Chapter – 6
“Don’t be like that—have some tea with us, won’t you? And I’d love to hear your thoughts on the latest trends these days.”
“Marquisess.”
Evangeline wasn’t oblivious to her intentions. She wasn’t as perceptive as Duke Teze, but her rational nature made her fundamentally incompatible with this woman. Yet there was one reason she couldn’t simply dismiss the marquisess outright.
“When you think about it, we’re practically family, aren’t we? Surely you can spare a little time for that?”
“…….”
The Revin Marquisate was a distant branch of the Teze Dukedom. Technically, they were too far removed to be considered close relatives, practically strangers, yet in a ducal family where bloodlines were precious, even such distant connections were treated as family. They had maintained this tradition even before Evangeline entered the household, so she couldn’t just break it at will.
“I’m sorry, Marquisess, but I have urgent matters today and must return first.”
But taking care of others was only possible when she herself was safe. She had never ignored the Teze family before, so it was time for them to let this one slide.
“Then please, take your time looking around.”
“B-But, Duchess! If you leave like this……”
The marquisess’s face fell in shock, clearly unprepared for Evangeline’s response. Her face grew even redder as the glances of her companions, casting suspicious looks, made her increasingly flustered.
“Actually, I had something I wanted to tell you personally……”
“Later.”
Right now, Evangeline was exhausted. Whatever the marquisess wanted to say, it was obvious it would involve clinging to her to see the newly arrived jewels and force them as gifts.
‘I’ve spoiled her from the very beginning.’
Ever since her marriage to the duke had been arranged two years ago, her father had generously entertained all visitors related to the Teze Dukedom. Not just the Revin Marquisess, but every member of the duke’s family visiting here was given gifts without receiving any money in return. When she voiced her displeasure, Count Ohara had smiled gently and dismissed it.
“When those close to you turn their backs, the wound cuts the deepest. All you can do is knowingly let yourself be deceived.”
“But—”
“The easiest and most convenient relationships are always those that can be solved with money, my princess.”
Her father’s words had been right.
Having once lost her own money, she now understood all too well the comfort of relationships that could be resolved with it. Feeling suffocated, she stepped outside for fresh air.
And of course, the sky was a startlingly vivid blue. Despite her family being ruined, the outward appearance was no different than before, making it feel like she was living in a dream.
“Lady Ohara, please, just for a moment with me……”
“Marquisess, please!”
Leave me alone.
Evangeline was exasperated by the marquisess who had stubbornly followed her here. She had been taught not to display her emotions carelessly, but she no longer knew how much more she could endure. Even Philip, who had come running, looked awkwardly around, making her stomach churn.
“Your Grace, you must return immediately. You cannot remain here.”
“Why… why is everyone……”
For the first time, Evangeline tried to let her emotions show, but even now, she could not. Before she could speak, her head snapped back sharply.
“Ah……”
“Kyaaaaah!”
A few women, including the marquisess, screamed as Evangeline’s head was thrown backward. Yet Evangeline herself could barely cry out, unable to react.
…What on earth is happening now?
She hadn’t even processed what had happened to her yet, and now another incident was added. The person who yanked her from this oddly serene, dreamlike world was as forceful as they were brutish.
“You decadent, wicked woman! Bring him back! I said bring back my son!”
◇ ◆ ◇
Evangeline had never experienced violence—or anything close to it—before.
Even corporal punishment, common in childhood, had nothing to do with her. Count Ohara, doting on his only daughter, never allowed anyone, including himself, to harm Evangeline physically or mentally. She had never even received a mild pinch on the head, so the shock of what happened in broad daylight lingered for hours.
“Your Grace! You must treat the injury on your face first!”
“…….”
“Please, look here. You need to reduce the swelling with ice……”
Philip’s frantic voice came from across the carriage. Evangeline, staring blankly, traced her cheek with her fingers. A faint trickle of blood indicated that the scratch came from a woman’s nails as she had been grabbed by her hair moments ago.
Yet it didn’t hurt at all. Perhaps she had completely lost her senses. Awakened slightly by the ice pack Philip handed her, she recounted the recent incident.
“While you were living so lavishly, my son was turned into fish food in the middle of the ocean! If anyone dies, let it be your father alone—why my son, my one and only son!”
It was likely the family of a sailor on board.
The few words she could remember, scattered and fragmented, tore at her heart sharper than the nails had. They had probably been watching from afar and then rushed in—possibly days had passed like this. The woman, foam at her mouth, clawed at her own throat as she screamed.
“Ha……”
The breath was knocked out of her by an event she had never imagined happening to her. But more surprising were the Teze household knights who had arrived immediately, as if they had been watching, to pull the woman away from her.
“…Did His Grace the Duke order all of this?”
“Y-Your Grace.”
“I thought so.”
Nothing surprised her anymore. She removed the ice pack with a bitter smile. The smooth operation of the office, the jewelry shop still open—it had all been by his command. Only Decarno von Teze could orchestrate such a perfect illusion.
So she was not shocked that Michael, the duke’s secretary, waited for her at the annex. Even when Michael said the duke wanted to see her, she followed calmly. Though curious how he returned just in time after days of silence, seeing Decarno in the study made it clear.
This man knows everything.
“I think I told you not to go out.”
“…….”
The look in his eyes as he turned from the window was indifferent, yet somehow irritated. He seemed angrier that she had ignored his orders than by what happened outside. Evangeline exhaled slowly, exasperated.
“So am I to remain trapped here indefinitely? You didn’t come in, nor was there any communication.”
“And yet you still went outside to see what you wanted?”
“…….”
His retort stung deeply. Flushed, she turned slightly to cover the scratch on her cheek.
“You’re always too busy for matters like this, but I’m not. My father is my only family.”
“Only?”
“Who else do I have?”
Evangeline looked up cautiously at the sudden sharpness in his tone. But meeting Decarno’s calm, gemlike eyes, she realized she had misheard. She bit back a bitter smile, resting her forehead on her hand.
“My divorced mother’s face is a blur, and I have no siblings. So if I’m not alone, then what am I?”
“…….”
Had the previous duchess been alive, things might have been different. Though not warm by nature, Evangeline had liked her, and despite her proud, haughty demeanor, she showed some openness to those she trusted.
But with the duchess gone, Evangeline now had no one by her side.
At least inside this house.
“……Anyway, I can’t just stay idle.”
“Did you think I was idle? Things would have gone much smoother if you hadn’t acted on your own.”
“Until when? Until we find my father’s body?”
“No. Until our wedding.”
“……Ha.”
A wedding, in this situation.
