Chapter 10

Hugo emphasized the word ‘friend’ deliberately.

With the conviction and belief that the relationship between the two will never change in the future.

In a strictly hierarchical society, there was a clear difference between men with titles and those without, akin to the difference between adults and children.

Even aside from titles, the gap between Hugo and Paul was significant.

Hugo, though owning a small estate, managed it himself and fought through the Empire’s harsh wars.

While Paul, born to a wealthy family, traveled under the comfortable protection of his parents.

In Hugo’s eyes, Paul was a child, and in Paul’s eyes, Hugo was a dullard.

“I’ll receive it someday. It’s better to call me by my future title than to change it later. Nice to meet you, Viscount.”

The tension between the two men continued over their clasped hands.

Hugo’s grip tightened. Paul, who had been enduring calmly, furrowed his brow.

“Catherine, where are you headed?”

Paul, unable to admit his hand hurt, turned to Catherine.

He twisted his body, forcing Hugo to release his hand.

“I’m just out for a walk.”

Paul shook his hand subtly and spoke.

“I was thinking of having a cup of tea at your house. It’s been a while since we met. Oh, has it been even longer since you two met? How long has it been?”

Paul looked at Hugo with a sly smile. Hugo pressed his lips tightly.

“Paul, didn’t you say you wanted some tea?”

Catherine noticed that Hugo and Paul didn’t seem to like each other.

“Indeed. Will you give me some tea? The tea I had at your house three months ago was really good.”

Catherine tilted her head.

Three months ago, during tea time with Paul, he had pestered her to get some good tea.

Paul, having traveled the world on gourmet trips, had a discerning palate.

“Let’s go to my house.”

Before Catherine could recall, Hugo spoke.

“Your house?”

Catherine asked in surprise. Hugo smiled at her.

“Think of it as a casual visit before a formal invitation, Catherine.”

“Pardon?”

“Consider it an appetizer.”

Comparing a house invitation to a full course meal, and mentioning a formal invitation, felt strange.

But instead of pointing out Hugo’s analogy, Catherine looked at Paul.

They couldn’t keep talking in the street, and going to her house felt wrong since she had just turned Hugo away.

So, hoping for a refusal, Catherine gave the choice to Paul.

“What do you want to do?”

“That sounds good. Where is your house?”

Catherine had forgotten.

Paul was someone with a very strong curiosity and desire to explore.

And he loved making new acquaintances more than anyone.

“Paul, aren’t you busy?”

“What are you talking about? I said I was on my way to have tea at your house.”

“That’s right. But what should I do? I have work to do.”

When Catherine spoke with a frown, Hugo replied immediately.

“What do you mean? You were just out for a walk without a destination.”

“I meant to take a very short walk, Hugo.”

“Tea can be short too. He’s your friend, are you going to leave him with me?”

Catherine looked at Hugo, who was questioning her, with incomprehension.

‘Why did you invite him then, when he’s my friend?’

“You should come along since he’s your friend.”

“Yes, Catherine. Let’s go together.”

Earlier, they didn’t seem to like each other, but now they were teaming up to pressure Catherine.

Catherine felt tricked by Hugo and Paul.

While Catherine was hesitating, unable to decide, her eyes darting around.

“Catherine!”

With a bright and cheerful voice, someone hugged her tightly.

Catherine’s body swayed greatly. But she didn’t fall awkwardly because two men grabbed her arms on either side to support her.

“Oh my, Viscount Edward? And who is this?”

Lillie asked, confirming the faces of the three.

“I’m Paul Enderick.”

“Oh, Mr. Paul. Nice to meet you. I’m Lillie France.”

Lillie nodded her head slightly to the side. Then her gaze fell on Catherine’s arms.

“Are you two practicing walking with Catherine?”

“No.”

Catherine answered irritably, shaking her arms. The hands that had held her arms tightly let go.

“Miss Lillie.”

Hugo called Lillie sternly. Lillie’s eyes widened.

“Hugging someone from behind can be dangerous. Catherine almost got seriously hurt just now.”

Hugo’s voice was low, but his tone carried a hint of anger. Lillie stepped back, retreating.

“I’ll be careful from now on.”

She replied in a small voice and hid behind Catherine.

“So, what are you three doing here?”

Catherine, who had been momentarily subdued by Hugo’s presence, spoke up.

“We were on our way to have tea.”

Paul replied.

“Oh, really? That’s great. I was just wanting some tea myself. Can I join you?”

Lillie looked at Hugo. Hugo looked at Catherine.

Since Lillie appeared, Catherine’s expression hadn’t been good.

“Catherine, is that alright?”

Hugo asked very cautiously. At his question, Catherine’s eyes focused sharply.

“Oh… It’s fine. Let’s all go together.”

Seeing her lifeless appearance, Hugo stared intently at Lillie.

His cold gaze, as if looking at an unwelcome guest, made Lillie shrink like a turtle, but she didn’t say she wouldn’t go.

***

“Miss Lillie, you’re staying at Catherine’s mansion?”

Although Hugo had extended the invitation, Paul led the conversation.

Hugo wasn’t talkative by nature, and Catherine wasn’t in good condition.

Having invited the guests, Hugo was solely focused on Catherine, leaving Paul to interact with Lillie.

“Yes. I live at Catherine House. But I didn’t know the Viscount’s mansion was right next door.”

Lillie blushed as she spoke.

Seeing Lillie’s ears turn red, Catherine’s hands trembled slightly.

“I guess we’ll see each other often at parties. May I ask you to dance then?”

Paul’s words were merely courteous. But Lillie twisted her body and replied.

“I have someone I want to dance with separately.”

At that moment, Catherine put her teacup down with a look of something boiling inside her.

‘Even though we’re divorced, he’s still your friend’s ex-husband!’

If Lillie thought of Catherine as a friend, she should hide her feelings for Hugo in front of her!

It wasn’t that Catherine still had feelings for Hugo that made her upset.

‘It’s a matter of manners!’

Catherine couldn’t stand it any longer.

“Lillie.”

Her voice calling Lillie was unusual. Everyone’s eyes turned to Catherine.

“Hugo doesn’t know how to dance.”

“Oh, Catherine, I’ve learned.”

Hugo quickly added. Catherine’s brow furrowed.

“Hugo won’t have time to dance.”

He would be busy finding a woman to match with Brian. 

Of course, only Catherine thought so.

But Catherine said Hugo would be busy.

“No, Catherine. I can dance.”

Catherine glared at Hugo.

‘What does he keep saying he can do? Does he intend to dance with Lillie right in front of me?’

Though Lillie’s interference in their married life was a thing of the past, it left a painful memory for Catherine.

Even if she were criticized for being narrow-minded, she couldn’t bear to see Lillie and Hugo being affectionate in front of her.

Hugo, oblivious to her feelings, acted as if he was desperate to dance.

“Catherine, why do you keep talking about the Viscount?”

Lillie interjected cluelessly.

“Why? Did you forget what you said to me yesterday?”

Catherine retorted.

After declaring you would marry Edward!

“No way, Catherine?”

Lillie’s expression twisted bizarrely.

With a face that was neither crying nor laughing, she opened and closed her mouth.