Episode 20

The whites of her eyes turned a light shade of red.

Ute gazed blankly at the red-rimmed eyes, resembling a freshly crushed pomegranate.

A single drop of water clung to her lavender lashes before falling.

The man unconsciously bit his lip.

'I have a feeling... something...'

He knew it was an act.

However, Sonnet's suffering was undeniably real.

An exasperated sigh escaped his lips.

"I... apologize."

"Why apologize?"

It was an instant response, contrasting her earlier hesitation.

The bloodshot eyes of the woman were impossible to ignore.

"What does Sir Ute have to apologize for?"

"There's reason enough."

"To apologize? For what?"

A face that seemed impervious to sensitivity.

Ute took a deep breath and held his silence for a moment.

'Perhaps it's best to remain silent.'

Why say anything now that the whole situation passed smoothly?

Considering Ute Velvet's position, perhaps letting go would have been wiser.

'It's better to be free of obligation.'

Admitting fault and seeking forgiveness was akin to volunteering as the guilty party.

Nonetheless, Ute Velvet opened his mouth cautiously.

"I should have taken the initiative."

A rough sensation caught in his throat.

He swallowed the inexplicable discomfort and continued.

"I should not have left Miss Sonnet alone... I could have done more."

"No. Even if Sir Ute had intervened, the outcome would have likely remained unchanged."

Or could Sir Ute have done something?

Sonnet's expression remained calm for something who had just shed tears.

Although her slightly dropping brows hinted at a lingering sadness.

"Wouldn't it have been more troublesome if Sir Ute were to incur dislike? The count already harbored ill will towards me."

"That doesn't erase the hardships Miss Sonnet experienced."

"It wasn't that difficult for me. I was a bit upset, but it's common for higher-ups to find fault with anything."

Spread crazy romance labor awareness!

The stranger observed silently.

"Still."

"It's truly alright. I don't understand why Sir Ute is apologizing."

This scenario wasn't new.

Ute felt uncomfortable by the woman's plain response.

'Why apologize?'

'There's nothing to apologize for—'

Sonnet Posa often responded in such a manner.

In such situations, she would display a face free of any calculation.

"Why?"

She wasn't inherently gentle or foolish.

'Rather, she is quite meticulous, especially when it comes to dealing with figures.'

How precise was the contract during its drafting?

His spine tingled as he recalled those intense gazes.

'Why would such a person...?'

Despite being placed in an unfair situation, why?

Though the woman showed no signs of hatred, he wasn't brazen enough to act shamelessly.

'You speak of partnership, but it was I who proved to be of no assistance.'

Sadly, Ute Velve's conscience remained intact.

"Of course, it's not entirely my fault... but I feel responsible."

"Responsible?"

Her lips, which had remained downcast, momentarily twitched.

'It may sound ironic now.'

Ute's lips raised habitually for emphasis.

"I can't help but feel regret, because all of this happened thanks to the contract I proposed."

"I'm unsure anymore."

"Therefore—"

"You promised. To actively cooperate in ending this romance."

Her moist pupils resembled a dawn-lit lake's surface.

A calm, mirror-like stillness.

"I fulfilled my duty. As a temporary compatriot in fate and comrade of Sir Ute."

Comrade.

The words he often murmured insincerely now seemed to carry weight.

'Why?'

It felt... odd.

Ute struggled to suppress the unfamiliar emotions and changed the subject.

"Despite that, Miss Sonnet stood nearly all day. This might increase your risk of developing varicose veins."

As she slightly bent her knees, the two met eyes.

Her lavender lashes fluttered.

"Please get a check-up. Over-exertion might lead to other complications."

"I... "

"Or perhaps I could prescribe—"

"I'm alright!"

"That—"

"I'm completely fine! I could even walk on my hands!"

"Wow, you can do that?"

"Of course! I can even manage the stairs. Would you like a demonstration?"

"Ah, about that... It's not... Are you sure you're alright?"

"That's right. Well, that, if you're sorry..."

Sonnet idly scratched her neck and added softly,

"Next time... treat me to a meal."

"Ah, food. Yes, that sounds good."

"I heard there are excellent restaurants nearby, with chefs who once served the royal family."

"I see. I'll take you there on our next day off."

It was a new establishment Ute had heard of.

Their prices were quite steep.

'I guess she refuses to accept a mere verbal apology.'

As expected, it wasn't simple.

'Payday was only a few days away.'

I must prepare accordingly.

Ute Velvet calculated his savings and braced himself.

---

Immediately following the banquet, the townhouse issued a significant job posting.

'My work remains unchanged.'

What could they have done when the madam refused anyone but me?

In addition, it was fortunate the two were now having dinner together.

'It seems things have progressed between the Count and Countess.'

It was peaceful, without disruption.

Except for one matter.

"Madam, won't you tell me?"

"Even if it's Sonnet, I can't say."

"..."

"Hey, don't give me that sad look!"

I didn't do anything with my face though.

The countess groaned and shook her head.

"I'm your maid, you one and only dedicated maid!"

"That's true, but..."

"Madam, have you seen how much I suffered that day when you left without a word?"

"I-I do regret that."

"I'm not asking you to stop, I'm simply worried about you! But you still won't tell me?"

"I didn't do anything dangerous! ...It's true."

I poked her a few times, but her answer remained unchanged.

'She won't speak.'

The countess remained evasive and redirected the subject by handing me a small envelope.

"Sonnet, I need you to run this errand for me."

"Madam, you needn't ask. Is it related to that day?"

"Yes. You must not open this under any circumstances."

She handed me an unsigned envelope.

"Yes. If anyone tries to steal it, I shall protect it with my life."

"If they threaten to take your life, just show them..."

Her dough-like skin paled.

'I'm joking.'

I left the mansion without a moment to spare.

Fortuitously, after the commotion, I received more helping hands to assist the madam. Temporarily, at least.

They were only there as standby for when I was elsewhere.

'Thanks to you, I can breathe fresh air like this.'

The errand led me to a bakery not far from the mansion.

"Was she into sweets?'

This marked my fifth errand to this very shop.

Upon entering, I approached the counter directly.

'The redhead woman.'

I was instructed to order from her.

"I am from Count Edwell's estate. I'm here on behalf of the countess."

"Ah, are you here to order a custom cake?"

"Likely so. The Countess requested I give this to the person who looks best in a blue ribbon."

The woman's eyes narrowed.

"I'll deliver it. The cake will be sent out shortly."

A stage phrase: 'The person who looks best in a blue ribbon.'

The sealed envelope.

The employee smiled meaningfully.

Could this...?

'An affair?'

Was infidelity acceptable in romance novels?

'The count is the male lead. Then, who is she having an affair with?'

A once-in-a-lifetime dalliance?

Conflicting factors necessary to solidify your love with your husband?

I don't care if the madam sets up a new home or has ten children, but...

'I should speak with Sir Ute.'

The bustling bakery teemed with customers.

I waited a short distance away.

This bakery had recently become popular in the capital, attracting unexpected customers.

"Mary?"

A burly man by the door scanned the room, seemingly searching for someone.

"Mary?"

Miss Mary, I hope you can find him quickly.

Suddenly, the towering man quickly cut through the crowd.

'Huh?'

There was no one else here but me, so why is he—

"Mary!"

Tak.

A heavy weight gripped my shoulder.

---

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