. I really wanted to give Young Lady."
Bellona shook her head quickly at Evangeline, who seemed to be about to get up. Then, when the bell rang on the table, the maid who entered as if she had been waiting for her was full of heavy hands.
"Take it, Young Lady."
"...What is this?"
"Well, I don't know what. It's my heart."
A large pink box like the wallpaper of the imperial palace was gorgeous. Bellona didn't stop there, and she opened the box with her own hands. A few dresses that were a little out of fashion popped out like they were going to spill out.
"I heard that the situation is very difficult these days. I think you need help."
"Your Highness."
"Don't refuse. It's not like we've known each other for a day or two, but we help each other at times like this. You will have to continue attending banquets in the future, but since you're still not married, I won't receive any money from the Duke, right?"
The one who would become the mistress of the Theses family got clothes and put them on.
There was no greater insult to Evangeline, who had reigned in the social world not long ago. Both the giver and the receiver are well aware of this fact. Bellona gave her a new look of benevolence, as if to tell her to take it quickly.
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."
"..."
"If such things were said about you, it would be a great blemish on the Theses, and of course, we must keep it a secret. Come on, please accept my heart."
Bellona pushed the box away with her fingertips and scanned Evangeline's face. Would it be easier if you made a fuss here? You can even start crying. The Princess's green eyes were already full of innocent anticipation, waiting for her reaction.
"Young Lady O'Hara. If you misunderstood my meaning."
"I don't think so."
"..."
"How can I refuse Your Highness's heart?"
Evangeline bent her knees gracefully. The corners of Bellona's mouth contorted at the unexpected situation, but Evangeline was lifting the box before she knew it.
"It will definitely be of great help to me now."
"...Well, Young Lady."
"Following Your Highness' noble wishes to keep this matter a secret, I will not tell anyone either. So if this matter reaches someone else's ears, you should have thrown her away a little while ago."
Evangeline's voice shook Bellona. However, her real greeting is not over yet.
"However, I will honor Your Highness' noble will from the depths of my heart. For a long time.
"..."
Her strangely sunken pink eyes darkened. Evangeline, who had not forgotten the manner until the end, turned gently with the box, and Bellona blinked in a daze. The sound of the teacup being thrown in front of the maid who chased after her only sounded hollow.
***
After leaving the imperial palace, Evangeline did not go to the Duke's residence. She got straight into a commercial wagon near the top of O'Hara and caught her breath in a narrow alley that led to the back door, known only to those in the know. There are still many people snooping in front of the top, so there is no other way. It wasn't long before she caught Philip sneaking out of the reporters.
"So, my lady!"
"Shh..."
She folded her fingers over her lips and nodded to Philip. Seeing that no one was following Evangeline, Philip had no choice but to lead her to a shabby warehouse.
"I'm sorry. Even though I know that I shouldn't have the Lady in a place like this."
"Now is not the time to think about such things."
"...Nevertheless. Phew."
After not seeing him for a while, Philip's face had become half full. It wasn't just people who were messed up. The warehouse, which was filled with all kinds of goods and jewelry, was also empty. She stared at the broken chest and bit her lip tightly
"...That's how it really happened."
"There is no face. Debtors sweep away anything that can make money..."
"It's a no-brainer for them."
Evangeline raised the corners of her mouth bitterly. The sinking of her father's entire fortune in the sea would end with her own downfall, but the situation was different for investors. Even if it was money that she had never seen, she had an obligation to take responsibility as the daughter of a merchant owner.
"Have you found anything about my father's financial situation or books?"
"Yes, because the owner of the family took care of such things so thoroughly... Maxine, who was an accountant, might know, but I don't know if he's alive or dead."
"..."
Evangeline's eyelashes fluttered at the answer she had expected. Even Maxine, his father's favorite employee, was hit by such a tragedy. Philip, who was squirming around, not knowing where to put his eyes, finally found the box she was holding.
"Hey, but what is that box..."
"Alas. Yes."
Her weakened smile became even more bitter. There will be plenty of time to grieve in the future. She didn't come here to shake her head.
If not now, they don't know when they will be able to come back to the top. In that sense, Evangeline was almost grateful to the Princess for calling her today.
"You take it."
"Isn't this a dress? I think it's a bit out of fashion."
"But the gems embedded here will be useful."
Evangeline lifted the dress and tore off the sapphires and rubies on the chest. Her mechanical gesture, which contained no emotion, made Phillip open his mouth.
"...So, My Lady."
He has been working at the top for decades, so he has never missed a single notice. He doesn't know why, but he can't help but know that it wasn't a dress that came about in a very good way.
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment