Chapter 29

She wasn’t entirely sure yet, but the more she repeated it to herself, the warmer her heart felt. Her breath trembled as it left her lips.

“I didn’t find out until long after you collapsed. That boy from Allnight didn’t say anything, so I had no way of knowing. I might have learned only after something terrible happened to you.”

“I’m wonderful, Father. They said it was just because of stress.“

“Are you sure? Did something serious happen? Is that scoundrel having an affair? Or is Damian giving you trouble?”

So he knows about the rumors.

Bleria was slightly surprised but kept a calm tone.

“There’s no problem. I’m just tired. Maybe I’ve been a little sensitive.”

“You were frail because of the harsh life you lived as a child. It’s all my fault. I’m to blame, my dear.”

With that, the duke wept for a long time, just as he had when they first met on the streets. But unlike back then, Bleria couldn’t just stare awkwardly. Her heart ached.

After crying his heart out, the duke seemed to regain his composure, though an awkward expression lingered on his face.

“… I’m sorry, my dear. I was just so scared. Terrified I might lose you again.“

“I’ll take care of myself, so you won’t have to worry anymore.”

The duke wiped his tear-streaked face with a handkerchief and spoke carefully.

“Would you give me your hand?”

Bleria, puzzled but compliant, extended her hand. The duke grasped it, and she felt the cold metal touch against her palm.

“I thought you might still care about something you lost a while ago. I prepared something similar. Don’t read too much into it, though.“

“Yes, Father.“

“My dear, all that matters is your health. You don’t need to dwell on old memories. Please, just accept this as a simple gift.”

When the duke withdrew his hand, Bleria saw a locket. Her breath caught.

Her frozen gaze examined its details. It looked similar to her real locket but was slightly more angular and paler in color. Every tiny difference stood out.

She wasn’t disappointed. It wouldn’t have mattered if it had looked strange or been a worthless trinket.

Bleria pressed her lips together, forcing them to stay closed, and opened the locket with trembling hands. Inside was a miniature portrait of herself, painted after her coming-of-age ceremony two years ago.

My pendant.

She noticed the back wasn’t flat but slightly raised as she touched it.

“There’s a hollow space behind the picture. Don’t open it now—only when your health takes a serious turn. It will help.“

“What’s inside?“

“Let me keep it a secret. Even if you find out later, don’t tell Damian.”

The mystery only deepened, but for now, her overwhelming emotions eclipsed her curiosity. As soon as the duke fastened the pendant around her neck, she embraced him tightly.

“My dear?“

“Thank you, Father.”

Her voice was dry and cracked, unpleasant to hear, but the duke laughed joyfully. Once again, Bleria found strength in the warmth of her fake family. From that warmth, courage blossomed.

***

At the Allnight estate, Bleria was guided to Gopher’s private study. As soon as she sat on the sofa, she spoke.

“I found this at the last ball.”

She handed him the actual pendant, her hands steady.

“A servant gave it to me when I was resting on the terrace without my wig. They thought another silver-haired guest must have dropped it.”

Gopher silently opened the pendant. Bleria watched closely, worried he might react. When his expression remained calm, she continued cautiously.

“When I was a child, I heard Bleria’s portrait featured a similar locket. My father said it contained a portrait from around the same time. I couldn’t confirm it directly, though.“

“...”

“So, what I want to ask is… do you still think—“

“That it’s fake? Yes, even more so now.”

With a click, Gopher closed the pendant and placed it on the table.

“The pendant is fake?“

“It might be real, but it’s too intact for something that likely fell into a valley stream and was battered around. Even the portrait inside is unnaturally pristine.“

“You’re saying it didn’t fall with Bleria?“

Bleria’s voice lowered. If the pendant had left its original owner’s hands long ago, it couldn’t prove anything now. But hadn’t the duke himself said:

“She treasured it so much she never took it off after receiving it.”

It should have remained in Heaven if Bleria had merely set it aside on a whim. Its presence outside was suspicious.

Did Eos drop it by accident during the incident?

A mere coincidence? Or was someone deliberately trying to ensure it was found?

“If someone kept the locket separately, whether they were recruited or killed to have it stolen, there should be some trace of a change in their circumstances. I want to investigate any connections to those behind it. Can I take the locket with me?“

“Yes, that’s fine. I wouldn’t be able to hide it properly anyway. And…”

Bleria trailed off, lowering her gaze.

The pendant came into view. As Gopher had pointed out, the item seemed too pristine. Only now, with a clearer mind, did Bleria see it for what it was. And she saw Gopher, too.

I’ve been too distrustful of Gopher.

Contrary to her fears, he hadn’t abandoned her. He even hinted at the outcome in advance, allowing her some leeway.

Yet, she had wasted days caught up in groundless worries—thinking Gopher had left her, that he had chosen Eos over her.

Now, she felt guilty for doubting him and grateful that he had pulled her out of her terrifying thoughts. Bleria regretted her premature conclusions and decided to trust him more. After all, he had never lied to her.

“I’m sorry for hiding it. I really thought it was genuine…“

“Did you think I’d abandon you?”

When she couldn’t answer, he laughed. He didn’t seem upset or unsettled by the unexpected item. If anything, his smile carried a deep sense of satisfaction.

“I told you before. I would never suggest a breakup. The same goes for you, Bleria. I will never abandon you.”

She had heard those words several times, but they carried more weight each time.

“Yes.”

Swallowing her emotions, Bleria spoke with renewed determination.

“I trust you, Gopher.”

After a brief pause, he spoke slowly.

“What matters is that you brought it to me in the end. I’ve learned something valuable, too.“

“Something valuable?“

“That it’s better for both of us if I treat you a bit more kindly.”

It should have been a welcome statement, but Bleria felt a strange unease. Gopher’s calm demeanor also seemed oddly out of place.

He doesn’t seem lying, but why does it feel this way?

She couldn’t figure it out, no matter how much she thought about it.

With her lips pressed together, she nodded silently. Now, it was Gopher’s turn.

“You seemed to have a lot on your mind, so I did some preparation of my own.”

He placed a stack of documents on the table. The name written at the top was Bleria Charlotte Heaven.

***

Despite concerns about stirring unnecessary trouble, Bleria wanted to end her unease.

With only a minimal escort, she quietly left the estate and arrived at a modest house in a barony a short distance from the capital.

Sitting in the parlor, she stared at the rising steam from a teacup when a knock came at the door, followed by its opening.

“Lady Bleria!”

The woman who entered was a middle-aged lady she had never seen before. Her complexion was bright, and her skin glowed, suggesting a comfortable life. She gasped, covering her mouth with both hands.

“My goodness, you’ve grown into such a beauty. I almost didn’t recognize you.“

“It’s been a while, Nanny.”

This was Janet, the nanny who had cared for the honest Bleria Heaven from birth.

“I never imagined you would visit me. I’m truly delighted, my lady.“

“I’m sorry, but I don’t remember anything from when I was a child. I hope you understand.“

“Of course. I’ve heard about your situation. It’s enough that you’ve grown up healthy and beautiful.”

They exchanged a few pleasantries. Bleria subtly observed Janet, trying to gauge if she harbored any suspicions. There were none.

She doesn’t realize I’m a fake.

Bleria exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. While her tension eased, an uncomfortable weight settled in her stomach. Even the nanny who had cared for the real Bleria couldn’t tell the difference, leaving her conflicted.