We split up. Numbers 5 and Pablo went together, while I moved alone.

“First, find the missing individuals. Be careful not to get caught.”

Following my instructions, Number 5 led the hesitant Pablo toward the basement. If the missing individuals were truly in the Marquess’s residence, the basement was the most likely place.

I headed in the opposite direction towards the upper floor of the Marquess’s residence, to Marjorie Marquess’s office.

“If only Milady would leave… Everything will be resolved. Once Milady is believed to be dead, Mother won’t engage in any more nonsense.”

Esmeralda had clearly said that. So, I did as she wished. My death, the engagement with Kilian, I did everything as she wanted.

However, the more I did, the more suspicions grew. The promise that she wouldn’t engage in any more nonsense felt like a lie.

“What else do you want?”

If it was the Marquess’s office, where all the work was managed, there must be some clue. And there was no better opportunity than now, when the attention of the entire Marquess’s residence was focused on the party.

I hurriedly walked along the dark corridor.

Kilian looked around with indifferent eyes. Some familiar faces were visible, but perhaps intimidated by his chilly expression, no one approached him willingly.

It was better that way. His time was still frozen two and a half years ago, and there had been nothing since then. It would be insane to be in the gap between people asking each other about their recent circumstances, eating and drinking.

I came here to get some fresh air and meet other people after a long time, hoping Lady Marquess would feel a bit better, but contrary to my expectations, Mother remained quietly separated from other noblewomen.

At least, with Father by her side, we could occasionally get drinks and food for her.

Then Esmeralda approached.

“Thank you for attending my party.”

Dressed in a cream-colored dress adorned with small jewels, Esmeralda attracted everyone’s attention wherever she went today. Everyone except them.

Despite my attempts to initiate greetings, when only an awkward silence followed, Esmeralda forced a bright smile. I could feel Lady Marjorie Marquess looking in our direction.

Even though I had told Mother multiple times that I could handle it alone, I couldn’t just step back.

“Are you enjoying the party?”

The Marquess nodded briefly in response.

“Champagne has just arrived from the latest vineyard, and we also have fruits imported from tropical regions.”

As I continued the conversation about the party, Lady Marjorie Marquess seemed to regain focus in her eyes, which had been vacant.

“We were planning to directly pick tropical fruits for our daughter Raina’s debutante, but… I was thinking of mixing them with ice from the northern regions and champagne to make a refreshing beverage. It’s Raina’s birthday, and it’s summer, you see…”
Raina’s birthday was more at the end of summer on the day she arrived at the Marquess’s residence. However, since Raina couldn’t remember her actual birthday, the Marquess designated the day she first came to the Marquess’s residence as her birthday.

Despite pitying the child who had fallen into such a shock that she forgot her birthday, Lady Marquess was somewhat happy. It felt like she had truly become Raina’s mother.

Lady Marquess sighed slightly.

“We even prepared equipment to heat the ice from the north.”

After finishing the brief reminiscence, Lady Marquess’s eyes became cloudy again.

Esmeralda quickly spoke up.

“Lord Kilian! May I request a dance?”

It was unusual for Young Lady Esme to be the one requesting a dance from Young Lord Yeongshik. Although the surrounding nobles pretended not to listen and whispered among themselves, Esmeralda didn’t have the luxury to care about such things.

Kilian’s eyes narrowed subtly. However, maintaining a reasonably polite attitude, only Esmeralda could sense his discomfort.

“I apologize.”

“If Raina were here, she would have definitely been delighted!”

Esmeralda hastily retorted to Kilian’s attempt to refuse.

Then, as if wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, she swiftly dabbed her eye area.

“There hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought of Raina. She was my dearest friend more than anyone else.”

At the mention of a “dearest friend,” Lady Marquess’s focus returned to her eyes.

“This party was actually planned with Raina in mind. So that Raina, who can no longer have a debutante ball, can still have one with me.”

Kilian stared at Esmeralda, who was spouting nonsense, with a stern face. However, because of Lady Marquess’s growing interest, he couldn’t bring himself to interrupt her.

“Since Raina’s birthday is in summer, we imported tropical fruits, and the chilled champagne stored for the party was popped. So, I thought, in memory of Raina, I would like to dance with Lord Kilian…”

“No, what the [dash].”

Despite Esmeralda’s excessive lie, Kilian attempted to cut her off impatiently, but Lady Marquess was quicker.

“Really?”