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Chapter 91
Lucy had just said her goodbyes to Duke Miller and was following the steward when she reached the main entrance of the Sun Palace.
“Lucy?”
A familiar voice called her name from behind.
‘Lord Lucas?’
It was definitely Lucas’s voice.
Lucy flinched inwardly for a moment, but she reminded herself that she was no longer Lucy; she was Navid, head of the Valencia troupe.
Instead of turning around, she didn’t stop and hurried into the carriage.
Only after boarding did she remove her mask and let out a small sigh of relief.
“Phew… I never expected to run into Lord Lucas at the palace. But… how did he recognize me?”
She had thought she had disguised herself thoroughly. Though she tried to play it off, the fact that Lucas had recognized her instantly made her realize she would need to be even more careful from now on.
That evening, Lucy finally had some free time for the first time in a long while.
Normally, she would still be working with the troupe or reviewing documents at home.
“It’s so nice to have an assistant! I don’t even remember the last time I had this kind of leisurely time.”
Eating the snacks Anna had brought her, she was reading a book in her room.
Then, Anna knocked hurriedly and called out to her.
“Miss! Miss! Come quickly! He’s here, he’s here!”
Startled by Anna’s fuss, Lucy put down her book and opened the door.
“Anna, what’s the matter? Who’s here?”
“It’s… Grand Duke Cretain! There’s no time to waste. Hurry and change your clothes!”
Anna began rummaging through the wardrobe in a rush.
‘Why would Lord Lucas come all the way here? Could it be because he saw me at the palace earlier today?’
Lucy quickly changed her clothes, tidied her hair, and went down to the reception room.
“Lord Lucas? What brings you here without any notice?”
Entering the reception room with a surprised expression, Lucy asked. Lucas smiled at her sheepishly.
“Lucy, I should have contacted you beforehand, I apologize. I came straight here as soon as my urgent schedule was done and didn’t have time to inform you.”
“No, I’m glad you came today. I was just taking a break since I had some free time! But what brings you to the capital?”
Lucas looked at her gently, smiling softly.
“There are often state ceremonies and events hosted by the royal family in the capital. I will be staying here for a while. Also, there is a special task entrusted to me by His Majesty.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! That means we’ll see more of you, Lord Lucas!”
Since meeting Lucas at the Grand Duke’s palace not long ago, Lucy had thought she wouldn’t see him for a long time. She was genuinely happy to see him again.
“I think so too. It was unfortunate to be apart… but I will come to visit frequently from now on.”
Lucas smiled brightly, looking gently into her eyes.
Her face flushed at his gaze. In her excitement, she realized she had blurted out her feelings without thinking.
“I just wanted to see you today. Of course, if it’s okay with you, I might drop by unannounced like this in the future.”
Lucas stood up, smiling playfully.
“Lord Lucas, you’re always welcome!”
Lucy returned his smile.
“Well, I shall visit again soon. I have many things to organize today.”
Fortunately, he didn’t bring up the events at the palace earlier.
“Your townhouse is very impressive. Next time, please show it to me.”
“Of course!”
Lucy promised herself she would see him again soon.
After Lucas left, Anna rushed over, peppering Lucy with questions.
“Miss, how do you know the Grand Duke? What’s your relationship that he came here at this hour? He even came to see you at my shop before…”
Anna squinted at Lucy, scrutinizing her.
“I’ve just received a lot of help from him over time.”
“But he’s such a wonderful person. He’s handsome, and he speaks so kindly even to someone like me! He’s amazing…”
Anna mumbled dreamily.
“You’re right. He is indeed a kind person…”
He really was kind and considerate. Just looking at the help he had given Lucy proved it.
Lucy wanted to make sure he wasn’t dragged into anything that could cause harm in the future.
“That said… it’s about time I meet Baron D’Arlo.”
Anna looked at her worriedly.
“You’re not going to do anything dangerous, are you?”
“No, nothing like that! Besides, Shan is always watching over me.”
Even though she said that, dealing with Baron D’Arlo could become dangerous at any moment.
‘He already tried to kill me once. Who knows what he might do if he sees me alive!’
Lucy Radford’s story hadn’t spread widely through the capital’s social circles yet, but it was only a matter of time.
‘No one would think that Lucy Radford and Lucy D’Arlo, who was once famous in the social circles, are the same person.’
But there was one exception.
If Baron D’Arlo heard the name Radford, he would surely realize that Lucy had found her real family.
Lucy wanted to deal with Baron D’Arlo before that happened.
“First, I should meet the baron. I’m curious to see his reaction when he sees me.”
“Miss… are you sure this is okay?”
Anna looked anxious.
“Shall we meet Jessica first? I heard she became a marchioness. I’m curious how well she’s doing.”
“She was so obsessed with raising her status that she finally achieved her wish. I thought she’d at least be a duchess, but she’s only a marchioness.”
Anna sneered at Lucy’s words.
“After I disappeared, Baron D’Arlo’s business struggled a lot, so they rushed into a marriage with a wealthy marchioness.”
Lucy smiled wryly.
“Jessica’s birthday party is coming up… I should get an invitation.”
“You’ll attend a party after a long time! How exciting!”
Anna’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous smile.
The next day, Lucy summoned her assistant Nils and instructed him to obtain an invitation to Marchioness Yorgo’s birthday party.
Finally, the day of Jessica’s birthday party arrived.
“Shan! You must stay close to her today! If anyone even touches her, I’ll make sure to break their fingers!”
After receiving Anna’s fierce warning, Lucy got into a small carriage without any family insignia.
Soon, they arrived at Marchioness Yorgo’s townhouse in the bustling capital—a rather luxurious mansion.
“She really married into a wealthy family.”
Lucy showed the invitation to the attendant at the entrance and walked into the party hall.
“Fortunately, no one is stopping Shan this time.”
Shan, acting as Lucy’s partner, was dressed in an elegant uniform and carried a standard sword typically used by knights.
“It seems others think this sword is just decorative,” Lucy thought, noticing how small the regular sword looked on him. She chuckled lightly.
“I brought the greatsword just in case, but don’t worry—I can protect you even without it.”
“Just hearing that makes me feel safe! Let’s enjoy the party properly, then.”
Lucy placed her hand gently on Shan’s arm as they slowly entered the hall.
Scanning the crowd to find Jessica, Lucy noticed a group gathered in one spot and fixed her gaze there.
She narrowed her eyes, thinking it might be Jessica, and suddenly stopped in surprise.
“What’s the matter?”
Shan asked, seeing Lucy’s startled expression, his face serious.
