Chapter 36

Mixel Luke grinned. The pained expression that had seemed as if he was on the brink of death had vanished, replaced by one of composure.

Even if Eos were genuine, you would’ve been rejected.

“Thank you.”

Bleria didn’t even bother asking if he’d been faking it. Instead, she glared briefly at his enormous frame, which almost blocked her view.

“But Lady Bleria.”

“What is it now?“

“When Eos slapped me earlier, didn’t you laugh?“

Unfazed, Bleria replied, “I think you misheard.”

“No, no. In moments like that, you’re supposed to say I ‘misjudged,‘ not ‘misheard.‘ Saying I misheard makes it obvious that you laughed out loud.”

“…“

“Well, it left an impression. Much more than that wax-like mask you usually wear.”

Snickering, Mixel Luke stepped back. As his prominent figure moved away, the space ahead of her suddenly felt clear. Yet, she couldn’t quite feel relieved. Bleria took a sharp breath.

Standing in the spot Mixel Luke had vacated was Gopher.

When did he get here?

Though he wore his usual smile, Bleria, who knew him well, could sense something different in his expression. It made her heart drop like she’d been caught in some indiscretion with Mixel Luke.

Gopher spoke, “Welcome, Bleria. I didn’t expect you to come.“

“…Gopher.”

She felt the urge to explain herself, but no words came. Unexpectedly, Mixel Luke interjected.

“Don’t glare at me like that. My arm was broken, and the lady was merely kind enough to assist me. There’s no need to look at me as if you want me dead.“

“Broken arm?”

Without waiting for clarification, Gopher glanced at Mixel Luke and grabbed his left arm. Then, with a sickening crunch, he squeezed as though intending to crush it entirely.

“Argh!”

The injured man let out a scream akin to the cry of a dying animal, jerking his arm away with a face contorted in agony and filled with hatred. His ragged breaths dripped like venom.

Even Bleria felt her hair stand on end, but Gopher raised his hand nonchalantly.

“Sorry, Mixel. I thought you were joking. Turns out it was real?“

“You…!“

“How did you hurt your arm?”

Mixel Luke’s gaze immediately shifted toward Bleria, and Gopher’s eyes followed.

The moment her fiancé’s gaze met hers, Bleria froze. Unbidden, Mixel Luke’s earlier words echoed in her mind—what he had said in front of the temple and just moments ago in the carriage.

“And what about someone cruel? Someone who wouldn’t blink an eye at death, who would use pain and life however they pleased, only to discard them when they were no longer needed?”

“I’m trying to stop you because I know you won’t be able to handle it.”

“Bleria?”

Ah… ah. Regaining her composure, Bleria spoke.

“…I was startled by something shiny and nearly got hurt. The Count shielded me.“

“Hurt?”

Turning his back to Mixel Luke, Gopher stepped toward her, inspecting her closely to ensure she was unharmed. His scrutiny sent a chill down her spine.

He’s only like this because he hates Mixel Luke.

Being cold to someone you disliked was natural, and Gopher was more prone to it than others. He wouldn’t treat her the same way. Never.

A bead of cold sweat trickled down her cheek. Hesitantly, Bleria grabbed his arm.

“I’m fine. The Count protected me, so I wasn’t hurt at all.“

“…Mixel was useful for once.”

His expression was unreadable as he looked down at her trembling hand before gently holding it, though her shaking only worsened.

“You should rest.“

“Yes, Gopher.”

After kissing her forehead, Bleria returned to the carriage. Just before the door closed, she glimpsed the man standing behind Gopher.

Those crimson eyes brimmed with emotion—mocking as if simultaneously flaunting victory, yet accusatory.

“Take care on your way.”

As Bleria averted her gaze, Gopher shut the door. Her heart pounded wildly.

***

As Harriet had said and Bleria had experienced, engaged couples made for excellent gossip fodder. The rumors about Bleria and Mixel Luke were, as expected, explosive.

Harriet read the opening lines of each tabloid aloud.

“The prophet’s silence toward Bleria Heaven stems from a future she will share with another lover. As revenge for Gopher Allnight’s infidelity, she engaged in an affair of her own. It turns out she and Count Dice had been cultivating a forbidden romance all along, and they’ve been caught this time.“

Laughing out loud, Harriet tore the articles into pieces.

“Shouldn’t these people be writing novels instead? No, it’s more accurate to say creatures destined to be dogs were born as humans. Let’s sue them, Bleria.“

“I’m fine, Harriet.“

“Well, I’m not. Neither is the baby.”

Placing Bleria’s hand on her still-flat stomach, Harriet spoke with determination.

“Aunt Bleri! I’m not okay either. I’ll throw anyone who bothers you straight into a shark’s stomach!”

“……”

“I thought you’d laugh at that.”

“I laughed inside.”

Harriet shot her a look of pure disbelief.

“Those third-rate tabloids, always making something out of nothing. No one takes them seriously. Suing them would only make Heaven look foolish.”

“……”

“Later, Harriet. Once things calm down a bit.”

Harriet regarded her with dissatisfaction but eventually sighed, her expression softening. She seemed to accept it, albeit reluctantly.

After crumpling the shredded articles into tight balls and tossing them into the fireplace, Harriet’s eyes wandered. Then, scratching her cheek nonchalantly, she asked, “So, how are things with your fiancé?”

It had been some time since Bleria followed Harriet’s advice and visited the Allnight estate. She hadn’t adequately updated Harriet since then, only mentioning in passing, “It must have been a misunderstanding. Thank you for your concern.”

There had been too many secrets—too much she couldn’t explain. Even so, Harriet had clearly continued to worry about her. Bleria felt both grateful and guilty.

“Of course, we’re doing well.”

Since she couldn’t muster a bright smile, she made her voice cheerful. It wasn’t a lie, either. Things with Gopher had never been better. But still…

“I figured as much. You look happy.”

Reassured, Harriet hugged her.

“Everything will work out.“

“…For you too, Harriet.”

Just as the two parted, the maid, Lucy, knocked on the door.

“A reply from the Allnight estate has arrived, my lady.“

“Proof that you’re on good terms. Well, I’ll be off, Bleri.”

Harriet kissed Bleria on the cheek before leaving the room. After seeing her off briefly, Bleria took the letter from Lucy. Contrary to Harriet’s assumption, its contents weren’t particularly positive.

“……”

“Did he say he couldn’t make time?“

“He says he has prior commitments.“

Bleria’s thumb brushed the bottom of the letter as though hoping the words might somehow change. But, of course, they didn’t.

The last time she had seen Gopher was at the Allnight estate. The longer their separation stretched, the more she fixated on the moment she’d flinched in his presence.

He must have noticed how scared I was, didn’t he?

Her hands had trembled visibly, so it was likely. It must have looked like she’d fallen for Mixel Luke’s provocations. Why on earth had she acted that way?

Bleria berated herself. And now, to make matters worse, rumors of a romantic affair with Mixel Luke Dice have erupted. She wanted to clarify things, but today wasn’t the right time.

After all, even though some pressing matters had been dealt with, Gopher was bound to remain busy until the succession ceremony. Unlike her, who had left most wedding preparations to others, his responsibilities were unavoidable.

“What a shame. Especially since you’re all ready now, my lady.“

“I got ahead of myself. I’ll have to change.“

“Oh, don’t, my lady. Since you’re already dressed up, why not go out and lift your spirits?“

“Go out alone?“

“There’s a new dress shop that’s said to be wonderful! Your usual place is… well, you know.”

At Lucy’s words, Bleria recalled the incident involving Damian. She wasn’t sure how things were progressing since it was out of her hands, but finding a new shop wasn’t a bad idea given the trouble that had occurred.

“And I’d like to visit a men’s tailor, too.“

“Are you planning to get a gift for the young lord?”

Lucy immediately caught on, and Bleria nodded.

“I’ve actually heard of a good place for that. I can guide you!”

Following Lucy’s lead, Bleria ordered a suitable gift from the men’s tailor. Feeling slightly lighter, she headed to the new dress shop. It was there that she encountered Gopher, who was accompanied by Eos.

***

Eos Liche visited Gopher during breakfast. He had planned to see her, so he promptly addressed her.

“Thank you for letting me stay at Allnight until now. Now that I’ve parted ways with the Count, I’ll soon look for my own place.“

“That’s unfortunate. I actually had a favor to ask of you, my lady.“

“A favor from you to me?“

“Bleria’s bonnet is damaged. I’d like to gift her a new hat, but I’m not confident in my taste.“

“For something like that, please call on me anytime! After all, you helped me get an invitation. I’d be glad to assist you in return.”