chapter 44
What could he be thinking so deeply about?
After finishing her guidance, the poisonous mushroom lingered near Fiorentia’s feet for a bit, but when she tossed a brief “Well done” in its direction, it finally seemed satisfied and slipped away discreetly.
Fiorentia didn’t step directly in front of Luion Theodore. Doing so would reveal too clearly that she had business on this side—an action that felt far too transparent.
Instead, she decided to act as though they had met by chance, making a few deliberate noises to gauge his reaction. If Luion asked who it was, she could use that opening to start a natural conversation…
But at this rate, that plan’s hopeless.
It seemed unlikely that Luion would notice her first. Fiorentia clicked her tongue softly in thought.
She followed Luion’s slow, contemplative steps with her eyes, adjusting her plan accordingly.
If that’s the case, there’s no choice.
Fiorentia quickly figured out his path and moved ahead, predicting where he would go. Luckily, the tall trees in the garden cast shadows that concealed her, making her approach easier.
She unwound the handkerchief wrapped around her forearm.
I don’t much like the classic methods, but there’s no other way.
A bitter taste of self-reproach crept in. Was she really so lacking in creativity? But in this moment, she had no better option and rationalized her actions.
Now.
Taking a steady breath, she revealed herself just far enough in front of Luion. As if in her favor, the wind shifted and blew directly toward her. Timing it perfectly, she tossed the handkerchief behind her.
“…Oh. What now?”
She murmured in mild frustration and glanced back. The handkerchief had landed perfectly at Luion Theodore’s feet.
He froze. The sudden appearance of the handkerchief and the realization that someone else shared the space caused him to halt.
If it were Theodor, perhaps he might not notice—but any well-mannered gentleman must pick it up.
And Luion Theodore didn’t disappoint.
Fiorentia pretended to search for the handkerchief, casting her gaze around with an innocent air.
“Where did it fall? It’s too dark to see.”
“Excuse me.”
A pleasing voice carried against the wind, brushing Fiorentia’s ear.
“Lady, you dropped this.”
“Oh my, there it is.”
Fiorentia hesitated briefly, then carefully stepped closer.
From the shadows at first…
Fortunately, a large tree was nearby. Fiorentia stayed concealed in its shade as she spoke.
“I’m sorry for troubling you. The wind blew it away suddenly, and I almost spent ages looking for it. Thank you for picking it up.”
“Not at all. It’s no trouble.”
Cautiously, Fiorentia stepped into the moonlight.
“…!”
Her pale green eyes widened as they met the masked Fiorentia’s gaze.
It’s too early to be surprised.
This encounter was only the first part of her plan.
She extended the arm she had lightly beaten with an ash branch, as if to retrieve the handkerchief.
Luion’s expression stiffened. On her pale arm, the red marks from her earlier self-inflicted strikes were clearly visible.
Fiorentia, realizing she had instinctively extended that arm, quickly withdrew it in embarrassment.
“Ah.”
Feigning awkwardness, she tucked the arm beneath her shawl and offered the opposite arm to accept the handkerchief Luion handed her.
“Thank you.”
“…It’s nothing. Really, it’s no trouble.”
Luion regained his composure, answering politely with a measured tone. Fiorentia, however, was certain.
He saw the scars on my arm.
Her first suspicion had taken root perfectly. Beneath her mask, a small smile curved her lips.
Then, on to the next step.
She kept her joy hidden and continued with a polite introduction.
“You are Duke Theodore, correct?”
“Yes. Apologies for the delayed greeting. I am Luion Theodore.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Fiorentia of the Marcella Duchy. Surprised by the mask, I hope?”
“No, not at all.”
Though surprised, Luion politely denied it to spare her feelings. Then, pausing briefly, he considered her name carefully.
“Marcella Duchy…?”
Though her expression was hidden, Fiorentia smiled gently, keeping her demeanor natural for the sake of her act.
“Desdemona Marcella is my half-sister. I came to the palace following her, though I’m not much help.”
She let a hint of loneliness linger in her tone deliberately.
“…Ah.”
A short, soft exhale escaped Luion’s lips.
“My apologies.”
“No, it’s quite alright.”
A brief, awkward silence hung between them. Fiorentia glanced subtly at Luion, noting his expression. It was more tense than before, though in a way different from Theodor, making it harder to read his thoughts.
He won’t just ignore it now.
Suppressing her impatience, Fiorentia decided to push her luck a little further.
“Then, Duke, it’s getting late. I should return to my room. Thank you for today.”
According to etiquette, she should have spread her dress and slightly bent her knees, but she had another plan. She bowed lightly toward Luion.
As she leaned forward, the knot of her loosely tied shawl came undone. The fabric slipped from her shoulders, revealing the reddened skin near her neck and collarbone under the moonlight.
“…!”
Unlike the handkerchief incident, this happened quickly. At such close range, Luion could not have missed it.
Fiorentia laughed softly to herself, speaking almost as if to no one.
“Perhaps my hands are weak; I keep making mistakes today. My apologies.”
She brushed her hair behind her ear and lifted her head. Luion, however, seemed trapped, frozen as though caught in a snare. His gaze remained fixed on the exposed skin near her neck and collarbone.
He saw it.
Fiorentia inwardly grinned triumphantly. She feigned ignorance and offered her farewell.
“I’ll return to my room now. Have a pleasant evening.”
Just as she turned…
“Lady.”
A hand reached out from behind, lightly grasping her wrist and stopping her.
“…Yes?”
Fiorentia turned back. The warm, large hand released her immediately, as though its purpose had been fulfilled.
“My apologies for the sudden interruption. I meant to ask something and was impolite.”
“No, it’s alright. You said you have something to ask me?”
“Yes. I do.”
Luion hesitated, struggling to speak. He could not bring himself to ask how she got those injuries. They were clearly not accidental.
Growing impatient with the delay, Fiorentia finally spoke first.
“Duke, what is it you wish to ask?”
At last, Luion found his voice.
“If I’ve assumed incorrectly, I apologize…”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Are you in need of assistance?”
