“Indeed, Miss Adel is quick to catch trends. We came here for the first time because it’s considered a hot place these days.”

“That’s true. It seems appealing to young people.”

The noble ladies, who had been gauging the situation, discreetly approached Adel, avoiding Seyra. They had an instinctive tendency to attach themselves to the stronger side, much like a magnet drawn to the stronger force.

Adel had no intention of saying anything about their survival strategy. She simply had no desire to join this cutthroat jungle. Moreover, facing Seyra’s scowling face like that was tormenting even for a moment.

“Well then, enjoy your conversation.”

It was time to give greetings and smoothly exit.

“Do you know that your brother is getting married soon?”

Adel looked at Seyra in surprise when she heard this unexpected news. She had been anxious, thinking Stone might concoct some malicious plan after the embarrassment at the equestrian competition. But now, he was getting married all of a sudden.

“Congratulations.”

It was sincere, but directed toward herself, not Stone.

Then, Lady Hans interjected with an itching expression on her face.

“Yes, he’s soon becoming a father.”

Everyone’s eyes widened. It seemed like the other ladies were hearing this news for the first time.

“It seems your brother seized an opportunity that Viscount Vais missed. Shouldn’t you be grateful to Miss Adel?”

Was that how it turned out?

The former Viscount Oswald had eventually died of a heart attack. Vanessa, who had testified, claiming to be a prostitute and an alcoholic, was deemed an unreliable witness.

While people initially gossiped that Stone was the culprit, in the end, the case was closed due to lack of evidence.

Now, it turned out that the Emperor had intervened for Stone’s marriage, a marriage not with Kristin but with the princess.

Perhaps the other ladies sensed it too, as they subtly started moving toward Seyra.

However, Adel just smiled calmly.

“Well, that’s fortunate. When the Viscount gets married, Seyra, you’ll have to get married soon too. Don’t you want to age and die, playing with your childish queen fantasies?”

Adel passed by as if ignoring the reddened Seyra.

For a moment, Seyra’s lips twitched upwards, as if she were about to reveal a hidden weapon.

“Oh, did you hear the news? Your brother officially filed an objection with the Papal See.”

“…!”

Adel’s steps faltered.

Tick-tock.

Seyra, who had approached her as if embracing her, put on an exaggeratedly sad expression like a theater actor.

“Poor Miss Adel. What if not only your marriage but also your engagement becomes void?”

Seyra barely restrained herself from bursting into laughter at Adel’s pale face.

Now, the ladies were clinging to Seyra’s side.

Adel woke up.

Perhaps she was tired from last night’s argument and sleepless night with Kristin. She lay on the bed and blinked, almost dozing off again.
No, it seems she didn’t just doze off but rather had a deep sleep for a long time. Outside the window where the sunset had disappeared, it was already pitch dark.

How much time had passed?

“Has Chris come in?”

As she raised herself, she leaned against the sofa in front of the fireplace and looked at him, who was sleeping soundly. With his long legs on the table and folded hands on his stomach, he seemed so relaxed.

She remembered when he found her shabby mansion. Even back then, he slept so comfortably like this.

At that time, she didn’t know why seeing him like that felt so comforting and reassuring.

Even though it had been a reunion after ten years, it didn’t feel awkward at all, as if they had parted ways just yesterday.

It was strange. Just having him around made everything perfect, as if she had found some lost part of herself.

Adele squatted under the sofa where he was sleeping, silently watching him. She rested her head on his knees and closed her eyes.

Being together like this was already so nice…

As if he had read her thoughts, he gently stroked her cheek.

A warm and large hand.

When she looked up, Kristin was smiling down at her.

“I was going to sleep on the sofa… Should I sleep on the bed instead?”

“That would be better. Just don’t touch my body with your fingertips.”

“I guess the sofa is better.”

“It’s uncomfortable.”

“Rather than not being able to touch your fingertips while smelling your scent.”

Adele gently shifted her eyes.

“I never imagined. That pretty little girl would grow up into such a beast.”

He gazed at her with captivating eyes like a charming beast.

“Understand me because I’m a beast faithful to desire.”

“Are there beasts that are faithful to desire and dislike mating within their species?”

Kristin looked awkward, thinking she might bring up the topic of a child again.

Adele, who noticed that, sat down beside him, smiling.

“Relax. I’m not trying to talk about a child.”

“It’s not that I dislike children.”

“I know. I understand why you did what you did.”

“…!”

Kristin’s chest tightened.

Could she have guessed his true identity?