There was one more important thing.

“The handwriting was different from the beginning.”

No matter which book I looked at, it didn’t compare to Cassian’s proper handwriting.

“I was naive.”

I confronted someone who was deliberately trying to deceive me and was ruthlessly deceived.

To think that I mistook a stranger for Cassian.

Ironically, finding out it was fake made the turmoil in my mind settle calmly.

“I’m glad it’s not you. Michael.”

It was more reassuring that Michael wasn’t Cassian.

He pretended to know about me, but Michael didn’t know the slightest details, especially because he wasn’t Cassian.

It was much better to have a fake deed than the betrayal of a close friend.

The external disturbance gradually subsided.

I received the role of Lady Huo with gratitude.

I folded the neatly cut paper in half and returned to the table where I was looking at the Academy album.

The Academy album contained images of the former Michael that I had no interest in.

Soon, Michael arrived.

He glanced at my desk with a surprised expression. He seemed worried that he had rummaged through my desk while I was absent.

“Michael. Did the Madam say that?”

I asked with a dry mouth, looking concerned.

The reason I didn’t confront him about being fake was simple.

“What does he want by pretending to be fake with me?”

I wondered what the unidentified person I met today wanted to say.

As much as Michael used me, I would use him too.

“I have to pay for the incident because of me, so charge the repair costs for the mansion.”

“Repair costs. Why bother handling such things between us.”

For a moment, the words “What’s between us” almost popped out.

“It’s not your fault, and it was done by my mother, so we’ll take care of it ourselves.”

“Really? Well, thank you.”

I replied dryly and closed the album.

“Have you finished looking at the album?”

“Yeah. I wanted to visit the Academy after a long time.”

“Let’s go together later.”

It seems unlikely that such a thing will happen.

I swallowed my words and stood up from my seat.

“I’ll stop causing trouble and go back now.”

“But Annette, did you come to tell me something?”

Michael asked as he looked at me.

“Oh, I did, but I wonder if it’s okay to say it in this situation.”

“Of course, it is. Besides, I haven’t even thanked you for the invitation.”

This time, the poker face didn’t work, and my expression stiffened.

Come to think of it, Hertian went so far as to prepare a banquet for this guy.

If I had known, I would have sprinkled salt on the food.

“There’s no need for thanks between us. But did the food suit your taste?”

How much agony was it to eat food you didn’t like?

“Of course, it was delicious. It was all my favorite.”

“Good to hear.”

I turned the almost emerging laughter into a smile.

Michael looked at me with relief, as if relieved by my bright smile.

“I came to see you today just because I wanted to consult with you.”

“Because of the duel.”

Michael sighed as if understanding everything.

“The Grand Duke has to win for it to be good for you, right?”

“I don’t know. Even if the Grand Duke wins, the storm that will follow later is frightening.”
Pretending to be in agony, he buried his face. Then he lifted his head slightly and asked,

“What do you think?”

Michael’s opinion.

No, I was curious about what the person behind him wanted.

“You know me best. So, I’d like to hear your opinion. My head feels like it’s going to explode right now. The Empress summoned me and told me to take responsibility for this duel. I don’t know what to do here.”

He spoke anxiously, like someone who had reached a dead end.

And then, at that moment, I saw a faint smile appear on Michael’s lips.

‘He has something he wants.’

He casually covered his smiling lips.

“Well, I think, Annette.”

Michael pretended to contemplate deeply and finally spoke after a long pause.

“Earlier, the Empress visited the Prince’s Palace. I didn’t hear the details of their conversation, but seeing that she questioned you about responsibility, whatever the result, it will likely have a negative impact on you.”

He didn’t forget to express concern while subtly laying the groundwork.

Also, he provided information appropriately while speaking.

“Do you also suspect that the Empress is plotting something?”

“It’s not certain, but there’s suspicion.”

“So, what should we do? If you get caught up in this, it might involve the Grand Duke in the duel again, or there might be some disadvantage to the Grand Duke’s family. I don’t want the Grand Duke to suffer because of me.”

Seeing me shivering, Michael comforted me softly.

“It’s okay, Annette. I’ll help you with everything.”

It seems like his acting skills have improved.

Seeing that Michael didn’t suspect me at all, it was reassuring.

“I don’t know how fortunate I am to have you. So, what should we do from now on?”

“I think Her Highness Serdis should win.”

“Why?”

When I asked, Michael took a deep breath and spoke.

“I’m not a friend of the Grand Duke, but your friend. I’m here to guide you in the direction that’s best for you.”