Chapter 55. An Uncomfortable Meal

Alyssa continued speaking, laying the groundwork to draw the Duke in.

“I’ll be staying in the capital for a while, so feel free to contact me if you need anything. I found a new job, and it’s within the capital.”

“A new job?”

“I’ve taken up accounting at the Almahar Foundation, with a bit of help from the Marchioness of Letia.”

“Oh.”

“Oh my, the Almahar Foundation is well-known in the arts community.”

Camilla chimed in with sparkling eyes, and Alyssa briefly responded.

“That’s right. The orchestra gracing this dinner is also part of Almahar.”

“No wonder. I heard it’s not easy to invite them, but now I see why it was possible.”

“I pulled some strings, without my sister knowing.”

Alyssa winked playfully at Isabelle. Isabelle, unaware that Alyssa had joined Almahar, was dumbfounded. It seemed Alyssa intended to stay here and bleed her dry. Known for their love of the arts, Letia had established a foundation to support artists, and Almahar was one of the most renowned.

‘No wonder they easily provided an orchestra with a fully booked schedule.’

Isabelle felt uneasy about benefiting from Alyssa. Meanwhile, Alyssa and the Duke continued their conversation. When the topic turned to how she saved the young marquis of Letia, Alyssa feigned modesty.

“I just did what anyone would do, but the Letia family has been exceptionally kind to me.”

“The Letia family is known for their generosity to those who have helped them. If they’ve entrusted you with Almahar’s accounts, they must really trust you.”

“I’m quick with numbers, just like my sister.”

“Indeed.”

The Duke chuckled in agreement. She had risen to the position of Duchess because she was quick-witted and knew when to strike and retreat. In her youth, she also pleased the Duke in bed. Though her beauty had faded, no one could match Isabelle in bed, which is why he always slept beside her despite having a mistress.

The Duke swirled his wine glass, deep in thought. If Alyssa was trusted enough to handle Almahar’s accounts, her relationship with Letia must be very close. She could be the key to discovering the source of Letia’s funds. With greedy eyes, the Duke made an unexpected proposal.

“Why not move in here until you return to Kamatie?”

“What? At Blanche Castle?”

“Dear!”

Isabelle was startled and called out to the Duke. Without consulting her, he was trying to move Alyssa’s residence. Isabelle quickly tried to stop him, but it wasn’t easy. He continued.

“You’ll be here for a few months anyway. Isn’t it inconvenient for your sister to keep moving between hotels?”

“Camilla has offered to take care of her. It would be more uncomfortable for her to stay with us.”

“I’m not uncomfortable, Sis.”

“Alyssa.”

“Are you uncomfortable with me, Sis?”

Alyssa’s teasing smile cracked Isabelle’s facade. But she couldn’t allow Alyssa to move into Blanche Castle.

“We’ll discuss this later. Not now.”

When Isabelle tried to change the subject, Camilla interjected.

“We recently renovated the annex next to the main castle. How about moving her there? It would reduce encounters and make Lady Brilly more comfortable.”

“That’s not a bad idea. It was worth renovating just in time.”

“I didn’t expect this, but I’m glad it’s useful.”

Camilla smiled as if saying, ‘This solves everything, right?’ Isabelle trembled with anger. The sudden renovation of the annex was clearly to bring Alyssa in.

“You…”

Isabelle couldn’t finish her sentence, glaring alternately at Alyssa and Camilla. It was clear they were in cahoots. She didn’t know how much information they shared, but she was sure that she was being cornered.

The meal ended and it was time for dessert. The curtain hiding the orchestra was drawn back, marking the start of the main performance. Isabelle’s face grew even darker.

“!!”

Joseph was among the orchestra members, his pale skin and white hair made him stand out.

‘What is he doing there?’

When the performance began, Isabelle glanced anxiously at Paris. She had been uneasy since hearing Alyssa joined Almahar, but she never expected a bomb to be hidden behind the curtain.

When Isabelle glared at Aster, he shrugged, mocking her.

‘You did this on purpose.’

Realizing too late why Aster had provoked her, she sighed. Normally, she would have checked the orchestra members before dinner, but she had been so distracted by Aster’s provocation that she left it to the butler. Since he didn’t know, the butler saw no problem.

Isabelle kept an eye on Joseph. Even while playing, he kept glancing at Paris, as though he was trying to find a resemblance. His persistent gaze made Isabelle’s stomach churn.

She looked at the Duke who seemed engrossed in the performance, worried. Paris, meanwhile, looked bored, preferring noisy music to classical. Then, noticing Joseph’s frequent glances, Paris’s expression became curious. His smug look in the mirror was oddly reassuring.

While observing Isabelle, Camilla was puzzled by her attention to Paris and Joseph. She glanced at narcissistic Paris, who was admiring himself in the mirror, and felt nauseated when he winked at her.

In the tense atmosphere, the orchestra finished their final piece to applause. The Duke, in high spirits, raised his glass and stood up.

“You there. Your harp skills are excellent. Come, have a drink.”

He approached the orchestra and pointed to a musician. Offering a drink to a performer after a good show was customary. Unfortunately, the chosen one was Joseph, and Isabelle was on the verge of fainting.

“It’s an honor.”

Joseph stepped forward with a peculiar look, accepting the Duke’s glass. The sound of wine filling the glass broke the silence. As Joseph drank, the Duke spoke.

“You don’t seem to be from Ahivith. Your hair color is quite striking.”

“It’s due to albinism.”

“I see, my apologies. I was just curious because you look like someone from Blanche.”

“It’s fine.”

Joseph replied lightly, continuing to glance at Paris. Noticing this, Paris stepped forward.

“You’ve been glancing at me quite a bit.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Yes, you have. My cheek feels worn from your stares.”

Under Paris’s persistent questioning, Joseph rolled his eyes in confusion. Yet, he kept examining Paris closely.

Up close, Paris resembled Isabelle greatly, and the large mole on his right hand matched Joseph’s.

It was a birthmark often called the musician’s mark. Joseph awkwardly hid his gloved right hand, smiling.

“I’ve never seen a noble up close, so I was curious and had been accidentally rude.”

“Be honest. You stared because I’m the most handsome here, right?”

Paris’s arrogant tone made Camilla cough. His shamelessness was beyond belief. Paris was truly a wall of delusion.

Joseph smiled.

“Yes. You stand out the most.”

His innocent smile carried a melancholic air.

“You have good taste.”

Unaware of the underlying meaning, Paris offered another drink. Joseph accepted and drank the second glass, and the Duke returned to his seat with Paris.

Even then, Joseph’s gaze followed Paris, puzzling Camilla.

‘Why is he doing that?’

He stared as if he had a story, which seemed suspicious. Aster and Alyssa’s reactions were equally strange. Alyssa kept signaling Joseph to stop, while Aster watched Paris and the Duke with interest.

‘They’re hiding something from me.’

Camilla kept her expression neutral, not revealing that she sensed the odd atmosphere.

* * *

When Helen visited Sezad’s office, he was conveniently absent. Despite the secretary’s attempts to stop her, she sat down and demanded his presence. The office had grown significantly over the past few months, indicating successful business, but Helen was not pleased.

She was too shocked by the news from her maid.