TRST 07

Chapter 7

News spread that another figure of public interest, Ains Graham, was appearing at the ballroom.

As Ains entered, the ballroom fell silent once again.

It was similar to when I had entered, yet subtly different. People’s gazes were not solely on Ains—some were glancing at me as well.

I had a sense of what their looks meant. They were probably curious about how Ains and I would behave toward each other.

The only public knowledge was that Ains and I were divorced. That alone would spark plenty of speculation.

Judging from the words I had overheard earlier, the prevailing theories likely involved infidelity on either my part or Ains’.

But since it was only speculation, they would want to see for themselves how we would actually interact.

What reactions might people have been expecting? I could guess—they were likely hoping for something sensational.

I kept my eyes on Ains as he walked slowly into the ballroom, then deliberately turned my head to avoid him. I didn’t want to give anyone the wrong impression by staring at him after we had divorced.

Even setting aside Ains, I wanted to avoid misunderstanding for my own sake. The looks I received from people now, seeing me without backing, felt raw.

When Ains reached the center of the ballroom, the atmosphere became surprisingly lively, unlike when I had entered.

People approached him freely, talking to him without hesitation. Among them were young ladies of marriageable age.

They waited their turn, then brightened their faces and introduced themselves.

It was predictable.

Ains was the only duke in the empire and a prominent businessman running a well-known trading company.

Until now, no one had dared approach him because I was his spouse, but now, divorced and single, they probably saw their opportunity.

Marrying Ains would make one the empire’s only duchess and grant wealth that no one else could enjoy.

…From my experience, all of that was illusory.

But people didn’t know that—they were eager to introduce their daughters or sisters to him.

Who knew? Perhaps someone there could actually capture Ains’ heart.

I hadn’t managed to win Ains’ heart, but someone among them might.

If that happened, perhaps Ains’ behavior would change. Maybe he was a hopeless romantic after all.

…In any case, if someone like that existed, I at least hoped he would treat her better than he had treated me. I had already felt the withering of love enough myself.

If someone like me appeared again, it would only lead to greater tragedy.

Silently wishing that no one like me would come to be, I fully turned away from him and moved toward the terrace.

People had already come out to get some fresh air. I found an empty spot and stepped outside. The wind was cool when I opened the door.

It had been warm during the day, but the night air had grown chilly. Staying outside too long would be difficult, but I no longer wished to remain in the ballroom.

Most of all, Ains was inside. Being in the same space as him was a heavy burden.

When His Majesty the Emperor entered the ballroom, I would leave shortly after.

I exhaled deeply and looked at the sky. The sun had just set, and stars twinkled faintly in the dusky heavens.

Until just a few days ago, I hadn’t had a chance to see the stars while at a ballroom. Surrounded by people, there hadn’t been time.

But now, with the circumstances changed, I could even count the stars.

This was a positive effect, I supposed.

I rested my wine glass on the railing and gazed at the stars. My heart was so unsettled that the stars seemed even more beautiful.

How long I stood there, I’m not sure, when suddenly I sensed someone behind me. Soon after, I heard the terrace door open.

“Oh, someone got here before me.”

Someone had noticed me and spoke, sounding a little embarrassed.

I turned to see who had entered. I felt I recognized him but couldn’t recall exactly from where.

“I apologize if I disturbed your rest.”

“No, it’s fine. If you’d like, you can stay here. I can move aside.”

“No, I arrived late, so I shouldn’t do that.”

As I gathered my wine glass to leave, the man hurriedly waved his hands to stop me.

“Technically, I should step aside… but…”

He trailed off with a slight smile.

The man had handsome features, not inferior even when compared to Ains, and his bright smile naturally drew attention.

“If it’s not inconvenient, may I stay here with you?”

“Of course, that’s fine.”

I smiled politely as I answered. He seemed relieved, setting down his glass and beginning to take off his coat.

Curious about his actions, I watched as he draped his coat over my shoulders.

“What…?”

I blinked in surprise as he shrugged.

“I thought you might catch a cold dressed like that. Keep it on while you’re on the terrace.”

“Ah…”

Only then did I feel the warmth of the coat on my shoulders. It seemed heated from his body warmth from having worn it continuously.

His gesture was unexpectedly kind. I considered refusing but sensed no ill intent.

Hesitantly, I smoothed the coat over my shoulders and nodded slightly in thanks.

“Thank you. I’ll return it later.”

“That’s fine, whenever it’s convenient. By the way, I’m Cadiya Moldovan.”

The man introduced himself with a cheerful, open smile. I had heard the name Moldovan before.

So…

“Are you the Viscount Moldovan?” I asked, trying to recall.

He nodded.

“You remember. We met once before. You may have forgotten because I have a common face.”

Though he called his face common, it was not. He was good-looking enough to catch attention at least once.

Still, aside from him being Viscount Moldovan, I couldn’t recall anything else and laughed apologetically.

“I’m sorry. I was distracted before, so I barely remembered your name. I’m Cecilia Marves.”

Unless someone had actively tried to befriend me, my memory was not sharp enough to remember every face I passed.

During my time as Duchess of Graham, countless people approached just to exchange greetings. I couldn’t remember all of them individually.

Reflecting on it, I realized how futile those connections had been. As soon as I divorced Ains, people no longer acknowledged me. All the friendship from before was illusory.

Back then, I maintained quite a few connections, but now, no one came near.

“I know, Viscountess Marves.”

Viscount Moldovan strode across the terrace with long legs and stood beside me. Like me, he looked up at the sky.

I leaned on the railing, staring at the remaining wine in my glass.

The elegant music and chatter from the ballroom drifted softly between us.

“People can be quite cruel, can’t they?”

As the orchestra and laughter blended discordantly, Viscount Moldovan spoke.

I glanced at him and nodded.

“It’s hard to deny that.”

It was frustrating how quickly people’s attitudes could change. I understood it to some extent, but I wasn’t the type to accept it all with a smile.

The looks directed at me earlier, the whispers about me, the mocking laughter—nothing failed to pierce my heart.

“It must upset you. Before, everyone tried to win your favor, but now, no one even looks your way.”

Viscount Moldovan’s words hit a sore spot, but I smiled politely, showing no discomfort.

“It was just that kind of relationship.”

I replied lightly, looking back toward the ballroom. Ains was surrounded by people in the distance.

As he chatted, he suddenly looked up in my direction.

Our eyes met.

I quickly turned my head, pretending nothing had happened, and looked at Viscount Moldovan.

He noticed my gaze while looking at the night sky, turned to me, and furrowed his brow apologetically.

“I may have brought up an unpleasant topic. I apologize for that.”

“No, it’s fine.”

He likely brought it up because it was the topic on everyone’s minds at the ballroom.

Yet, even after I said it was fine, he remained silent for a while, simply staring at me.

Curious why he was looking at me like that, I stared back, and he gave a wry smile.

“But, Viscountess Marves…”

“Yes?”

He hesitated, then carefully asked,

“Do you still have feelings for Duke Graham?”