Mrs. Bacchus glanced at the violin case beside me. Seeing that I didn’t answer, she swallowed her words with a bitter smile.

The conversation was not naturally connecting. Mrs. Bacchus was acting with a frivolous smile, taking cues from me.

I recalled the times I had laughed and talked with her. Casually talking and receiving snacks… such a thing was unimaginable in this atmosphere.

“You are the son of Duke Fenton, someone told me. We met back then, didn’t we?”

“……I am Yurik Fenton.”

“Yes. I’ve occasionally heard about you from Roger. He often talked about you.”

Yurik didn’t hide his nervous expression at Mrs. Bacchus’s statement that Roger had talked about him. Considering the relationship between Yurik and Roger, it was clear that nothing good had come out of Roger’s mouth.

“You are really handsome, just as I heard. The white hair reminds me of an angel. You have a different color from Roger. Looking at your face, you seem more mature than your age.”

Mrs. Bacchus quickly scanned Yurik and showered him with compliments. It was an effort to break the awkward silence.

“Are you intelligent like your father? I heard you are two years older than Roger. Are you preparing for college entrance exams? What’s your target school? If it’s a prestigious one, then…”

“I haven’t seriously considered any schools yet. I’m not preparing either.”

“Oh, I see.”

The conversation that was barely continuing was suddenly cut off. There was no more time to dillydally with meaningless talk.

“Does Roger know you’re here?”

I broke the silence. The faint smile remaining on Mrs. Bacchus’s face disappeared at my penetrating question.

“He doesn’t seem to know.”

The ice cubes in the orange juice melted and cracked. A piercing sound echoed, and a stuffy breeze crept in.

Although sweat appeared on everyone’s foreheads, I knew everyone’s expression was as cold as ice. Was it oblivious to the atmosphere or pretending not to know?

“……I came to see Roger, but I also wanted to talk to you, Lise. You must have been deeply shocked too. I wanted to apologize and explain everything. Continuously.”

“Then why haven’t you come to where my mother is? Apologizing would be more accurate and quicker that way.”

The talk of wanting to apologize was an excuse to placate me, and Mrs. Bacchus had come all this way just to see Roger.

“No, I really wanted to apologize to you! But, but…”

Reading my face, Mrs. Bacchus hurriedly spoke.

Contrary to her sudden words, Mrs. Bacchus hesitated, searching for suitable words and excuses. Her effort was futile; I knew why she had not come to the mansion.

She was scared of my mother.

“Go on.”

“……Yes, you probably know everything.”

Mrs. Bacchus let out a long sigh.

“Lise.”

“……”

“Have you ever felt discouraged due to your talents and background?”

I didn’t answer Mrs. Bacchus’s question. Seeing my silent face, she, for some reason, became confident.
“I do exist. I was born into a family of doctors, but I didn’t inherit their talent.”

It was unclear why she was telling this story now. Perhaps she interpreted my silent attentiveness as encouragement and continued.

“I tried, but I couldn’t catch up with my family, no matter how hard I worked, my grades were never good. That’s why I admired Isabel.”

“……”

“But Isabel chose to give up everything and get married. You won’t understand how betrayed I felt back then. I didn’t give up on surpassing Isabel. But isn’t it strange? The one who didn’t give up—me—kept facing failure, while Isabel led a life without emotional distress.”

I wanted to get up. Hearing her say she had been unfaithful to my father out of love would have made me less angry than this.

“I see.”

I downed the orange juice that was on the table. The ice had melted, leaving the beverage lukewarm, bland, and tasteless.

The liquid I’d just swallowed seemed to get stuck somewhere, not fully digested. A heat rose in my chest, suffocating me.

“I didn’t come here to hear about your compensatory psychology, ma’am.”

“……”

“I came to hear Roger’s wonderful performance.”

I put my hand on Roger’s violin case.

“Please, make sure Roger can successfully finish his performance today.”

Yurik, who had been sitting beside me, also finished his orange juice and set the cup down on the table.

“If Your Highness hesitates because you’re concerned, I will reassure him. So please, don’t worry.”

“Did you hear what Yurik said? Now please go, ma’am.”

There wasn’t much time left before the concert started. Despite our words, the lady stubbornly remained seated.

“Ma’am.”

Just as I was about to press the issue further, a knock came at the door. Everyone’s eyes turned toward the closed door.

“Excuse me. Is Lady Barkus of the Barkus family here?”

The voice sounded like that of a servant residing at the Duke’s estate. The closed door opened, and an unfamiliar man hurriedly approached upon spotting Lady Barkus.

“……What is it?”

Lady Barkus’s voice had lost its vigor.

“I apologize, ma’am, but Young Master Roger Barkus has not yet arrived at the estate. Is anything the matter?”

“What? Roger hasn’t come?”

Lady Barkus’s eyes widened.

“You should get ready right now, considering the time. His Highness is very worried.”