Chapter 28…
At the very bottom of the document, next to the bank’s name, there was a familiar emblem — a lion wearing a crown. It was the same design that had been painted on the carriage Tesion rode.
“Oh? You didn’t know? Yes, that’s right. Starting this year, all official documents have our family crest included. There are quite a few people who don’t recognize it yet.”
“Oh, I see…”
Cynthia replied softly. For some reason, she was once again struck by how truly grand and powerful Tesion’s family was.
I actually tried to deceive a family like that?
“Well, not that it matters anymore…”
After filling in all the blanks and handing the forms to the banker, Cynthia looked around the building to pass the time. Her eyes wandered and then stopped naturally.
But Tesion…
If I disappear like this without a word, how will he react?
Will he be puzzled? Will he worry, even a little?
Or… will he be too happy about seeing again to remember someone like me at all?
“……”
She couldn’t tell what this strange feeling was. His violet eyes — the ones that used to sparkle so beautifully at her — kept circling in her mind.
A short while later, after finishing all the verification procedures, the banker opened the lowest drawer and took out stacks of cash. With practiced hands, he began to count the bills carefully.
Cynthia swallowed hard as she watched the money. That’s 450,000 mint — my ticket to a new start!
The green banknotes trembling under his fingers looked dazzlingly beautiful.
“All 450,000 mint withdrawn, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“Here you are. Please count it, and be careful not to lose it.”
The man’s perfect customer-service smile flickered for a moment with concern. He clearly worried about handing such a large amount to someone who looked as naive as Cynthia.
“Thank you so much!”
But Cynthia didn’t notice his concern and simply turned around to leave the bank.
“Ah… I’m hungry…”
She needed to repay her debts and think about her future — but now that she actually had the money in hand, another thought popped up.
I haven’t eaten all day…
Cynthia looked down at the thick envelope filled with cash.
Gulp…
It was the first time she’d ever held so much money. Maybe, just this once, she could buy herself a nice, expensive meal — with her own money.
Just one day! Just today! I’m in a terrible mood anyway…
Having made up her mind, Cynthia turned the corner and pushed open the door of the first elegant restaurant she saw — she didn’t even bother reading the sign.
Anything’s fine! I’ll buy it all today!
“Welcome, my lady. Do you have a reservation?”
As soon as she stepped inside, a young waiter rushed up to greet her.
“Reservation?” she blinked.
“Yes. If you don’t have one, it might be difficult to dine here today…”
At that moment, another man — probably a senior employee — nudged the waiter in the ribs and whispered quietly.
“Hey, rookie! Don’t you see those eyes? She looks like someone from the Bailey family…”
“W-what? Bailey…?”
Cynthia blinked. I can hear you, you know…
Then it hit her — she was still wearing the green-tinted contact lenses! She’d rushed out of the Bailey mansion and completely forgotten to take them off.
“Ah… um, well then, right this way, my lady.”
“Oh, no, that’s okay.”
Cynthia didn’t want to draw any unnecessary attention — and being mistaken for someone from the Bailey family was the last thing she wanted.
There were plenty of restaurants around anyway…
She turned to leave, but then froze. Across the street, someone familiar stepped out of a carriage.
“I’ll just find another place—”
“This way, my lord.”
Huh? Isn’t that Ruth?
And the man following him out of the carriage was…
Tesion?
The man brushed back the hair that had fallen over his forehead, his expression weary — but it was unmistakably Tesion. Those unmistakable violet eyes, now open and clear.
“Oh my, isn’t that Duke Tesion?”
Some noblewomen passing by stopped in their tracks and turned toward him. Cynthia found herself standing beside them, watching too.
“Duke Tesion? Where?”
“Right over there! I heard he can see again — is it true?”
“Seems so! He’s walking without a cane!”
“Unbelievable… Did he find a miracle healer?”
“I heard rumors it was a magic potion… but who knows? He’s so private, no one really knows anything about him.”
“That’s true.”
Cynthia held her breath and listened to their chatter.
Huh. Hearing our story from other people’s mouths… kind of entertaining, actually.
Then one of the women sighed dreamily.
“My goodness… he was handsome even when his eyes were closed, but now that they’re open — he’s breathtaking! Look at that deep eye color!”
Right? He’s really handsome, Cynthia thought absentmindedly, gazing at Tesion with the same dazed expression as the noblewomen.
Then another woman hid her mouth behind her fan and whispered.
“But what does it matter? He’s already engaged to the Bailey duchess’s daughter!”
“You mean that rude one with no social skills?”
“Yes! I’ve never even seen her face. She never attends parties.”
“Hmph. But now that Duke Tesion can see, why keep that engagement? That girl’s got nothing but her family name.”
“I’d be a much better match!”
“Please, I’m better than you!”
The women giggled among themselves.
Listening to their gossip, Cynthia quietly shuffled sideways — things would get very awkward if they realized the Bailey daughter they were badmouthing was standing right next to them.
Well, I am Elizabeth… but also not exactly…
Just then, as she turned her head, she froze again. Tesion was crossing the street — heading straight toward her.
Wait— he’s not coming this way, is he? I need to hide! Where do I go?!
Panicking, Cynthia spun around and ran back to the waiters who were still whispering to each other. Pointing to her eyes, she hissed,
“Yes, I’m Bailey! See these eyes? Now hurry up and seat me anywhere inside — I’m starving!”
“Y-yes, of course! Right this way!”
Thinking they’d just met the infamous ill-tempered Bailey heiress, the waiters scrambled to guide her inside.
Cynthia followed quickly, trying hard not to look back.
Please, don’t come into this restaurant. Please…
There were dozens of fancy restaurants on this street — surely he’d go somewhere else.
“Would this window seat be all right, my lady?”
“Yes, yes, fine.”
“And for the menu—”
“I’ll call you later! Just go for now!”
“Understood!”
After shooing the waiter away, Cynthia lifted her hand to half-cover her face and cautiously peeked outside.
Where did he go? He’s not actually coming here, is he?
But the carriage still sat there alone. Tesion and Ruth were nowhere in sight.
“Where did they go…”
Growing anxious, Cynthia bit her lip.
And then—
“Elizabeth?”
Eek!
Cynthia instinctively grabbed the menu on the table and snapped it open, hiding her face behind it.
It was pointless, of course — he’d already seen her.
Tesion, now standing right in front of her, reached out and pulled the menu away.
“Ah…”
Feeling as though her mask had been ripped off, Cynthia awkwardly looked up. Tesion’s beautiful violet eyes were locked squarely on hers.
“Ah… h-hello…?”
Her voice came out pathetically weak. She immediately regretted the stupid greeting and forced an awkward smile.
Tesion didn’t answer — instead, his eyes slowly traveled from her head to her toes, then back up again.
“You came here… to eat, I see? Ha ha, this place has great food! I—I was just about to have an early dinner myse— kyaaa!”
