Chapter 32

“Ladies who are newly introduced to society need someone to make introductions for them.”

In Bleria’s case, a lady from a retainer family had taken on that role early on. Later, after Harriet returned, she assumed the responsibility. But Eos likely had no one.

“The formalities aren’t too strict for small tea parties, so it should be fine. I’ll accompany you.”

Eos blinked. Slowly at first, then rapidly, as if her eyelashes fluttered like a bee’s wings. Her voice rose, perhaps from excitement.

“Oh my, as if having His Lordship wasn’t enough, now Her Ladyship will help me too?”

Gopher helped her?

That comment irked Bleria, but before she could respond, Eos clasped her hand.

“I’d be so grateful if you could do that! You’re such a kind person, My Lady.”

“However, I’m currently half under restriction, so I might not be able to obtain an invitation for you myself.“

“I’ll try to secure one myself. Just tell me where to go!”

Bleria gently withdrew her hand and spoke calmly.

“I’ll find a suitable gathering and send a letter.”

The conversation ended there.

“Why?”

After Eos Liche had returned to the garden, Gopher spoke up. His face was devoid of its usual smile.

“I held back from stopping you earlier because it would have been awkward, but I don’t understand. Can you tell me why you’re doing this?”

“Since I mentioned it to the priest, the topic of Eos Liche searching for her family will soon spread.“

“And?“

“I want to take control of the narrative before rumors circulate.”

Once the image of Eos Liche as a fraud was established, it would be difficult to overturn public perception, even with significant effort. And since she wasn’t who she claimed to be, there would be no clear evidence against her.

By taking the initiative, it wouldn’t matter what Eos tried to do; her efforts would be futile.

Gopher’s expression softened slightly.

“You don’t need to get directly involved.“

“If I step in, it will only make her look more ridiculous. Besides, this is my issue. If there’s something I can do, I want to try.”

She couldn’t rely on Gopher for everything. She didn’t want to seem helpless, nor did she want to appear worthless. And considering how furious Eos Liche had made her, this felt like something she could handle herself.

“Why treat it as a separate issue? Your problem is my problem, too.”

Gopher shifted Rex’s leash to his other hand and took Bleria’s hand with his free one. Although they were both wearing gloves and their bare skin didn’t touch, she couldn’t help but feel aware.

“If it’s a tea party, where are you planning to go?“

“… I’ve received an invitation from Hyacinth Violet.”

Hyacinth enjoyed her reputation as a keen observer who relished piecing together others’ secrets. She’d even been the first to uncover a few high-profile affairs. She had an extensive network and a decent reputation. Moreover, she always made sure to be the center of attention at her gatherings.

Having pieced together the situation, Gopher nodded.

“Don’t overdo it, Bleria.“

“There’s not much more I could do, even if I wanted to.”

Bleria spoke half playfully, half sincerely.

In Heaven, she hadn’t been given much authority. The only people under her command were her personal maids and a few escort knights. With no eyes or ears to rely on, gossiping in social circles was all she could manage.

The Duke didn’t want her engaging in anything even slightly dangerous. Damian, knowing the truth of her circumstances, had ensured those restrictions.

Harriet had tried a few times to advocate for her, but Bleria had stopped her out of a sense of propriety. Though she now regretted it a little, she would’ve acted the same even if time had turned back.

Gopher stared intently at Bleria before adjusting his grip, interlacing his fingers with hers.

“It’ll be different in Allnight.“

“…Yeah.“

“Still, don’t run away, no matter how scared or hard it gets.”

Bleria blinked slowly and then nodded. She tightened her grip on his hand.

***

While escorting Bleria, Gopher was summoned by the Duchess of Allnight. Seizing the moment, a man she had hoped to avoid appeared.

“You’re going the wrong way to the annex.”

With his shirt buttons undone and chewing on an apple, he looked more like a mercenary than a nobleman. It was Mixel Luke Dice.

“I’m not heading to the annex.“

“Well, you seem to be getting along with your fiancé. Even taking that mutt for a stroll together.”

Although he’d apologized for his rudeness at the temple, his behavior now was even worse. Perhaps revealing his true nature because his attempts to sow discord between her and Gopher had failed.

As her feelings for Gopher deepened, her disdain for Mixel Luke grew. Given her naturally soft heart, it was almost a relief that he provided such obvious reasons to dislike him.

His earlier comments, claiming to care for her and offering to escort her, had dissolved from her mind entirely. All that remained was sharp suspicion.

Was he the one who sent the letter?

Few people had the malice toward Gopher and the knowledge of his masked ball attendance. While the letter’s tone didn’t match his usual demeanor, that could easily have been fabricated.

Mixel Luke also had another motive. He stood to gain if he propped up Eos Liche as a false Bleria.

Dragging her down would delay Gopher’s marriage and, by extension, his succession to the title.

If Gopher became Duke, he’d naturally retaliate against Mixel Luke, so stopping him might be part of the plan.

Which is it?

The letter, Eos Liche, or both? Or neither?

Lost in thought, Bleria quickened her steps.

“Do you even know that mutt’s name?”

“….”

“Your face looks carved from wax—no expression, pale as paper, and an uncanny talent for ignoring people.”

Ignoring his jabs, she eventually reached the carriage. Without a word, she boarded it. Her escort knight, Sir Lavender, entered to accompany her.

Instead of forcing his way past the knight, Mixel Luke leaned into the window.

“Lady Bleria!”

The Allnight steward, who had rushed after him, tried to pull him away, but it was futile.

“I didn’t come here to argue, but it turned out that way.”

“….”

“Lady Bleria, why don’t we be friends?”

Bleria pulled the curtain shut and said, “Let’s go.“

“Yes, My Lady.”

Soon, the carriage wheels began to turn. A loud, boisterous laugh echoed from behind where the dust had risen. It was nothing short of madness.

Hearing it, Bleria rubbed her temples.

She had tried to hold back, but—

“Sir Lavender, if I were to file a complaint that some insolent scoundrel keeps bothering me, do you think Her Grace of Allnight would be upset?“

“It is a rightful privilege for the Lady of Heaven to enjoy.“

That’s right.

She reserved her soft demeanor as Mel Slopey only in front of Gopher and Damian.

Moreover, Stella Allnight was a woman who clearly separated public and private matters. She wouldn’t defend the grandchild she had disowned.

If he thinks he can mock me, I’ll make sure he stops laughing.

Bleria’s lips tightened into a cold line.

~~~~~~~~~~+++~~~~~~~~~~

It was the third anniversary of her engagement, two years before their wedding date. Gopher sat on the sofa in his study, glancing at his watch.

She should be arriving about now.

As expected, a steward entered to inform him of Bleria’s visit. She had arrived unannounced, but by now, this was hardly surprising.

Not long after, she made her way to the study. Gopher closed the book he had been reading and rose to his feet.

“You’re here?”

Bleria’s face was expressionless, yet her stiff shoulders and unnatural gait betrayed her unease. What might go unnoticed by others was clear to Gopher. Even the slight widening of her eyes as they briefly scanned the fireplace didn’t escape him.

If only she had always let herself be this transparent.

Although the fire was already out, the study was warm. Gopher had instructed a servant to light the fireplace and extinguish it just before his arrival.

While he wasn’t susceptible to the cold, she, with her snow-pale complexion, certainly wasn’t the same.

“Take a seat.”

Bleria hesitated for a moment before sitting across from him. She didn’t look comfortable. If anything, her fiancé seemed to care more about the significance of this day than she did.

And so, Gopher sometimes wondered. Could it be that Bleria was still hurt by the death of her biological parents or the midwife who raised her? Perhaps she projected those emotions onto him?

Because, for Gopher, it indeed wasn’t a source of pain. He simply disliked fire.

Had Stella’s aide not intervened to stop the servants from taking him to the annex that day, he would have burned along with it.

Not that repeating it would make her listen.

As they sat silently, Bleria finally broke the quiet.

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen Sir Merion lately.”

It seemed she was trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, but she had chosen the wrong topic. Gopher suppressed a chuckle.

“He’s resigned.“

“What?“

“His son is ill. He decided to return to his hometown to help him recover, so I let him go.”

Bleria fell silent, blinking as she nervously fiddled with the buttons on her sleeve. Amused by the sight, Gopher rubbed his lips.

With her impassive face, she seemed to search for something comforting to say. Then, she finally spoke again.