Chapter 50

“Are you alright?”

Ryan, who had been quietly watching Daphne, asked.

“You seem uncomfortable yourself.”

“Oh, is it that obvious?”

Daphne asked with an awkward smile.

“It’s always like this when I meet Uncle. I try to mentally prepare for the worst possible situation, just in case. As I’ve said before, we’re not exactly on good terms.”

“Still, since there’s a guest, surely he’ll keep to the minimum standards.”

“That’s true. If nothing else, he does care about public reputation.”

Daphne nodded at Ryan’s words. No matter how much Baldwin disliked her, he wasn’t foolish enough to openly mistreat her in front of others.

“By the way, how do I look? Do I look alright?”

Suddenly remembering, Daphne spread her hands slightly and asked Ryan.

“Uncle told me to dress properly just for tonight. I took out a dress I used to wear in Roxanne… How is it? Does it look strange or awkward?”

“…….”

Ryan’s eyes slowly scanned Daphne. Instead of her usual simple dress, she wore an elegant green silk gown. Her hair was adorned with jeweled accessories, and she wore white lace gloves. She looked dazzling and beautiful.

Just like when he first saw her in Roxanne.

“Does it look too much?”

Daphne asked anxiously, noticing Ryan didn’t answer right away.

Back then, she was just a beautiful woman who was pleasant to look at. That was all he thought.

Ryan, gazing at her vibrant colors, slowly shook his head.

“No. It suits you well.”

He said.

“It’s almost hard to believe you’re the same wild young lady I know.”

“…If you’re going to compliment me, just compliment me. Did you have to add ‘wild’?”

Daphne rolled her eyes at him, teasing.

“You look different too, you know. Why did you go so overboard?”

This time, her gaze swept Ryan from head to toe. Under the yellow moonlight, his silver armor shimmered softly.

“People will be shocked. They’ll think a war broke out.”

“When attending formal events as a knight escort, it’s not uncommon to dress like this. In fact, sometimes armor is considered more appropriate than comfortable ceremonial attire at formal gatherings.”

Even as Daphne nitpicked, Ryan answered calmly.

“Don’t forget. Tonight, I’m not a guest at the dinner, but attending as your knight escort.”

“Well, it’s more of a modest dinner than a banquet…”

Daphne rubbed her cheek with her palm, looking a little troubled.

There would be maybe five people attending. Calling it a banquet was a stretch. Bringing a fully armed knight seemed a bit much.

“Anyway, who is this guest?”

Daphne rolled her eyes and changed the subject.

“I don’t remember meeting anyone from Helmberry in Roxanne.”

“Are you thinking the guest might be here for you?”

“Who knows? If that were the case, wouldn’t they have contacted me directly?”

Daphne shrugged.

“There were a few people who said they’d come to Hillsboro someday. But I think most of them were just being polite.”

“Who were they?”

Ryan’s face was attentive but frowned slightly.

“Don’t tell me it’s those fools who proposed to you?”

“Fools? Not all of them, but most were wonderful people. They were almost too good for someone like me.”

Daphne retorted, bristling at Ryan’s sharp words.

“They were kind enough to tell me I was enough, just as I am.”

“What did they mean by ‘enough’? Your appearance? Or the carefully crafted image you presented?”

“…….”

Struck by his words, Daphne was speechless. She opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to say something, but ended up silent, her lips pressed tight, a crease forming beneath her mouth.

“Daphne. They know nothing about you.”

Ryan sighed, speaking quietly but firmly.

“What they fell for was the image you created, not your real self.”

“…….”

“Even if they found out, they wouldn’t want to know your true self. What they want from you is a docile, beautiful, doll-like wife who’ll boost their image of themselves.”

“So… you’re saying I’m not enough? That no one will want me once they know the real me?”

“No. It’s the opposite.”

Ryan leaned forward and shook his head gently.

The opposite? Daphne’s sulky expression shifted to curiosity.

“Daphne. You have countless charms beyond your beauty.”

Like a radiant smile on a sunny spring day, or a laugh that makes anyone feel better just hearing it. What he’d discovered in her went far beyond those things.

“It’s almost impossible not to be captivated by you.”

Daphne’s face reflected in Ryan’s blue eyes, calm as a lake. She had so easily toppled the beliefs and values he’d held, like sandcastles before the waves.

“You’re far too precious to end up with fools who don’t know your true worth.”

Strong, honest, kind, and gentle-hearted.

“You’re much more valuable than that.”

His one and only precious peach blossom in the world.

* * *

“Welcome, My Lady.”

When they arrived at the mansion, Butler Grayton greeted them politely. He took Daphne’s hand and helped her down from the carriage.

“And this is…?”

Grayton’s eyes widened as he saw the person who climbed down after Daphne. Clad in armor from head to toe, with a helmet that only revealed his eyes, it was impossible to tell who he was.

Clank, clank. The heavy, rough sound of iron armor colliding. His attire and imposing build gave off an overwhelming sense of intimidation.

It was like facing a wild beast that might bare its claws at any moment.

Grayton instinctively swallowed hard.

“Oh, Grayton. Don’t be surprised. That’s Sir Clips.”

Seeing Grayton’s tense posture, Daphne hurriedly explained.

“You know, my knight who stays with me.”

“Knight…? Ah! Sir Ryan Clips!”

Finally recognizing Ryan, Grayton let out a small sigh of relief. His face relaxed, and he exhaled deeply.

“My apologies, Sir Clips. I didn’t recognize you right away because of the armor.”

“Is it okay for him to come in like this? Isn’t Ryan a bit too overdressed?”

Daphne asked. Grayton carefully and respectfully checked Ryan’s attire.

“You’re not alone, and you’re with Lady Daphne, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Really? That’s a relief…”

Even with Grayton’s positive answer, Daphne’s expression didn’t brighten. Maybe it wasn’t the answer she wanted. Whatever the rules, she clearly wasn’t happy about Ryan’s outfit.

Grayton smiled quietly.

“Let’s go to Linden Hall. The Count is there now.”

“He’s there alone?”

“No, the guest from the capital is with him.”

The guest from the capital.

Ryan’s expression hardened at Grayton’s words, but thanks to the helmet, the others didn’t notice.

They climbed the steps to the mansion’s front door.

“Um… Grayton, who exactly is the guest?”

Daphne asked carefully, following Grayton.

“Is it someone I know?”

“Didn’t you know, My Lady?”

Grayton sounded surprised at Daphne’s question.

“The guest is…”

“Lady Daphne.”

Just as Grayton was about to reveal the guest’s name, a maid burst through the front door. Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was rather urgent. Everyone turned to look at her.

“Madam asks you to come quickly. The guest has been waiting quite a while…”

“Ah!”

A short exclamation escaped Daphne’s lips. She’d just arrived, but they were already sending someone to hurry her. That guest must be quite important, judging by how agitated Agnes was.

“Go quickly, My Lady.”

Knowing the lady of the house’s nervous temperament, Grayton also urged Daphne, who was hesitating. Daphne nodded once to him and followed the maid.