Chapter 6: The Eve
The page turned, and his eyes searched once more for familiar words.
“Virgins Are Disappearing!”
…The authorities suspect it is the work of the group that broke into Guanberg Cathedral a few days ago and stole the ‘Saint Lucilia’ statue—that is, a subversive organization. They announced that by order of King Casepheon, Duke Lianton will personally lead the investigation. Citizens have been requested by authorities to secure their homes thoroughly and refrain from allowing their daughters of marriageable age to go outside…
“Is it that case again?”
“Hmm.”
“Take breaks, Father. You’ll harm your health at this rate.”
“Boy. Don’t worry about me, just take proper care of yourself. Are you going out again today?”
“Well, yes. What else would I have to do?”
“Is it that you can’t find anything to do? Make sure you end your fun at a reasonable hour. How long will you waste your time idly?”
“With you being so robust, it wouldn’t be right for me to have responsibilities too.”
“If you can’t speak properly, tsk. Then at least learn business management. Times are changing, so you should have something to show for yourself, shouldn’t you?”
“Ah, is it this late already? I should get going. Will you be home today?”
“Changing the subject… Well. I need to go quite far, so it doesn’t seem likely.”
“I understand. Then travel safely, Father.”
Creeak.
“Kaylon!”
“Yes?”
“Take your coat with you!”
“Haha! That’s your coat, Father! Happy birthday!”
His somber golden eyes wandered aimlessly through the air. Kaylon’s vision gradually darkened.
* * *
“Here is the list you requested.”
Isaac handed over the document folder he had brought to Kaylon. Gauging the Duke’s visibly low spirits, he cautiously asked.
“Are you worried?”
“About what?”
Kaylon’s eyebrow rose askew.
“About Miss Norris.”
“Well. Is there something I should be worried about?”
“Then…”
Isaac’s gaze darted toward the thick file. He was about to continue but closed his mouth.
The fact that he had been rummaging through old newspaper articles was evidence that something was weighing on his mind. But with the Duke dismissing it so bluntly, there was no way to press the matter further.
Isaac silently watched as Kaylon opened the file and examined the names.
A moment of silence passed. The emotionless golden eyes moving downward stopped at a certain point. Kaylon raised the corner of his mouth in a sardonic smile, as if he had expected as much.
“This season should be quite entertaining.”
As soon as rumors spread that the Duke of Lianton would attend House O’Neill’s hunting festival, the name of Count Almar—who had been equally distant from social gatherings—appeared on the list.
What would happen if the Count were to see Lyra? Surely he had made this decision with that possibility in mind.
His golden eyes, now deeply colored, gleamed differently than before. He was intensely curious about what bait the Count might dangle to reclaim his woman, what unpredictable scheme he might devise.
“I’ve selected those who will accompany you to the hunting grounds. I’ve also mapped the terrain, so please review it.”
Isaac pulled out another paper from a different file and placed it on the desk. Kaylon gave it a cursory glance and replied indifferently.
“Nothing is likely to happen.”
“We can’t be too careful. We can’t rule out the possibility that the Count is plotting something out of resentment. Wouldn’t the hunting grounds be perfect for disguising a mistake?”
“You almost sound like you’re hoping for it. Or is that my imagination?”
Despite the potentially heavy atmosphere, Kaylon spoke with exaggerated casualness.
From Isaac’s position, having to thoroughly examine the surroundings and prevent any contingencies, this could have been somewhat unpleasant, but at that moment, he gave a small cough.
“It’s definitely your imagination.”
Kaylon laughed softly in disbelief. An aide who secretly wished misfortune upon his superior. He quietly observed Isaac, whose under-eyes had darkened, and rested his chin on his hand.
“If it’s that difficult, why not train a successor?”
“Out of the question. Having more people around would just… ahem! More importantly, what will you do afterward?”
“About what?”
“There’s a high possibility that the Count will approach Miss Norris. What if he makes her an offer she can’t refuse?”
“Do you still not understand that woman?”
“Pardon?”
“She’s not the type to easily betray someone, at the very least. Especially a woman who has escaped from the jaws of death.”
Kaylon recalled the day when Baron and Baroness Norris visited the manor. It was only then that he learned why the woman had fled from the Count’s residence.
Until then, it had been merely speculation, but that day he was able to confirm her circumstances more precisely.
Yet there remained an unsolved question. Why had Count Almar intended to take Lyra’s life after making her his bride? Wouldn’t it have been easier to take her virginity using Ghost, like the other women?
In search of this answer, he had Michael interrogate a captured subordinate of Ghost, but no convincing information was obtained.
Kaylon’s fingers tapped on the desk. Then Isaac cautiously spoke up.
“I still don’t understand.”
“What?”
“The reason Miss Norris fled the Count’s residence. I believe she only stayed there for a few hours, but the Count isn’t careless enough to have his plans exposed.”
“So? Are you suggesting Lyra conspired with the Count?”
“It’s possible.”
“For what purpose?”
“Well, that…”
Isaac’s mouth suddenly closed. He, too, always got stuck at this point and could only gauge Kaylon’s reaction. Naturally so, since it was actually their side that was scheming.
“Your suspicion goes too far. Why not stop talking to plants and try mingling with people more?”
As Kaylon snickered, Isaac pulled his lower lip tightly upward. He wanted to ask if the Duke was insulting his children, but Isaac barely swallowed his words.
“How is the hotel handover going?”
“Ah, regarding that matter, Baron Norris…”
Their conversation continued for about another hour.
* * *
“Is this… really okay?”
Lyra, standing in front of the mirror, asked Hannah. With emphasis placed on her eye makeup, her eye corners appeared darker and more elegantly upturned than usual.
“It suits you well. If you just manage your expression properly, no one will take you lightly.”
“Just that much?”
“Yes. I think you needn’t worry.”
Hannah placed pointed high heels in front of Lyra and smiled gently.
“Would you like to try them on? The Oswan atelier sent them today as a gift to celebrate your debut.”
“A gift?”
“Yes. Wishing you a successful debut in society.”
Hannah straightened her body and carefully took Lyra’s hand. Though it wasn’t her first time wearing high heels, Lyra still seemed somewhat uncomfortable.
“But I have nothing to give in return…”
“You’ve already done plenty. They’ve benefited greatly from you. I don’t know everything, but they’re probably the highest-grossing atelier in the region right now.”
“Hmm…”
Lyra’s feet slipped one after another into the sparkling silver shoes. As expected, she wobbled slightly. Hannah held her hand firmly until Lyra stood completely upright, only then letting go.
“You don’t need to dwell on it. It’s enough to just accept it as their way of saying they look forward to your continued patronage.”
“…Okay.”
Lyra examined herself in the mirror once more. From head to toe, everything had changed so much that anyone who saw her would find it difficult to connect her with the former Lyra Norris.
Her hair, now grown to her shoulder blades, was swept to one side, accentuating her refreshing impression. Combined with elegant yet not excessive makeup, the dress, and the high heels she had just put on, she had transformed into a tall, dignified beauty.
Lyra, now looking slightly down at Hannah whose eye level had been similar to hers before, raised the corners of her lips shyly.
“Please convey my thanks.”
“I will. Shall we go outside now? I’m sure Mrs. Beightle will be surprised.”
“Will she… really?”
Awkwardness was still evident on Lyra’s face.
Seeing this, Hannah felt a moment of regret. They had dressed up as a rehearsal before departing for O’Neill’s tomorrow, but if she had known Lyra would be this uncomfortable, she would have had her dress up earlier.
If one’s appearance changes suddenly without time to adjust, even she would have needed time to get used to it.
“By the way, who are those people?”
At that moment, as they walked down the corridor, Lyra asked about unfamiliar figures visible through the window. Hannah glanced down briefly and answered casually.
“Ah, those are the people who will accompany the Duke. They’re leaving early tomorrow morning.”
“In the morning?”
Lyra had thought she would be riding in a carriage with Kaylon throughout the long journey. But if he was leaving first…
Why did she feel both relief and disappointment simultaneously?
While not having someone who made her tense nearby would certainly reduce her fatigue, the thought of enduring the long hours alone made her feel somewhat dejected. No, more precisely, was it a different feeling?
