KLRE C3

Chapter 3

“Duke Graize.”

She greeted Laon with a polite bow. Since that ball where they had met again after several years, this was the first time he had sought her out.

“I’m glad to see you look well.”

“Ah…”

Kina understood immediately what he was referring to, even though he hadn’t named the incident directly. She gave an awkward smile. As the memory resurfaced and embarrassment crept in, she found herself unable to meet his gaze. Meanwhile, Laon glanced briefly toward Versha, gauging the situation.

“If it’s alright… are you free tomorrow?”

After watching her play with the children for quite some time, he turned back and asked.

“Tomorrow?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow some of your time.”

His phrasing was dangerously easy to misunderstand. Her heart dropped with a heavy thud.

“I’m not sure what it’s about, but… yes. I’m available.”

At her permission, relief spread across his face.

“Then I’ll come to your residence tomorrow.”

He even decided the place before turning to leave.

“Oh, and… please keep this a secret from Versha.”

Without waiting for her reply, he hurried off, as if he had done something he shouldn’t have. Kina couldn’t take her eyes off him until he disappeared.

A secret. The word left a strange feeling behind. She absently touched her flushed cheek.

From the moment she learned he was seeing Versha—no, from the moment she realized he was someone beyond her reach—she had buried those feelings. Yet now, they seemed to be rising again.

“You seem to be in a good mood today.”

“Hm?”

The next day, as Kina prepared to go out for her appointment with Laon, Perry spoke while fixing her hair. Startled, Kina looked into the mirror. There she saw herself—with a face full of anticipation.

“Well, the event is over, after all. You must feel relieved.”

Before Kina could come up with an excuse, Perry drew her own conclusion. Having seen how much effort Kina had put into the imperial event, it wasn’t an unreasonable assumption. Feeling oddly guilty, Kina simply smiled faintly.

“You truly are remarkable, carrying on your lady mother’s last wishes.”

Taking that smile as agreement, Perry continued styling her hair diligently.

“Though it must be exhausting.”

Her tone was both sympathetic and proud.

Having followed her mother around since childhood, it wasn’t as difficult as one might think. Watching the children she supported grow up and find their own paths in life was rewarding enough to erase any hardship.

Kina’s mother, the Viscountess Senet, had something of a Cinderella story. She had grown up in an orphanage, enduring hardship, but eventually became a noble lady through her love with Viscount Senet.

Compared to high-ranking nobles, the Senet family might seem modest, but by common standards, they were more than well-off.

And Viscount Senet had truly loved his wife. He had even purchased the orphanage in order to honor her dying wish. To him, that place was like his wife herself. The same was true for Kina. The orphanage, touched by her mother’s presence in every corner, was something the Senet family was determined to protect.

Moreover, having followed her mother since she was young, the work never felt overwhelming. Seeing the children she supported grow into capable adults and carve out their own futures made it all worthwhile.

Just as she was drifting into those memories, a knock sounded.

“Duke Graize has arrived.”

The butler announced Laon’s visit. Both women were startled.

“Already?”

Kina was surprised by his early arrival, while Perry was shocked by the identity of the guest.

“I’ll be right there. We’re done, right?”

“Yes.”

Ignoring Perry’s questioning look, Kina hurried out.

“Was he shown to the drawing room?”

She asked the butler as she rushed down to the first floor.

“No, he said he would wait in his carriage.”

“In the carriage?”

“Yes.”

Had she taken too long? Without time to dwell on it, Kina headed straight outside toward the carriage bearing the Graize ducal crest.

“My lord.”

As Laon stepped out and opened the carriage door upon seeing her, Kina quickly greeted him.

“Have I kept you waiting long?”

She asked anxiously. Usually, not entering the drawing room implied urgency.

“Not at all. I simply couldn’t bring myself to sit still.”

He didn’t appear displeased, so it didn’t seem to be a lie. Kina let out a small sigh of relief.

“Shall we go?”

“Ah, yes.”

She took the hand he offered and climbed into the carriage, hoping he wouldn’t notice the slight tremor in her grip.

“Let’s depart.”

The moment he sat across from her, Laon gave the order to the coachman. Though he hadn’t mentioned the destination, the carriage began moving immediately, as if everything had already been arranged. Before long, they arrived.

“A jewelry shop.”

She murmured as she stepped down at his guidance.

“I’d like to give a gift, but I’m not sure what would be best.”

At her questioning look, Laon answered somewhat sheepishly.

“Ah…”

Seeing that expression—one she had seen before—Kina understood why he needed her. More precisely, it was the expression he always wore when he was with Versha.

“Then I’ll have to choose something breathtakingly beautiful.”

She spoke playfully, hoping her disappointment wouldn’t show.

“Thank you. Shall we go in?”

Fortunately, Laon seemed not to notice and opened the door for her.

“Do you have anything else?”

At Kina’s question, the shop owner hesitated before bringing out another item from inside.

“The stones set here are all diamonds.”

“Diamonds… even on the canopy?”

Kina asked in surprise, then quickly fell silent, aware of Laon beside her. She didn’t want to appear like someone fixated on money. Embarrassed, she lightly bit her lower lip.

“That’s why we don’t usually display it. We only bring it out for customers seeking something truly special.”

Sensing her discomfort, the shop owner explained kindly. Those “special customers” likely meant nobles unconcerned with cost.

Indeed, the canopy he presented was stunning—black lace adorned with sparkling diamonds, like stars scattered across the night sky. Its extravagance was exactly to Versha’s taste.

After all, she always said she hated having anything the same as others.

“What do you think?”

Kina asked Laon, who had remained silent.

“It’s beautiful.”

Unlike earlier, he answered readily this time.

“I like it.”

At his words, Kina signaled to the shop owner to prepare it.

“…Are you planning to propose?”

When the owner stepped away, Kina gently asked, running her hand over the canopy without looking at him. She avoided his gaze, not wanting him to see the emotions in her eyes.

Every place they had visited for gifts had been related to furnishing a home. Versha already had her own room at the Marquess Caprice estate, so she might not care much for such presents. Kina didn’t believe Laon would overlook that.

If those gifts were to be accompanied by a set of jewelry in the end, then the answer was obvious.

Marriage.