IGBD 39

Lydia checked her face in a small hand mirror, then slipped it into her handbag.

“Anita, you just take the carriage back.”

She spoke to Anita, who was sitting across from her.

After Sereret had stormed out in tears, Lydia left the duke’s residence as well. Since Sereret was upset over the wedding ring, Lydia thought she ought to help her as a friend.

I must make sure to tell Yuan that Sereret isn’t happy with her wedding ring. That way, the gift I prepared will reach Sereret properly.

Once the gift is delivered, Yuan will surely want to be with me. That’s why it was better to send my carriage back.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Not out here—you shouldn’t call me that. How many times must I tell you to be careful?”

Lydia frowned. Just how long was Anita going to be this dense? Lydia truly didn’t want to hit her.

“I’m sorry.”

Startled, Anita quickly apologized. Lydia looked at her with dissatisfaction, then stepped down from the carriage.

Lydia gazed at a three-story building—the office where Yuan oversaw the Precktuster family’s business.

She had never once visited Yuan’s workplace before, so she entered with a fluttering heart.

Inside, she ran into Yuan’s aide, Derrick. Familiar with Lydia, Derrick approached and greeted her.

“Are you here to see His Grace the Duke?”

“Yes, I came to see Yuan.”

Lydia nodded.

Derrick immediately escorted her to Yuan’s office. Lydia forced her excitement down and wore a graceful smile.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Yuan looked at Lydia with a puzzled expression as she stepped into his office. He seemed a bit taken aback by her unexpected appearance.

He rose from his seat and offered her a sofa. Derrick excused himself, saying he would fetch tea, and left the office.

“Surprised I showed up suddenly?”

At Lydia’s words, Yuan silently nodded. His frankness made Lydia pout. Her voice turned slightly petulant, tinged with disappointment.

“I came about Sereret.”

“Sereret? You mean my fiancée?”

At the mention of Sereret, Yuan straightened up, staring intently at Lydia as though ready to listen carefully.

His reaction made Lydia’s face tighten slightly. It dampened her mood, seeing how much he cared about Sereret. She smoothed her expression and spoke.

“Sereret is very upset. I feel like it’s all my fault, so I wasn’t at ease. That’s why I came to see you.”

“What happened?”

Yuan’s face hardened. Did something happen between the two of them? Lydia forced her lips into a strained smile.

Why is my Yuan showing such a face because of that trivial woman, Sereret? Lydia suddenly felt wronged, as if she were no longer anything to Yuan.

“It’s the wedding ring that’s upsetting her.”

“The wedding ring?”

Yuan tilted his head, puzzled.

“She said it wasn’t a diamond, but a sapphire. She was disappointed it was such a cheap stone. And she cried after hearing someone say a wedding ring isn’t worth anything unless it’s a diamond.”

“…”

“She said you were the one who chose sapphire. I tried to console her, telling her you must have had a deeper reason. But she wouldn’t calm down. Why did you do that, Yuan?”

At her words, Yuan rubbed his chin and frowned slightly. She had seemed pleased at first. Where had she heard that nonsense about non-diamond rings being worthless?

Planning to divorce, yet being picky about the ring? It wasn’t even something she’d be wearing for long.

“You should soothe Sereret. I believe you chose sapphire for a reason, but she doesn’t see it that way.”

Speaking as though concerned, Lydia studied his expression. The frown on his brow didn’t ease.

He must be disappointed in Sereret. What man wouldn’t be after hearing that? Lydia hid a smile.

“The reason I chose sapphire was to match Sereret’s eye color.”

“What? …How romantic.”

For a moment Lydia went blank at Yuan’s words, then muttered faintly.

She hadn’t thought him the type to care about such things. The fact that Yuan’s rare thoughtfulness had been stirred—for Sereret—shocked her.

“I’ll explain it to her again myself.”

“I’ll help. She’s very upset, so I can’t help worrying. Sereret is my friend, after all.”

“No. There’s no need. Lady Elliot, it would be best if you return to the palace before dark.”

Yuan’s curt refusal made Lydia nervous. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Her plans were veering off track.

“Actually, Sereret asked me to be there. She wants to ask you directly but doesn’t have the courage.”

Quick-thinking, Lydia blurted it out. Yuan fell into thought, silent for a while. Finally, he broke it with a reply.

“…All right. Let’s go together.”

He immediately stood. When Derrick reentered, Yuan told him to take the tea back, then began tidying his documents.

Seeing this, Lydia’s lips curled upward. Everything was proceeding as planned. She was thoroughly satisfied.

Leaving the office, she accompanied Yuan to the duke’s residence. In the carriage, she stole glances at him as he reviewed his papers.

Not once did Yuan look her way. His unwavering focus on the documents left Lydia crestfallen.

She longed for the Yuan who used to call her “Lydia” so sweetly, who would play with her. Back then, he felt like he belonged to her.

But as they grew older, a distance formed. Yuan no longer called her Lydia, nor played at being her companion.

He used to grant her every wish. Now, after his engagement to Sereret, he had changed. Lydia’s eyes filled with tears.

Hearing her sniffle, Yuan looked up.

“Lady Elliot?”

He frowned at her.

“Yuan, can’t we go back to the way things used to be?”

She asked through falling tears. Yuan sighed softly and handed her his handkerchief. She wiped her tears.

“It hurts… it feels like you’re keeping me at arm’s length.”

All because of that woman, Sereret Innoheater. If she didn’t exist, Yuan would of course be mine.

With a troubled expression, Yuan closed his papers.

“Sorry. I just… suddenly felt nostalgic about when we used to play together.”

Lydia sniffled, her voice trailing. Yuan felt awkward seeing her cry. He had always disliked it when she cried.

To him, Lydia seemed like a child destined to be loved by everyone. Making her cry felt like it made him a terrible person.

Even now, he felt that way. The situation itself annoyed him. Having to coddle and comfort her like in the past was tiring.

Yuan watched her silently, then said,

“We’re adults now.”

“But we’re still friends.”

Lydia gripped the handkerchief tightly.

“I have a fiancée, and you’ll soon have one too. We shouldn’t create unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“I…”

She swallowed her words. I’ll wait. I can wait for years, until the day you cast Sereret Innoheater aside.

“This is best for both of us. So don’t cry like a child anymore.”

Yuan spoke with a blank expression.

Something about his tone felt irritated, and Lydia flinched. Am I a nuisance now? Because of that woman, Sereret? She bit her lip.

She was both hurt and angry, but she endured. Soon Yuan would see Sereret’s true nature. That thought cheered her.

It’s fine. Yuan will soon lose affection for her.

Forcing a smile, Lydia imagined what was to come.

The carriage arrived at the duke’s residence. Lydia entered the lobby with Yuan.

“Welcome.”

The butler greeted them, just as Sereret came running down the stairs. Her face was pale. Lydia looked at her with delight.

“Yuan, Lydia.”

Sereret glanced between them. Her faint smile quickly darkened.

“What’s the matter?”

Concern colored Yuan’s face at Sereret’s expression.

Seeing his demeanor—so different from how he treated her—Lydia’s eyes narrowed.

“Yuan, what should I do…”

Sereret’s voice quavered as she looked at him.

“What’s wrong?”

He took hold of her arm.

“The ring… the wedding ring is gone.”

“The wedding ring? Gone?”

“I put it in the drawer, but it’s disappeared. I searched everywhere. The wedding is so close—what do I do?”

Sereret covered her face with her hands in despair.

“Did you search thoroughly?”

“I did. It’s nowhere to be found. I showed the ring to Lydia, then put it back in the drawer, but now it’s gone.”

Sereret cast Lydia a reproachful look.

Yes, that’s right. Look at me with that expression, Sereret. The more you do, the worse it’ll be for you. You’re digging your own grave.

Lydia mocked her inwardly, though outwardly she put on a remorseful face.

“I’m sorry, Sereret. I shouldn’t have begged you to show me the ring.”

“…Are you really sorry?”

Sereret looked at her strangely.

Lydia felt sure Sereret had taken the bait.

“Of course I’m sorry. It feels like you lost it because of me. I’m sorry, Yuan.”

She turned immediately to apologize to Yuan.

“It’s not Lady Elliot’s fault.”

Yuan’s answer was firm.

“No, it is. Because of me, Sereret lost the ring. It’s not her fault, so please don’t scold her too harshly.”

Tears shimmering, Lydia wiped them away—deliberately using Yuan’s handkerchief.

“Lydia, may I ask you something?”

Sereret straightened, fixing her eyes on her. Lydia smiled inwardly.

Foolish Sereret was dancing to her tune.

“Of course, Sereret.”

“Did you come into my room today?”

“Me? Why would I go into your room? Oh, Sereret, surely you don’t suspect me?”

Yes, that’s it, Sereret. Keep accusing me. Keep framing me in front of Yuan as the one who stole your ring.

Though her expression showed shock, Lydia’s thoughts were entirely different.

Everything was unfolding just as she planned. She had instructed the maid she planted in the Precktuster household, through Anita, to steal the ring and later return it.

And to tell Sereret she had seen Lydia Elliot leaving her room with the ring in hand—so Sereret would accuse her in front of Yuan.

Foolish Sereret. Falling for it so easily. Lydia was grateful she was so pliable.

“That’s not what I meant… I’m sorry, Lydia.”

Sereret backed down immediately.

Lydia shot a quick glance at Yuan. Sereret wasn’t supposed to retreat so quickly.

At that moment, Sereret’s maid Hannah shouted loudly.

“It’s my lady who deserves the apology!”

The supposedly shy maid stared boldly at Lydia. Shy? Hah. Lydia wanted to slap her.

But such rudeness was welcome. The more insolent Sereret’s maid appeared, the better.

“Anne said she saw Lady Elliot taking the wedding ring. I heard it with my own ears!”

“What is this commotion?”

Just then, Lady Oxenbury appeared, looking displeased by the noise.

Perfect. Lydia found the turn of events most satisfying.

“No, never, Yuan. Why would I steal Sereret’s wedding ring?”

She clutched his arm, eyes brimming with tears. Just then, Hannah grabbed Lydia’s handbag.

“Show us this bag. You were carrying it earlier too, weren’t you? I need to see it.”

Hannah looked her straight in the eye.

How dare you? Lydia longed to make the maid kneel, but she restrained herself. Better to appear helpless before Yuan and Lady Oxenbury.

“Hannah, don’t. Please don’t.”

Sereret made only a token attempt to stop her.

“This is outrageous! Stop at once!”

Lady Oxenbury scolded, but Hannah managed to seize the bag anyway.

In truth, Lydia all but let it go. Hannah opened it, turned it upside down, and shook everything onto the floor.

Lydia’s belongings spilled out.

A hand mirror.

A small perfume bottle.

Lipstick.

And Sereret’s wedding ring.

The sapphire ring clattered across the marble floor.

Sereret’s eyes fell on it. A faint, fleeting smile crossed her face.

“Here it is, my lady! The wedding ring!”

Hannah picked it up from the floor.

What—what?

Shock spread over Lydia’s face.

Something that should never have been there was in her bag.