TTMKC 21

 Chapter: 21

Too Much Karma to Confess

Dorothy still remembered what he had said.

That although he distrusted humans, he wanted to become good friends with her.

She understood him.

And she believed that simply being accepted as his friend was already more kindness than she deserved.

After all, there was an enormous gap in status between a duke and a commoner.

‘Love with a duke only exists in fairy tales. Becoming friends is already incredible.’

So Dorothy wanted to do her very best for Brandon, who had chosen her as a friend.

‘He dislikes people crossing the line, so I should be careful not to do anything that could cause misunderstandings.’

Protect their friendship, but keep the boundaries clear.

And she must never mistake his kindness and gentleness for something more.

‘I mustn’t betray the goodwill he’s shown me.’

I won’t be greedy. I just want to be a good friend to both of them!

Standing before Brandon, Dorothy renewed her resolve once more.

However, Brandon’s reaction to the word “friend” was somewhat subtle.

His mouth was clearly smiling, yet his eyes were stiff.

It was closer to a forced upward pull of his lips.

She barely had time to feel puzzled.

At last, Brandon spoke, his lips twitching faintly.

“Yes, Dorothy. A good fri—”

Was he about to say he also wanted to be good friends?

Dorothy beamed brightly, waiting for him to finish.

“The weather’s lovely. Shall we head out?”

He seemed eager to leave as soon as possible.

Although she didn’t hear the answer she had expected, Dorothy felt no disappointment.

“Of course! The sunshine will definitely help lift your spirits.”

Her only thought was to help her friend who had been feeling empty.

* * *

The two of them headed into town for a walk.

However, Brandon seemed bothered by something.

“Dorothy.”

“Yes!”

“Are you really sure you don’t want an escort?”

When they stepped onto the street, Brandon had naturally tried to escort her.

But Dorothy politely declined.

She had her reasons.

“It’s not that my escort makes you uncomfortable, is it?”

Brandon asked with concern.

Dorothy smiled gently.

“Of course not. I know that in the capital, it’s customary for gentlemen to escort ladies.”

She continued,

“But this is Sailbrums. Escorting women isn’t common here. If people misunderstand the relationship between you and me, that could be troublesome.”

“But I couldn’t care less what people misunderstand.”

“Oh, still, you never know what might happen!”

For an unmarried young nobleman, being caught up in scandal could be fatal.

“I want to be as considerate as possible, so I don’t cause trouble for you, Your Grace.”

“Wow, you’re worried about me. Then why do I feel like crying?”

His expression was oddly delicate, as though he truly might tear up.

He must be deeply moved.

“And you don’t have to thank me! This level of consideration is basic between friends.”

“Ah, haha.”

Brandon simply laughed.

Dorothy assumed he must be feeling profound happiness.

And she herself felt proud.

Helping a precious friend was truly a joyful thing.

Then suddenly, she felt people staring.

At first, she assumed they were looking at Brandon.

“Dorothy? What is it?”

“People are staring.”

“Isn’t it because they’re looking at me?”

“Oh, well… of course that’s possible.”

Casually brushing off Brandon’s guess, Dorothy looked around.

Sure enough, the gazes were directed at her, not him.

“It seems like the attention is focused on me.”

Had rumors already spread?

After all, she had accepted his escort each time they went out before.

As worry set in, Brandon took action.

“Hm. People from outside the region aren’t staring, so it’s probably not because of my looks.”

“Ah… right.”

“The ones staring are the locals.”

After thinking for a moment, Brandon asked,

“Is there a local newspaper in Sailbrums?”

“There is one. It’s a weekly paper—doesn’t cover politics or economics.”

As she answered, Dorothy froze.

Something clicked.

Every week, my face appears in it. Even when nothing special happens. There’s probably no one around here who doesn’t recognize me.

Her meeting with Charles last time must have been published.

And her guess was correct.

There was an article about Charles and her.

Their engagement. Their broken engagement. And their reunion.

‘Mrs. Horton, who loves gossip, must have seen the weekly. Maybe she chose not to tell me out of concern?’

Brandon stared quietly at the portrait printed in the paper.

“Do they print things like this in a weekly?”

“Huh? ‘Like this’?”

“Mm, it’s nothing.”

Ignoring his cryptic remark, Dorothy let out a small sigh.

There was no way it felt pleasant knowing people were whispering about a relationship that had already ended.

If there was one fortunate thing about it appearing in the weekly—

“Why? Does that paper bother you? If it does, I can take care of it.”

“No. It’s over anyway. People’s interest will fade gradually. It’s just…”

Dorothy touched the printed portrait of her face.

“I think my mother and I look quite alike.”

“You resemble your mother?”

“I didn’t feel it when I was young. But now that I’ve grown up, I can see it.”

“I see.”

With a thoughtful hum, Brandon folded the paper and slipped it into his inner pocket.

“Anyway,”

He smiled faintly.

“I understand why people are staring now, but I don’t see any sign of their interest fading.”

“Oh, I heard Charles is rather famous in Sailbrums.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. Just…”

Still smiling deeply, Brandon slowly—careful not to startle her—took hold of her wrist.

“Dorothy, do you know?”

“Know what?”

“The best way to cover a rumor… is with another rumor.”

Gently, he lifted her hand and placed it on his arm.

“You said you were worried about scandal concerning me. But I’m the opposite.”

As if by magic, the whispering died down.

In its place came admiration and awe.

No one dared speak ill of her anymore.

“I can’t leave you alone in a situation like this.”

He spoke softly.

“Why try to shoulder all the responsibility by yourself? We can share it.”

“But—”

“As you said earlier, eventually the rumors will settle.”

“Your Grace…”

“I won’t let anyone slander you. Protecting you—without breaking any kneecaps—should be the priority, right?”

She thought she heard something strange in the middle of that sentence.

But deeply moved, Dorothy didn’t press it.

Tears nearly welled up.

“I’m truly lucky.”

“Are you that touched by me, Dorothy?”

“Yes. I’m touched to have such a good friend like you, Your Grace.”

“Ah.”

For some reason, Brandon’s expression dried up like a withered leaf.

Fortunately, it didn’t last long.

He quickly regained his energy and walked closely beside her.

Not missing an opportunity was also part of a gentleman’s duty.

* * *

While waiting for Dorothy, who had stepped away briefly, Brandon leaned against a wall and pulled out the weekly from his inner pocket.

“Honestly.”

He stared at the printed portrait and murmured in admiration.

“The world really is fascinating.”

Looking at Charles’s portrait, he muttered,

“Even pests like this can occasionally be useful.”

He rubbed the arm Dorothy had just touched.

Her warmth still seemed to linger.

“Thanks, you little pest.”

Grinning, Brandon tore the newspaper without hesitation.

He left only Dorothy’s face intact and ripped out the part with Charles’s face.

He was about to throw the scraps onto the street but paused.

“Ah. That won’t do.”

After glancing around, he walked to a nearby trash bin.

“Trash belongs in the trash can.”

He tossed the scraps inside and smiled in satisfaction.

Then he carefully folded the paper with only Dorothy’s face remaining and placed it back into his inner pocket.

“I’m sorry. Did I keep you waiting long?”

Dorothy emerged from the building, having finished her errand.

“I could wait a million years.”

“That would never do.”

“Hm, but it’s true.”

Naturally, he escorted her again as he replied,

“I may not look it, but I’m quite persistent. I can manage even longer than that.”

Dorothy clearly didn’t believe him very much.

Well, whether it was true or not—

Only time would tell.

The real plan was just beginning.