GDASP 30

Chapter 30…

When Cynthia hesitated without answering, Tesion asked again.

“So that’s not it, then…? If it’s alright, could I explain it to you later instead of now?”

She planned to say that much and then run away. As long as she could get through this dinner safely, she would flee somewhere else immediately afterward and never show herself in front of Tesion again.

Tesion tilted his head slightly and looked quietly at her before nodding.

“Understood. Since we’ll have plenty of chances to meet from now on, I’ll hear it gradually.”
“Yes.”

Cynthia couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes and lowered her head, poking aimlessly at the lobster with her fork.

She felt sorry—sorry that she’d suddenly have to disappear without a word, sorry that she couldn’t even properly explain the eye drops—but there was no helping it.

Tesion, watching her, spoke gently.

“Cynthia, did I perhaps make you uncomfortable?”
“Huh? N-no.”
“Your expression suddenly darkened, and it troubles me. I like seeing every side of you, but… seeing you look like this hurts my heart.”

His downcast tone made Cynthia force a faint smile.

“It’s nothing. I’m the one who should apologize for not giving you a proper answer. Thank you for understanding.”
“Still…”

Tesion still looked uneasy.

Trying to sound bright, Cynthia pointed at her plate.

“By the way, this is really delicious!”
“…Do you like scallops?”
“Yes! They’re so plump, and when you bite into the soft flesh, the sweetness just spreads out—”

But as she was speaking earnestly, something sharp flashed through her mind like lightning. At the same time, a cold sweat ran down her back.

‘Now, for the final test! What did Lady Elizabeth say she couldn’t eat?’
‘Ugh… shellfish.’

Cynthia, slumped over her desk, had answered that while Dale pulled her back up and repeated:

‘And what counts as shellfish?’
‘Dale! Do I look like an idiot who doesn’t know that?’
‘I’m talking about gourmet dishes. If you see things like scallops or vongole, don’t even touch them. My lady has a severe shellfish allergy.’
‘It’s not like I’ll ever get to eat something so fancy! Besides, surely Duke Tesion’s people already know that—’
‘I’m telling you just in case.’

Oh no… no, no, no!

Despite all that studying and memorizing, she’d let her guard down—and now Elizabeth had just eaten scallops, of all things!

‘Does he know?’

Cynthia cautiously lifted her gaze toward Tesion across the table. He showed no reaction at all, merely waiting for her response.

Ahh, I messed up…

“…I-It’s… fine. Tastes fine.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”

Smiling faintly, Tesion picked up his knife and began cutting the scallops on his plate into small pieces.

“If you enjoyed them, shall I give you some of mine?”
“N-no! I want to try something else now!”

Cynthia blurted out awkwardly. It was an obviously suspicious reaction, but Tesion only smiled quietly, his expression unreadable.

“Very well.”

Ugh, I feel bloated…

Cynthia set down the napkin she’d used to dab her lips, frowning slightly. She had no idea how she’d gotten through dinner.

Even though she’d been hungry, she’d been too tense to eat properly—worried that another dish might come out containing something Elizabeth couldn’t eat. Each time she lifted her fork, she ran through her mental checklist, terrified she’d missed something.

“I ended up recalling Dale’s boot-camp training instead of enjoying the meal. To waste such fine food like this…”

She grumbled inwardly as she rose from her seat.

“My lady, please wait.”

Tesion stood up as well and strode toward her. She watched him, wondering what he was doing—then suddenly her body lifted off the ground before she could react.

“Kyaa! Put me down!”

In an instant, Cynthia found herself cradled in Tesion’s arms. Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. But Tesion held her firmly and turned toward the restaurant exit without hesitation.

“Wh-what are you doing?! Please put me down!”
“How are you planning to walk with an injured foot? Please rest easy in my arms. I’ll take you to your carriage.”

I don’t even have a carriage!

“W-wait! The bill—!”
“Don’t worry about that.”
“B-but I wanted to treat you!”

With the 450,000 mint I earned thanks to Your Grace!

Her flustered voice made Tesion chuckle softly.

“Then buy me something even better next time.”

Apparently, Ruth had already paid in advance, because no one stopped them as Tesion carried her out of the restaurant. He glanced around the street.

“Where is the Bailey family’s carriage parked?”

Cynthia hesitated, scrambling for another excuse.

“I’m really fine. I’m so full that I thought I’d take a walk before heading back. So please, let me down.”
“With your foot that swollen and red?”

At her mention of taking a walk, Tesion’s composed face hardened instantly. He shook his head firmly.

“Impossible. If you wish for fresh air, I’ll carry you myself as we stroll.”
“No! Please, people are staring!”
“It’s hardly improper for a man to carry his injured fiancée.”

So stubborn…!

Cynthia sighed, realizing again how quietly but firmly persistent he could be.

“Where’s the carriage? I don’t see it nearby. Come to think of it—didn’t you come with a maid or servant?”
“Th-that’s…”

She trailed off, out of excuses. Tesion looked down at her, frowning slightly as if assessing the situation. Cynthia stammered.

“I mean… the carriage is…”
“Cynthia. If it’s alright, how about staying at the ducal estate tonight?”
“…Pardon?”

She blinked. Tesion’s gaze dropped to her swollen foot.

“Seeing those small, delicate feet swollen like this, I can’t bring myself to send you home to the Bailey estate. Please come to my residence and have it properly treated.”
“The ducal estate…?”

She murmured.

The truth was, she had nowhere else to go for the moment—and as he said, limping around town in this state would be exhausting and dangerous.