“…”

“Why are you making that face?”

“I’m just a little disappointed.”

“About what?”

“Never mind. Let’s go inside.”

Bavil smiled inscrutably.

Evelyn felt vaguely unsettled, but confidently opened the door to Oilet and entered.

Alpi and Madlette, who had been arranging baskets of herbs together, looked startled to see her.

“My lady! Where in the world have you been all this, Oh? Have you made a friend?”

Alpi’s eyes sparkled with emotion.

Evelyn was about to protest that such a thing was impossible when Bavil spoke first, wearing the most innocent expression imaginable.

“Hello. Evelyn seemed to have lost her way, so I accompanied her here. I apologize if I’m intruding.”

Evelyn eyed Bavil suspiciously as he pretended to be an ordinary boy.

‘What is with that terrifyingly innocent expression?’

Bavil tilted his head as though he knew nothing.

“But Eve, is there really a beautiful treasure here? I’m dying to see it. Where is it?”

“H-Ha-ha. Eve?”

“Yes, Eve. Hurry and show me the second floor.”

“…Fine. Let’s go.”

The sudden nickname sent a shiver down Evelyn’s spine.

She moved forward with an air of resignation.

“Madlette, Alpi, I’m going to show him upstairs for a moment.”

Madlette approached, watching Evelyn cautiously.

“Are you certain that’s wise? You appear to have met him only today.”

‘Bavil must not have begun conducting business openly yet. Even Madlette doesn’t seem to know who he is.’

Evelyn smiled at her.

“Don’t worry. Oh, by the way, where is Tol?”

“Well, he failed an examination today, so his teacher took him away for additional instruction.”

Madlette sighed.

Evelyn was nevertheless relieved that Tol appeared to have found a dedicated teacher.

“I understand. See you later!”

“Mind the stairs, my lady!”

“I will!”

The moment Madlette and Alpi were out of sight, Bavil’s usual sly expression returned.

“Who is Tol?”

“Madlette’s younger brother. Haven’t you seen him before?”

“I didn’t know his name. I don’t bother remembering people unless they interest me.”

“Yes, yes. I’m honored that you remembered mine.”

Evelyn opened the second-floor door.

Bavil appeared mildly impressed by the lavish interior.

He settled comfortably onto an expensive leather sofa.

“For such an opulent space, the furnishings are remarkably sparse. There’s nothing but a desk, chairs, and sofas.”

“This room is intended for a select few high-ranking nobles.”

Evelyn sat opposite him.

After walking so far, every part of her legs ached.

Bavil asked in a conspiratorial voice, “So, what exactly are you planning to do here?”

“Romance.”

“Romance?”

“Yes. It’s a matchmaking service for high-ranking nobles. I’ll arrange their marriages in exchange for substantial fees.”

Evelyn willingly told him everything.

She was certain that Bavil would have no interest in that sort of business.

Sure enough, he looked somewhat deflated, as if wondering whether that was truly all.

“I wondered what grand scheme you were plotting, but it’s merely a matchmaking service?”

“Yes. Isn’t that good? We won’t have to fight over the same source of income.”

“Then Madlette is the public owner of this social enterprise.”

“That’s right. You don’t appear to operate publicly either, so you must understand why I’m going to all this trouble.”

“To kill the vermin who looks down on you?”

“I’m not going to kill anyone. Who do you think I am, you? What adult would seek romantic advice from a minor? That’s why I have to do this!”

Evelyn grumbled.

Had she possessed an older body when she entered this world, she would never have needed to find someone to serve as the business’s figurehead.

“I can’t simply sit around until I come of age, so I’m relying on Madlette. She’s trustworthy too.”

“I understand. You’ll never earn more money than I do with this business, but I wish you success.”

“Do you charge people to listen to you brag? Because you’re incredibly irritating.”

“One more thing.”

Smiling, Bavil rose from his seat.

Evelyn watched him approach with a wary expression.

“W-What are you doing all of a sudden? Do you think coming closer will frighten me? Because it won’t!”

Bavil stopped in front of her.

His hand reached past her to the back of the sofa.

Then his face moved within inches of hers.

“Wh-What? What is it? Is this because I’m not speaking politely to you? Well, I don’t want to! And I’m not going to!”

“My name is Bavil not ‘you.’ Remember it.”

Bavil flashed her a grin.

His smile caught Evelyn off guard, and her face flushed.

“I understand, so get away from me!”

Bavil chuckled and walked toward the window.

“I may not have inherited generations of accumulated wealth like you nobles, but I know how to get things done. If you ever have questions, come find me in the back alleys. It’ll be better than struggling with them alone.”

“Wait. Why are you climbing onto the windowsill…?”

“Until next time. I look forward to seeing you again.”

“Bavil!”

Bavil leaped out of the window.

Startled, Evelyn rushed over and looked down.

There was no sign of Bavil, not even a stray cat.

‘What in the world? How did he do that?’

As Evelyn stared blankly outside, she saw Tol approaching in the distance with a tall man.

Thinking that Tol had returned, she went downstairs.

“Madlette! I think Tol is back.”

“Really? Oh dear, I haven’t finished wrapping his present yet.”

Madlette hurriedly completed the bundle of herbs.

Meanwhile, Oilet’s door opened.

“Hello. I’ve brought Tol home… Wait. You!”

Eek.

Evelyn stopped halfway toward Madlette.

Standing there was Hisman, Aint’s loyal retainer and the former commander of the knights.

Perhaps because she wore the same hooded cloak as before, Hisman recognized her immediately.

‘Why is he with Tol…? Don’t tell me Hisman is the teacher at Tol’s school!’

Overwhelmed by the bizarre coincidence, Evelyn pressed a hand to her forehead.

Tol stopped on his way to Madlette and asked, “Teacher His, do you know this obnoxious woman too?”

“Tol! Mind your manners!”

Madlette scolded him.

Alpi tilted her head innocently.

“Oh my, are you acquainted with Lady Evelyn?”

Hisman answered awkwardly.

“W-Well… Ha-ha. She seems to be friends with one of my students. If you don’t mind, may I speak with her privately for a moment?”

“Well…”

“It’s all right, Alpi. What is it?”

Hisman approached Evelyn, bent his enormous frame, and whispered to her.

“Have you seen Lord Ain, no, Aint, today?”

“Someone who looked like him, perhaps.”

Hisman’s eyes widened.

“Truly? Where? He hasn’t been seen since he went out this afternoon!”

He was so flustered that he did not even realize he had nearly addressed Aint with the utmost respect.

‘So that really was Aint sitting with Locke?’

“I believe he was at a restaurant near the central square. Aah!”

“Oh, my lady!”

“Please forgive me! This is urgent. I’ll find one of my students and return immediately!”

Dangling over Hisman’s shoulder like a sack of luggage, Evelyn waved to Alpi.

“Don’t worry, Alpi! I’ll be back soon!”

“My lady, the sun will set soon! If we return late again, the head maid will scold me!”

“It’s all right, Alpi. Please calm down.”

Madlette comforted Alpi, who was pretending to cry.

Hisman raced through the city with the speed of a warhorse charging into battle.

‘This is more comfortable than I expected. Perhaps I should hire him as transportation from now on.’

“Is it around here?”

“Yes. Please stop at the next alley.”

Hisman slammed his feet down with a screech.

Evelyn carefully climbed off his shoulder.

“I think he’s inside. I’ll go and check.”

“No, I’ll accompany you. Something may have happened to His High no, to my student!”

“But you might attract too much attention. It would be better if you waited here.”

At that moment, two boys emerged from the establishment.

Evelyn, who had been trying to restrain Hisman, turned her head without thinking and met Locke’s gaze.

“You’re… Evelyn?”

‘Oh, I’m doomed.’

Evelyn hurriedly pulled her hood over her face, but Locke strode directly toward her.

“Evelyn, what are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’ve been wandering around alone.”

“I’m fine, Brother! I only came out for a little recreation…”

“But… Even so, you shouldn’t come outside without your veil. What if someone said something cruel to you…?”

Locke stopped speaking.

He appeared surprised by his own words.

Evelyn regarded him with equal surprise.

Whenever she was treated unfairly, Locke had always chosen to remain silent rather than speak in her defense.

Hearing him express concern for her was completely unexpected.

“In any case, let’s go home. It’s dangerous for a girl to be alone at this hour, especially a duke’s daughter.”

“A-All right. But my maid is still at the apothecary…”

A familiar voice interrupted them.

“Teacher Hisman will take responsibility for escorting that maid home. Isn’t that right, Teacher Hisman?”

Aint, who had been standing behind Locke, approached Evelyn.

Hisman’s face briefly lit up with overwhelming relief at seeing Aint, but he quickly cleared his throat.

“O-Of course! You can leave without worrying!”

‘Wow. Hearing him speak so casually is painfully awkward.’

“Thank you, Teacher Hisman. My conversation with my friend ran longer than expected, so I missed my additional lesson today. Would it be all right if I attended it tomorrow instead?”

“Certainly! I’ll see you tomorrow, Aint!”

Hisman gave an unbearably awkward, cheerful laugh before rapidly disappearing beyond the alley.

Locke watched him go with admiration.

“Your teacher is always overflowing with energy. I’d love to spar with him someday.”

“I told you, he doesn’t even know how to wield a sword. Where is your carriage?”

“Oh, the coachman should be nearby. I’ll find him so we can ride home together. Would you watch my sister for a moment, Aint?”

‘No. Absolutely not. Meeting Bavil today was more than enough. Please, just leave me alone.’

But Aint readily accepted Locke’s request.

“Of course. Go ahead.”

“Thank you. Evelyn, wait here for a moment!”

“B-Brother Locke! Wait!”

But the swift-footed Locke had already walked away.

Evelyn stood there looking utterly bewildered.

Aint adjusted his glasses and moved beside her.

“It seems you’ve kept the secret well. Locke didn’t appear to suspect anything.”

“Of course I did. You said you’d kill me if I told anyone.”

“I never said that. Why do you insist on misremembering everything I say?”

Aint frowned.

Although the artifact had altered his appearance to seem comparatively ordinary, his handsome features still shone through unmistakably.

Evelyn found herself briefly mesmerized by his face before abruptly coming to her senses.

“I-In any case, I haven’t told anyone, so you don’t need to worry!”

“Very well. I’ll believe you for now. Though I wonder how long you’ll be able to keep it a secret.”

“If you distrust me that much, should I tell you one of my secrets in exchange?”

Aint glanced at Evelyn.

She flinched beneath his cold gaze.

“What secret? I already have many questions about you, your behavior, which is entirely inappropriate for someone your age, among other things. More than a few details about you have been bothering me.”

‘The same could be said about you!’

Evelyn bristled but tried to remain calm.

In the distance, she saw a Chantalis carriage approaching.

She needed to share a secret as significant as Aint’s critical secret, or he would continue bothering her in the future.

Evelyn blurted out the words that had been circling her mind.

“The truth is… I remember my previous life.”