TCBCVF 70

~Chapter 70~

After the meal ended,

While we were sipping warm tea, Eva (Evangeline) quietly stood up.

‘Huh?’

I tilted my head.

Eva looked strangely cheerful.

“I’m going to the restroom for a bit.”

“Go ahead,” the Duke nodded lightly.

Eva left, and soon it was just the Duke and me left in the dining room.

‘W-What should I even say to him?’

Frozen stiff, my eyes darted around nervously.

Then the Duke elegantly lifted his teacup and spoke first.

“It’s a shame that something so unpleasant happened during your visit to the temple.”

Whew, thank goodness.

I had been panicking over whether I should speak first.

I quickly replied with relief.

“It’s fine. I still had a good time today.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I saw the Claudius family vase at the temple.”

The magnificent vase with the Claudius name on it was placed in the most visible spot at the altar.

“ The priest explained to me that thanks to regular donations from the Claudius Duchy, they’ve been able to open new orphanages even in the provinces.”

I smiled brightly.

“I think that’s really… amazing.”

And I meant it.

There are many nobles who pretend to be high and mighty, but very few donate so consistently.

Especially when their donations were large enough to fund orphanage projects—
it had to be a huge sum.

Of course, the Ansie Viscount family also supports the people in our territory, but…

‘That’s more about looking after our own citizens.’

The Ducal family, however, was caring for children throughout the Empire, not just their own lands.

Realistically, they couldn’t support every orphanage in the Empire, but still—

‘That’s already incredible.’

At that moment, the Duke, who had been gazing at me quietly, suddenly spoke.

“I think I understand Eva’s words now.”

Eva’s words? What does he mean?

I tilted my head in confusion as his voice softened.

“Eva once said that when she’s with you, Lady Ansie… she feels like she could become a better person.”

Eva… said that?

I blinked blankly.

“I feel the same way.”

The Duke looked straight into my eyes.

His gaze was steady and unwavering.

“And that’s probably because you see me as a good person, Lady Ansie.”

His deep blue eyes, impossible to measure, were focused only on me.

“ ‘A good person,’ huh…”

The Duke slowly repeated the words, as though they were something precious.

“Honestly, I don’t think that phrase suits me very well…”

Then his elegant eyes curved softly, and he gave me a warm smile.

“But I still want to live up to your expectations.”

At that moment, my heart rippled like a lake struck by a small pebble.

It felt like I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his.

His slightly curved gaze and the faint blush on his cheeks made my heart flutter.

“I really like the way you see me, Lady Ansie.”

Meanwhile, Eva was hiding just outside the door, peeking into the dining room through a crack.

‘The atmosphere doesn’t seem too bad so far…’

But then—

A maid passing through the hall recognized Eva.

“Oh! My Lady?”

“Shh!”

Eva quickly put a finger to her lips and waved frantically for the maid to go away.

“Uh, yes…”

The maid walked off, bewildered.

Eva turned her ear back to the door.

“Eva once said that when she’s with you, Lady Ansie… she feels like she could become a better person.”

The calm voice inside continued warmly.

“I feel the same way.”

“….”

Hearing those words made Eva’s chest tighten.

It was true.

When she was with Laritte, even someone like her—often called arrogant and proud—felt like a better person.

That’s why…

I absolutely can’t let Lari go.

Of course, people’s feelings can’t be controlled.

Even if Laritte and Dietrich liked each other, there was no guarantee it would develop into romance.

But—

I’ll still give it my all.

Eva clenched her fists tightly.

If she succeeded, she would never have to part from Laritte again.

She was determined to seize this opportunity no matter what.