Rather, it was Samantha who hadn’t changed. She was still innocent and unaware of the world’s filth. She beautifully bloomed her flowers in a warm, untainted greenhouse.

“Yes. You haven’t changed at all. You’re still the Jackie I liked.”

Samantha’s voice became wistful, as if recalling a distant memory.

“Even when Elizabeth snickered, calling me a rolling cake, you were the only one who treated me normally when no one else would speak to me, intimidated by Elizabeth’s influence.”

“Was that so?”

“Yes. I’ve liked you since then, Jackie.”

Samantha smiled softly. The affection in her eyes made Jacqueline feel warm too. As if she were burying her face in Colin’s belly.

So Jacqueline ended up smiling along.

Reconnecting a relationship thought to be severed was an arduous task accompanied by comfort and bitterness, but it wasn’t as bad as she had imagined.

Jacqueline brought the teacup to her lips and exhaled slowly.

***

Roman looked down at the garden visible behind Windsor. The study on the second floor of the mansion had quite a good view, and the large greenhouse was particularly eye-catching.

Roman, who had been staring blankly below, suddenly raised his eyes. Someone had appeared in the previously quiet place.

It was Jacqueline and Benjamin, wearing straw hats.

What are they doing there?

He slightly furrowed his brow as he watched the two crouching under the almond tree. Their straw hats were close together.

Curious about what they were doing, but unable to see anything due to the wide brims of their hats. Just as he unconsciously stretched his neck.

“What about James Hemington?”

A rigid question flew in. Roman, finally turning his gaze from the window, scratched his forehead and answered.

“He’s hired lawyers, apparently. He must be rolling in money to have committed so much fraud. I hear he’s retained two of the most expensive lawyers in the kingdom.”

Roman paused there, then hardened his expression and added quietly.

“One of them includes a lawyer appointed by His Majesty the King. The name was… Parker O’Brien, I believe.”

“Is that so.”

Windsor replied indifferently. Roman opened his mouth again, saying, “But.” Windsor’s gaze, which had been heading towards the desk, turned to him.

“From what I hear, the prosecution seems to be asking Miss Somerset to testify.”

“Didn’t she already give a statement to the police?”

“It seems her testimony is needed in court.”

Windsor’s brow, which had been stoic until now, furrowed slightly. He nodded lightly, as if telling him to continue.

“As you know, witnesses are important in cases where evidence is not clear. There’s nothing as impressive as having the victim testify in court. It’s also convincing to the judge. Moreover, while most nobles wouldn’t even report being defrauded, Miss Somerset was different. The prosecution seems to think she’ll actively help with this trial.”

“Testimony, huh.”

Windsor murmured those words softly. Roman nodded, as if understanding what he was thinking.

“But will Miss Somerset agree to testify? Just reporting James Hemington caused a flood of articles. And they weren’t very friendly. Unfavorable rumors are also circulating in social circles. It’s cruel to urge Miss Somerset to testify.”

Instead of answering, Windsor stared at the empty wall. He knew better than anyone what kind of rumors she had endured.

Some said it was an act aimed at settlement money, while others said it was for publicity.

He recalled her words that sometimes honor is more important to nobles than money. That’s why Lord Somerset hadn’t taken any action despite being defrauded.

But Jacqueline had reported James Hemington. Even knowing what kind of backlash she would face.

Windsor’s eyes sank deeply as he wondered if he had pushed her into a corner. At that moment.

“I’ll do it.”

“…Pardon? Do what?”

Roman asked in a dumbfounded voice, a beat late. Windsor slowly turned his eyes to look at him.

“The testimony. Tell the prosecution to let me know the exact date and time.”

Roman blinked and moved his lips. Soon his eyes widened, and astonishment burst from between his teeth.

“You mean, you’ll testify, Lord Marquis?”

Windsor made no reply. He wasn’t the type to take back words once spoken, and Roman knew he didn’t repeat himself.

Roman unconsciously took a step closer to the desk. And glanced out the window. He instinctively looked for Jacqueline, but the two had already disappeared.

“If you do that, you’ll be the one under concentrated fire this time. You weren’t even defrauded, after all. It was just an attempt.”

In the thick silence, Roman scratched his forehead again. With a troubled expression, unlike before.

“Everyone is watching your moves, and if you appear as a witness in the trial…, the press and social circles will be desperate to tear you apart. Especially His Majesty the King.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“There’s no need to throw yourself to the sharks…”

Roman paused there and narrowed his eyes. Looking at Windsor with a pensive expression, he opened his mouth saying, “Don’t tell me.”

“Are you stepping in for Miss Somerset?”

At those words, Windsor wrinkled the front of his eyebrows. A brief but chilling silence fell. Roman straightened his posture, which had been relaxed until now, and put his hands behind his back.

A voice devoid of emotion flowed from between Windsor’s teeth.

“I’m just curious about how skilled the King’s lawyer is. If I can land a blow on him in the process, it would be an excellent preemptive strike.”

“…Ah, yes.”

Roman answered lukewarmly. For some reason, he felt as if Windsor had hurriedly made up an excuse, but he had enough sense not to mention it.

Under his suspicious gaze, Windsor asked indifferently.

“How are things going with our lawyer?”

“Ah. You mean a skilled lawyer not influenced by His Majesty the King, right?”

Roman, astutely noticing Windsor’s softened demeanor, relaxed his body. A piercing gaze was fixed on his cheek, but he didn’t mind.

Roman sighed grandly and continued.

“It’s not easy. If they’re skilled, they watch out for His Majesty, and if they’re not influenced by His Majesty, they’re not skilled… I’m starting to wonder if such a person even exists.”

“Hmm.”

Windsor also knew that this was no easy task. The King’s network was incomparably vast compared to his.

The King’s net was tightly woven, and all the croakers were inside it. Only fish smaller than the holes could escape outside the net.

“You mean minnows.”

“Pardon?”

Roman tilted his head at the sudden remark. Thinking that the Marquis must be craving fish for dinner tonight.

Knock knock.

A sudden knock broke the silence. Roman quickly walked to the door. As he opened the study door, Jacqueline, standing in the hallway, raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“I came thinking you might have just finished work, but it seems you have a guest already. It’s not urgent, so I’ll come back later.”

“Oh.”

Roman smiled lightly at those words. As if surprised that she knew about Windsor’s time obsession.

“Come in.”

A voice flew from behind Roman. Roman stepped aside from the door to make room for her to enter.

“I’ve finished my business.”

“Thank you.”

Jacqueline gracefully nodded her head and entered the room. The door closed with a click.

Turning around, Jacqueline realized that Roman had already left the room and walked more comfortably to the desk.

“What brings you here? Isn’t it too early for tea?”

“Lord Preston’s tea etiquette is already excellent. Unfortunately, I have no more complaints. I came for a different matter today.”

Windsor twitched his eyebrow at the word “unfortunately,” and nodded indifferently.

“Please speak.”

“Would it be alright if I went out briefly this Sunday?”

Windsor stared at her blankly. With no immediate response, Jacqueline added an excuse.

“I have an appointment I can’t refuse.”

“It seems you’ve arranged to meet a friend.”

Windsor asked casually. Recalling her friend, Miss Humble, who had visited the mansion yesterday.

“Yes, well…”

Jacqueline trailed off awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

Windsor, who had been staring at her intently, nodded once more. As if he were a generous employer.

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Lord Preston. I’ll return without delay.”

Instead of answering, Windsor turned his gaze away. Jacqueline, having finished her business, curtsied and immediately left the study.

Staring at the closed door, he took out his pocket watch to check the time. It was time to receive William’s report on the affairs of the estate.

He rang the bell placed on the desk. Soon, footsteps approaching the study were heard.

***

Jacqueline looked up at the store sign and checked her reflection in the window once more. There stood a lady wearing a hat, parasol, and even gloves.

The fashion might be outdated, but it’s not bad.

She lightly lifted her chin and gracefully stepped forward. A waiter opened the door in sync with Jacqueline’s steps.

“Do you have a party?”

Before she could look around, someone stood up from their seat. It was Evan Knox, wearing a refreshing smile.

He seemed to have been staring at the entrance all along, recognizing Jacqueline at a glance as soon as she arrived.

“I’ve found my party.”

“I’ll guide you to your seat.”

Nodding lightly, she followed the waiter to Evan’s table. He greeted her warmly, adjusting his tie with a slightly nervous expression.

“Miss Somerset, you’re as beautiful as the sunshine today.”

“Thank you, Mr. Knox.”

Jacqueline gave a social smile and sat across from him. She thought it had been a very long time since she’d received such a formulaic compliment. It felt rather fresh because of that.

It’s not praise I could receive from the brusque Lord Preston.

Evan, who had ordered coffee, turned his gaze back to her. His sky-blue eyes held a kind smile.

Evan was so excited that Jacqueline worried he might float away. She held a bitter smile, imagining his face contorting with disappointment before long.