Chapter 155
Before turning around, I took a deep breath to suppress my irritation, then forcefully pulled up the corners of my mouth.
“Young Master Walter, what brings you here?”
I didn’t know why the protagonist of the ball had followed me out, but it was an unwelcome interest.
“Do you happen to have a change of clothes?”
“No. But it’s fine.”
I planned to just rinse it with water. I was going to use the classic method of searching for a place to wash up and encountering Theobalt in the process. But an interruption came.
“I appreciate your concern, but there’s no need to worry. I’m also afraid of what people might say if I monopolize the protagonist of the ball.”
I tried to preemptively tell him to go back, but Walter smiled awkwardly. He had such a kind-looking impression. He looked like a clear person whose life experiences probably amounted to no more than blisters on his hands.
“Actually, I don’t enjoy balls. If it’s not disrespectful to you, would you allow me to use you as an excuse to slip away?”
If I said no here, I would be ignoring his goodwill, making me an extremely impolite person.
“That would be difficult.”
But I declined with a gentle smile.
My target was Theobalt all along. Not the young master of the family who was loved and respected by everyone, but the outcast desperately struggling to create his own place…
‘Damn. I keep empathizing.’
This is why I dislike people similar to me.
“Um… I didn’t expect to be rejected. How should I respond in this situation?”
Walter asked with innocent eyes. Whether he was truly innocent or just pretending.
“Wouldn’t it be appropriate to say ‘I apologize’ and then return to the ballroom?”
Then I should pretend to be innocent too. I kicked him out while pretending not to understand his intention to pass it off as a joke.
“Hahaha. You’re an interesting person, Young Master.”
This doesn’t work either?
“Young Master Walter, you seem unfamiliar with the implicit rules of balls.”
This time, I tapped my damp coat pointedly, giving him an obvious hint.
“Why wouldn’t I know? Of course I do. However, we’re not in the ballroom now, and I’m in a position responsible for ensuring guests enjoy themselves. So, allow me to guide you.”
He expressed regret that he wanted to offer a change of clothes, but his own would probably be too large. It was quite a brazen act.
‘This is the problem with people who are used to being loved.’
They have no fear of rejection.
“Young Master Walter. Honestly, I’m uncomfortable. I’ve expressed my refusal several times.”
“You’re famous for your disinterest in social circles, so I thought you came to see me. I might have gotten a bit carried away.”
“I’m only here because my sister couldn’t attend and was troubled, so I came in her place.”
“…I see.”
I couldn’t understand Walter’s sullen response at all. This was our first meeting today, yet why was he acting like this? Does he only feel satisfied when monopolizing all the world’s attention?
Moreover, he’s the young master of the family. Instead of chasing after men, he should be dating women or engaging in a strategic marriage. It made even less sense.
“Return to the ballroom. I’ll manage on my own.”
I turned away without waiting for Walter’s response. It was behavior that violated the etiquette between nobles. The Marquis family wasn’t significantly lower than our family, so I should have shown some respect.
But well…
‘I’m famous for my nasty personality anyway.’
Even if this incident became a rumor, it would just end with comments like “As expected” or “I thought he’d changed, but he’s still the same.”
Creeak- Thud.
‘Seems he’s gone back.’
I had barely taken a few steps after guessing from the door sound behind me. From somewhere, I heard laughter. A hearty laugh that sounded quite refreshing.
It seemed someone had eavesdropped on my conversation with Walter. But far from being displeased, I was rather glad. Because the person emerging from around the corridor was the one I had been looking for.
“I apologize. I didn’t intend to listen, but I happened to overhear on my way back.”
Theobalt approached, limping slightly. He seemed amused that his younger brother had been repeatedly rejected.
‘Though it wasn’t intentional, I seem to have made a good first impression.’
The formal greetings we exchanged earlier wouldn’t have been enough for him to recognize me. And he also gained the information that I dislike his brother. It was a decent outcome, since confirming what I had expected was different from just assuming.
“This hardly seems like a conversation Young Master Theobalt would find enjoyable.”
I acted brusquely, actively using my image of disinterest in social circles, pretending not to know his circumstances. Just like I did with Walter.
‘I’ve already achieved today’s goal, but ignoring him now wouldn’t be like me.’
Making Theobalt recognize me as a person – that was my goal for today. I had originally planned to engage in conversation differently, but since the first impression turned out well, I intended to just receive an appropriate apology and withdraw.
“Pfft. Ahaha! I’m sorry. I just remembered it again.”
But why is he laughing again? I glanced at him with a displeased expression. Theobalt continued laughing with his shoulders shaking. I watched, crossing my arms and making a “ha” sound as if incredulous.
‘Was my dismissal of Walter that satisfying? Enough to laugh so heartily that he forgot his dignity?’
I could clearly see how people usually doted on Walter. That’s why I hated Irene too. Because everything about her was different from me. The more I compared, the worse I felt about myself. Because she had everything I wanted, and so easily too.
But I’m different now. I’ve felt Irene’s love. I know what it feels like to be loved by family. My sister was the one who gave me what I desperately wanted.
This was another difference between Theobalt and me.
“Hoo… Please forgive my rudeness. It wasn’t you that I found amusing.”
Perhaps belatedly realizing his behavior could be misunderstood, Theobalt attempted to smooth things over. Since he initiated contact, I naturally asked what I should.
“From the circumstances, it seems to be because of me. Even if you say it’s not, could I believe it?”
Theobalt looked at me with surprise. He seemed to assume that I would know his situation and therefore adequately understand why he laughed.
“Young Master, you seem uninterested in circulating rumors.”
“I have enough to deal with my own rumors.”
It was a statement meant to remind him that I was in a similar position. A sense of kinship. It may be merely unpleasant for me, but for others, it could be comforting to know they’re not alone. I wasn’t sure which category he fell into.
“Ah. Now that you mention it… Indeed. I’m not sure if you realize that despite not showing yourself in social circles, you occasionally stand at the center.”
“I’m not interested in what happens in places where I’m absent. More importantly.”
I gave Theobalt the same hint by pointing to my wet coat.
“When might I be able to remove the wine scent from my coat?”
“I apologize. I didn’t realize. If you don’t mind, would you hand me your coat?”
It was an offer to clean it properly and return it. I wanted to accept and create an opportunity for conversation, but having just rejected Walter’s kindness, it felt awkward to readily accept.
“It’s fine. I’ll manage myself.”
Yes, as per my initial purpose, this is where I stop today. It was time for me to exit.
“However, the Marquis residence isn’t so small for you to navigate alone. Do you know where to go?”
“There are plenty of people to ask, so Young Master Theobalt should continue on his way.”
It was a simple matter of grabbing any passing servant and asking. But he persisted.
“Just keep going straight ahead.”
“……”
I gave him an incredulous look before turning away. If he continues to be this clingy, shouldn’t I be the one growing suspicious?
“Young Master, please come this way.”
Despite my intentions being clearly conveyed, he brazenly opened a door. Inside, refreshments and tea were prepared.
I eyed Theobalt warily. There was a gleam in his eyes. While he appeared quite delighted, he also seemed very calm.
‘The eyes of a negotiator.’
In that moment, I realized. That was prepared for me, and he had intended to lure me from the beginning.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
