047. I'm crazy about you
Fortunately, Hardius accepted the book with a pleasant smile on his face. There was no sign of discomfort or rejection.
“Permission? That’s a ridiculous thing to say. I heard that you’ve been taking great care of my fiancée. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.”
“Don’t worry. Helping and supporting capable people is a great joy and pride for our family.”
“I feel ashamed that you did what I should have done.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Hardius immediately showed the book to Emilia.
“I’ll keep this and give it to you in the carriage.”
Emilia tried not to be fooled by the smiling face.
But it looks too natural to be acting.
“Thank you so much for the gift. I will read it carefully.”
When they raised their heads again, they saw Madame Luen approaching them from afar.
“You two are here. The gentlemen are waiting anxiously for you. Can you see them over there?”
When Luen pointed towards the balcony, the young men raised their hands as if they had been waiting.
“How about just saying hello for a moment?”
Hardius looked back at Emilia and asked, “Are you okay?” Emilia nodded her head as if agreeing.
“Then shall we go?”
Mrs. Luen led the two men towards the group of young men.
Hardius talked to Nathan the whole way along.
It's a face that looks comfortable to anyone. It's so comfortable that the words that he said he would 'deal with it' feel like a lie.
Emilia relaxed and leaned her stiff back against the wall.
Beyond the pillars, men could be seen shaking hands and conversing with each other.
Hardius, as usual, blended in with the crowd naturally. Nathan, on the other hand, simply exchanged greetings and stayed at an appropriate distance.
Come to think of it, Nathan Malvin has always been like that. Why is that?
“How are you, Miss Bern? Are you enjoying the party?”
When she turned around at the sudden voice, she saw Madame Luen's daughter, Josephine Luen, standing there. Emilia quickly smiled.
“Yes, I think your mother really prepared a lot. It will be even more memorable for me since it is my first prom.”
“I am so proud that Miss Bern will have a ball to remember.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
She couldn't help it, even though she knew she was only giving formulaic, rigid answers.
This is Cavendish's world, after all. Emilia was not naive enough to be fooled by the warm hospitality and fake smiles.
Unfortunately, the young lady seemed to have a completely different mindset from her. She smiled brightly as if she had met her best friend and suddenly linked arms with her. Emilia's body stiffened slightly at the unhesitating contact. Josephine pressed her chest with her hand and looked at her with admiration.
“Miss Bern is the most beautiful and elegant woman I have ever seen. Have you ever seen the painting ‘Lady with a Teacup’ by Sir Maxion? The atmosphere is very similar to that of the heroine in the painting.”
Emilia hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to say. It was not easy to let go of her guard.
“I haven’t seen it, but I’ll definitely look for it. You’re being so generous, I don’t know what to say in response.”
Emilis answered with a little candor mixed in with the formality.
On the one hand, it's sad. How did she become such a suspicious and wary person?
“Oh, Josephine, you’re here? Let’s go. Madame Moriah is looking for you.”
Madame Luen was approaching from the other side. Josephine looked back at Emilia and winked.
“Let’s talk more later at the salon. Yes?”
Gatherings of noble men usually begin with a light bet, move on to gambling and sports, and end with talk of politics.
Hardius was quietly observing Nathan Malvin, adjusting the mood with appropriate responses and smiles.
He was leaning back leisurely by the fireplace, pretending to be bored, but Hardius could tell right away that he was bored.
At the end of his wandering gaze, there she is.
“Is Meyer Steel planning to participate not only in mining but also in the development of steam locomotives?”
A certain person who liked to pretend to know blocked the way. Hardius smiled gently and answered kindly.
Meanwhile, Malvin glanced at her again, then suddenly felt startled and shook his head.
His brown hair flowed softly, revealing his tall forehead, beautiful nose, and sharp jawline.
Have you ever been this interested in someone else's appearance?
Nathan Malvin's appearance, which was not just 'pretty good' but 'very handsome', was enough to make Hardius's throat twitch. His height, which was so tall that he didn't even have to look down on him, was also another unpleasant factor.
Nathan Malvin, who had been staring blankly into space with a frown, suddenly crossed his arms with a determined look on his face.
From then on, he never looked at Emilia again.
Hardius saw himself as a child in that very scene.
Fuck.
He never gave up hope until the very end.
He's just a childish, rustic, and low-quality guy.
But hope was dashed without a trace.
He took a deep breath to calm his heavy emotions.
“I’m so glad that you all had a great time talking. But I don’t want to keep my partner waiting too long, do I? Shall we move now?”
At Luen's words, the men left the salon one by one. Hardius also tried to return straight to Emilia.
But Nathan Malvin suddenly stopped him.
“Excuse me, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“..Please speak.”
Nathan slowed down his pace as if trying to control his speed. Realizing that it was an attempt to avoid people, Hardius also deliberately walked slowly.
After a while, they were alone together as they had wanted.
“I know this may sound rude, but there’s something I really need to ask you.”
There is no sense of caution or provocation anywhere in Nathan's polite manners.
It was only natural. In his eyes, Hardius was nothing more or less than a petty human being who was desperate to abandon his fiancée.
Nevertheless, Hardius wanted to snap his neck. He nodded as if to continue, his trembling hands crumpled in his pockets.
“Do you know when the engagement will be finalized?”
“I wonder why you ask that.”
Nathan answered calmly.
“From now on, I want to deliver the book directly to her. Without going through this cumbersome process.”
Hardius's heart began to pump powerfully, spewing blood.
As men poured out of the salon and Hardius appeared last, Emilia first looked at his face. She didn't expect to be able to read his mind since he was so expressionless, but she wanted to check somehow.
Fortunately, his eyes were much calmer. At least there was no ridiculous drama going on inside.
As she was sweeping her chest, she became curious about Nathan Malvin.
As she was about to turn her head back towards the salon, Hardius blocked her path. He handed Emilia one of the champagnes he was holding in both hands.
“Oh, thank you.”
Emilia, looking down at the drink clinking in her glass, decided not to take the risk of asking about Nathan Malvin's well-being.
That day, when Hardius suspected her relationship with Nathan, she was angry and wondered why she was making such excuses, but in fact, there was no harm in being careful.
It is clearly wrong to get engaged by His Majesty the King's order and then get involved in gossip with another man.
“It’s already dark.”
They looked out the window side by side.
As dusk falls, faint stars begin to appear, one by one, across the sky.
As servants busily went about turning on the street lamps, the leaves swayed in the breeze, reflecting the golden light here and there.
It's awkward. I should say something...
Emilia, who had been racking her brain, realized that she had something to explain to him.
“It’s what Master Malvin was talking about earlier. I’m telling you this in advance just in case there’s any misunderstanding. While I was taking the lessons at Cavendish Manor, sometimes...”
“You helped with the bookkeeping. Nathan Malvin helped you solve various problems that arose during the process.”
Emilia opened her eyes wide and nodded, “Yes.”
“How did you learn accounting?”
“I haven’t learned anything. I’ve just read a few books.”
“...Does that mean you studied alone?”
“Yes, so it’s not perfect. I just know a little bit.”
“You don’t have to be humble. I know you’re smart. Anyway, you’re really great.”
Strangely, the heat rose to her ears. Emilia answered coolly, “Thank you,” and turned her flushed face away.
“I have many books like this in my study. Or I could even make a study for you.”
Hardius held up the book Nathan had given him.
“But there’s a limit to self-study. It would be better to go to school formally. I’ll help you.”
“No, I will only appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
She expected him to balk at her cold rejection, but Hardius simply shrugged.
“...Think about it slowly.”
No, I do not want.
She was about to answer, but was overwhelmed by something unknown and closed her mouth.
He didn't force it; he just made a suggestion.
Besides, didn't she accept the book Nathan gave her with open arms? It's not something she should reject outright and get angry about.
More than anything, Emilia never wanted to break the newly formed mood of peace.
“...Is Cavendish’s butler’s name Haspel?”
“Yes, I was just helping out for nothing, but Master Malvin happened to find out about it and warned Mr. Haspel. He said I should be paid appropriately.”
He used to growl whenever Nathan was mentioned, but for some reason, he didn't say anything and just took a sip of champagne.
Suddenly, courage surged up in Emilia.
“Master Malvin simply cannot stand injustice. He says it makes him uncomfortable when the powerless suffer.”
“...Did he say that? In front of you?”
“Yes, he shouldn’t have any great feelings for me.”
A faint smile appears on the lips as the glass is brought to his lips.
“Yeah, I’ve confirmed one thing. At least there won’t be any rumors going around that the Meyer family’s fiancée is having an affair.”
For a moment, the strength left her legs. Emilia let out a sigh of relief and brought the glass to her lips. The champagne was so sweet that it was hard to believe it was alcohol.
“Anyway... I appreciate it.”
“Thank you? What?”
“Thank you for clearing up the misunderstanding so easily.”
The man pauses for a moment. A crooked smile appears on his lips.
“I cleared up the misunderstanding? How did you come up with such a funny idea?”
“...No... are you going?”
“Why did that kid suddenly bring up Haspel in front of me? Of all the stories he could tell, why?”
“That’s... It’s an important story that I didn’t know about. It’s also proof that we don’t meet for personal reasons.”
“Yeah. He only picks safe answers. He came out defensively in advance, afraid of revealing his feelings in front of people.”
“No, that’s not true. That’s speculation.”
Hardius shrugged. It looked like a wall that no hammer could penetrate.
“I tell you again, Master Malvin doesn’t have any feelings for me. He just wants to help people in my situation.”
“Funny, he kept glancing at you. He used to hide his dirty intentions behind the nice words that Malvin was open to talented people. See, he’s still doing that now.”
Her eyes turned towards the balcony without her knowing.
Nathan was really looking at her. The moment their eyes met, Nathan's face strangely darkened. Then he turned his head away as if to turn away.
“Shall I tell you the truth?”
Emilia's eyes turned back to Hardius.
The characteristically cold and indifferent gaze was completely gone.
He was clutching a thin glass as if he was going to break it, his anger clearly visible.
“He’s crazy about you. Like a horny little beast.”
Fortunately, Hardius accepted the book with a pleasant smile on his face. There was no sign of discomfort or rejection.
“Permission? That’s a ridiculous thing to say. I heard that you’ve been taking great care of my fiancée. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.”
“Don’t worry. Helping and supporting capable people is a great joy and pride for our family.”
“I feel ashamed that you did what I should have done.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Hardius immediately showed the book to Emilia.
“I’ll keep this and give it to you in the carriage.”
Emilia tried not to be fooled by the smiling face.
But it looks too natural to be acting.
“Thank you so much for the gift. I will read it carefully.”
When they raised their heads again, they saw Madame Luen approaching them from afar.
“You two are here. The gentlemen are waiting anxiously for you. Can you see them over there?”
When Luen pointed towards the balcony, the young men raised their hands as if they had been waiting.
“How about just saying hello for a moment?”
Hardius looked back at Emilia and asked, “Are you okay?” Emilia nodded her head as if agreeing.
“Then shall we go?”
Mrs. Luen led the two men towards the group of young men.
Hardius talked to Nathan the whole way along.
It's a face that looks comfortable to anyone. It's so comfortable that the words that he said he would 'deal with it' feel like a lie.
Emilia relaxed and leaned her stiff back against the wall.
Beyond the pillars, men could be seen shaking hands and conversing with each other.
Hardius, as usual, blended in with the crowd naturally. Nathan, on the other hand, simply exchanged greetings and stayed at an appropriate distance.
Come to think of it, Nathan Malvin has always been like that. Why is that?
“How are you, Miss Bern? Are you enjoying the party?”
When she turned around at the sudden voice, she saw Madame Luen's daughter, Josephine Luen, standing there. Emilia quickly smiled.
“Yes, I think your mother really prepared a lot. It will be even more memorable for me since it is my first prom.”
“I am so proud that Miss Bern will have a ball to remember.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
She couldn't help it, even though she knew she was only giving formulaic, rigid answers.
This is Cavendish's world, after all. Emilia was not naive enough to be fooled by the warm hospitality and fake smiles.
Unfortunately, the young lady seemed to have a completely different mindset from her. She smiled brightly as if she had met her best friend and suddenly linked arms with her. Emilia's body stiffened slightly at the unhesitating contact. Josephine pressed her chest with her hand and looked at her with admiration.
“Miss Bern is the most beautiful and elegant woman I have ever seen. Have you ever seen the painting ‘Lady with a Teacup’ by Sir Maxion? The atmosphere is very similar to that of the heroine in the painting.”
Emilia hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to say. It was not easy to let go of her guard.
“I haven’t seen it, but I’ll definitely look for it. You’re being so generous, I don’t know what to say in response.”
Emilis answered with a little candor mixed in with the formality.
On the one hand, it's sad. How did she become such a suspicious and wary person?
“Oh, Josephine, you’re here? Let’s go. Madame Moriah is looking for you.”
Madame Luen was approaching from the other side. Josephine looked back at Emilia and winked.
“Let’s talk more later at the salon. Yes?”
***
Gatherings of noble men usually begin with a light bet, move on to gambling and sports, and end with talk of politics.
Hardius was quietly observing Nathan Malvin, adjusting the mood with appropriate responses and smiles.
He was leaning back leisurely by the fireplace, pretending to be bored, but Hardius could tell right away that he was bored.
At the end of his wandering gaze, there she is.
“Is Meyer Steel planning to participate not only in mining but also in the development of steam locomotives?”
A certain person who liked to pretend to know blocked the way. Hardius smiled gently and answered kindly.
Meanwhile, Malvin glanced at her again, then suddenly felt startled and shook his head.
His brown hair flowed softly, revealing his tall forehead, beautiful nose, and sharp jawline.
Have you ever been this interested in someone else's appearance?
Nathan Malvin's appearance, which was not just 'pretty good' but 'very handsome', was enough to make Hardius's throat twitch. His height, which was so tall that he didn't even have to look down on him, was also another unpleasant factor.
Nathan Malvin, who had been staring blankly into space with a frown, suddenly crossed his arms with a determined look on his face.
From then on, he never looked at Emilia again.
Hardius saw himself as a child in that very scene.
Fuck.
He never gave up hope until the very end.
He's just a childish, rustic, and low-quality guy.
But hope was dashed without a trace.
He took a deep breath to calm his heavy emotions.
“I’m so glad that you all had a great time talking. But I don’t want to keep my partner waiting too long, do I? Shall we move now?”
At Luen's words, the men left the salon one by one. Hardius also tried to return straight to Emilia.
But Nathan Malvin suddenly stopped him.
“Excuse me, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“..Please speak.”
Nathan slowed down his pace as if trying to control his speed. Realizing that it was an attempt to avoid people, Hardius also deliberately walked slowly.
After a while, they were alone together as they had wanted.
“I know this may sound rude, but there’s something I really need to ask you.”
There is no sense of caution or provocation anywhere in Nathan's polite manners.
It was only natural. In his eyes, Hardius was nothing more or less than a petty human being who was desperate to abandon his fiancée.
Nevertheless, Hardius wanted to snap his neck. He nodded as if to continue, his trembling hands crumpled in his pockets.
“Do you know when the engagement will be finalized?”
“I wonder why you ask that.”
Nathan answered calmly.
“From now on, I want to deliver the book directly to her. Without going through this cumbersome process.”
Hardius's heart began to pump powerfully, spewing blood.
***
As men poured out of the salon and Hardius appeared last, Emilia first looked at his face. She didn't expect to be able to read his mind since he was so expressionless, but she wanted to check somehow.
Fortunately, his eyes were much calmer. At least there was no ridiculous drama going on inside.
As she was sweeping her chest, she became curious about Nathan Malvin.
As she was about to turn her head back towards the salon, Hardius blocked her path. He handed Emilia one of the champagnes he was holding in both hands.
“Oh, thank you.”
Emilia, looking down at the drink clinking in her glass, decided not to take the risk of asking about Nathan Malvin's well-being.
That day, when Hardius suspected her relationship with Nathan, she was angry and wondered why she was making such excuses, but in fact, there was no harm in being careful.
It is clearly wrong to get engaged by His Majesty the King's order and then get involved in gossip with another man.
“It’s already dark.”
They looked out the window side by side.
As dusk falls, faint stars begin to appear, one by one, across the sky.
As servants busily went about turning on the street lamps, the leaves swayed in the breeze, reflecting the golden light here and there.
It's awkward. I should say something...
Emilia, who had been racking her brain, realized that she had something to explain to him.
“It’s what Master Malvin was talking about earlier. I’m telling you this in advance just in case there’s any misunderstanding. While I was taking the lessons at Cavendish Manor, sometimes...”
“You helped with the bookkeeping. Nathan Malvin helped you solve various problems that arose during the process.”
Emilia opened her eyes wide and nodded, “Yes.”
“How did you learn accounting?”
“I haven’t learned anything. I’ve just read a few books.”
“...Does that mean you studied alone?”
“Yes, so it’s not perfect. I just know a little bit.”
“You don’t have to be humble. I know you’re smart. Anyway, you’re really great.”
Strangely, the heat rose to her ears. Emilia answered coolly, “Thank you,” and turned her flushed face away.
“I have many books like this in my study. Or I could even make a study for you.”
Hardius held up the book Nathan had given him.
“But there’s a limit to self-study. It would be better to go to school formally. I’ll help you.”
“No, I will only appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
She expected him to balk at her cold rejection, but Hardius simply shrugged.
“...Think about it slowly.”
No, I do not want.
She was about to answer, but was overwhelmed by something unknown and closed her mouth.
He didn't force it; he just made a suggestion.
Besides, didn't she accept the book Nathan gave her with open arms? It's not something she should reject outright and get angry about.
More than anything, Emilia never wanted to break the newly formed mood of peace.
“...Is Cavendish’s butler’s name Haspel?”
“Yes, I was just helping out for nothing, but Master Malvin happened to find out about it and warned Mr. Haspel. He said I should be paid appropriately.”
He used to growl whenever Nathan was mentioned, but for some reason, he didn't say anything and just took a sip of champagne.
Suddenly, courage surged up in Emilia.
“Master Malvin simply cannot stand injustice. He says it makes him uncomfortable when the powerless suffer.”
“...Did he say that? In front of you?”
“Yes, he shouldn’t have any great feelings for me.”
A faint smile appears on the lips as the glass is brought to his lips.
“Yeah, I’ve confirmed one thing. At least there won’t be any rumors going around that the Meyer family’s fiancée is having an affair.”
For a moment, the strength left her legs. Emilia let out a sigh of relief and brought the glass to her lips. The champagne was so sweet that it was hard to believe it was alcohol.
“Anyway... I appreciate it.”
“Thank you? What?”
“Thank you for clearing up the misunderstanding so easily.”
The man pauses for a moment. A crooked smile appears on his lips.
“I cleared up the misunderstanding? How did you come up with such a funny idea?”
“...No... are you going?”
“Why did that kid suddenly bring up Haspel in front of me? Of all the stories he could tell, why?”
“That’s... It’s an important story that I didn’t know about. It’s also proof that we don’t meet for personal reasons.”
“Yeah. He only picks safe answers. He came out defensively in advance, afraid of revealing his feelings in front of people.”
“No, that’s not true. That’s speculation.”
Hardius shrugged. It looked like a wall that no hammer could penetrate.
“I tell you again, Master Malvin doesn’t have any feelings for me. He just wants to help people in my situation.”
“Funny, he kept glancing at you. He used to hide his dirty intentions behind the nice words that Malvin was open to talented people. See, he’s still doing that now.”
Her eyes turned towards the balcony without her knowing.
Nathan was really looking at her. The moment their eyes met, Nathan's face strangely darkened. Then he turned his head away as if to turn away.
“Shall I tell you the truth?”
Emilia's eyes turned back to Hardius.
The characteristically cold and indifferent gaze was completely gone.
He was clutching a thin glass as if he was going to break it, his anger clearly visible.
“He’s crazy about you. Like a horny little beast.”
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