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chapter 31
I spoke with certainty.
“It’s just bravado. He talks as if he can do it, even when he can’t.”
“Hmm.”
Unlike me, Herace seemed lost in thought. Just as I was about to probe further, he gently shifted the topic.
“Philena, look around.”
He tapped the window, drawing my attention. Following his hand, I saw a radiant landscape under the bright moonlight beyond the glass.
I let out a sigh of admiration at the scenery I had missed while immersed in the party.
“Truly befitting of the Count Blick estate, surrounded by nature.”
The estate hosted by Count Blick, who threw this party, was famous for its picturesque scenery. Gentle ripples of water, mysterious rocks and pebbles peeking out, and the subtle colors of the river that made it especially striking—all inspired praise.
Even more breathtaking were the mountains. Towering so high that the boundary between sky and forest blurred, their peaks sometimes disappearing into clouds and mist. Rolling hills filled with grass and trees between the steep paths caught the eye.
“How do you like that mountain over there?”
“It doesn’t seem dark, but it looks majestic.”
“So you like it?”
“It’s hard not to like nature that seems free of even a speck of dust.”
“And the lake nearby? Would that also look beautiful to you?”
“I can’t see it.”
Although the moonlight was bright, it was still evening, and darkness filled the surroundings. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the eyesight to pierce through it. On average, most humans wouldn’t see it either.
“I’ve heard its glimmer is more visible than other lakes. Watching the ripples helps restore calm.”
Herace tucked the hair that had fallen over my face behind my ear. I shyly pushed his hand away, as if embarrassed, though we had discussed it.
“I thought you, being rational and smart, wouldn’t like mountains or lakes filled with nature.”
“I do like them. I know how to enjoy both visual beauty and the pleasures of nature.”
“You do?”
“That’s why, when I visit your villa, I take a look around.”
“You’re exploring the villa grounds out of love for nature? I thought it was just curiosity.”
“Curiosity comes from interest too. But why do you ask about nature?”
“Why? To give it to you. You’ll like it.”
“Give it to me?”
“Ah, that is, if the worst-case scenario I foresee doesn’t happen before the party ends.”
Was this Herace’s own bravado? He, too, had a flair for showmanship. A smile spread across my face at seeing this side of him for the first time.
Ah, the act. I tried to consciously lower the corners of my mouth, but Herace gently wiped the corner of my lips.
“You don’t have to act anymore.”
“Still… is that okay?”
Herace’s quick-witted advice was surprisingly helpful at times like this.
“Yes. You’ve shown me your hesitation, your discomfort, and even your concern for the safety of the nobles, unlike me. Now you can enjoy yourself freely.”
“…So, it’s okay to leave now?”
Though I had enjoyed resting, I now wanted to slip away to a corner.
And I didn’t want to rely on the conveniences Herace created for me any longer. It’s a contractual relationship—I couldn’t depend on him forever.
Fortunately, Herace rose with me.
I might have been the only one who felt this, but after we moved, an awkward atmosphere lingered. Observing Herace’s expression, I decided, as a matter of human courtesy, to express my gratitude. I hadn’t done so fully before.
“Thank you for everything. I actually wanted a drink, and sitting here was helpful too.”
Herace smiled widely, showing his upper teeth. Even my heart felt warm from his smile.
“But, Herace, I have something I want to ask.”
“What are you curious about? Speak.”
“The things at the Saint’s Selection—the mess I made, paying off Marquis Hanis’s debt all at once, buying my dress, shoes, and accessories recklessly… are you really okay with all that?”
It was a question I had been wondering about.
Though Herace was a duke, surely he had his own budget and rules. Even if the couple didn’t complain, his behavior seemed unusual.
‘Maybe it’s just a silly worry because I’m a Count’s daughter.’
“According to the contract, there won’t be problems I need to resolve later or extra debts imposed on me, right?”
“Of course not. Philena, did you worry about such unnecessary things?”
No human could avoid it. Perhaps sensing my concern, Herace unusually shared personal matters.
“As you know, Whistler is a real jerk, right?”
Herace spoke lightly, but it seemed he had accepted it calmly. Despite his harsh words, there was no intense hatred.
“My parents know this to some extent, which is why they treat me particularly well.”
Herace tapped my front paw with his foot and looked at me gently. His eyes flickered with unfamiliar emotions he seemed to want to hide.
“I’ve suffered a lot, so now I’m finally using what I’ve gained.”
“Why only now?”
The rumors I’d heard about Herace in the past weren’t trustworthy. But in the past, he didn’t use his genius to dispel or correct those rumors.
He could have surpassed Whistler, yet he took no action and went abroad. I couldn’t understand that either.
“Why not a year ago, two years ago, three years ago—why only now?”
“Why? Well…”
Herace blinked and then stared at me openly, smiling as if joking.
“Philena, it’s thanks to you. These are things I never dared to use, but for you, I could.”
Herace tapped my paw lightly with his own. He gently caressed my cheek with his hand.
“You’re cute, beautiful, smart—everything. I want to be near you, that’s why I’m doing this.”
“I don’t disagree that I’m cute, beautiful, and smart, but I’ll ask the reason why only later.”
“That’s disappointing… you’re really not going to believe me?”
“Yes.”
I answered firmly. I didn’t want to allow avoidance of conversation anymore.
Before I knew it, the party was nearing its end. Herace went to check something with Count Blick. With him gone, the nobles spoke to me more comfortably than before.
“Is it true that Marquis Gas asked for some time?”
Marquis Savior crossed his arms and looked at me suspiciously. His gaze pierced through me, not with curiosity, but disapproval.
I wasn’t surprised. Marquis Savior admired Whistler and wanted to connect her daughter, son, and him. To her, I was a nuisance.
“Yes, that’s what we decided.”
“So it was Marquis Gas, not Duke Gray, who asked for time?”
“Yes, you can understand it as the newspaper reported.”
At my clear answer, Marquis Savior clicked her tongue.
I wanted to ask, ‘Do you think I’m pathetic?’ but nobles disliked direct questions. Indeed, a difficult species.
Suppressing the urge to retort, I decided to investigate Marquis Savior’s preferences again.
“What do you think about the Wonderful Boutique?”
“Well, there’s nothing like Wonderful Boutique. It’s a shame Lady Light can’t go there, but…”
I had bought a dress there two weeks ago, but I swallowed that remark. Delicate nobles often take such reminders as sarcasm. Truly a difficult species.
“And which do you think you are among Springworm, Summercool, Autumnworm, and Wintercool?”
“You think my banner is disgusting? Lady Light, what a rude thing to say!”
