Chapter 81 – Cool Musk Scent

“The truth is… I was the one who reported the incident to the guards that night.”

She went on to explain that she had attended the Soirée Blooming at Midnight and had, by chance, witnessed the young noble causing a disturbance. Realizing she wouldn’t be able to subdue him on her own, she had rushed off to summon help. There was a trace of sorrow on her face as she bit her lip, remorse and guilt tangled together in her expression.

“I should’ve stepped in and helped you…”

As Dahlia offered an apology instead of excuses, Evelyn shook her head firmly.

“It wasn’t your fault, Dahlia. Thanks to you, the guards arrived in time.”

“Thank you for understanding, Evelyn.”

Her delicate smile was tinged with relief, and Evelyn found herself ashamed of the doubts she’d harbored.

‘So that’s what really happened. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.’

Now that she had let go of her doubts about the female lead, a quiet sense of relief settled in her heart.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

At the table where the young ladies had gathered, conversation flowed freely—ranging from the latest gossip circulating in the capital, to current trends, to favored styles of the season. Evelyn, though appearing engaged, found her thoughts drifting elsewhere.

Why does it feel like the original story keeps veering off course?

Even though she knew she had already interfered with the plot, had tried her best not to stray too far from its framework. Still, the sense that she might have missed something gnawed at her. The rising anxiety gripped her so tightly that her nails left faint crescents in her palm.

“…My lady?”

Thud—

Startled out of her thoughts, Evelyn blinked wide-eyed. She quickly collected herself and offered a composed, gentle smile.

“Yes? Is something the matter?”

“Have you decided who you’ll give your handkerchief to for the Hunt Festival?”

One of the young noblewomen asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

‘Come to think of it, the Hunt Festival is just around the corner.’

Every spring, the Baltian Empire hosted the Hunt Festival under the auspices of the imperial family. Attendance was mandatory for nobles of age, though exceptions were granted for special circumstances. This would be Evelyn’s first time participating, and she responded calmly.

“I think I’ll give mine to the Young Lord Valentino.”

She figured it was only natural to just give it to her fiancé.

At that, a few of the young ladies let out soft exclamations, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Oh, the young lord is sure to be delighted!”

“I could practically see honey dripping from his eyes whenever he looked at you!”

As if. That was definitely not the case…

While other couples looked like they were living out a romantic drama, Axion Valentino seemed more suited to a psychological thriller. His head was probably filled with nothing but new ways to torment his fiancée.

Evelyn offered a faint smile, but beneath it lingered a trace of discomfort and awkwardness.

“You must have a good relationship with your fiancé.”

Dahlia, who had been watching her closely, spoke with a hint of surprise in her voice. For a brief moment, something unreadable flickered in her violet eyes—hesitation, or perhaps reluctance—before it vanished without a trace.

Evelyn, oblivious to the subtle shift, nodded lightly.

“Yes, we’ve been together since childhood.”

Even as the words left her lips, she felt the awkwardness of the sentiment and scratched her cheek with a sheepish grin. If Axion had been there, he would’ve flashed that insufferable smirk of his and mocked her on the spot. Even during gatherings meant for spending time together, the two of them somehow always ended up bickering.

Just as Evelyn let out an awkward smile, Dahlia suddenly reached out and gently took both of her hands in hers. Maybe it was the lingering chill of winter, but the coldness of her touch made her flinch slightly.

“Evelyn, would you introduce me to the Young Lord?”

“…To my fiancé?”

At her sudden request, a flicker of confusion spread through Evelyn’s green eyes.

Why would she ask that?

She had no idea what sort of expression she wore at that moment, only that she had to press her lips tightly together to keep the question from slipping out.

When she gave no response, Dahlia spoke up, her expression faintly flustered.

“I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought I’d like to meet my friend’s fiancé.”

It should’ve been natural for Axion and the female lead to grow closer since that was the story’s original path. And yet… she couldn’t bring herself to answer right away.

She offered a belated, gentle smile and took a sip of her tea before speaking.

“I’ll ask my fiancé about it next time.”

“…You will?”

The other young ladies, who had been quietly listening to the exchange, quickly chimed in with their own thoughts.