A leather ball sturdy enough not to burst easily even if it hit a stone, and thus would never deflate unattractively.

Young Rihanel had sat on his narrow bed and stared at the taut ball for a long time.

He never kicked that ball even once. He couldn’t kick it because he kept thinking about that moment when he faced that girl.

Rihanel became uncomfortable as slimy and unpleasant memories he had forgotten for a while began to creep up.

What made his mood even worse was that he was the only one who had been conscious of that woman that day. That woman didn’t care at all about what clothes the boy in front of her was wearing, or how much dirt was on him.

While Rihanel remembered that day with Janet Wilton at the center, in Janet’s memory, the center was that ball.

Feeling stifled, Rihanel opened the window a little more. Even the breeze felt lukewarm.

He got off a little distance from the mansion’s main gate and walked, but it was just as stifling.

It was clearly because of this woman beside him. If she was going to walk so leisurely, she should have stayed in the carriage until the end; why did she have to get off and follow him?

Eventually, Rihanel quickened his pace, leaving Janet behind. He signaled to Flan, who was following behind, and Flan approached and stuck close to Rihanel.

“Make sure the article is well packaged before releasing it.”

“I’ve already written that she dropped a precious heirloom of Damon’s in the water.”

“How melodramatic.”

“That’s what works best. And Your Grace jumped into the water because you were worried about Miss Janet.”

“Remove that part. It’s not like that.”

“It’s just for the article, not saying it’s actually true… Wait, isn’t that why you jumped in? You recognized Miss Janet from that distance and ran over. I couldn’t even see her…”

“I did it because I was disgusted by her jumping in like a lunatic. I wondered how much more she intended to devalue herself. I felt like sending a dog to fetch it.”

“No, but…”

Flan glanced back. The voice had been loud. At this distance, Janet would have heard it. Or not? Seeing no change in her expression, maybe she hadn’t…

“I said remove it.”

Flan pursed his lips a few times and then gave up. Instead, he casually asked.

“There’s no change in your attendance at the Greyden Marquis’s party, right?”

“Damn, there was such a thing.”

That party, which he had to attend with Janet Wilton, was a schedule set for show. He hadn’t known that facing that woman would be such an irritating affair.

Rihanel sighed, stopped, and turned around. Janet also stood properly and met his eyes.

“There’s a party at the Greyden Marquis’s house in three days. Keep your schedule clear.”

“I will.”

Despite the one-sided notification, Janet nodded without being perturbed. She had her right hand placed on top of her left, with both hands neatly folded. There would be a burst wound on the hidden palm.

Janet’s hair was slightly disheveled by the incoming breeze. Only then did he realize that she wasn’t wearing her bonnet and gloves.

He felt a stinging sensation as if someone was scratching his heart.

An unidentifiable unpleasantness welled up.

He wanted to wash his entire body.

***

Janet put down her fork only after forcing the last bit into her mouth.

To think that this lady, who looked like she wouldn’t eat even a fingernail’s worth, had devoured all the food served. That someone with such perfect dining etiquette could eat so well!

The chef tried his best not to show his surprise as he asked.

“Did the meal suit your taste?”

“It was excellent.”

“If there are any foods you enjoy, please let me know. I’ll prepare them for the next luncheon.”

“I’ll have to think about it. Thank you for your consideration.”

The chef nodded with a satisfied face. Janet smiled lightly at him, unable to hide his excited mood, and then went up to her room.

Only after closing the door did she take a long breath.

She immediately approached the mirror and removed her clothes. As the flimsy indoor garment fell to the floor, her gaunt body was fully exposed.

Janet sighed. She decided to take comfort in the fact that it was at least better than a few days ago.

The food had suited her taste, but even if it hadn’t, she would have eaten everything.

Her reflection in the mirror looked too unsightly. She thought covering it with clothes and makeup would be enough, but when Rihanel grabbed her wrist, she realized it wasn’t.

To look even slightly better, she needed to gain weight.

Janet deliberately smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Lifting the corners of her mouth had become quite natural. This should be enough to maintain a decent expression at today’s party.

With a faint smile, Janet twirled her body around.

One step, then another. After walking around the room with large strides for a few laps, she pulled the bell cord.

Letsy came up to the room. Janet felt sorry for entrusting her grooming only to Letsy, but she wasn’t ready to be seen by others yet.

“This style of exposing the neck is fashionable these days, but I thought you might be uncomfortable, so I added lace.”

Letsy said as she helped Janet dress. As she mentioned, semi-transparent white lace came up to her collarbone.

Below the waist, layers of light pink skirt hems were piled on top of a crinoline. The dress, with a purple gown layered on top, was one of the most elaborate she had ever worn.

After finishing the grooming, Letsy said with a satisfied expression,

“If you leave now, you should arrive with plenty of time to spare. Shall I have the carriage prepared right away?”

Is it okay for her to decide the departure time? Janet hesitated a little before asking.

“Please check if Rihanel is ready too.”

“Oh, the master said he would stop by somewhere else and go directly to the ballroom in time for the party. He’s already left the mansion.”

Ah. Janet opened her mouth slightly.

She didn’t know. Whether he was in this house or not.

In fact, she hadn’t encountered Rihanel once during the three days since they returned together that day.

“I’ll leave now.”

Janet boarded the carriage alone. The carriage departed with the setting sun at her back.

She didn’t particularly want to arrive early, but she couldn’t be later than Rihanel.

Rihanel’s expression had always been crumpled whenever they met again. He wore that expression no matter what she said, but at least she didn’t want to make him angrier.

That’s why she hadn’t sought him out for three days.

Rather than rashly bringing up marriage again, it was better to give it some time.

Besides, if they attended the party together today, perhaps the atmosphere could be lightened a bit. Then the outcome of the negotiation might be favorable.

The hopeful thing was that, judging by his previous reaction, he seemed to have his own reasons for needing to marry her. Had Luisen Reynes, the late duke, taken some measures?

As her thoughts extended, the carriage was already entering the Greyden Marquis’s residence.

Janet took a deep breath and got out of the carriage. She looked around but couldn’t see Rihanel. Thinking he might be inside, she finally entered the banquet hall alone.

“Janet Wilton?”

“Oh my… I didn’t expect her to be here…”

“Did she come alone?”

“That can’t be. She wouldn’t qualify to attend.”

In an instant, all eyes focused on Janet. No one stared directly. They just glanced sideways while hiding behind fans or lightly touching wine glasses to their lips.

Nevertheless, it was amusing how palpably she could feel their piercing gazes.

Since she had anticipated that no one would look kindly upon her, Janet moved to a corner, ignoring the sharp glances thrown her way.

When would Rihanel arrive?

It was ironic that she was hoping for the quick arrival of Rihanel, who was so hostile toward her.

“Janet?”

But then, a man called out to her.

The foreign man with brown hair was someone she knew. As she looked at him with a surprised expression, the man approached with apparent delight.

“It’s been a long time. This is the first time I’m seeing you in this country.”

“Theo?”

“You recognize me.”

The man smiled brightly, genuinely pleased.

He was a young count who had guided travelers when she visited the country of Silonya with some nobles eight years ago.

When Janet wore a puzzled expression, wondering why a foreign nobleman was in this country, Theo answered.

“I came along when my father visited for diplomatic reasons. You should think of it as a cultural exchange, like when you came to Silonya. But I haven’t been here long, and I’m curious about Bendar culture… Can you teach me for a moment?”

Theo raised his eyebrows pleadingly and pointed to the terrace.

Janet surveyed the hall. There was still no sign of Rihanel. It was difficult to refuse someone who had helped her so much.

It should be fine for just a moment. Janet went outside.

“What are you curious about?”

“Ah, I was wondering if I need to receive a card here too if I want to request a dance.”

“No, there’s no such culture here. Don’t worry.”

“That’s a relief. How have you been?”

Judging by his expression, he hadn’t heard the rumors about Janet. Since he would find out soon anyway, Janet spoke without hesitation.

“It’s better not to be associated with me. There are some bad rumors.”

“No way. About someone like you?”

“If you heard them, you’d regret even this conversation. If you don’t have any more questions, I’ll head back inside.”

Janet grabbed the terrace railing while wearing the smile she had prepared. That’s when Theo spoke from behind.

“Don’t worry about it, Janet. I’ve never met anyone as wise and straightforward as you. Whatever it is, everything will work out.”

Janet turned around. Theo grinned.

It felt like the knot in her chest loosened a little, just a little. How long had it been since someone had expressed concern for her? Though such words were likely said out of ignorance of her situation.