Viscount Magnus quietly looked down at Baron Larishi, who was pleading desperately.

He seemed to be considering something for a moment, then reluctantly opened his mouth.

“…Since you insist so much, I have no choice. But this is truly the last time.”

At those words, Baron Larishi smiled brightly. Relief spread across his haggard face.

“Thank you! Thank you so much. I’ll never forget this kindness.”

“It’s not much to ask in return, but there is something I’d like you to help me with.”

Viscount Magnus slowly walked towards Baron Larishi.

As he approached, Baron Larishi unconsciously flinched and stepped back.

“W-what is it…?”

“It’s nothing difficult. Just do as I say.”

A low whisper reached Baron Larishi’s ears.

Baron Larishi shuddered and trembled.

The voice, which until just now had been a man’s, was now strangely distorted.

At last, the black darkness engulfed the two of them.

***

Time passed, and the day of Marchioness Theron’s ball arrived.

“Wow, it really suits you!”

Philia, who had been carefully styling Yvette’s hair, exclaimed in admiration as she looked in the mirror.

Yvette’s hair was not pulled up, but instead braided in places and left to fall long.

It was a choice made to prevent others from noticing the flower on her nape.

Fortunately, the dress design covered her back completely, so the tattoo wouldn’t be visible unless she deliberately pulled down the collar.

“When you go to the ball, everyone will surely be in awe of your beauty, Count.”

“…I’d rather not stand out if possible.”

Yvette muttered, swallowing a sigh.

People would already be interested because of her engagement to Noel, and she didn’t want to draw any more attention than that.

‘But what can I do? Yvette Blanche has a striking face after all.’

As Philia said, Yvette’s appearance was not something you’d see every day.

Her snow-white hair alone was enough to make her stand out, and on top of that, she had a beautiful face. Not just pretty, but truly beautiful.

‘Though probably not comparable to Noel Averon.’

Still, for an extra, this was quite impressive.

“This dress made by the designer suits you so well too, Count!”

At Philia’s compliment, Yvette glanced down at the dress she was wearing.

She had only two requirements when she asked Berry to make it.

Comfortable and pretty.

She thought it would be a difficult combination, but Berry had created a dress that exceeded her expectations.

Made of light and soft material that seemed to flow, the dress didn’t cling to her skin but still showed her figure appropriately.

The skirt that reached her feet swayed and fluttered with her every movement.

It was a dress made with attention to subtle details, without being overly flashy.

“Maybe it’s because the dress is dark navy, but it makes you look even whiter, Count.”

“Is that so.”

Yvette responded lightly, turning her gaze back to the mirror.

With her hair done, all that remained was to choose accessories.

Yvette was looking over the few accessories Philia had brought when she paused at one spot.

It was because the earrings Noel had bought caught her eye.

“I think these would suit you!”

It seemed Philia had noticed the same ones.

As she pointed to the earrings Noel had bought, Yvette blinked slowly.

She had originally planned to wear different earrings. But hearing Philia’s words, those didn’t seem like a bad choice either.

‘…I suppose I should wear them, considering the thoughtfulness of the gift?’

“Alright, let’s go with those.”

“Yes!”

As Yvette nodded, Philia carefully took the earrings out of the jewelry box.

The sky-blue gemstones set in the center sparkled in the light.

Yvette didn’t forget to put on the ring Noel had gifted her on her fourth finger.

It felt rather awkward, probably because she didn’t wear it often in daily life.

“It seems about time for the Duke to arrive.”

Philia, who was doing a final check on Yvette’s appearance, looked out the window.

She let out a small gasp of “Oh my,” and Yvette asked curiously.

“What is it?”

“It looks like the Duke has arrived. As expected of a gentleman, he’s truly punctual.”

At those words, Yvette also stood up and looked out the window.

Just then, her eyes met with Noel’s as he was getting out of the carriage.

For some reason, Noel, who usually preferred neat attire, was wearing an elaborate uniform.

The black uniform with gold details suited Noel quite well.

‘…Oh my.’

Yvette quickly turned her head as soon as their eyes met.

The last time she saw him, the atmosphere had been more relaxed, but today’s Noel seemed to have dressed up from head to toe with clear intent.

It was doubly bad for her heart when someone whose face was already a weapon decided to dress up too.

‘Getting excited just from eye contact. Anyone would think I’m a teenage girl.’

Yvette shook her head and moved away from the window.

***

“You’re wearing the earrings I bought you.”

On the carriage ride to Marquis Theron’s estate, Noel, sitting across from Yvette, spoke up.

As his gaze fell on the earrings, Yvette shrugged lightly.

“I thought they’d suit this dress. It’s also the day I’m meeting you, after all.”

“Are you saying you wore them to show me?”

“Let’s call it ‘killing two birds with one stone.'”

Noel smiled faintly at her prim response.

“They certainly suit you well.”

Yvette replied with a smile.

“As my fiancé, it seems you have quite good taste.”

“That goes without saying.”

Noel answered shamelessly and reached out towards Yvette’s face.

As his hand drew closer, Yvette unconsciously flinched and closed her eyes.

For a moment, she recalled when he had kissed her cheek.

“…Anyone would think I’m about to eat you.”

Noel chuckled and sat back in his seat.

As she cautiously opened her eyes, she saw a small leaf in his hand.

Yvette cleared her throat softly and avoided Noel’s gaze.

“…Something just got in my eye, that’s all.”

“Of course, that must be it.”

With Noel’s low laughter, a shallow silence fell between the two.

Noel quietly gazed at the passing scenery, while Yvette mentally rehearsed the etiquette she had crammed over the past two weeks.

After quite some time had passed like this.

The carriage that had been running endlessly finally came to a stop in front of their destination.

The two, having alighted from the carriage, immediately entered the mansion of Marquis Theron.

Noel handed the invitation to the servant guarding the entrance.

Soon after checking the contents of the invitation, the servant announced in a clear voice.

“Duke Noel Averon and Count Yvette Blanche are entering.”

It was then that Yvette first realized how quiet a bustling ball could become.

The people standing in the hall all stared at one place.

Yvette could easily guess where their gazes were directed.

“……”

Noel frowned at the ensuing silence.

It was an expression full of irritation that Yvette had never seen before.

Seeing his expression, the nobles flinched and turned their heads.

Then, as if by magic, conversations could be heard in the hall again.

“Ho ho, ho ho! So, the trendy dress this season is……”

“I heard that game has been decreasing in Wolf Forest recently. Have you heard about that?”

“Haha, your daughter has grown up to be so beautiful.”

Only then did Noel’s expression become satisfied, and he extended his arm to Yvette.

“Allow me to escort you inside, my lady.”

His voice was playful as if he had never been serious.

Yvette hesitated for a moment, looking at the arm he offered.

‘I guess there’s no choice today.’

Even considering the potential disruption to her research, it seemed better to faithfully act as his fiancée today.

That way, they could minimize people’s suspicions.