The next day, the bodies of Victor and Hamlin were found at the mouth of the Amber River that runs through the capital.

Their heinous deeds were subsequently published in the newspapers.

No one mourned their deaths, and they were soon forgotten.

The rumors they had spread met the same fate.

* * *

The day for the dress fitting arrived.

Jane had gathered and familiarized herself with information about high society through Mary.

She also frequently inquired about Joseph’s well-being. She even asked Cain if she could meet him.

〈I’ll introduce you properly after your debutante ball.〉

Jane was slightly disappointed by Cain’s refusal, but she was content with hearing news of Joseph from Mary.

Despite his ordeal, Joseph was doing well, and the burn on his thigh wasn’t severe.

“May the goddess’s fortune be with you. I’ve brought the dress, young lady.”

Ermis appeared precisely at the appointed time. At his gesture, his assistant brought in the dress.

“This isn’t the dress I chose.”

The dress Jane had selected was a dark purple, but the one Ermis brought was a red more vibrant than blood.

“It’s the duke’s instructions.”

She thought he had only sent items, but she hadn’t expected his influence to extend to the dress as well.

‘Did he not like the purple dress?’

The dress Cain chose was flawless in design.

But it was too eye-catching.

Jane could vividly imagine people pointing fingers at her. She lightly bit her lower lip.

Jane, troubled, asked Mary as if seeking help.

“Isn’t it too much? People will talk.”

However, Mary was smiling contentedly, imagining Jane in the dress.

“Are you worried about rumors? Don’t worry about that.”

How could she not worry? It wouldn’t be good rumors. It would harm the Hastings family too.

“And what if people talk a bit, young lady? Rumors that could harm you… hmm!”

Mary suddenly closed her mouth and changed the subject.

“The dress color is really beautiful. It’s perfect for your fair skin, young lady.”

Jane’s eyes narrowed.

“Leave us for a moment.”

When Jane spoke, everyone, including Ermis, left like the ebbing tide. They didn’t even ask why.

By now, those who frequented Jane’s room had fully accepted her as their mistress.

Jane had the power to move the servants without raising her voice.

It was a gentle dignity, a quiet authority.

Even Mary, with her years of experience, couldn’t escape Jane’s influence. This time was no exception. Under Jane’s steady gaze, Mary surrendered.

“There were rumors about you, young lady.”

Mary briefly summarized the rumors spread by Victor and Hamlin.

Contrary to Mary’s expectation that Jane, sensitive to others’ views and rumors, would be surprised, she remained calm.

But that was just on the surface; inside, Jane was quietly burning with anger.

Jane felt indescribable fury towards those who had spread rumors of her being a prostitute after even taking Cain’s money.

“So? Where are they now?”

Jane wanted to go after Victor and Hamlin and strangle them right away. Given time, there was nothing she couldn’t do.

They wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on her, now that she was the future duchess.

“They’re dead.”

Jane’s eyebrows rose. She couldn’t immediately grasp Mary’s words. She had thought Victor and Hamlin would eventually meet a violent end due to their misdeeds, but not now.

“Dead? Why?”

“Well…”

Mary hesitated, not speaking readily. She didn’t believe their deaths were unrelated to the Hastings family.

She had often seen those who harmed the Hastings family disappear or die of unknown causes.

Though she knew it wasn’t right, it was actually a merciful end for the deceased. It was a light punishment compared to their crimes.

The same was true for Victor and Hamlin. When news of their deaths spread, people rushed to the security office and morgue, saying they would stab even the corpses.

They were men who would have met a bad end even without the Hastings family’s intervention.

However, Mary wasn’t sure if Jane would fully understand and accept these circumstances.

“Mary, tell me everything.”

Jane took her hand. It was a hand roughened by years of hard work. Jane gently stroked it.

Mary wanted Jane and Cain’s relationship to improve. That made her even more hesitant to speak. She couldn’t calculate what impact her words might have.

“Mary.”

Jane urged her once more. Seeing the flame ignite in Jane’s eyes, Mary let out a deep sigh.

Jane wouldn’t back down.

“Well… It seems the duke took care of it.”

“…”

For a moment, Mary thought time had stopped. At least for Jane, it had.

She stared into space without even blinking.

It was a long while before a heavy breath escaped between her red, luscious lips. Jane covered her eyes with her hand. It was to hide the turbulent emotions within.

What had she done to Cain?

Because of her, Cain had bloodied his hands unnecessarily.

Contrary to Mary’s concerns, Jane wasn’t disappointed in the Hastings family’s judgment.

Though death should be mourned, Victor and Hamlin didn’t deserve Jane’s mourning.

Jane’s mind was filled not with mourning, but with thoughts of Cain.

Her attempt to help Cain had instead become a stumbling block for him. No, it was splattering filth on him.

She felt ashamed for thinking, even briefly, that Cain was too arbitrary when she saw the dress.

He was sincere in protecting the Hastings family.

Jane looked at the bright red dress draped over the sofa. The dress was so vivid it hurt her eyes.

“Call Ermis for me.”

Mary’s response was a beat late, expecting Jane to ask more about Victor and Hamlin.

“…Yes, young lady. Are you changing the dress? That color suits you better, though.”

“You’re right. It does seem so.”

It was an ambiguous answer, unclear whether she meant to change the dress or wear it as is.

Jane’s intention became clear after Ermis entered.

“Let’s begin the fitting.”

Jane decided to wear the dress Cain had chosen for her.

* * *

“Take care on your way back, Your Grace!”

Many people followed Cain out of the salon, bowing repeatedly.

They did so even though Cain had adamantly refused, saying he didn’t need to be seen off.

They were members of the parliament that was soon to reconvene.

April marks the reopening of not only the social season but also parliament.

Cain was the head of that parliament. There had been talk about such a young man becoming the leader. However, even those who had complained fell silent after meeting him.

Contrary to expectations that he would be arrogant, he was humble, and contrary to assumptions that he would be autocratic, he listened carefully to others.

Also, unlike the rumors that he was excessively favorable to commoners, his policies were not biased towards any one direction.

And he didn’t hesitate to spend money on the members of parliament.

Cain regularly met with them, buying them drinks and providing entertainment.

The hunting festival to be held at the Hastings family’s hunting ground in a few days was part of this.

People followed him regardless of rank or age.

Some even forgot their own noble status and supported Cain in an undignified manner.

On days when he met them, his fatigue doubled.

“Increase the carriage speed.”

Cain knocked on the wall as soon as he boarded the carriage.

Nathan, who was adjusting his posture to give a report, hesitated.

“Shall we go quietly?”

“No, report. My ears are open.”

“Understood. It’s about the railway station construction in the Brick area. Land acquisition is complete, and we’re in contact with construction companies. You should visit soon. Next…”

There wasn’t much for Cain to worry about in Nathan’s report. Projects that he had put effort into initially tended to run well on their own once they got on track.

Nathan’s report bounced like a ball from railway matters to gold mine issues, then to trade business, before stopping at the report about Jane.

“She has completed her dress fitting.”

Come to think of it, Jane’s debutante ball was soon. He had forgotten about it while dealing with Victor and Hamlin, and matters related to the hunting festival.

It was a ball he had to attend as well.

Cain opened his eyes. Nathan took this as a signal to report more.

“She was very cooperative. And the dress suited her very well, they say.”

The image of Jane wearing the dress naturally came to mind.

Cain chuckled. Who had chosen the dress, after all?

“And she ordered a few additional outfits for indoor wear.”

This was unexpected. Cain crossed his legs to the other side. Jane hadn’t touched the checkbook he had given her.

Though she had no reason to go out, she could have spent money at home if she wanted.

So he had almost given up, thinking she couldn’t shake off her frugal habits, but now she had ordered clothes from Ermis, which gave him a strange feeling.

“Just clothes?”

“For now. And she asked if she could order clothes for young master Joseph as well. It seems she has grown quite close to young master Joseph.”

A pleased smile appeared on Nathan’s face, but Cain only made a “hmm” sound.

“Why do you keep pausing? Report it all at once.”

A rebuke flew at Nathan. Nathan felt a bit wronged. He had paused because Cain was reacting to his words, thinking he might have something to say.

“Ermis doesn’t make children’s clothes separately, so they introduced her to another tailor.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. Is there anything else you’re curious about?”

Cain seemed to think for a moment before leaning back against the seat.

“Not really.”

Nathan waited a bit longer for him to speak.

‘I thought he might ask something more.’

But perhaps it was Nathan’s misunderstanding, as Cain took out a cigar instead of asking a question.

Nathan continued his report.

“About the white bench you mentioned last time. Someone has expressed interest in buying it. What should we do?”

Cain paused as he was lighting his cigar.

A forgotten memory surfaced.

The bench near where Jane and Joseph had disappeared on that day.

And the memory of the first kiss.

He had ordered it to be removed as soon as he recalled it, but Nathan had suggested selling it, saying it was made by a master craftsman and was now a rare item that couldn’t be obtained anymore.

The recent words meant that a buyer for it had appeared.

Cain abruptly opened the window.

“Leave it for now.”

“Pardon? You told us to get rid of it immediately.”

Instead of answering, Cain turned his head towards the window. And he kept puffing on his cigar.