Evelyn was already resentful about being falsely accused, but now it seemed like every little thing that happened after was being pinned on her as well.
Leonel’s eyes burned with rage.
At the same time, a sense of doubt crept in.
Could someone be deliberately spreading malicious rumors?
Maybe there was someone who, after knowing Evelyn had been chosen as a hero, had lingered nearby for a long time, stirring up trouble.
‘Who’s behind this?’
Could that villain be a servant of the Evil God? Would they have known Evelyn was the Hero even before the gods themselves did?
How could he find the Evil God’s apostle?
Shaking off his tangled thoughts, Leonel hurried into the bathroom so as not to fall behind his sister.
***
“It’s noisy outside.”
“Pardon?”
They were in the middle of picking out jewelry that the Duke had brought over for the upcoming party happening in a few days.
At the Duke’s comment, Evelyn lifted her head. Indeed, there was quite a commotion outside the window.
The Duke had been preparing for this party since morning, bringing over jewelry since it was their first social event after forming their sponsorship bond—he wasn’t going to let it pass without making a statement.
All the items were expensive enough that they must have been worth several hundred gold coins each.
The Duke was holding out two pairs of similar earrings, asking which looked better, but Evelyn couldn’t make up her mind.
Staring at the two violet earrings, her head was starting to spin.
“I’ll go check.”
“No. Where do you think you’re going? You need to pick a piece of jewelry.”
As Evelyn abruptly stood up like she was trying to escape, the Duke’s gaze followed her persistently.
‘Did he catch on that I want to run away?’
Evelyn licked her dry lips.
What was the real difference between violet sapphire and lavender tanzanite, anyway?
Of course, she knew they were different stones, but both were beautiful.
The Duke was examining each piece with meticulous care, pointing out every little flaw.
“I’ll go see what’s happening outside. While I’m gone, pick something acceptable.”
With that, the Duke elegantly left the parlor.
“As expected, people of the Duke’s caliber really are on another level,” Tinya said with a drained voice. The other maids nodded in agreement.
At first, they had been thrilled to help choose their lady’s accessories, but after three hours of opening and closing jewelry boxes without rest, their energy had run dry. They no longer had the strength to admire each new piece.
“I never knew you could get tired of seeing too many pretty things.”
“Same here. But I don’t think I could ever get tired of looking at the Duke.”
The maids burst into laughter as Evelyn flopped onto the sofa.
“Is there really nothing you like?”
“They’re all so pretty, I can’t decide.”
Whatever she picked would match the dress well anyway. It was a deep blue gown.
Since the event would officially announce the sponsorship, she had chosen a color and design that would give off a calm and elegant mood.
She had thought that would be the end of it—but now, she also had to choose jewelry.
“I’ve never seen such expensive gems in my life. Honestly, anything would suit you, my lady.”
Tinya held up a necklace featuring a round-cut violet sapphire surrounded by tiny transparent diamonds to Evelyn’s neck.
“I think this one suits you especially well.”
“I agree,” the other maids chimed in.
Listening to them, Evelyn contemplated the Duke’s “homework.”
“I’ve looked at them so long, they all look the same now.”
Evelyn scanned the jewelry spread out on the table. She had to pick something that would satisfy the Duke.
Despite his cool and sharp appearance, the Duke was incredibly detail-oriented.
It was impressive enough that he had brought this many jewels just to match her hair color, but none of them were ordinary.
On top of that, he scrutinized each one for craftsmanship, polish, and clarity.
‘If he’s going to be this picky, he should’ve just picked for me.’
Taking advantage of the Duke’s absence, Evelyn finally spoke to Tinya, who was casually trying on jewelry.
“For the earrings, let’s go with the ones on the side, and for the ring, the one in the middle.”
That should be enough to satisfy him. Regardless of how much he wanted to show off his wealth through the sponsorship, all the pieces were high-end anyway.
“Hey, Tinya, want to go check outside?”
The Duke was taking longer than she expected to return. Evelyn glanced worriedly at the door.
Click.
Just as Tinya was about to leave, the door opened.
“Has something happened?”
Unlike when he left, the Duke’s atmosphere now carried a sharp tension as their eyes met. He offered a bitter smile.
“My lady. It’s nothing too alarming, but I think you should visit your brother for a moment.”
“My brother?”
Evelyn immediately jumped up and ran to her brother’s room.
“Brother?!”
There was no curse. And yet Evelyn’s heart pounded. She burst through the bedroom door and thoroughly checked over her brother, who was sitting on the sofa.
“Are you hurt?”
The family physician, Jackson, was examining Leonel just as thoroughly.
“No.”
“He’s fine. No injuries. His mental state seems stable, too.”
Jackson said Leonel was in perfect health and left the room with a smile.
“What happened?”
“One of the servants got desperate for quick cash and acted out. I just got caught in the middle of it.”
Leonel’s tone was as casual as if it were nothing, and Evelyn felt a wave of relief.
“I knew my lady would worry, but I couldn’t lie to you,” the Duke explained as he followed her inside.
“Thank you.”
“It really wasn’t a big deal. This is embarrassing,” Leonel said, scratching his head awkwardly. He exchanged a grateful glance with the Duke.
“You were in the middle of choosing jewelry, right? Shouldn’t you go finish that?”
“I should.”
Evelyn gave her brother one last suspicious look, but seeing how truly unbothered he seemed, she finally relaxed.
Still, her nerves stayed on edge. Was this another attempt by the Evil God’s apostle?
“Everyone’s worrying too much,” Leonel said, waving his hand.
“I’m going back to training. Thanks to the Duke’s help. You shouldn’t worry so much.”
He swung his arms around, trying to prove how fine he was, but he didn’t miss the faint worry in his sister’s eyes.
“I didn’t do much. Just restrained the troublemaker,” Elliott said, shaking his head with a wry smile.
“Still, thank you for helping my brother.”
Evelyn bowed deeply. Ever since the Duke agreed to sponsor her, everything had seemed to go more smoothly.
“It was only natural. Let’s return to the parlor so the Young Master can rest.”
Elliott led Evelyn out of Leonel’s bedroom. As he walked, his sharp gaze swept the surroundings.
Someone had tried to kill Young Master Barrett.
The rampaging servant had been subdued, but he couldn’t even remember what he had done.
And while being transferred to the Knights’ prison, he had died.
At the Young Master’s request, they had decided not to tell Evelyn that part.
‘Someone is definitely targeting the Barrett family intentionally.’
Elliott slowly stroked his chin and glanced at the Hero walking beside him.
Her cheeks still held a bit of baby fat, her large eyes and slightly drooping corners gave her a soft, gentle look. It was almost unbelievable that she had been chosen as a Hero.
She looked far too delicate to even believe she was a Sword Master.
It was hard to imagine her killing even a bug, let alone a human—but her skill level was on par with his.
She had spirit, but… would she really have the resolve to cut down a person, not a monster?
Elliott silently watched his Hero. If there was something she couldn’t do, he would do it for her.
Anyone standing in the Hero’s way… he would remove them all.
“This one’s my favorite.”
Back in the parlor, Elliott nodded as Evelyn pointed to a piece of jewelry.
He would bring her something even better next time.
It was time to show anyone watching exactly whose person she now was. Evelyn Barrett now legally belonged under Elliott Graham’s protection.
“You have excellent taste.”
“It’s thanks to the Duke’s careful guidance.”
Evelyn finally felt relieved that the grueling jewelry selection was over. Glancing at the Duke, she noticed he seemed satisfied too.
Unaware of Elliott’s inner thoughts, Evelyn simply wished for the party to end soon so she could return to the North.
Lately, more and more eyes had been watching her and her brother.
And with the upcoming family council meeting, she needed to leave before that, so her brother wouldn’t suffer any disadvantage.
“I’m looking forward to the party.”
“Me too.”
Though their thoughts were worlds apart, they both answered the same.
‘Choosing the Duke was the right decision.’
If not for that, she and her brother would’ve been wandering without a place in the family or the capital.
Praising herself for not rejecting his offer, Evelyn firmly resolved to do her best not to cause the Duke any trouble.
