“Actually, what confirmed you were the young lady was that necklace.”

Eve removed her hand from the white quartz she had been touching and lowered her head to look at the necklace.

“I was the one who procured that white quartz necklace for the Marchioness.”

Eve drew in a sharp breath. She pressed her lips together and looked at Lady Anna again.

“When the Modga family fell, I lacked the courage to step forward even once. Now it remains a regret.”

The kingdom had loudly proclaimed the Modga family’s treason to all citizens, and severely punished any family that had even the slightest association with the Modgas by stripping them of their titles or confiscating their property.

In such a social climate, it wouldn’t have been easy to show courage. It wasn’t Lady Anna’s fault at all, nor was it something for which she needed to apologize.

“I understand well that the atmosphere at that time wasn’t one where anyone could step forward. I am surprised, but I don’t blame you. You certainly don’t need to feel sorry toward me.”

“Thank you for saying so. However, my coming here isn’t simply to absolve myself of guilt. I know it can’t make up for my failure toward the late Marchioness, but I wanted to find the courage to do what I can now.”

Eve could feel how much Lady Anna had agonized over this alone, and what a major decision it had been for her to come this far.

‘Now I understand why she’s been so friendly.’

A firm resolve was visible on Lady Anna’s face, which was full of kindness.

“When you become the Duchess, I can help you establish yourself in society.”

Eve knew nothing about society because her family had been destroyed when she should have had her debutante ball. For someone like Eve, having Lady Anna’s sincere support would be invaluable.

Eve raised her gaze from the teacup and met the lady’s eyes.

“I will help you, Miss.”

“Thank you, Lady Anna.”

A faint smile appeared on Eve’s face.

***

Eve prepared to go out early in the morning. Today was the day she would go with Medric to purchase a temporary family name to use before their marriage.

“You’re going on a date with the Duke today, aren’t you?”

“What date? We’re just going to buy a family name.”

Marie was unnecessarily stirring things up.

“Come on, going into town with the Duke is definitely a date. The Duke is already so busy with work, yet he’s personally accompanying you for your business. He clearly wants to date you.”

Marie thumped her chest, saying she would make Eve the most beautiful lady in the world and to just trust her. Finding her behavior amusing, Eve was about to object but instead broke into a small laugh.

Marie put all her effort into adorning Eve, sweating profusely in the process. After contemplating for a long time how to style the dress and hair, she completed the look by braiding Eve’s long hair into an updo and inserting butterfly ornaments into a voluminous green dress.

“Look at this!”

After struggling for quite some time, Marie brought a mirror.

Indeed…

Seeing her reflection in the mirror, Eve couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. The silver butterfly ornaments densely placed in her black hair not only looked mystical but also made Eve appear more glamorous.

“How is it? Miss, you’re beautiful even without adornment, but this mysterious atmosphere suits you so well.”

“Yes, it’s really amazing. You’re incredible, Marie.”

Marie’s shoulders squared with pride at Eve’s compliment.

“Enjoy your date!”

‘I told you it’s not a date.’

Eve gave up trying to correct her.

Marie adjusted Eve’s attire one last time. Eve left the room right on schedule.

Though she knew intellectually it wasn’t a date, perhaps because Marie had talked about it so much, her feelings became ambiguous. Especially after being so elaborately adorned…

‘I really do look like someone going on a date.’

She even worried about what Medric might think if he saw her like this—that she had put in extra effort for a date.

Eve slapped her cheeks with her palms. This wasn’t the time to be carried away with idle thoughts. This was an important occasion to purchase a temporary family name. Eve composed herself and walked toward the mansion’s entrance.

A familiar man stood in front of a magnificent carriage of a size she had never seen before.

Medric, who had been waiting in front of the carriage, finally spotted Eve. Their gazes met in mid-air.

His hair that seemed to burn in the bright sunlight, the red irises visible beneath his sharply slanted eyes, his smooth nose bridge, and his firmly closed full lips—his distinct features caught her eye.

His red hair neatly swept back reminded her anew of how handsome he was.

‘Oh dear, I must have been influenced by Marie after all.’

Eve shook her head to clear her thoughts.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“Yes, I am.”

Eve tried not to show her embarrassment.

She accepted his escort, climbed into the carriage, and sat down. Medric took a seat opposite her.

When Medric gave a signal, the carriage slowly began to move.

‘He’s close.’

No matter how spacious the carriage was, the distance between them was much closer than when they usually dined together.

To avoid appearing awkward, Eve fixed her gaze on the scenery outside the window.

“From what Lady Anna tells me, your etiquette has improved greatly.”

“If Lady Anna said so, then I’m glad.”

“She said it’s a level that couldn’t be achieved in just two weeks.”

“That’s… too kind of her.”

The carriage jolted, causing her body to lift slightly before settling back down.

Eve brought up a topic she had been curious about.

“What kind of person are we meeting?”

“Baron Hesse. I hear he lost his entire family and lives alone. His family connections aren’t extensive, so we should be able to handle this cleanly.”

As Medric folded his arms, the carriage’s movement caused his neat hair to become disheveled, revealing his forehead. She couldn’t take her eyes off his distinct features formed by strong lines, down to his stubborn-looking lips.

Eve quickly fixed her gaze back on the scenery visible through the carriage window.

***

Finally, Eve and Medric arrived at the large store in town they had arranged to meet at and successfully completed their transaction with Baron Hesse. The deal wasn’t difficult. They handed over the amount that met Baron Hesse’s conditions, and both parties carefully reviewed and signed the contract.

After this, all that remained was for Baron Hesse to submit the documents to register Eve to the Ptotr. It would take about a week after approval for the family name to be officially granted.

After completing the transaction with Baron Hesse, it was time for a meal. The two decided to dine at a nearby restaurant.

Seated in the large restaurant, they could see the town scenery. While Medric was ordering, Eve briefly admired the view outside. The town looked vibrant with people moving busily about.

From inside the store, she could faintly hear the clinking of tableware and people’s voices.

Before long, freshwater trout with the gentle aroma of Parmesan cheese and butter was served before them.

Eve began to eat, cutting and serving herself portions of the food.

The food wasn’t necessarily better than what they ate at the mansion, but it felt different. Perhaps it was due to the noisy surroundings, or because Medric was sitting closer than usual.

‘Again.’

Once again, she was conscious of Medric. The moment she let her guard down, all her attention focused on him.

The waiter poured wine from the bottle prepared on the table into their glasses. Along with the elegant sound of bubbles, a sweet fragrance spread around them.

Feeling parched, Eve picked up her glass and drank the wine. The flavor filled her mouth and slid smoothly down her throat.

Medric stared at Eve for a moment and then said:

“Is this your first time with wine?”

‘Ah, come to think of it.’

“Yes, it’s my first time.”

Since she had been in an underground prison when she came of age, this was her first time drinking wine like this.

“Is it okay for you to drink?”

What does he mean? Had she eaten something she shouldn’t have?

When Eve tilted her head, Medric withdrew his gaze and focused on his food again.

“No, never mind. I spoke nonsense.”

Eve raised the wine glass in her hand again and drank.

The sweet yet addictively appealing taste made it impossible for her to stop drinking the wine.

Perhaps after two or three glasses, her head began to spin. She knew that drinking wine too quickly or in large amounts could cause dizziness and nausea.

‘Did I drink too fast?’

As her face flushed and the world began to spin in an unfamiliar sensation, Eve steadied herself by placing her hand on the table.

She felt strange. It felt as if her body wouldn’t move as she thought it should. Her body lost strength and became limp.

Medric stopped eating, came to Eve’s seat, and took away her glass.

“You seem to have had too much. You should stop drinking.”

Eve looked at the swaying Medric standing before her and opened her mouth.

“You hide a lot of things, Duke.”