Episode 56

Now, let’s go back to the original story.

The current missing heirloom of the Kalleid Duchy.

‘The Heart of Winter.’

It was a blue sapphire ring passed down through generations in the ducal family.

After the untimely death of the previous Duke and Duchess, the ring went missing when Lucian was still young.

…By the way, the ring was stolen and sold by Viscount Craig.

Anyway, returning to the original story.

There is a secret in that heirloom, and that secret is…

‘That ring was actually a magical device that helped stabilize the family’s abilities.’

However, even if you consider the entire Kalleid Duchy, there were hardly any individuals who manifested their abilities.

The fact that ‘The Heart of Winter’ was a magical device did not become known outside.

The flow of the original story is roughly as follows.

Dante discovers ‘The Heart of Winter’ being auctioned at his own auction house and presents it to the original female protagonist.

Later, when the female protagonist learns that it belongs to the Kalleid Duchy, she returns it to Lucian.

Upon discovering this fact, Dante becomes furious with Lucian.

Lucian, now able to control his powers properly, surprises everyone by confronting Dante using his abilities, unlike before.

‘Anyway, if Lucian could safely use his abilities through the heirloom.’

That heirloom could interfere with Lucian’s abilities.

…It now also means that it could awaken Lucian’s dormant abilities.

However, at that moment.

“Lady Lepherian?”

A deep voice called out to me.

“What are you thinking about so deeply with someone sitting in front of you?”

“Oh.”

Suddenly coming to my senses, I blinked my eyes.

“I apologize.”

“Well, never mind. Shall we proceed with the contract then?”

Benedict, nodding his head, seemed to have been waiting, as he pulled out a contract document.

He adds a few more details on top and presents it to me.

“Take a look once.”

I carefully examined the contents of the contract.

‘It’s not bad for now.’

Everything from the initial investment I made to the profit distribution was written down.

There didn’t seem to be any poisonous clauses either…

I signed the document, and Benedict put the document he provided into my handbag.

“Well then, it seems we can conclude our meeting for today at this point.”

“Oh, wait. Let’s go out together.”

Benedict, who answered so, skillfully gathered the mug and glass pot on the table onto a tray.

Meanwhile, I subtly narrowed my eyes.

‘That thing is slightly annoying.’

It’s that brown short hair that tickles Benedict’s shoulders.

Since the cleaning earlier, that short hair had been flowing down on its own over his face.

He casually brushed the hair behind his ear, seemingly annoyed, without bothering to tidy it up.

He really didn’t seem to have any intention of fixing his hair…

“Don’t you have a hair tie?”

I, unable to hold back, spoke.

“It would be more comfortable to tie up your hair.”

But Benedict shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

“Well, if I had a hair tie, I would have tied it up already, right?”

“…”

As I stared at Benedict for a while, I rummaged through my handbag and pulled out a plain black hair tie.

“Here you go.”

Since I have long hair myself, I always carried a hair tie with me.

I placed the hair tie on the table.

“I’ll leave it here, so tie it later if you want.”

“Hmm.”

Benedict, who alternately looked at me and the hair tie, folded his eyebrows and lowered his eyes.

“Then, may I borrow Lady Lepherian’s hand for a moment?”

“My hand?”

“Yes. I currently have no hands…”

Benedict extended the tray he held in both hands as if presenting it to me.

“Now that we have a hair tie, I thought you might want to get rid of this inconvenience quickly.”

“…”

Seriously, he couldn’t even endure that short time?

Then, how has he been wandering around with that short hair from this morning until now?

…Such questions rose in my mind, but I firmly suppressed them.

‘Hold back.’

This man is one of the male protagonists in this world and a partner in cultivating Palazzo together.

Moreover, it’s not that difficult to tie his hair.

Instead of answering, I abruptly stood up from my seat.

Then, I glanced at Benedict with a scrutinizing look.

“I have a strong desire to tie your hair, but you’re too tall.”

“Oh, then.”

Approaching the table, Benedict briskly took a seat in the chair.

I narrowed my eyes.

“Since you’ve taken a seat, why don’t you put down the tray and tie your hair yourself?”

“Huh, really.”

Benedict lowered his head in an exaggerated manner, as if heaving a sigh.

“Is it that you’re unwilling even to extend such a small favor to me?”

“What?”

“I knew Lady is quite stern, but this is truly heartbreaking.”

Then he nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.

“Due to the immense emotional distress, my enthusiasm for cultivating Palazzo might wane…”

“Okay.”

Instead of engaging in more arguments with this man, it might be better to grant his request and quickly wrap things up.

I swept Benedict’s hair away with my hand.

‘…It’s soft.’

The sensation of the hair slipping through my fingers was akin to silk.

Well, it’s a bit strange to make such a comparison with a male protagonist.

It reminded me of the softness of the fur of a yellow-spotted cat I had touched once…

A moment later.

“All right, it’s done.”

Stepping back, I observed Benedict’s hairstyle.

Well, it seems I tied it up quite well.

Benedict, now with a ponytail, smiled contentedly.

“Thank you.”

Then, as if something just crossed his mind, he added.

“Oh, right. Lady should be aware of this as well. Even if you decide to invest in the business, it will take quite some time to see actual profits.”

“It’s okay.”

I have no intention of running away immediately.

Swallowing that response internally, I grinned.

* * *

Later.

I carried the pie box Benedict had prepared in both hands and walked out of the store.

The quantity was absolutely impossible for me to consume alone.

This time, it seemed like Lucian and Bridgette would devour it…

During that moment.

‘Huh?’

I widened my eyes.

A man who shouldn’t be here was standing in front of me.

Silver-black hair that painted the night sky.

Glowing crimson eyes.

A carefree posture with hands casually tucked into pockets.

“Marquis?”

At my call, Dante playfully lowered his eyes.

“Hello, love.”

“…What brings you here?”

My heart sank.

Could it be that he figured out I traded information with Benedict?

But his expression seemed rather calm…

Simultaneously, Dante approached me.

Casually taking the pie boxes in my hands, he slightly lowered his head, looking straight into my eyes.

“I wanted to surprise you. How was it?”

A faint mischief played over his red eyes.

I instinctively flashed a smile.

“…I was surprised.”

Well, if he pulls off something like this again, my heart might actually fall out.

If he confirmed I wasn’t in the pie shop or saw me sneak out with Benedict…

“What, I thought you’d at least be a little glad to see me.”

Brushing the hair that flowed down onto my cheek behind my ear, Dante made a somewhat disappointed expression.

“Am I not at all welcome, my love?”

Excuse me, but didn’t we see each other just three days ago?

Although I felt a strong urge to retort like that…

“I can’t believe that.”

Instead, I tightly embraced Dante’s arm.

A faint glow shimmered over his red eyes.

“I’m really happy that Marquis came to see me. Is today a day for you to focus on me?”

Speaking with intentionally sweeter tones, I cooed, and Dante chuckled.

“Of course it is, my love. What do you want to do today?”

“I’m fine with anything as long as I can be with the Marquis.”

“Anything, huh? That’s the most challenging answer.”

Dante shrugged his shoulders.

His smile became a bit brighter.

“Still, for once, I’ll have to make an effort.”

Effort.

Effort?

I silently pondered that word.

It seemed too inappropriate to describe Dante’s emotions towards me.

* * *

Benedict didn’t immediately return to work. Instead, he leaned against the wall, his fists clenched, and gazed through the glass.

Through the glass, he saw Elzé being escorted by Dante, leaving the scene.

‘What is this feeling?’

Benedict felt strangely downcast.

His small hand carefully brushing through his hair.

Did that hand yearn to be embraced by the Marquis of Openheimer, as if waiting?

“Ah, I don’t like this.”

Benedict muttered quietly.

The inexplicable discomfort.

… It bothered him tremendously.

T/N: As I mentioned before, he changes how he calls Elze sometimes, sometimes it’s Dear/Darling/baby/my love because it would not be fun if I wrote one nickname. His changing nicknames indicate his growing love and obsession. I also like Benedict’s character. I don’t think he’s bad at all.