“Elizabeth Bailey…”
At Teshion’s question, Cynthia thought of the female lead from the original novel. She was, without a doubt, beautiful.
‘That’s probably why, even with such a terrible personality, there were countless men desperate just to touch her fingertips… and she even ended up building a reverse harem….’
“…Elizabeth is beautiful.”
“More than me?”
“Hmm… It’s a matter of personal taste, but I think Your Grace is more beautiful.”
At her serious answer, Teshion, who had only meant it as a joke, smiled faintly.
He didn’t know why he kept letting out such pointless smiles when he was with her. Without hiding the curve of his lips, he spoke again.
“Please describe your appearance.”
“My… appearance?”
“I’m curious.”
Cynthia blinked slowly.
Even while drunk, she knew she had to describe Elizabeth’s appearance, not her own.
And she couldn’t help but think this was all thanks to Dale’s strict training.
“I have… light green eyes. It’s the symbol of the Bailey family. My father and all my relatives have the same eye color. Though the shade and brightness differ slightly.”
At that moment, Teshion’s warm, large hand touched near her eyes.
Startled, Cynthia paused mid-sentence, one eye slightly closing.
His long fingers moved carefully, slowly tracing along her eyelashes.
“Please continue.”
“…Ah, and… my nose is… on the smaller side….”
His fingers moved lower, toward her nose.
They slid gently down the bridge before stopping at the tip. Cynthia found herself unable to breathe freely.
“And?”
His voice was low.
At the same time, his fingers moved to her lips.
Slowly, very slowly, he traced along her lower lip. The soft warmth beneath his fingers reminded him of flower petals from earlier.
At that same moment, he felt an unfamiliar desire rising from deep within.
He wanted to pull his hand away immediately… and yet, at the same time, he wanted to stay like this.
“…You’re beautiful as well, Lady Elizabeth.”
Teshion murmured quietly.
Then, the lips still touching his fingers opened slightly in protest.
“…I’m not Elizabeth.”
“…What?”
“I’m not Elizabeth Bailey.”
Cynthia looked at the Grand Duke sitting across from her with a tense expression.
At last, his calm face lifted into a smooth smile.
“You didn’t make any serious mistakes.”
Phew…
Cynthia let out a breath of relief, placing a hand on her chest. Thankfully, it seemed this body made fewer mistakes depending on the situation.
She began preparing to stand.
‘Then I should hurry back to the Bailey estate….’
At that moment, his lips—still slightly parted—spoke a single word.
“Cynthia.”
What…?
A chill ran down her spine.
Cynthia raised her trembling green eyes toward Teshion.
“…Yes?”
Did I hear that wrong? I must have… right?
With the same calm expression as always, he continued.
“Cynthia. Is that a name you were called as a child? Last night, you clearly said your name was Cynthia, not Elizabeth.”
Haha…
Cynthia realized she hadn’t misheard. Forcing an awkward smile, she desperately tried to think.
“Haha… C-Cynthia? Who’s that? Maybe you misheard, Your Grace?”
“There’s no way I misheard. You held onto me and repeated it quite clearly.”
Cynthia swallowed dryly, gripping the edge of the table tightly.
“Th-that’s strange… I wonder who that is?”
“I’ve never heard that Lady Bailey changed her name.”
“N-neither have I….”
Ugh… that was such a stupid answer!
Cynthia frowned at her own response.
Right, this was all because of the alcohol.
In her mind, she pictured Dale’s crooked smile—and the five million mint slipping away from her grasp.
“But that isn’t very important.”
At that moment, the Grand Duke spoke quietly.
Cynthia slowly lifted her head.
That’s not important…?
“In any case, you are here as my fiancée, correct?”
“Ah… o-of course! I’m Elizabeth Bailey…!”
“Of course.”
His expression didn’t match the situation at all.
He looked… pleased. Almost excited.
“Then that’s enough.”
The Grand Duke nodded slowly, confirming it again.
Cynthia couldn’t easily respond to his strange attitude.
“You must be tired. I’ll have you escorted back to the Bailey estate.”
“That’s okay—!”
“Ruth.”
Ignoring her lightly, Teshion called someone.
A man entered the room and stood neatly beside him.
“Prepare a carriage to escort my lady. And make arrangements for me to go as well.”
“Ah, Your Grace…”
His aide, Ruth, spoke carefully.
“The Count Adrian is scheduled to visit this afternoon. He should be arriving soon…”
“Count Adrian?”
“Oh! If you have a prior engagement, I’m fine. I can return on my own.”
Cynthia quickly interrupted, eager to leave.
She didn’t fully understand what was going on—she just wanted to escape.
And someone else was coming!
If they knew Elizabeth Bailey, she absolutely couldn’t meet them.
“Then it can’t be helped. I’ll escort you to the front.”
“Yes, thank you!”
Teshion briefly frowned, disappointed, before smoothing his expression.
Cynthia, not noticing, quickly stood up.
Outside, a large carriage with its door open waited at the gate.
Wanting to leave as soon as possible, Cynthia unconsciously quickened her pace.
Feeling the urgency in her grip on his arm, Teshion suddenly stopped walking.
“My lady.”
“Yes?”
Startled, Cynthia answered.
If she stayed with him any longer, it felt like he’d become even more certain she wasn’t Elizabeth.
She glanced desperately at the open carriage door.
She needed to get back and report everything to Dale.
I made a huge mistake!
“Is something wrong? You seem in a hurry—as if I’ve done something wrong.”
“What? You, Your Grace?”
What could he have done wrong! I’m the one who messed up!
Even if he couldn’t see, Cynthia shook her head quickly.
“No, not at all! I just feel like I caused too much trouble yesterday, so I want to head back. The elders of the Bailey family must be very worried.”
“Then… will you come again next time?”
Teshion asked, looking slightly downcast.
Wait, with that face…
Cynthia stared blankly at his gentle, handsome expression, then nodded vigorously. Even if he couldn’t see it.
“Of course! I had a great time. Please invite me again.”
“That’s a relief.”
A soft smile finally appeared on his lips.
Cynthia felt relieved and turned her head.
“The carriage is already here. Thank you for—”
At that moment, another carriage arrived noisily at the entrance of the Romanov estate.
Oh no! They’re already here!
Cynthia pulled her hat down lower.
“Your Grace! It seems your guest has arrived. I’ll take my leave now.”
“My lady, I look forward to seeing you again.”
“Yes…!”
For a brief moment, Cynthia wondered if there would even be a next time—but quickly pushed the thought away.
After politely saying goodbye, she turned around.
Let’s go!
Just as she was about to get into the carriage with the servant’s help, a white carriage—Count Adrian’s—pulled up beside hers.
“Count Adrian has arrived.”
She heard Ruth quietly inform Teshion from behind.
Right, then have a nice time with Count Adrian. I’m leaving!
“…Huh?”
…Wait.
Her tired eyes widened.
Adrian? If it’s Count Adrian… could it be…?
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