「Miss Hailey Salmon asks the Duke of Gunner for a dance—an unprecedented scandal!」

Hailey, who had been reading the headline in Santier, glanced sideways, watching the Duke’s reaction. Tayton calmly sipped his tea with perfect posture, showing no particular interest in her words.

Reading the morning paper aloud in Santier was one of Hailey’s most important daily tasks. It was something she had to do to avoid becoming a freeloader.

But today, this time of day had never felt so dreadful. Hailey’s voice grew quieter as she read. Her light green eyes flickered with unease, like a child caught in mischief.

「Last night’s banquet, held at the Duke of Gunner’s residence, was attended by many wealthy nobles and businessmen. It was reportedly as luxurious and extravagant as a royal ball. Of course, the Duke’s fiancée, Princess Irene Britton, was also present.

However, an incident occurred that added fuel to the rumors of discord brewing between the two behind the scenes. When the Duke of Gunner asked the princess for a dance, she refused—and instead shared the first dance with opera actor Andrei Lermont.

Though the event was humiliating for the Duke, as his pride was trampled in front of guests, those aware of the rumored discord were not especially surprised. The real incident occurred right after that.」

What kind of incident, exactly?

Hailey pouted at the dramatic phrasing. Her voice took on a more sullen tone.

「Miss Hailey Salmon, daughter of Baron Salmon and a live-in tutor who has endured over three weeks at the Duke’s mansion, asked Lord Gunner for a dance. A woman requesting a dance from a man is an unprecedented occurrence—one that completely disregards the etiquette of high society.

One anonymous noble criticized her behavior, suggesting that Miss Hailey Salmon, who came from Westhill, might be entirely ignorant of social customs. He called her conduct the product of frivolousness born from ignorance.」

“Ugh.”

Hailey glared at the phrase “an anonymous noble” as though the person were standing right in front of her.

「However, some applaud her boldness. They argue that instead of waiting endlessly for an opportunity that may never come, taking the risk and asking first could increase the chances of winning one’s desired partner.

Public opinion on her actions is expected to crystallize tonight. If another bold woman appears at the banquet hosted by Count Aegis, Miss Hailey Salmon could be remembered as a trailblazer who brought a new trend to high society. Still, considering how much our society values tradition and etiquette, the likelihood of such a trend catching on remains extremely slim.

Meanwhile, if her bold action is accepted, popular figures like Andrei Lermont or Inspector Albert Blair may soon be swarmed with dance requests. Perhaps lines of women waiting to dance with them will stretch out like those in front of the opera house.

Further coverage on the relationship between the Duke of Gunner and Miss Hailey Salmon will follow. If any close associate with insights into their relationship exists, we ask them to contact our journalist, Don Robin. A generous reward will be provided.」

Hailey put the newspaper down after reading the final line.

Tayton lifted his teacup from his lips and spoke in a detached tone.

“Congratulations on your newfound fame, Miss Hailey Salmon.”

“Thank you.”

She replied with a tone of resignation. It was still early in the morning, the day had barely begun, and yet she already felt drained. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself back into bed.

“Regrettably, I cannot return your affections, Miss Hailey Salmon.”

“Thank you.”

She nodded quickly, as if that was exactly what she wanted to hear. Just when his silver eyes, which had briefly furrowed, took on a mischievous glint, Hailey added as if just remembering something.

“This is a bit late, but thank you for the dress.”

Their eyes met, and Hailey gave a slight smile. Tayton, about to say something, closed his mouth as though the sincerity in her gratitude had caught him off guard.

Just then, Madam Mastis entered the morning room and announced that breakfast was ready.

Clicking his tongue in mild annoyance, Tayton stood from his seat. Hailey followed, pausing only to glare at the newspaper still on the table.

‘Don Robin.’

More precisely, the name of the journalist.

Who could she blame? This was all her fault.

With a heavy sigh, Hailey followed the Duke toward the dining room. The delicious aroma stirred her appetite. It was depressing to realize she was hungry even in the midst of all this.

***

“Miss Hailey.”

Peter came looking for her in the parlor. Hailey, who had been enjoying her tea in leisure, turned toward the unexpected intruder disturbing her rare moment of peace.

There weren’t many times during the day when she could afford to be lazy. While the Duke was staying at the mansion, she had to stay alert in case she was summoned. Even in his absence, Madam Mastis’s nagging filled the air.

The only time she could truly relax was during afternoon tea. At least during that time, Madam Mastis was too busy enjoying her own tea to bother her.

Sometimes they drank tea together, but alone was always better. Tea with a superior felt more like an extension of work than actual rest.

“What is it, Peter?”

But Hailey wasn’t someone who would forget kindness, and she had no intention of being rude to Peter, who had been kind to her from the very first day.

At her question, Peter, holding his removed hat in his hands, smiled softly.

“There’s a visitor for you.”

“A visitor?”

At that, Hailey tilted her head in confusion. This wasn’t her home, and there was no one who would come looking for her.

“Please, come in.”

Peter turned toward the half-open door as he spoke. Hailey’s gaze followed his, and the person standing just outside finally stepped into view.

Recognizing the visitor, Hailey’s eyes widened.

“Brother!”

It was Daniel Salmon.

Whatever had happened to him, he looked even more haggard than when they last met. He stepped into the parlor, the dark shadows under his eyes making his already gaunt face look even more worn.

“Thank you, Peter.”

At Daniel’s words, Peter gave a polite nod as if his part was done.

“Please enjoy your time,” he said, then turned around and left.

“How did you…?”

Startled, Hailey couldn’t finish her sentence.

Daniel let out a long sigh and slumped into the sofa across from her. The sofa wobbled slightly under his weight before regaining balance.

“Haaa…”

He sighed again. Hailey, sensing his foul mood, quietly poured tea into a new cup and offered it to him.

Daniel didn’t even glance at the tea she offered and abruptly opened his mouth.

“Hailey.”

“Yes.”

Hailey nodded seriously, ready for anything he might say. Even if he told her he had filed for bankruptcy, she wouldn’t be surprised. That’s how terrible he looked.

“What on earth is going on?”

“…What do you mean?”

His sudden question left her blinking, her thoughts spinning in confusion. But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t figure out what he was referring to.

Daniel pressed a hand to his forehead, his expression dark.

“You asked the Duke of Gunner for a dance?”

“Ah…”

Only then did Hailey lower her gaze like a scolded child. Instead of answering, she simply fiddled with her dress. Even if she had ten mouths, she wouldn’t be able to explain herself.

“The truth is, it’s not really like that…”

As Hailey hesitated, Daniel’s expression instantly brightened and he leaned forward.

Startled, she instinctively flinched and leaned back.

“What do you mean it’s not like that? You’re saying the part about you asking the Duke of Gunner for a dance is a lie? Of course! I knew it. Reporters never fact-check anything before writing their stories. That’s it—we should go to the newspaper office right now and file a complaint!”

“No, I did ask him to dance…”

At her words, Daniel, who had half-risen in excitement, slumped back onto the sofa with another sigh.

Lying limp across the cushions, he covered his eyes with one hand and spoke in a bitter voice.

“What on earth were you thinking, Hay… The Duke of Gunner, of all people…”

“Um… He’s not as scary as you think, Brother.”

Well, he was nasty and ill-tempered, sure, but…

“Hailey.”

Her attempt to ease his worry only seemed to further provoke him. Daniel’s eyes widened as he scolded her sternly.

“I don’t know how the Duke of Gunner managed to deceive my innocent little sister, but as your brother, I can no longer ignore this situation. I won’t say it twice. Go home, Hailey.”

Daniel no longer called her by her nickname.

And this time, Hailey realized that he wasn’t going to back down.

He looked ready to drag her home by force if necessary.

Massaging his forehead, Daniel silently cursed his own foolishness.

He should have known something was wrong when Hailey had asked him about the Duke.

No, he never should’ve let her come to the Duke’s estate in the first place.

No matter how tight their finances were, he couldn’t offer his little sister as a sacrifice to a duke.

Hadn’t young Hailey, clutching their dying mother’s hand, promised she would protect her?

Oh, God…!

“If saying you want to quit is too hard, I’ll say it for you. When is the Duke returning?”

“…I can speak to him myself.”

“Good.”

Daniel nodded firmly. Fearing he might pressure her too much and provoke resistance, he stood from his seat.

“I’ll come pick you up at this time tomorrow.”

At that, Hailey’s eyes went wide.

“I can’t just quit that suddenly…”

“Hailey.”

“…Yes.”

Seeing Daniel’s expression, so unyielding that not even a needle could slip through, Hailey reluctantly nodded.

She began to doubt whether the stiff-faced man before her was really the Daniel she knew.

Daniel took a step back. His younger sister was going through a rebellious phase lately, so he had to be careful in how he handled her.

“All right. I’ll give you exactly two days. I’ll be back the day after tomorrow, so be ready to return home.”

“Yes.”

Hailey knew that his strictness came purely from concern for her. That’s why she saw him off with her usual calm demeanor.

Only then did his expression soften slightly.

Yes, maybe going back is for the best.

Hailey smiled bitterly as she looked at the gleaming teal gabled roof.

Even though she knew Kent Hall wasn’t her place—it was Daniel’s.

***