Chapter 20

She had already taken off the ring before attending the ball. There was no reason to put it back on in a situation like this. Instead of answering directly, Bleria asked:

“You prepared two rings from the start, didn’t you? So people would hear that you gave an engagement ring to your fiancée and mistakenly think she was ‘Bleria Heaven.'”

The tailor had caught on suspiciously fast. Although she hadn’t told anyone, rumors about the ring were spreading within a week. It was anything but natural.

“Why did you go to such lengths to make her seem like Bleria?”

“She wanted a private conversation. I wasn’t keen on generating more scandal right before the wedding. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it when I gave you the ring, but if I had, you wouldn’t have worn it anyway.“

“And what if her mask had slipped?”

“I stayed by her side just in case. Did that bother you?”

Who would find that pleasant?

Resentment flared but quickly fell back into familiar indifference. A crack appeared in her otherwise numb heart. Bleria closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Bleri.”

You never thought anything would change anyway.

She had only forced herself to speak because she was grateful for Harriet’s concern. It didn’t matter if she left empty-handed.

“It’s fake, anyway.“

Bleria’s eyes flew open in surprise. Gopher had come right up to her.

“The only real one is the one placed on your hand at the ceremony. No one will remember a ring like that, so don’t dwell on it.”

He deliberately called it fake…

A surge of sadness pounded at her heart again. Bleria bit the inside of her cheek until it hurt.

“She said she had something secret about Mixel, so I humored her. But all I got were useless comments—clingy, wanting to break up.“

“If you don’t want to talk, just say so. You don’t need to make excuses.“

“Should I call Eos Liche and have her confirm it?“

“For heaven’s sake, stop!”

She hadn’t meant to raise her voice, but it came out sharp and sudden.

Like a frozen lake, her previously calm demeanor had flipped with just a few words. Gopher knew her too well. And he had no intention of leaving her feelings untouched.

Even though she didn’t want to get caught up in it. Bleria squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them again.

“Why are you deliberately provoking me?“

“If I don’t, I’ll only see the surface. Sometimes, you need to check what’s inside.“

“What matters is what I say. I know you have no intention of consulting me. You don’t ask because you know you won’t listen.“

“At least I’ll know what you want to find out.“

“And if I ask what you’re investigating about Eos Liche, what will you say?”

In the end, things went Gopher’s way. She hadn’t asked if Eos was the real Bleria, but it was the same question.

He paused briefly before reaching out.

“Come here, Bleri.”

Gopher pulled Bleria into an embrace. She was startled but didn’t push him away. The defiance that had filled her melted away.

What’s the point of hugging me in a situation like this?

Even though she knew why. Bleria bit her lip hard.

Whenever he comforted her, it was to appease her. Whenever she behaved as he wanted, he rewarded her with affection.

At first, she thought his touch was because they were engaged. But he never reached out unless it was necessary. After it happened repeatedly, she couldn’t ignore it.

Gopher knew she loved him. And he used that to control her. When she realized it, she felt stripped bare and humiliated.

But so what? Nothing changed afterward. Just as she had no other options in life, her heart was the same.

Please, stop pounding so hard, just stop…

Her heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst, even though she knew Gopher must feel it too. But there was nothing she could do.

The only act of rebellion she had left was not hugging him back.

Gopher spoke.

“If I told you the reason now, it would only make you more anxious.”

“…”

“There won’t be any harm to you, so just wait until everything is settled. Does that sound too cruel?”

See? You never planned to tell me anything. Why do you keep tormenting me if you’re not going to answer?

Even though she knew no answer would change anything, Bleria felt an overwhelming sadness. Maybe, deep down, she had hoped.

Maybe she’d foolishly imagined that, like five years ago, Gopher would pull her out of this suffocating anxiety.

Her body sagged, drained. She sank back into the familiar world of resignation. Quietly, she responded.

“Do whatever you want.”

Gopher released her from the embrace and looked down at her. His smile was gone.

Had he not heard her? Bleria repeated herself.

“I’ll do as you wish, Gopher.”

“…”

She thought he would smile, satisfied. But his face remained expressionless. He gazed at her for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh.

“Alright. Let’s talk after hearing the prophecy. I’ll tell you everything then.”

Bleria blinked at the unexpected words.

“I think I’ll be able to handle everything by then, but even if I can’t, I’ll take responsibility—it’ll be because of my incompetence. You can wait that long, right? It’s not far off.”

“…”

“And once again, no matter the outcome, nothing will harm you.”

His hand, feigning gentleness, brushed through her white hair.

Bleria felt confused. What nonsense is this? How could she possibly remain safe if it turned out Eos Liche was the real Bleria? It was a blatantly obvious lie.

Yet, because of the absurd promise he had made, she found herself wondering if it could be true.

Idiot.

Gopher was merciless toward people he no longer found valuable. There was no reason for him to reassure her with cunning lies. So that meant…

Fool.

She wanted to believe him. She didn’t want to part ways. He was the first person to ever stand by her. She didn’t want to lose it, even if it was deceptive warmth.

Feeling tears threatened, Bleria lowered her head.

“I’ve never lied to you, have I?”

Maybe it’s true. The fact that they had set a wedding date showed he might care more than she thought.

“Trust me, Bleria.”

In the end, emotions clouded her rational mind. As always, Bleria couldn’t win against Gopher, so she decided to trust him.

Gopher’s hand slipped under her lowered cheek. At some point, he had removed his gloves, and his bare fingers slowly brushed against the corners of her eyes. Hiding her agitation, she spoke.

“I’m not crying.”

“You’re right.”

Gopher lifted her face in his hands. His face was close, and his fingers, warm enough to melt her skin, rested on her cheeks. The space between them was almost nonexistent.

Just thinking about it made her mouth dry.

She wanted Gopher. It was painfully obvious, especially when her cheeks burned from the slightest intentional touch.

But she didn’t want more than that. She didn’t want to crave him any further. She knew better than anyone that Gopher would never look at her with the same feelings.

That’s why it was like a dam she had built—a final shred of pride she hadn’t even realized existed, her last defense to at least pretend indifference in front of him.

I don’t want to bare everything.

Bleria turned her head away, as she always did.

“…”

His gaze felt heavy, but the silence didn’t last long. A firm knock echoed, followed by the butler’s voice.

“Young Master, Her Grace is calling for you.”

Gopher withdrew his hand and looked toward the door.

“Seems I have to go. I won’t be long—will you wait?“

“I’ll leave for today.“

“Alright.”

Gopher rose from his seat and helped Bleria to her feet, still holding her arm as he asked:

“Do you have anything else to say to me?”

Though his tone was casual, with a faint smile, Bleria felt pressured, as if she had to respond.

A flood of thoughts swirled in her mind—secrets she hadn’t shared with Gopher.

No matter which one she chose, they all connected to Eos Liche. After hesitating, she met Gopher’s eyes and spoke.

“I met Count Dice at the ball.”

His gaze lingered on her, his eyes narrowing with an unreadable emotion.

“I know.”

Releasing her arm, Gopher said nothing more and left the room.

***

After parting ways with Bleria, Gopher headed straight to Stella’s office. His grandmother stood by the window, gazing out.

“You’ve been causing trouble. You promised not to disappoint me, and yet here we are with lies, aren’t we?”

She was referring to the masquerade ball. Although he had acted discreetly, nothing in this mansion could be hidden, no matter how trivial. Gopher responded.

“Not at all. I only did it to investigate something.“

“Don’t be too hostile toward Mixel. He’s your only cousin. Once you become Duke, you’ll have to take him in.”

Gopher smiled silently.

“Humph. I see—once you become the head, it’ll be your decision, right?“

“I always appreciate your advice, Grandmother.”

“Enough. Leave now.”

So soon?

It was too short a conversation to be a scolding. As expected, she had more to say.

“Keep your fiancée from encountering Mixel. It would be wise.”