Cerden walked with his arms crossed. What kind of place is this?
People were looking at us with surprised expressions.
“Oh my. Right now...”
“Isn’t that the idiot?”
“The shame of Spelman...”
I could hear all the whispers.
Everyone seemed flustered, as if they never expected me to appear in such an official setting.
In fact, I hadn’t expected it either, so I understood their feelings.
Still, come on. I can hear you all.
“People keep staring at Evelyn. Are they looking at her husband? Or a friend?”
“No. They’re just jealous of Evelyn.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m too handsome.”
Cerden smiled smoothly. He didn’t want to engage in conversation any longer.
But he really was handsome, so I had no words. It was as if his personal color absorbed the sunlight, glowing all on its own.
I felt like I could only see Cerden from afar. A mysterious gray hue danced in his hair, reflecting the sunlight.
I turned my gaze away, feeling like I might get entranced again.
I just nodded vaguely and looked around. Let’s think positively. When else would I get to be out like this?
Let’s enjoy the view outside.
Cerden led me to the front row. It seemed we were attending some kind of event. I wondered why he had brought me along.
I was bored.
Watching them talk about things only they understood was dull. Cerden was also conversing with someone who appeared to be the host of the event.
I stood up slightly. Maybe I should take a look around.
I quietly made my way toward the less crowded area.
The venue was outdoors, and the weather was nice with flowers blooming, which lifted my spirits a bit. There was a dining area set up a little further away.
Wow, money is nice.
Servants were bustling about, preparing meals.
Are we going to eat over there after this event ends?
Fortunately, while there were people glancing at me, no one approached to speak.
I waved at them unnecessarily, greeting them. When I acted like a child, they quickly lost interest.
I walked a bit further.
“Phew.”
Only after arriving at a sparsely populated area could I finally catch my breath.
Ah, really. Since when have I been dragged to places like this?
“I’m so frustrated.”
But really, am I sharing a bed with Cerden tonight? What a hassle until I fall asleep. Damn it.
Thinking about that cold gaze watching to see how I would react made my body tremble.
No one suspected me, yet I was the only one doubting myself. That ghostly child.
I sighed and sat down on a rock, cursing Cerden.
I was mulling over Cerden again.
Now that I think about it, it feels like I’ve been thinking about him all day. He probably isn’t the one.
Cerden was wandering around in my head and heart like a lawless person.
But is Duke Spelman not coming to this event today, or am I just not recognizing him?
It seemed like quite a few high-ranking nobles were present.
People dressed in splendid attire were gathered near Cerden. Did the people from the Spelman Duke not come?
As I was pondering this and looking around, I heard a voice.
“You’re not a gentleman, are you?”
Just then, Augustine appeared. But he was coming toward me, not the crowd.
A maid I had never seen before was trailing behind Augustine. Though she was keeping her distance, it was clear she was following him.
What’s this? A secret meeting?
I swallowed hard and quickly hid behind a tree, crouching down.
Fortunately, there was a large rock that provided decent cover.
“...Young master.”
“This is the promised payment. With this money, you should be able to save your sick mother.”
“Thank you, young master. Thank you so much!”
“...You must fulfill the promise you made. If you break your promise and run away, your sick mother will die.”
“I understand.”
“This is it.”
It wasn’t a secret meeting after all. I thought I was witnessing something interesting. Tsk.
I peeked up slightly.
What’s that? That small pouch looks suspicious at first glance.
It seems like they’re plotting something again.
Truly insatiable greed. It’s impressive how consistent they can be.
My mouth felt dry.
Whatever is inside that pouch doesn’t seem like it would have a good influence on Cerden. I stared intently at the pouch.
Augustine spoke coldly.
“This must... be added to what he eats. There must be no mistakes. Do you understand?”
“Yes, young master.”
The pale-faced maid nodded and quickly exited the forest. Augustine looked around before leaving the forest with a slight delay.
The darkness that had settled in the woods seemed to lift.
Once I confirmed they were completely gone, I quietly slipped out.
“What is this?”
Who is that person? Could it be Cerden?
I held my head. I’m going crazy. This is practically telling me to help. Cold sweat broke out.
It seems the one who called me here must be Cerden’s guardian angel.
“Your Highness! Where are you, Your Highness!”
In the meantime, I heard voices calling for me, so I quickly exited the forest. As soon as I revealed myself, Cerden narrowed his eyes.
“Your Highness! Where have you been!”
Pale-faced servants clung to me, and I shook my head to brush them off. Cerden asked.
“What were you doing, Evelyn? I found you.”
“I went to get something delicious, but I got lost... My husband wouldn’t play with me. Rozalina said if I came here, my husband would play with me! She’s a liar!”
I said, almost in a whiny tone, feeling wronged.
“Do you know how scared I was! Why did it take you so long to find me? I thought you forgot about me!”
“Ah, I see.”
Cerden smiled lazily and pulled my hand. I could feel people watching us.
And among them, I felt a particularly intense gaze.
Augustine.
Beside him sat a middle-aged man with a sharp expression. Given his resemblance to Augustine, he seemed to be Duke Spelman.
Tsk. I can’t pretend not to notice.
I waved my hand energetically toward Duke Spelman.
“Oh, Dad!”
Duke Spelman frowned slightly before shaking my hand in return. It seemed he was conscious of the people around us.
“Hehe, I didn’t know you were coming, Dad!”
I said, sounding as excited as I could. The Duke in Evelyn’s memories was generally kind to her.
To be precise, he was indifferent.
A smile devoid of warmth and light conversation.
“Dad! I waited for you today!”
“Well done. Good girl, our daughter.”
The dolls given as rewards. The same dolls that filled the room. Evelyn might have thought that was love.
But it was merely a nuisance. It was given with the meaning of “eat and go away.”
Pretending to smile brightly, Cerden asked in a strange tone.
“Are you happy to see Dad?”
“Dad buys me delicious things. Dad buys me dolls too! But my legs hurt.”
I sat down with Cerden. Those who had been glancing at us and whispering began to close their mouths one by one, watching Cerden.
If you can’t speak in front, don’t speak behind us, you know?
My head is already quite complicated, you know?
I couldn’t even begin to guess who the person Augustine referred to was.
I guess I need to keep my eyes peeled and watch that maid closely.
I recalled the maid’s appearance in my mind.
She was pale, had a lot of freckles, and her hair was carrot-colored. And she had her hair all tied up and was wearing a maid outfit... This is all she’s doing.
Ah, her eyes were green, right. I won’t forget that.
When are we eating?
“What are we doing here? I’m hungry.”
“It’ll be over soon, so wait, Evelyn. If you behave today, I’ll let you have chocolate before bed.”
Ugh, I hate that I have to fall for this.
I nodded.
I was curious about what was going on, but there was no one here who could explain it to me in detail. I glanced at Cerden, who was holding my hand. Especially this guy is not the one.
I just leaned back in my chair and slumped.
But there was something good about being in Evelyn’s body. I didn’t have to put on a facade.
Since I had the mind of a child, no one would think it strange, no matter what I did here.
“Yawn.”
I let out a small yawn and lowered my head.
I’m a bit sleepy. It should be fine since it’s not time to eat yet. Moreover, someone was going up to the podium to give a speech. I was in a situation where I couldn’t move. I felt the tension loosening.
I wasn’t thinking about it all night yesterday.
People were looking at us with surprised expressions.
“Oh my. Right now...”
“Isn’t that the idiot?”
“The shame of Spelman...”
I could hear all the whispers.
Everyone seemed flustered, as if they never expected me to appear in such an official setting.
In fact, I hadn’t expected it either, so I understood their feelings.
Still, come on. I can hear you all.
“People keep staring at Evelyn. Are they looking at her husband? Or a friend?”
“No. They’re just jealous of Evelyn.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m too handsome.”
Cerden smiled smoothly. He didn’t want to engage in conversation any longer.
But he really was handsome, so I had no words. It was as if his personal color absorbed the sunlight, glowing all on its own.
I felt like I could only see Cerden from afar. A mysterious gray hue danced in his hair, reflecting the sunlight.
I turned my gaze away, feeling like I might get entranced again.
I just nodded vaguely and looked around. Let’s think positively. When else would I get to be out like this?
Let’s enjoy the view outside.
Cerden led me to the front row. It seemed we were attending some kind of event. I wondered why he had brought me along.
I was bored.
Watching them talk about things only they understood was dull. Cerden was also conversing with someone who appeared to be the host of the event.
I stood up slightly. Maybe I should take a look around.
I quietly made my way toward the less crowded area.
The venue was outdoors, and the weather was nice with flowers blooming, which lifted my spirits a bit. There was a dining area set up a little further away.
Wow, money is nice.
Servants were bustling about, preparing meals.
Are we going to eat over there after this event ends?
Fortunately, while there were people glancing at me, no one approached to speak.
I waved at them unnecessarily, greeting them. When I acted like a child, they quickly lost interest.
I walked a bit further.
“Phew.”
Only after arriving at a sparsely populated area could I finally catch my breath.
Ah, really. Since when have I been dragged to places like this?
“I’m so frustrated.”
But really, am I sharing a bed with Cerden tonight? What a hassle until I fall asleep. Damn it.
Thinking about that cold gaze watching to see how I would react made my body tremble.
No one suspected me, yet I was the only one doubting myself. That ghostly child.
I sighed and sat down on a rock, cursing Cerden.
I was mulling over Cerden again.
Now that I think about it, it feels like I’ve been thinking about him all day. He probably isn’t the one.
Cerden was wandering around in my head and heart like a lawless person.
But is Duke Spelman not coming to this event today, or am I just not recognizing him?
It seemed like quite a few high-ranking nobles were present.
People dressed in splendid attire were gathered near Cerden. Did the people from the Spelman Duke not come?
As I was pondering this and looking around, I heard a voice.
“You’re not a gentleman, are you?”
Just then, Augustine appeared. But he was coming toward me, not the crowd.
A maid I had never seen before was trailing behind Augustine. Though she was keeping her distance, it was clear she was following him.
What’s this? A secret meeting?
I swallowed hard and quickly hid behind a tree, crouching down.
Fortunately, there was a large rock that provided decent cover.
“...Young master.”
“This is the promised payment. With this money, you should be able to save your sick mother.”
“Thank you, young master. Thank you so much!”
“...You must fulfill the promise you made. If you break your promise and run away, your sick mother will die.”
“I understand.”
“This is it.”
It wasn’t a secret meeting after all. I thought I was witnessing something interesting. Tsk.
I peeked up slightly.
What’s that? That small pouch looks suspicious at first glance.
It seems like they’re plotting something again.
Truly insatiable greed. It’s impressive how consistent they can be.
My mouth felt dry.
Whatever is inside that pouch doesn’t seem like it would have a good influence on Cerden. I stared intently at the pouch.
Augustine spoke coldly.
“This must... be added to what he eats. There must be no mistakes. Do you understand?”
“Yes, young master.”
The pale-faced maid nodded and quickly exited the forest. Augustine looked around before leaving the forest with a slight delay.
The darkness that had settled in the woods seemed to lift.
Once I confirmed they were completely gone, I quietly slipped out.
“What is this?”
Who is that person? Could it be Cerden?
I held my head. I’m going crazy. This is practically telling me to help. Cold sweat broke out.
It seems the one who called me here must be Cerden’s guardian angel.
“Your Highness! Where are you, Your Highness!”
In the meantime, I heard voices calling for me, so I quickly exited the forest. As soon as I revealed myself, Cerden narrowed his eyes.
“Your Highness! Where have you been!”
Pale-faced servants clung to me, and I shook my head to brush them off. Cerden asked.
“What were you doing, Evelyn? I found you.”
“I went to get something delicious, but I got lost... My husband wouldn’t play with me. Rozalina said if I came here, my husband would play with me! She’s a liar!”
I said, almost in a whiny tone, feeling wronged.
“Do you know how scared I was! Why did it take you so long to find me? I thought you forgot about me!”
“Ah, I see.”
Cerden smiled lazily and pulled my hand. I could feel people watching us.
And among them, I felt a particularly intense gaze.
Augustine.
Beside him sat a middle-aged man with a sharp expression. Given his resemblance to Augustine, he seemed to be Duke Spelman.
Tsk. I can’t pretend not to notice.
I waved my hand energetically toward Duke Spelman.
“Oh, Dad!”
Duke Spelman frowned slightly before shaking my hand in return. It seemed he was conscious of the people around us.
“Hehe, I didn’t know you were coming, Dad!”
I said, sounding as excited as I could. The Duke in Evelyn’s memories was generally kind to her.
To be precise, he was indifferent.
A smile devoid of warmth and light conversation.
“Dad! I waited for you today!”
“Well done. Good girl, our daughter.”
The dolls given as rewards. The same dolls that filled the room. Evelyn might have thought that was love.
But it was merely a nuisance. It was given with the meaning of “eat and go away.”
Pretending to smile brightly, Cerden asked in a strange tone.
“Are you happy to see Dad?”
“Dad buys me delicious things. Dad buys me dolls too! But my legs hurt.”
I sat down with Cerden. Those who had been glancing at us and whispering began to close their mouths one by one, watching Cerden.
If you can’t speak in front, don’t speak behind us, you know?
My head is already quite complicated, you know?
I couldn’t even begin to guess who the person Augustine referred to was.
I guess I need to keep my eyes peeled and watch that maid closely.
I recalled the maid’s appearance in my mind.
She was pale, had a lot of freckles, and her hair was carrot-colored. And she had her hair all tied up and was wearing a maid outfit... This is all she’s doing.
Ah, her eyes were green, right. I won’t forget that.
When are we eating?
“What are we doing here? I’m hungry.”
“It’ll be over soon, so wait, Evelyn. If you behave today, I’ll let you have chocolate before bed.”
Ugh, I hate that I have to fall for this.
I nodded.
I was curious about what was going on, but there was no one here who could explain it to me in detail. I glanced at Cerden, who was holding my hand. Especially this guy is not the one.
I just leaned back in my chair and slumped.
But there was something good about being in Evelyn’s body. I didn’t have to put on a facade.
Since I had the mind of a child, no one would think it strange, no matter what I did here.
“Yawn.”
I let out a small yawn and lowered my head.
I’m a bit sleepy. It should be fine since it’s not time to eat yet. Moreover, someone was going up to the podium to give a speech. I was in a situation where I couldn’t move. I felt the tension loosening.
I wasn’t thinking about it all night yesterday.
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