Marianne’s eyes widened at his words. His claim of revisiting the Veronica case was not a lie.

My God.

With taut lips, she nodded. Her turquoise eyes glowed like the dawn sky.

“Of course, Christoph.”

“……”

“I’ll go with you.”

Marianne’s firm voice quietly settled between them. The clattering wheel sounds broke the distant silence.

“Oh, look over there.”

Someone’s voice faintly echoed. One by one, people exchanging greetings turned their heads.

“It’s the Schneiders.”

Walking into the banquet hall were Christoph, arms affectionately crossed, and Marianne, dressed in a turquoise evening gown beside him.

Though simple in design, it was far from modest. The gown’s train stretched long behind her, almost like a carpet.

Tiny diamonds scattered atop the dress like sprinkled sugar. Under the chandelier, each gem emitted a radiant light, as if she herself was a jewel.

“My goodness.”

It was a dress that automatically evoked admiration.

Most eyes were fixated on Mrs. Schneider, the Marianne Schneider who was currently the talk of the town.

“Her hair…”

Someone muttered in a flustered voice. Nobles were conservative, especially those from rural areas. They preferred long, twisted hair even if commoners were cutting theirs short.

Yet Marianne’s hair was bobbing above her shoulders. The gazes fixating on her short bob halted at her hairpin. The tiara-like hairpin made the simple bob look even more extravagant.

Murmurs buzzed around her like an unpleasant fog.

“They don’t look like they’re on bad terms, considering.”

“Mrs. Schneider works at the police station, right? What could Duke Schneider be thinking? A noble family and she’s doing sweaty labor? Even as a police officer.”

“Strictly speaking, she’s a detective.”

“What’s the difference? I hear even young Schneider has been commuting to the police station for consulting or whatever. Isn’t it all because of Mrs. Schneider?”

“Everyone knows Duke Christoph Schneider defended a wrongfully accused boy. A true example of noblesse oblige, they say.”

“But what does it matter if Mrs. Schneider is tarnishing the Schneider family name? It shows she’s from commoner stock. It’s obvious from her behavior.”

“Shh, be careful with your words. Have you forgotten what happened to Lady Gross who insulted Mrs. Schneider?”

Christoph tugged at one corner of his mouth. The murmurs subtly penetrated his ears.

Each time he conversed with influential locals, it seemed Marianne had to endure such rumblings alone.

Sigh.

Her black eyes moved lethargically as she eyed a lady hiding her mouth behind a fan. The ladies receiving her cold gaze quickly moved elsewhere, startled.

Women with nothing to boast about except their lineage.

Just as he was silently muttering insults, two gentlemen with well-groomed mustaches approached them.

“It’s been a long time, Duke Schneider.”

“I heard you returned to Blauburg, but this is the first time we meet.”

It was Baron Schleiher and Viscount Boirsch. Marianne met their eyes and elegantly lifted the corner of her mouth.

“Hello, Baron Schleiher. Viscount Boirsch.”

“Good to see you, Mrs. Schneider. You are as beautiful as ever.”
However, despite his words, the look in his eyes was not of admiration but curiosity. Even more so when he looked at the hair dangling over her shoulders.

Marianne was well aware that he was probably curious about whether she really worked at the police station.

Yet she maintained her graceful smile until the end. Such rudeness could be brushed off with a laugh.

“Thank you, Baron Schleiher. Feel free to speak.”

Just as Marianne was about to turn away, as usual.

“!”

Christoph grabbed her arm. Marianne, her eyes wide, looked at him with a bewildered expression. Christoph stared at her with inscrutable eyes.

“There’s no need for you to give up your seat. A simple greeting is sufficient.”

Baron Schleiher and Viscount Boirsch coughed in unison. It sounded as if they were giving a cue.

“Ah.”

Marianne seemed to think the same. She looked back and forth between Christoph and the two men, her eyes troubled. Christoph, who had been holding Marianne’s wrist, slowly released his grip.

“Chri…!”

And very naturally put on his gloves. Marianne’s body stiffened.

Suddenly, goosebumps erupted at the back of her head. Her hair stood on end. Her senses felt sharper than usual.

“How about a glass of champagne? You seem parched.”

Christoph leaned close to her ear, casting her a subtle glance.

“No…”

Marianne shook her head with a somewhat dazed expression, but Christoph had already moved on, pulling her along.

He handed her a glass of champagne. Marianne, letting out a short sigh, glanced sideways at Baron Schleiher.

“Aren’t you going to approach them? They seem rather flustered. Just in case you’ve forgotten, Baron Schleiher owns four banks nationwide, and Viscount Boirsch is in the trade business with the count.”