She couldn’t have known he was coming home early, so had she been indulging in such small acts of rebellion when she was alone?

The discovery of his wife’s quiet defiance sent a sharp thrill through him. Even the anxious look in her eyes, captured in that moment, intensified the feeling further.

Recalling how tense she had been in his arms the night before made his blood stir once more.

“Hah…”

After irritating him all day, it was absurd and laughable, yet strangely endearing, to surprise him in such an unexpected way.

Although he had never quite grasped the meaning of the word ‘cute’, it was the only word that seemed to fit.

Nevertheless, he hadn’t completely lowered his guard.

‘Eliza seems… different.’

James threw the carriage window wide open to cool down, letting the wind rush in as he let out a faint, incredulous laugh.

If the documents arrived by ship today, he would probably have to work late for several nights.

But once that was over, he would have all the time he needed to pursue her.

With that thought, a sense of satisfaction returned, and he unfolded the newspaper once more.

***

By the time Eliza had composed herself and finished getting ready, it was late morning and Marie had left.

Still feeling unsettled, she went down to the sitting room and noticed a newspaper on the table.

It must have been left by the newspaper boy, who had probably given her too much change for yesterday’s errand.

In her previous life as Eliza Ashton, she had never paid any attention to newspapers or worldly affairs.

Her entire focus had been on James.

But after living as Lim A-young, she now understood just how useful a newspaper could be.

She unfolded it and began scanning the headlines.

“The Athern Southern Port Merchants’ Guild has visited the city council to demand improvements to the ageing harbor. However, the Kingdom of Silomon has refused to send a diplomatic envoy, so negotiations on resource development remain uncertain.

The kingdom was keen to expand overseas, relying on its advanced technology and military strength.

The immense wealth pouring into Athern was driven by men like James, who could identify opportunities for creating value before anyone else could.

Men like Count Winclaire recognized and seized such talent.

As Eliza folded the newspaper, a chill ran down her spine.

She already knew how these stories would end.

Then, as she realized why James had come home early the previous day, a faint, bitter smile touched her lips.

At that very moment, he would be carefully evaluating the resource development prospects with the Kingdom of Silomon, waiting for documents to arrive by ship.

However, a sudden storm at sea had delayed the vessel.

A typhoon one that would soon herald sweeping changes between the two kingdoms.

“There isn’t much time.”

Muttering heavily under her breath, Eliza prepared to go out.

***

Once in the city, Eliza made her way through Athern, asking around and buying what she needed.

Having lived a reclusive life, she didn’t have to worry about being recognized, even in places where it was unusual for a young woman to be out alone.

Only once she had finished everything did she finally feel the ache in her feet from walking for so long.

She then noticed the open-air café that she hadn’t been able to visit before because of Lorina and found herself instinctively drawn towards it.

As the rich aroma of coffee filled the air, she realized just how relentlessly she had been living in every life she had known.

‘Next time, I should try other cafés too. It wouldn’t hurt to leave behind a few good memories of Athern.’

Just as she took a satisfied sip of coffee, lost in thought, a pair of long legs entered her view.

Looking up, she saw a young nobleman lightly tipping the brim of his hat in greeting.

‘Marquis Phelin?’

“Have I interrupted your thoughts?”

“……”

Though he spoke in an easy, approachable manner, Eliza was completely caught off guard.

After all, in her previous life, she had never once met him.

But seeing her face flush instantly, he offered a gentle smile, apparently judging her to be an innocent sort.

“My name is Aedrin Phelin. I took the liberty of approaching you, as you seemed to be acquainted with Miss Winclaire.”

Eliza blinked as she looked at him.

‘Of all the women in the world, it had to be Lorina. What are you going to do about that taste of yours?’

The fact that Lorina had rejected him first might have been his good fortune, but he would have to take that step before he could realize it.

Nevertheless, what did it matter to her if a man chose to throw himself willingly into temptation, as men had done since time immemorial?

She focused on the more pressing matter.

‘How on earth does he know me?’

With a guarded tone, she asked,

“Marquis Phelin?”

Aedrin inclined his head lightly, as if to say yes, that would be me, and Eliza offered a polite greeting.

“Marquis, please forgive my rudeness. I was simply startled… My name is Eliza Ashton.”

“Miss Ashton.”

“Mrs. Ashton.”

Swallowing nervously, she spoke.

“Would you like to sit?”

“Gladly.”

With a polite smile, Aedrin took a seat. When a server approached, he ordered tea.

‘He seems far too good for Lorina…’

Mindful of his noble status, Eliza spoke with deliberate modesty.

“You mentioned Miss Winclaire just now?”

“Yes, Mrs. Ashton. As it happens, yesterday on the main road, I saw you greeting Miss Winclaire as she sat in her carriage.”

Well, it could have seemed that way.

Eliza clicked her tongue inwardly, realizing that she had been spotted. At the same time, she became aware that if she had made different choices, she would have met different people and experienced different events.

Her heart began to race as she asked,

“I see. Miss Winclaire has been kind enough to maintain friendly relations with me, and we meet from time to time.”

“Indeed. From your smile, Mrs. Ashton, I could tell how sincere your friendship must be. That is why I dared to approach you despite the impropriety.”

‘Yes… though that smile wasn’t quite what you think it was.’

Afraid her displeasure might show, she lowered her gaze to her teacup as she continued.

“Then… what is it you wished to speak about?”

Prompted to state his purpose, Aedrin averted his eyes. He hesitated, clearly somewhat embarrassed.

“I have not long returned to Athern. Miss Winclaire has been of great help in allowing me to adjust to society here.”

“……”

“As a token of my gratitude, I wish to present her with a memorable gift. I was hoping you might offer some advice… I sincerely hope this is not an imposition on you, Mrs. Ashton.”

Eliza thought to herself,

‘Not at all. It’s only an enormously burdensome request.’

Thanks to her father’s wealth, Lorina lived a life of luxury. An ordinary gift would not make an impression on her.

For a gift to hold meaning, the recipient had to know how to appreciate it. But Lorina…

Eliza averted her gaze, feeling a flicker of sympathy for this seemingly fine man who lacked discernment.

“Miss Winclaire is not wanting for anything…”

A shadow fell across his face at once.

As she watched him, Eliza found herself wondering why humanity had ever been divided into two genders. For a moment, she even resented the heavens for it.

She continued awkwardly.

“…I think it may take me some time to come up with something. Since I’m aware of your excellent reputation, Marquis, I would like to help—for the sake of my dear friend as well.”

Her voice trailed off as she forced herself to say what she didn’t mean. Fortunately, Aedrin was not the sort of man to disdain a woman for being timid.

His expression brightened. He placed his calling card on the table and said warmly,

“If any advice comes to mind, please feel free to contact me at my residence. If you present this card, no one will keep you waiting.”

“I will.”

“I will never forget this kindness, Mrs. Ashton.”

His eyes seemed to say,

‘You’ll have the best seat at our wedding!’

Inside, she replied,

‘If you could just get rid of Lorina, you’d be my benefactor instead!’

The thought made her chest tighten, and she turned her head slightly.

He had no idea he was placing his head into a crocodile’s jaws.

Looking at him, Eliza silently cried out,

‘My advice is this—Lorina Winclaire is a woman who would try to kill someone without blinking.’

However, she knew that if she said such a thing outright, Aedrin might reject her. He was a straightforward and unwavering person.

Strangely, that thought calmed her.

She understood better than anyone that people like him — and like she had once been — could not easily be saved.

Nevertheless, she felt a quiet sense of relief. Unlike others, Aedrin had no wife for Lorina to poison.

And no matter how powerful Count Winclaire and his daughter were, they would never dare harm the heir to a marquessate.

The count had forced Lorina to end things with Aedrin precisely because he was someone she could not control.

So, at least for now, Aedrin was safe from Lorina’s malice.

At worst, he would experience heartbreak.

‘No matter how hard you try, the Count will ultimately choose James.’

Then, suddenly, a thought flickered through her mind.

‘Since you’re already infatuated with Lorina… why not help me a little? You can enjoy your time with her in the meantime.’

Keeping her composure, she said,

“I can’t promise anything.”

“Of course. I’m grateful just that you’ll remember my request. And I would be even more grateful if you kept it confidential.”

“Of course, Marquis. You needn’t worry about that.”

“Then, Mrs. Ashton.”

Eliza watched for a long moment as Aedrin walked away, his expression light and hopeful.

She couldn’t help but think of Lorina, who received the affections of a man like him.

“Ha… she really has everything.”