Chapter 14
Is it okay to just let her go like that?
She looked like she was in a tough spot, and I wanted to ask more about her connection to the second victim.
But Rosemary was just a witness, not a victim. And with so many eyes watching, it was too much to follow her outside.
“The timing wasn’t the best. Duke, which scone would you like to try?”
I smiled awkwardly and looked up at the duke as I asked. I realized again just how tall he was.
Duke Calix, who had been watching Rosemary, only met my gaze after I spoke.
“There are so many kinds. Should we just try one of each?”
“Can we eat them all? No matter how much you eat, I doubt we could finish them all.”
“If we don’t like some, we can toss them. Let’s just buy them all and see.”
With that, Duke Calix turned to the shop owner and ordered every type of scone available.
The same owner who had been yelling at Rosemary now took the order with a big, greasy smile, telling us to sit and wait while the scones were prepared.
Soon, twelve different kinds of scones were laid out on the table in front of us.
Luca sat quietly on the floor, and Tofu was still nestled in the duke’s arms.
“I knew it was a lot, but this is really a lot.”
“Lady Elena, please help yourself.”
“You too, Duke.”
As I picked up a scone, I made eye contact with Luca. Those eyes…! They sparkled even more than usual—he clearly wanted some.
“Can I give some scone to Luca and Tofu? I’m not sure if dogs can eat bread…”
“As long as there’s no chocolate chips or anything, it should be fine. But don’t give them too much.”
“I see. Then…”
I broke off a piece of a plain scone and held it out to Luca.
“Luca, try this.”
“Woof! (Okay!)”
Luca devoured the scone in a flash, then wagged his tail more enthusiastically and looked up at me with pleading eyes. He was staring so intently…
“Woof! (More, please!)”
“You’re not supposed to eat too much. You’ll get your own treats when we get home.”
“Woof woof! (But I’m still hungry!)”
“So cute.”
I patted Luca’s head generously. Then I suddenly remembered something and quickly spoke up.
“Duke, watch out for fur from Luca and Tofu.”
“Of course. I’ll be careful while eating.”
“I really need to make that medicine soon.”
“No need to rush. We have time.”
“But still, the sooner I make it, the better. That way, you’ll be more comfortable too…”
And maybe I can stop all this.
“It feels like you’re thinking about me more than before, Lady Elena.”
What was that? That comment just now…
He was still smiling, but something felt off. Did he know something? No, there’s no way. I haven’t told anyone. He probably just meant I seem more lively than the old Elena.
“Well, Duke, you’re treating me much more kindly than before, aren’t you?”
That was true. In the original story, he never spoke more than necessary to Elena. So he must have acted like that even before the murder case and her employment began.
“Now that you mention it, you’re right. We’re definitely treating each other better.”
“It’s good to get along, isn’t it? Should we go now? Can we take the leftovers with us?”
“Sure. The sun will set soon. It’s a good time to head back.”
We packed the remaining scones and left the shop. Honestly, the scones were delicious, but I had no mental space to enjoy them properly.
While we waited in front of the shop for the carriage, I spotted someone crouching across the street in a familiar-colored hair.
It was definitely Rosemary.
“Duke, I’ll just be a moment. I’ll head over there quickly.”
“Lady Elena?”
I left him with just that and hurried toward the alley. Rosemary was crouched near its entrance.
“What are you doing here? Aren’t you cold?”
She looked rough. Her clothes were worn and stained, and her shoes were nearly falling apart.
The novel never described her as glamorously dressed, but… she looked far too shabby to be a mistress.
When I asked, Rosemary quietly lifted her head—she was crying.
“Um… I don’t know the full story, but I saw what happened in the shop earlier. You were…”
“You saw me getting thrown out.”
“Yes. It looked like you were in a difficult situation. If you don’t mind… would you like to have this?”
I held out the scones I had packed. I had already tried them, so I didn’t feel any real attachment to them.
“Why are you giving me this…?”
“No reason. Sometimes you just need someone’s kindness—no matter how senseless it seems.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s cold. Please go home soon. Take care.”
There was no need to get further involved.
I didn’t know her situation, but I could think of it as simply helping out a neighbor in need.
I ran back toward Duke Calix. The carriage had already arrived, so I couldn’t afford to dawdle.
“That was the same woman from earlier, right? Do you know her?”
Once I got in the carriage, Duke Calix asked first.
“I don’t know her personally. She just looked like she was struggling, so I gave her the scones we packed. I’m sorry for giving away something you bought without asking.”
I felt guilty for acting on my own and lowered my head.
“It’s fine. Helping someone in need is a good thing. No need to apologize to me.”
“….”
How could someone this kind be a murderer?
The question popped into my head.
What kind of person was Duke Calix originally?
Is this kindness his real personality, or is it all an act? But could I even tell the difference? We’re not that close.
“Oh.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I forgot I wanted to look at dog supplies too. What a shame.”
“I see. Then let’s go out again next time.”
“Yes… Huh?”
Again? Together?
“Why do you look so surprised? Didn’t you have fun today?”
“I, I mean…”
“I had fun. But maybe I was the only one.”
He looked down, sulking slightly, with that characteristic sad expression of his.
Ack—m-my heart!
“N-no! I had fun too! I’d be honored to go out with you again! Really!”
What am I even saying right now?
“I’m glad. Then let’s definitely go out together again next time, Lady Elena.”
“O-okay…”
I did it. I really did it.
My whole body felt drained. I liked it but hated it. Hated it but liked it.
To think I’d get to see that gorgeous face again—what a blessing for my eyes.
“You really promise?”
Even though I already answered clearly, Duke Calix asked again, as if he didn’t believe me.
Did I make it too obvious that I was scared?
In the end, I added something to reassure him.
“Should I pinky promise you?”
“Shall we?”
“Wait, seriously?”
I was the one who offered, but I ended up asking in shock.
Honestly, I thought he’d turn me down.
“If Lady Elena wants to, I don’t mind.”
“….”
The way he bashfully averted his gaze made him look just like a sly fox.
This cunning little… Why is he doing this to me?
“N-no! I just thought you didn’t believe me! That’s all!”
I panicked, and my voice shot up without me meaning to.
“Is that so? I believe you. I just wanted to make it a little more certain.”
“O-okay.”
Feeling embarrassed, I looked down.
Avoiding his gaze was probably best for my poor heart.
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the duke’s residence.
We immediately parted ways to go to our rooms.
“Haa…”
So exhausting. I felt like all my energy had been drained.
“I need to… research…”
I also had to make medicine for the doctor.
But my tired body wouldn’t listen.
After washing up, I slumped onto the bed, and my eyes shut on their own.
