Narrowing my eyes, I said, “Don’t worry, by tomorrow everyone will be too busy talking about something else. But we should find the journalist who wrote the malicious article and have them publish a correction.”

“That I will handle,” Edmond replied.

“Oh, that would be great, thank you.”

It was a relief he would take care of this bothersome issue. Edmond watched me with a complex look as I had already been waiting in the hallway.

“But where are you going?”

“I’m off to meet Devon.”

I said with a cool smile, “I believe he is expecting me right now. Oh, and please tell Lirien I’m sorry I couldn’t keep our appointment today.”

I was about to turn away when Edmond suddenly appeared beside me.

“I’ll accompany you.”

Why? It seemed he was offering more than just surveillance. Reading my puzzled look, he spoke impassively, and I quickly followed him.

“No, that’s alright… I’ll handle it myself.”

“But he might turn violent again.”

I stopped walking, realizing that if Edmond came along, it would only confirm the rumors. Devon would triumphantly exploit that, burdening both Edmond and Lirien, especially with the banquet so close.

“As much as I appreciate it, any violence from Devon is between him and me.”

Edmond paused. I continued, my voice dry.

“If you’re worried, I’ll ask someone else for help.”

After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

“I see. My apologies.”

“No, I’m the one who’s thankful.”

Relieved that a different watchdog would be assigned, I pursed my lips, but then Edmond turned towards me.

“Return safely.”

As he passed me, I noticed his temples throbbing with thick veins.

Why did he seem angry?

“Rail, accompany the Countess.”

“Yes, yes, I understand.”

Rail quickly bowed and retreated.

I watched Edmond’s retreating figure in disbelief.

‘Why is he angry when I just suggested he assign someone else for surveillance?’

Not just me, but Rail too seemed bewildered, staring blankly after his departing master.

Ding-a-ling.

I entered a bar known as a nobles’ dating spot.

Passing through the lounge, Rail followed me, signaling with his eyes before taking a seat at a distance.
This place was familiar to me, a reminder of my dating days with Devon, where we frequently went on dates. Despite his lack of funds, he always insisted on these outings.

Sitting at the bar table next to Devon, who was posturing ostentatiously, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of unpleasant memories.

“You really thought this through, making me come to you like this.”

“I spent money too.”

Devon smirked unpleasantly, emptying a glass of cheap gin. He propped his head on his hand, scanning me up and down with a lingering gaze.

“Seeing my woman become another man’s really does add to her charm.”

I stiffened my face at this nauseating flirtation while ordering a cocktail.

With a cold, piercing stare, I glared at Devon, memories of the past resurfacing.

Sensing my intense aura, Devon’s smile twitched awkwardly.

“Why so serious? It was a compliment. You used to like this kind of talk.”

“Compliment?”

It was never a compliment, just a ploy for his own gain. And I, oblivious, happily wagged my tail in response.

Devon in our dating days was not just romantic but blindly devoted. He lured me with sweet nothings, promising the world’s treasures.

However, after marriage, he flipped like the back of his hand. Learning that he whispered the same sweet nothings to other women in the same honey-dripping voice he used on me was indescribably humiliating and heart-wrenching.