Ruth covered her mouth with her hand and spoke quietly enough for only Herdin to hear. As Herdin listened to the story, his expression gradually stiffened.

His eyes, which had cooled down, found Blair in the reception hall. His wife was conversing with the noble ladies on one side of the reception hall.

To fulfill her responsibilities.

In an unwanted place, among unpleasant people, she was trying hard to smile.

Her appearance overlapped with Herdin’s past self, who had to endure the gossip of the nobles for the sake of the family’s reputation, for Esmeralda, and pretend not to hear it even though he heard it.

Herdin urgently approached Blair. At that moment, Lady Pert’s voice was heard.
“Madam, this question is quite delicate, but… do you, by any chance, have any thoughts on the fire incident at the Queen’s Palace ten years ago? After all, you are the sole survivor of that incident.”

Blair’s eyes trembled as she received an unexpected question. Lady Pert, seizing the opportunity, smiled and spoke.

“Well, you see. There’s a strange rumor going around now. It suggests that you, Madam, suspect Empress Dowager Taehwanghu as the mastermind behind the incident ten years ago, along with the Duke.”

The faces of the ladies and young ladies who had been watching the two with surprised expressions lost their smiles.

Lady Pert brought up a topic that had been strictly taboo in high society.

“It’s said that even the mastermind behind the recent kidnapping incident is none other than the royal family, but it can’t be revealed. Isn’t that right?”

A lady from the Imperial Faction, observing the reactions of the two, intervened to mediate the atmosphere.

“Th-that’s impossible, isn’t it? Empress Dowager Taehwanghu cherished you so much. Surely you wouldn’t suspect your mother.”

However, not only the ladies of the Imperial Faction but also the ladies of the Delmarc noble families were waiting for Blair’s response.

As Blair, lips barely moving, remained silent amidst countless expectant gazes, a large hand wrapped around her shoulders.

Soon, a familiar voice settled in her ear.

“Apologies for interrupting the conversation, but Madam, it seems it’s time for us to leave now.”

Although his words sought permission, his eyes scanning the audience were as fierce as if he were about to kill someone.

Herdin led Blair out of the reception hall. Blair, who had been drawn away without resistance, belatedly regained her composure and called out to him.

“Herdin.”

However, he didn’t stop. Blair, gasping for breath, grabbed his hand.

“Herdin, we… Let’s talk for a moment.”

Only then did Herdin’s steps come to a halt. However, he still held her hand without letting go.

Blair, breathing heavily, said, “If we leave like this, everyone will think it’s strange. Let’s go back—”

“Go back and say what?”

His expression as he turned around was so chilling that Blair momentarily faltered.

Looking at Blair with eyes widened in surprise, Herdin sneered.

“Are you going to admit that all those rumors are true? Or are you going to say they’re all lies?”

“…”

“Do you think they want the truth?”

“…”

“No. No matter what you say, they’ll be too busy tearing you apart. Or, maybe they’ll just see where you stick.”

“But… running away like this is strange.”

After Blair, who had been hesitating for a while, finally spoke these words, Herdin mocked her.

“So, are you going to go back there and endure all kinds of speculation and insults, saying you’re going to endure it all over again?”

In other words, watch and see what they do to you.
“Now, I have memories that cannot even turn into scars, let alone wounds. But this fragile woman won’t be able to endure. There was never any intention of tossing such a woman as their prey.

“Don’t be stubborn, Blair.”

“…”

“That’s not a sense of responsibility; it’s just lingering attachment.”

Blair’s expression distorted as if she were about to cry at his words, thrust like a dagger. Her tightly sealed lips trembled pitifully.

She knew she would be hurt by my words. But rather than watching her collapse under the wounds inflicted by others, I’d rather sit her down myself.

For Blair, one person was enough to cause pain.

Herdin, who silently observed Blair, sighed softly and embraced her. Her petite frame felt weak, as if resigned.