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Chapter 13
An Offer That Cannot Be Refused
“…What did you say?”
“Pretending not to know a single man while secretly stringing them along, is that it? Count Clovis and Duke Ertmann, both at your feet—your skills are truly remarkable.”
Louis’ face turned cold at Regis’ sarcasm, which had initially drawn a smile.
“Watch your words, Regis Xavier. If Her Highness and I were really in that kind of relationship, you would’ve felt my fist on your face long ago.”
“Sure, sure. You’re the type who flirts with every woman you can reach.”
Regis mocked, clearly enjoying himself at being nothing more than a shield for a princess without backing. Then he turned his attention directly to Odette.
“I know you’re angry with me, Your Highness, but everything I’ve said comes from my heart. And I’d recommend you not to trust the men you’re currently involved with. Especially Count Clovis and Duke Ertmann.”
“That’s for me to decide. I don’t want to deal with this anymore—”
As Odette tried to dismiss him, Regis leaned in close and whispered in her ear:
“Don’t you want to know why Duke Ertmann admitted to his secret meetings with Your Highness?”
“…!”
Odette immediately frowned and shoved him away, but Regis just smiled gently.
“I already know. And I could tell you, if you wished.”
“…What are you plotting?”
“Plotting? There’s nothing like that. I simply want to convey my true intentions to Your Highness.”
It sounded almost romantically naïve as Regis pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Odette.
“If you wish to know, attend the ball at the Xavier residence three days from now. There’s no invitation, so consider this your substitute.”
“I don’t need it. I won’t go. How could you possibly know about it, having just returned to the country?”
“I may have just returned, but as you know, I’m quite close with the Third Princess.”
If Walter truly wanted Regina and involved Odette in that plan, it wouldn’t be surprising that the information reached Regis as well.
The handkerchief was once again offered to Odette.
“So, what will you do?”
* * *
‘Is this really the right choice?’
Odette stared at the handkerchief in her hand, pondering.
Of course, a handkerchief wouldn’t give her an answer. Instead, a voice beside her spoke:
“I thought you had made a decision just by taking the handkerchief. Are you still thinking?”
“You could conclude that taking it doesn’t mean you’ll go, Eli.”
Odette finally placed the handkerchief down again and replied.
By now, it was night. Quite some time had passed since she had met Regis by chance. After giving her the handkerchief, Regis had slipped away as if that were the entirety of his business.
No doubt he thought there was no point in lingering. After all, Louis had witnessed their quarrel and even asked if Regis had been intimidating the princess. Any misunderstanding spreading would be troublesome.
It was frustrating how obvious his intentions were.
‘Just like this handkerchief.’
He spoke of sincerity, but Odette could tell it was a trap aimed at her. The problem was that, knowing it, she still had no choice but to step into it.
“Count Xavier won’t let me go easily. Why would he suddenly come to Belfort Academy otherwise?”
“The fact that Your Highness came to Belfort must have leaked out.”
“Right. No need to speculate; it’s obvious. Regina must’ve told Regis. So he’ll definitely press on relentlessly.”
“Trying to avoid this could make things worse. There’s no guarantee it won’t happen again next time you go out.”
“Indeed. I was just glad Count Clovis was there, though!”
“Ah, yes.”
Odette’s lips curved faintly as she recalled Louis.
Today had been a day of mixed fortune: meeting Regis was dreadful, but it allowed a natural conversation with Louis. It was fortunate he happened to be there.
‘He seems like a better person than I thought.’
Odette recalled the conversation she had with Louis after Regis left.
“Thank you for your help. I was so flustered that I didn’t even greet you properly.”
“No need to apologize. I expected to see you at the victory celebration, but I didn’t think we’d meet like this.”
“Oh…! I’m really sorry about that day. Rumors spread, and I even sent a letter about it, but you didn’t receive it?”
“I’m afraid I haven’t had the time to check my accumulated letters.”
Louis, unable to check his letters, had come straight to Belfort once his health improved. As Annesophie had said, he looked far more frail than she remembered. His delicate, refined appearance was now coupled with a hint of weakness, giving him a more sophisticated, intellectual air.
“Did something happen that day?”
“Nothing too serious. I was waiting at the meeting place, but Duke Ertmann interfered.”
“…Duke Ertmann?”
Louis’ voice carried a hint of disbelief as he finally understood.
“So… you were with the duke that day… for His Highness?”
“Y-Yes.”
Odette’s face flushed slightly with embarrassment.
“But nothing really happened. It got a little troublesome afterward, but…”
She summarized the events for Louis: from the rumor that she had a secret meeting with Walter, to the incident at the tea party.
“So that’s why Regis Xavier mentioned Duke Ertmann. Understood.”
“Just to clarify, Duke Ertmann and I are really not involved in any way.”
“I understand that as well. Then, I have one question.”
Louis’ expression grew serious—not in annoyance, but to emphasize that his question was not a trivial one.
“Why did Your Highness call me that day?”
And that question landed squarely in front of Odette.
Did she answer honestly?
The answer:
‘No, I didn’t.’
It wasn’t because Louis had been disappointing in person.
‘In fact… he’s far more gentlemanly than I expected.’
Odette found herself liking him as a person. She had feared a frivolous and indulgent temperament, but he was far more composed in conversation.
Yet, separate from that:
‘I’m still concerned about Count Clovis’ curse.’
Louis looked far worse than she remembered. Annesophie hadn’t exaggerated. A curse strong enough to affect someone in just a few days was no ordinary curse, and its cause was likely unusual as well.
‘It’s too dangerous.’
She could be a victim too, and even if she avoided the curse, the quiet, peaceful life she wanted would be out of reach.
So she postponed discussions about marriage.
‘I’ll learn more about Count Clovis before bringing it up.’
Fortunately, after the tea party, rumors that Walter wanted to marry the princess had calmed, and discussions about her betrothal with the frontier lord were on hold.
She had a little breathing room, which she decided to use to observe Louis.
Taking up the pen she had set beside the handkerchief, she finished writing a letter, sealed it with wax, and handed it to Eli.
“Send this to Count Clovis.”
“Have you made up your mind?”
“Yes.”
On the way to the carriage, Louis suddenly asked:
“-Will you attend the Xavier ball?”
“Well… I’m still thinking. Refusing might make things more complicated.”
“-Then… would you allow me to accompany you as a partner?”
“-Partner?”
Odette’s eyes widened. She had been hoping to create more opportunities to meet Louis, so this was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
But why offer if it wasn’t for him?
Louis’ slight, awkward smile answered that question.
“-Seeing what happened before, I couldn’t let you go alone. It might be dangerous. I’d feel uneasy.”
“-…Thank you.”
Perhaps because she hadn’t received such a gesture before, her voice came out a little strangely.
“-I’m still thinking, though. Can I contact you once I’ve decided?”
“-Of course. I’ll be waiting.”
Louis smiled lightly and only left once Odette had entered the carriage. Polished to the end, as always.
Odette’s impression of him soared.
‘Once I confirm the curse situation, I could even propose.’
And the first step was to attend the Xavier ball. She couldn’t leave Regis’ scheming unchecked.
‘I also need to see what Duke Ertmann is planning.’
After Walter’s interference, things were gradually returning to their proper course. Meeting Louis gave her a sense of relief, and that night she slept soundly. Hopefully, no more trouble would occur.
“Count Clovis is attending the Xavier ball?”
In the office of Duke Ertmann’s residence, Walter’s voice expressed mild surprise.
“Yes. After keeping to himself for a while due to health issues, he seems to have recovered. Or perhaps he wants to visit a friend who has returned to the country.”
“Either way, it doesn’t matter. If he kept isolating himself, it could’ve been troublesome. Russell, is there an invitation from Xavier?”
“Yes. Count Xavier seems to be hosting a grand ball upon his return, so invitations were sent to most of the noble houses.”
Regis Xavier had always enjoyed luxury, so the scale of this ball would be substantial.
“Will you attend?”
“Of course. It’s better to handle matters quickly.”
