"...E, Etienne."
Shioana's eyes widened at the kiss that took place through their hands. His moist lips twitched as if tracing a circle on the back of her hand. Her hand felt as hot as if it were on fire, so she could not think clearly.
His lips soon moved to her fingers and kissed her fingertips one by one.
"...Ha."
Even though their lips hadn't kissed, she couldn't breathe properly. Etienne whispered to her, who was tightly suppressing her pounding heart.
"This is just this once."
"...Huh?"
Etienne smiled sweetly at her as she pressed her hand tightly against her heart, which was tightening with excitement. Seeing him, Shioana thought for the first time that Martha might be right.
'...You're like a devil.'
***
Elizabeth Demory was pacing back and forth in the same spot in the bedroom. Her silver hair swayed near her waist, and her worried blue eyes rested on the window.
"Miss, you're going to collapse if you keep doing this."
She had been waiting for Eli's call for several days without eating properly or going out.
"Are you really not hearing from him at all?"
"It seems he is busy preparing for his younger sibling's debutante ball."
When they parted for the last time, he did tell her that he would have difficulty finding time for the time being. He said he was preparing for his precious younger sibling's debut in society. But that was already a month ago.
"When was that even happening!"
As she stomped her feet, Elizabeth's spring glowed crimson.
Eli's letters, which had been secretly delivered sporadically by messengers, suddenly stopped. She wanted to run to Highbell, but she couldn't because she had to be mindful of the Marquis.
"He was suffering, but I couldn't be of any help."
Elizabeth clutched her head and collapsed on the spot. She could vividly picture Eli's face, smiling bitterly as he said that the Marquis of Demory would not allow the two of them.
'He can be your servant, but he cannot be your husband.'
She didn't know how lonely his face looked as he said that.
"I wanted to go to that ball too. I wanted to stand proudly beside him."
It was not that she hadn't asked Eli. She thought that if she, the only daughter of the Marquis of Demory, attended, the debutante ball could be completed even more successfully.
"But do you know what he said? He said he doesn't want me to get into trouble."
He said that he did not want her father and her to be in conflict, as it was certainly something the Marquis of Demory would not allow. He added that having grown up alone with his younger sibling without a mother, he understood the relationship between his father and Elizabeth better than anyone.
"His soul is so beautiful that it cannot be compared to someone like me."
Eli said that he was satisfied even if he could not be her husband. He promised to love and cherish Elizabeth for the rest of his life and protect her by her side.
'Even if you abandon me.'
Elizabeth's heart pounded as she recalled his heartfelt confession.
"I miss Eli so much."
Lily could not shake off the look of embarrassment at the sight of the young lady crying while wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.
'Our young lady is totally smitten.'
However, her thoughts were a little different.
Viscount Evgenia did indeed have a face that was considered one of the most handsome even in the capital. He was moderately tall, with a slender yet sturdy physique, a natural grace, and charming melancholic blue eyes.
'But it seems like it might be just as dangerous.'
Her mother had taught her that talented people always live up to their looks. However, she could not say such things to Elizabeth.
If she were to speak ill of Viscount Evgenia now, the young lady might collapse. Besides, Lily was afraid of losing her job.
"He will contact you soon. So, young lady, please get up. If your eyes get even slightly puffy, the Marquis will be worried."
Worry appeared on the face of the maid as she helped the weakly collapsed Elizabeth to the bed.
***
As soon as the debutante ball ended, autumn arrived. In Regbell's garden, where a cold wind had begun to blow, Shioana let out a long sigh.
"Miss Shioana. Sighing like that is not something a young lady should be doing."
“...Yes, ma'am.”
Mrs. Hooper was scheduled to take lessons until this winter. Since her wedding to Count Noah was set for next autumn, she was to move over to Highbell starting in the spring.
"You are going to become the Lady of the Count's family, so why do you have that kind of face?"
Mrs. Hooper frowned as if she simply could not understand.
"Count Noah is the most popular bachelor in Highbell. You should be grateful to have been chosen by him."
"...Yes."
It was a little funny that everyone believed Shioana was looking forward to this marriage.
'You don't know a single thing about my feelings...'
However, since it was a heart she still couldn't confide in anyone, she could only smile faintly.
A few days later, a carriage arrived in Regbell. Lady Veil of the Count of Noah was riding in it.
"I'm sorry for coming here so suddenly."
“Oh, no.”
"I came out here thinking it might be nice to have a quiet conversation when my nephew isn't around. I hope that isn't rude."
"Of course. Women's time is important, too."
Madame Veil suggested that Shioana go out with her, and Eli stepped forward first, giving her a push. Shioana hurriedly climbed into the carriage.
Eli gave a small gift, saying it would be good to get to know her future husband's family before the wedding.
'Give this to Mrs. Veil and earn some points.'
However, Shioana felt somewhat uncomfortable with the whole situation. The marriage proceeding against her will, and the need to flatter an old woman who clearly disregarded the Evgenia family—it felt as if her facial muscles had already gone numb.
"Okay, shall we get off now?"
The place Madame Veil took her to was a salon frequented by the ladies of Highbell. It was not a place one could enter simply because one was a noble or had money.
Since admission is based on a rigorous screening of qualifications, it is safe to say that all the ladies here are excellent.
Upon the arrival of Madame Veil, who was wearing a white fur coat, a servant appeared and greeted her respectfully.
"Madame Veil, have you arrived?"
I'd like a quiet room, please."
"Of course."
One of the servants went in first, and the guard looked after Shioana. She had not been able to spend much time getting dressed because Madame Veil had arrived suddenly.
Still, since she was wearing a pearl-decorated pin with the blue organza dress she had recently made, she was fairly confident.
"...Is this the lady's maid?"
"...What a remarkable example. This lady is Miss Evgenia, with whom marriage negotiations are underway for my nephew."
"I failed to recognize you and committed a great offense."
The employee, his face pale, apologized so profusely that his forehead almost touched the ground. Shioana, even paler than him, replied that she was fine and followed Madame Veil.
The interior of the salon was divided into sections such as a library and a music listening room, making it essentially a small social gathering place for noble ladies.
'...Oh my god.'
And Shioana's face grew increasingly pale as she watched the lady having a conversation. She instantly understood why the servant had asked earlier if she was a servant.
'Everyone looks like they're going to a ball.'
Ladies in voluminous dresses with long eyelashes and dangling fancy ornaments and jewels swayed their fans gently.
Only then did the attire of Madame Veil, walking in front of her, catch her eye.
The hem of the silk dress was adorned with delicate embroidery, and the coat made of sable was long enough to drag on the floor.
'It’s no wonder Eli ignored me every day.'
She thought it was enough as long as it was neat and good by her standards, but now that she's here, it seems that wasn't everything. As Shioana let out a short sigh, an employee opened a large door and showed her to a seat.
"I have prepared a seat with a view of the lake for Mrs. Veil."
"Good job. This is the tip, so take it."
Mrs. Veil took a few silver coins from the small clutch she was holding and handed them over. The servant's face lit up, and he bowed deeply.
"I am always grateful for your generous kindness, Madam."
As the employee closed the door and left, only two people remained in the spacious room.
"I've ordered the tea myself, so please sit down."
The unfamiliar feeling she had experienced at the ball rose to the tip of her throat. It was her first time visiting a teahouse like this, and being so luxurious made it feel overwhelming.
The feeling of wearing ill-fitting shoes made Shioana feel suffocated.
"I hope we can have time like this often in the future. Just the two of us, without Count Noah."
Madame Veil smiled as she untied the silk scarf around her neck.
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