Chapter : 68
“Shall we take a short break?”
My legs were killing me. My throat hurt, and my facial muscles were stiff from forcing a smile the whole time.
They said Madame Totten was chosen as my chaperone because Gabriel had strong connections—and they weren’t exaggerating. Everywhere we went, she knew someone, and I ended up introducing myself over and over like a machine.
I don’t want to introduce myself anymore… I’m not even Evanjelin, but I’ve said that name so many times I feel like I’m having a dissociative breakdown.
Did Gabriel run off because he knew this would happen? No… he did go to work. Still, he said he’d be back soon—so where is he?!
“Are you tired too, Madame Totten?”
Looking closely, it wasn’t just me—she seemed exhausted as well.
Well, of course she would be. She hadn’t even properly held her son Rider’s funeral before being dragged here to act as a chaperone. On top of that, she had to pretend he was still alive to protect her family’s standing. No wonder she looked worn out.
This would be unbearable without a drink.
Just then, a maid came by with wine, and I immediately grabbed a glass. I handed one to Madame Totten too and clinked it lightly before downing mine in one go.
Ah… legal doping.
When I handed the empty glass back, the maid gave me a strange look.
What? Never seen someone chug wine before?
Probably not.
“Your scarf is pretty.”
Compliments are the best way out of awkward situations.
But apparently not for her.
The maid’s expression twisted for a split second before she hurriedly composed herself, bowed, and left. Even the servants in the imperial palace carried themselves with elegance.
“Perhaps she didn’t like my compliment…”
“Then I’d like to hear one.”
A soft, playful voice suddenly appeared right in front of me.
Golden curls shimmered under the chandelier, cascading down beautifully. When our eyes met, his gaze softened, his cheeks slightly flushed.
Wow… what is this face?
Is this even human?
Even Oratorio, who I thought was stunning, couldn’t compare.
Judging by his clothes, he was a palace attendant—but how could someone this handsome exist as a mere servant?
“Please, praise me as much as you like.”
I almost blurted something embarrassing, so I just smiled back.
The handsome attendant looked disappointed when I didn’t speak.
“Am I not to your liking?”
“As if that’s possible.”
He existed beyond preference.
“I like it.”
Only then did he smile brightly, satisfied.
“Good. I was worried.”
Then, before I knew it—
“Evanjelin, will you drink the wine I offer too?”
Wait, I just drank—
But somehow, another glass was already in my hand.
Ah… so this is what it means to be dazzled by looks.
He watched me sip it with satisfaction, then disappeared as if his job was done.
Slightly tipsy from two glasses of wine, I looked around—and suddenly locked eyes with the Count.
He frowned deeply and jabbed his finger toward Duke Hosakin.
Yes, yes, I know. No need to rush me.
“Madame Totten, shall we greet my grandfather now?”
Totten agreed—it was the perfect moment.
As expected, Viscount Hykel intercepted us, loudly greeting Totten.
Thanks to his lack of tact, we were quickly brought before Duke Hosakin.
And the moment I started introducing myself—
Crash!
A glass shattered.
The culprit was obvious.
Duke Hosakin stood there, face red with rage, glaring at me.
Wow… he really hates me.
He had thrown his wine glass to the floor.
“Well then… you are grandfather and granddaughter, right?”
Even Hykel finally realized something was wrong and fled awkwardly.
Now it was just us.
“Grandfather, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Who are you calling grandfather?!”
Ah, straight to hostility.
Perfect.
I pressed further.
“Does that mean you no longer consider my mother your daughter?”
That hit the mark.
His expression faltered.
“…Amaranth…?”
Good. He softened.
Time to push harder.
“She missed you every day. She said her marriage was miserable… that she wanted to run away… but believed you would never accept her back.”
“…Why…?”
His voice trembled.
But I didn’t stop.
“Why did you abandon her? Because she married someone you didn’t approve of? Is that why you never came to see her, even when she was dying?”
His anger exploded.
He grabbed a wine glass—
Wait.
Is he seriously going to throw that?!
Before I could react—
I was suddenly pulled into someone’s arms.
A familiar scent.
A familiar warmth.
Blue eyes.
Gabriel.
He had taken the blow for me.
Red liquid dripped from his black hair.
“Sir Gabriel…”
“I returned before the dance began, as promised.”
He smiled.
Of course… perfect timing, like a true male lead.
“…Thank you.”
He smiled even brighter.
Then—
“Do you know who you are protecting?”
Duke Hosakin snapped.
“Yes,” Gabriel replied calmly. “More clearly than anyone.”
The Duke, trembling with anger, declared:
“Listen well. Amaranth has no daughter. You are not my granddaughter.”
So he rejected me completely.
Even after that, he turned and left—
Then Gabriel staggered.
“Gabriel!”
Blood wasn’t just wine.
The Duke had thrown the glass at his head.
This insane old man!
Even after injuring someone, he didn’t apologize!
“Are you… worried about me?”
Of course I am!
“…You’re angry,” Gabriel said softly.
“…What?”
“You drop honorifics when you’re angry.”
…Did I?
“…I’m happy.”
What is wrong with him?!
We finally sent him away for treatment.
Afterward, I cleaned up the situation.
Loud enough for others to hear, I said:
“I only wished to speak about my late mother… but my grandfather still does not trust me.”
With Totten supporting the story, it looked like the Duke had unjustly lashed out.
Good. Let his reputation suffer.
Later, we rested and drank more wine.
The banquet finally began.
The Crown Prince danced with Princess Jeremiah.
Then—
The lights suddenly went out.
Darkness.
Confusion.
Someone stumbled—I caught them, spilling wine onto myself.
Then—
The lights came back on.
And—
The Crown Prince was hanging from the chandelier.
A sword pierced through his heart.
And the hilt—
I recognized it instantly.
My dagger.
Then someone screamed:
“Evanjelin Rohanson has assassinated the Crown Prince!”
…What?!
That’s insane.
I didn’t do it!
