Chapter 26

Translator: Yonnee

 
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No one would deny that Carlisle was handsome, but in truth, his good looks weren’t particularly eye-catching.

‘At least compared to Jack and Millein.’

Jack’s features were so sharply defined they could come off as fierce.

Millein’s face possessed a beauty that engraved itself into the memory of anyone who laid eyes on him.

The two of them possessed a presence so vivid and dazzling. Compared to those two, Carlisle’s appearance was relatively modest.

Even so, the reason Carlisle drew the attention of many was likely…

‘Because of that composure.’

An unruffled presence, to the point of feeling almost obsessive in its cleanliness.

From Carlisle came a refined quality, like that of a perfectly arranged bookshelf or an entire wall covered in mosaic tiles. That impression was likely due in no small part to his ever-expressionless face. His expression showed only the slightest changes; it was rare for his features to clearly convey joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure.

A man who, when you looked at him, made you want to reach out and mess up that unreadable face.

Carlisle Devay was a man who provoked such impulses of intrusion. Because of that, Adeline sometimes wondered if the memory of Carlisle smiling at her when they were young had been nothing more than a dream.

‘Carlisle rarely expresses anything.’

What could be going on behind that quiet face?

To win Carlisle over, the fastest route would be to find a weakness.

Or at the very least, something that stirred or bound him…

At that moment.

“…Milady.”

Carlisle’s always-composed brow furrowed for the briefest moment.

His gaze, just as before, remained fixed on the nape of Adeline’s neck.

If there was an issue, it was perhaps that her nearly dried hair had been gathered to one side, fully exposing her pale skin and the red marks engraved upon it.

After a short silence, Carlisle’s fingertips lightly brushed over one of the faint marks.

“Who was it?”

The insolent bastard.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Carlisle Devay.

The butler of the Zeller Duchy, known for his sincerity and impeccable manners.

Naturally, Carlisle also fully understood what the marks on the neck of the young lady he served meant.

He was four years older than Adeline, and far too old to be ignorant of what the traces on her body signified.

And so, this loyal butler thought to himself calmly.

‘…Well, it’s about time Milady met someone.’

She had graduated from the academy. Soon, she would have to inherit the title.

In truth, it was now the time when Adeline should start seeking a spouse.

It was only natural that she, now of age, would have an interest in romantic matters.

‘It’s nothing surprising. It’s something that was bound to happen eventually.’

He understood that, logically.

And yet.

Why did the fact bring such an unpleasant sensation?

Was it a sense of wariness toward someone unknown? Or irritation toward the impudent man who had dared to leave such marks on Adeline’s neck?

‘Perhaps it’s both.’

And maybe, it was also because of the strange behavior Adeline had shown that morning.

Carlisle recalled the minor incident from earlier that day.

In the early morning, before the sun had fully risen, a shrill scream had shaken the Zeller estate.

As if in agony from a horrible trauma, or terrified out of her mind…

It had been Adeline’s scream.

—Milady! Did you have a nightmare? Well, of course you might. It’s only been a week since the Duke passed away…

Rushing to Adeline’s bedroom, there, her personal maid Nadia had been speaking with her mistress.

Adeline, seated on the bed, had eyes that looked as if she’d been crying.

—So… it was a week ago that Father passed away, Nadia? Not a long time ago?
—Yes! That’s what I said! What kind of dream did you have? You said you couldn’t even remember the date properly…

When Nadia stomped her feet, exclaiming how startled she had been, Adeline gave a small laugh.

However.

—Oh my, Milady. Lord Carlisle is here too?

The moment Adeline, at Nadia’s words, noticed Carlisle standing by the door…

Her expression instantly turned cold.

As though she were looking at someone she loathed.