Having participated in various national events, Blair was accustomed to dealing with people, but despite the familiarity, she felt tired. As Blair’s eyes roamed around the fully ripened banquet hall, her husband came into view. He stood out even among numerous people. It wasn’t just because they wore matching couple outfits. His height, surpassing others, and the title of the empire’s most handsome man suited his face well, but more than that, his unique aura had a greater impact. A natural atmosphere that overwhelmed the surroundings without any particular action. It was a different sight from his vulnerable appearance in childhood, now replaced by the figure of a mature man. The Blair of the past fell in love at first sight with him when he returned as an adult from the victory banquet. Due to guilt, she had ignored her feelings at the time. Even now, in her second life, when she saw him, her heart still raced, unfortunately. Blair turned her gaze away from him, seemingly avoiding the fact, and in front of her, a familiar face approached. “Long time no see, Blair.” Rachel Selden. The daughter of the Marquis who was Blair’s cousin, and the sister of the Duke of Buhwang. The moment she saw her face, memories suddenly flooded back.
On this day in the past life, at this banquet, something happened. In front of Rachel, who confidently made an unreasonable demand, Blair at that time couldn’t say anything. To Blair, Rachel was as much of an absolute presence as Katrina. While Blair, weakened by the Hwanghugung fire incident, was recovering, Rachel seized influence among the noble children. After a few years, when Blair, having recovered, returned to the children’s social circles, there were hardly any friends left. Rachel, like a puppeteer, inserted Blair into the group and made her rely on herself. Blair had no choice but to cling to Rachel, and that relationship solidified like a habit, even after they became adults. Blair didn’t comply with Rachel’s absurd requests, but not being able to say anything to her at that time left a terrible self-loathing in Blair. Holding the wine glass tightly in her hand, Blair looked at Rachel. The gaze of Blair looking at her was coldly radiant. “That’s right. It’s been a really long time. Why didn’t you come to my wedding? I really wanted to receive your congratulations.” In response to Blair’s question, Rachel’s expression distorted. In truth, Blair knew the reason why she didn’t come to her wedding. Many noble young ladies admired Herdin from a young age, despite avoiding him due to the tragedy of Delmark.
After Herdin returned as a war hero, everyone openly had a crush on him. Rachel was one of them. Perhaps Rachel felt quite hurt that Blair, who had become Herdin’s wife and had something she couldn’t have, was considered inferior to her. Rachel made an effort to control her expression and replied, “I really wanted to go too, but my health was not good. This cold was quite severe. Congratulations on your marriage, although it’s late.” “Thank you.” Rachel brought a wine glass from the table and stood next to Blair. As she sipped her wine and looked around the banquet hall, her gaze stopped at Herdin. Even now, after marriage, the man emitted a unique aura among the people and remained attractive. No, rather… now that he belonged to someone else, he seemed even more tempting. Without taking her eyes off Herdin, Rachel asked Blair, “Is the Duke treating you well?” “Yes.” “That’s fortunate. Still, don’t trust him too much. He’s the niece of the woman who tried to kill you.” Rachel pretended to be concerned about Blair and deliberately mentioned the Achilles’ heel. However, contrary to her expectations of a pained expression, Blair was calmly drinking wine with indifferent eyes.
Blair’s indifferent reaction felt unusual for her, but even so, Blair was not in a position to resist me. I spent several years playing the role of her friend to achieve that.

“Well, still, with that face and that body, it must be delightful to see your face every day. Given the widespread situation of entering the ranks of the elderly’s aftermath. Don’t you think? If I were to date such a man, I’d have no regrets.”

“…….”

“So, what I’m saying is, Blair.”

Rachel, who was scrutinizing her expression, spoke with a subtle tone.

“How about lending me your husband for just one night? I’ll take care of the rest.”

Rachel made the request in an indifferent tone, as if borrowing one of her toys, just like in the past when she used to take Blair’s accessories.

It’s not something that requires your permission, but because it’s you, I’m letting you know in advance… with words that sound affectionate on the surface.

Before hearing Blair’s response, Rachel had already planned out the subsequent steps in her mind.

Of course, before Herdin got married, he wouldn’t let anyone close, no matter how much she tried. But now that Blair has become his wife, it would be different.

As someone who harbors resentment against the Taehwanghu family, Rachel might choose another woman instead of Blair just to provoke him.

Blair placed an empty wine glass on the table and looked at Rachel with a cold gaze.

“You’re vulgar, Rachel.”

“……What?”
“It seems like you forgot, so I’ll remind you. That person is my husband. And he’s not something I can lend.”

Unexpectedly, Rachel’s face stiffened at Blair’s reaction. Blair’s rejection was a development that was not part of the plan from the beginning.

Blair Sonnet von Ardel never resisted herself.

That has always been the case until now.

Rachel laughed as if she found it amusing.

“So? Just because he’s your husband, I shouldn’t touch him?”

“That’s right. I wanted to tell you that.”

Something you wouldn’t remember, from a long time ago.