Debora’s heart pounded fiercely. She was on the verge of suffocation.

Forgotten, or rather not forgotten but buried deep in the recesses of her mind, old memories began to seep out slowly.

‘No.’

Debora did not want to be captivated by those memories.

‘Something’s wrong… No. I must have come here by mistake. There’s no way he remembers me.’

Debora couldn’t forget Belrus, but Belrus must have forgotten her. No, he had to.

Her cold, trembling hands came to life. She exerted strength to avoid missing the letter, and it quickly crumpled.

No matter how well-made the letter envelope was, paper was just paper.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door. Unlike during Shelley’s time, it was a heavy sound.

“Ah.”

When startled Deborah missed the letter, a voice came from outside the door.

“Miss Deborah. May I come in?”

It was Cedric’s voice.

“Oh, yes.”

Debora’s voice trembled. Cedric, who seemed unusual, spoke cautiously.

“I won’t take up much of your time, but if it’s inconvenient now, perhaps later…”

Before Cedric could finish speaking, Debora opened the door.

Cedric scrutinized Deborah’s complexion with surprised eyes.

Debora was smiling as usual, but her face was filled with cold sweat, and somehow she looked desperate.

“What’s the matter?”

“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.”

“But there’s sweat on your face…”

“Oh, it’s just a bit hot.”

Unbelievable. No matter how much the fireplace was blazing, winter wouldn’t turn into summer.

“If you’re not feeling well…”

“No, I’m really fine.”

Debora replied in a cheerful and mild tone.

Cedric felt a subtle discomfort, but that wasn’t the issue he wanted to pursue.

“…If that’s the case, I’m relieved.”

Cedric, who smiled pleasantly like Debora, continued speaking.

“I think there might be some mail mixed in with the letter I sent to Miss Deborah. Have you checked?”

“Ah.”

Debora turned around and picked up the fallen mail from the floor. Cedric thought with a smiling expression, ‘Why did it fall? Well, it could have been a mistake.’

As Debora handed the mail to Cedric, she said, “I think it’s this one. I’m sorry; the envelope got a bit crumpled.”

“It’s fine. What’s important is the invitation inside.”

“Invitation?”

Cedric said as he received the envelope.

“This is an invitation to the party attended by the Lord and the beloved young master Blythe, hosted by Viscount Delta. It’s the largest party for a while. It’s going to be very busy.”

Cedric, who casually laughed, observed Debora’s complexion.

Debora’s heart began to beat loudly and heavily.

“Are you going to attend the party hosted by Viscount Delta?”

“Yes. Specifically, it’s the departure party for the Britannia. It’s going to be the largest party for a while. It’ll be very lively.”

Cedric, who let out a leisurely laugh, examined Debora’s expression.

“I’m sorry for visiting so early in the morning. If you need any help, please let me know anytime.”

Debora gave a perplexed smile.

“Thank you for thinking of me.”
As Cedric left, the corners of Debora’s mouth quickly drooped, and her eyelids blinked incessantly.

Debora, who swallowed the saliva accumulated in her mouth, laboriously headed towards the table with shaky steps.

Sitting hesitantly on the plush chair, Debora pondered.

‘Was I originally planning to attend this party, or was it changed? If the latter, is it because of me?’

If it’s the latter, am I the cause?

‘No. That can’t be. Viscount Delta is Grazean’s biggest supporter. If Mr. Baker is doing business, it’s natural for him to be involved.’

Debora calmly reassured herself.

‘Among the people of Viscount Delta, it’s only natural that he sent it. He’s the most easily approachable person from Mr. Baker’s status. So stay calm, Debora Johnson.’

While Debora was slowly catching her breath, Cedric, walking down the corridor, examined the envelope.

The recipient was Jen. The sender was Belrus. Everything seemed normal.

‘But why does he seem so concerned about this?’

Cedric, who found Jen’s office, handed over the mail.

“A letter from Lady Saint and an invitation from Lord Delta.”

Jen, looking at the envelope, furrowed her brow.

“Why is the invitation envelope so crumpled?”

“Oh, it seems Ms. Debora dropped it on the floor.”

“Why is this going to Debora?”

“It was my mistake.”

Cedric said with a bright smile. Jen, with an impressed expression, tore open the envelope.

‘Even though there’s a knife right next to it, he’s tearing it open with his hands.’

Jen, confirming the contents she already knew, laid the card on the floor and said, “How is Debora?”

Cedric hesitated for a moment. Should he mention that something seemed off? But he wasn’t sure.

‘It might just make things more complicated.’

Cedric smiled and replied, “She seemed fine, but if you want to be sure, why don’t you check for yourself?”

If Jen could, she wanted to.

“Fine. She’s probably busy right now.”

“Yes, she must be quite busy.”

Cedric shrugged his shoulders and left the office. Jen shifted her attention to the documents.

However, the writing didn’t register, and only Debora’s face came to mind.

“Sigh…”