TREV 16

Chapter : 16

“Since I’ve heard everything from Laurence Gerhardt, don’t even think about hiding it.”

I couldn’t help but frown at the duke, who kept spouting incomprehensible words.

What in the world was he talking about now?

What did Laurence Gerhardt supposedly tell him?

Judging from the fact that he didn’t look angry, it didn’t seem like he’d learned that I’d gone out.

“So what are you planning to do?”

“…I’ll do as Father wishes.”

“Hahahaha!”

Suddenly, the duke burst into loud laughter.

For some reason, he looked extremely pleased.

“Well, look at that. You say you’ll do as I wish.”

He slowly stroked his chin.

“Patricia, that is the first thing you’ve ever said that I’ve actually liked.”

Smiling, he approached me.

As if he intended to reward me with a benevolent embrace.

Being hugged by the Duke of Herarilla?

Could anything be more horrific?

“So then…”

I stepped back several paces, making my refusal entirely clear.

“What is it Father wants to do?”

I didn’t know what Laurence had told the duke.

But for now, I would follow Laurence’s plan.

“Say you accept it.”

“…”

“Attend the Starlight Ball as his partner.”

Partner for the Starlight Ball.

“……”

I had no idea why Laurence would say such a thing, but I was sure he’d done it for my sake.

Otherwise, why lie about inviting a woman he hated to be his partner?

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

Laurence.

Maybe he was a better person than I’d thought.

“You look rather pleased, Father.”

Becoming Laurence’s partner was one thing.

But the duke was far more cheerful than usual.

If his cheeks rose any higher, they might very well touch his forehead.

Though it was fascinating, his sly grin left a bitter feeling.

“Laurence seems to have taken a liking to you.”

“……”

“Well, you do take after me—your looks are exceptional.”

I almost snorted, but forced my lips shut.

Patricia resembled the Duke of Herarilla?

There could not have been a worse insult.

Even if it were a joke.

But the confidence shining in his eyes made it clear he genuinely believed it.

“You’ve hardly interacted with him.”

“……”

“So he must not be much of a man after all.”

The duke burst out laughing again.

“Patricia, you know you’re of marriageable age. Now, what do you think of Laurence Gerhardt?”

What did I think of him?

My sin against him was so great that I could only pray he might forgive me once—just once.

“Laurence. He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in the empire.”

I only hoped his anger might ease enough that he could dismiss me as a foolish girl who once had a crush, and nothing more.

“Do your best.”

“…Pardon?”

“I mean win his heart.”

My face twisted before I realized it.

I should be grateful if Laurence doesn’t pursue revenge—and Father was telling me to woo him?

“Make him propose to you.”

At that moment, I understood why the duke was so delighted.

He was thrilled at the prospect of forming ties with House Gerhardt.

No wonder he was acting more lenient than usual.

He thought he saw something to gain through Patricia.

“Yes, I understand.”

“Good, good.”

As I obediently replied, he nodded in satisfaction.

“Put your all into it—use any means necessary.”

“…”

“Surely that’s better than marrying some wrinkled old man in the provinces. Laurence is young and handsome.”

“What?”

“?!”

A hollow laugh escaped before I could stop it.

Was he insane?

So if I failed to secure Laurence, he would sell me off to some old man.

And he said it proudly—as though pawning off his daughter was something honorable.

“As if that’s even a question.”

“……”

“Compared to some old geezer, Lord Laurence is obviously the better choice.”

I wanted to argue, but there was nothing to gain here.

“And I don’t have proper jewelry for the ball…”

“Tell the butler. He’ll prepare everything.”

Fine—if this was happening, I might as well bleed him dry.

“And I’ll need a new dress. Can I commission something in the latest fashion?”

“Tell the butler. Do as you wish.”

I nodded as if understanding perfectly.

“I’ll have three made, just in case.”

“Tch. I said do as you wish.”

The duke clicked his tongue as if inconvenienced.

“When the young lord visits next week, spend as much time with him as possible. Win his heart completely.”

Laurence must have said he’d return for an answer next week.

“All men are the same. Don’t give your affections too quickly. Make him desperate.”

Listening to this advice from the Duke of Herarilla only soured my mood further.

When I wasn’t profitable, he ignored me completely—now that I seemed useful, he pretended generosity.

Disgusting.

“I’ll take my leave then.”

“Don’t you dare ruin this with stupidity.”

Clack.

Even as I closed the door, the duke’s repulsive voice grated on my ears.

My own father treating me like a tool.

If that was how it would be, then I would do my best as well.

Knock knock.

“…My lady, it’s Emma.”

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Emma hesitated before stepping inside.

“I… uh…”

She stalled, unable to speak.

She had probably come to find out how things had turned out.

“Don’t worry.”

“Yes?”

“The thing you were afraid of won’t happen. That’s why you came—to make sure, right?”

At that, Emma fidgeted awkwardly with her hands.

“As if you came worrying about me. If you’re done checking, you can leave.”

“…My lady, I’m sorry.”

I jerked my chin toward the door, but Emma bowed her head deeply.

Then suddenly blurted out—

“I’m truly sorry!”

“……”

Her apology was completely unexpected.

“I’ve been terribly rude to you all this time. And yet you hid my mistake…”

She spoke haltingly, choking on every few words.

Her tears dripped steadily, and I rose, feeling awkward.

“I think I misunderstood you, my lady.”

“…Probably not.”

“But now I truly understand how much you care about me!”

Emma had seriously misunderstood something.

“Hic… even if your words are sharp, I know your heart isn’t! I’m certain now!”

She sobbed miserably—perhaps years’ worth of guilt pouring out.

“If you’ll forgive me—bold as it is—I’ll devote myself to serving you from now on!”

Where she got the idea, I had no clue.

“Emma.”

“Hic… yes?”

“I forgive you. Now stop crying.”

This kind of misunderstanding was exhausting.

Being hated would be easier.

It wasn’t as if I had no kindness toward her…

But I certainly didn’t deserve this dramatic gratitude.

Well, I had saved her from punishment.

But I never imagined she’d react like this.

Her unexpected change of heart made me deeply uncomfortable.

“Hic! Thank you so much, my lady!”

But as soon as I forgave her, she burst into even bigger tears.

“No need to thank me!”

“No—if not for you the duke might have killed me! By now I’d be beaten and thrown into a dungeon!”

“Well, that’s true but…”

“And I treated you so terribly! But still, you protected me—waah!”

Nothing I said could stop her.

“Fine—just wipe your tears.”

With a sigh, I handed her a handkerchief.

Maybe that would help her calm down.

If she stopped crying, maybe my headache would lessen.

“Sniff!”

Emma clutched the handkerchief—and started bawling even harder.

“My lady, I swear I will repay this kindness!”

She finally declared her vow between hiccups.

“Sigh…”

At this point I had no idea where any of this was going.

I met Laurence, survived thanks to his unexpected help, and returned home safely—

Only for the duke to threaten me into winning Laurence’s heart,

and for Emma to suddenly swear eternal loyalty.

“Right.”

Too much had happened today already.

“Do as you please.”

I sat down beside the crying girl and patted her shoulder.

“Do whatever you want.”

“Waaaah!”

It had been a long, exhausting day.

Honestly, I wished someone would come drag Emma out of my room.

But instead, I soothed her and sent her off as gently as I could.

Pat, pat.

I held back another sigh and continued patting her shoulder at a steady rhythm—

hoping desperately that her tears would stop soon.