EID 26

26. Everything Will Be Alright

“Dumblin Tennis Tournament. That’s the condition.”

Olivia blinked in surprise at the unexpected demand and repeated,

“…A tennis tournament?”

“I’d like you to participate. Of course, it would be even better if you won.”

Warm spring sunlight poured into the carriage. The man, with a soft smile on his lips, looked at Olivia. She didn’t like being in the spotlight, but…

“…Alright.”

It was still better than being left with nowhere to go with Anne.

“All set. Just one signature here, please.”

Snapped out of her thoughts by the sudden appearance of a fountain pen, Olivia took it from the bank employee and wrote her name in the blank space.

Somehow… things will work out.

She withdrew the cash she needed immediately and deposited the rest with a newly issued promissory note, placing it safely in a vault. Pushing down her growing unease, Olivia and Anne stepped out of the bank.

Just like always—everything will be alright.

“Let’s go, Anne.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The breeze blew with the fragrance of blooming flowers, brushing Olivia’s cheeks gently. For some reason, that soft wind felt like the very hope that came with the season of renewal.

Olivia and Anne walked toward Riverside Street. This quiet residential area, lined with noble townhouses, sat beside the calm Vicenne River and boasted a breathtaking view.

“This house has a rich history. Over a hundred years old, but see how well-maintained it is! It’s spotless, isn’t it? And if you lived here, seeing such a view every day… even the King himself would be envious. Just imagine! Speaking of which…”

The real estate agent introduced by Edgar was quite talkative.

Olivia and Anne were looking at several townhouses to rent for about three months, until the Dumblin Championship in July.

Due to the ongoing scandal with Edgar, staying at the Lancelot Hotel was no longer an option.

Luckily, just as their legs began to ache, they found a house they both loved.

It was a red-brick house half-covered in ivy. The dark blue roof, warmed by the sunset, looked like a glowing griddle, and the white window frames were tinged with soft crimson.

After touring the interior, Olivia signed the lease on the spot. The house was so clean that it seemed ready to live in without any further preparations.

Olivia paid the full three-month rent—300 francs—in advance.

Apparently, Count Blanchet had been arrested on charges of document forgery the moment he submitted papers to the International Bank’s head office.

So he wouldn’t be able to bother her anymore, but ever since that day, holding large sums of money made her anxious.

By the time they returned to the hotel, the sun was already setting. As they crossed the lobby, a familiar face emerged from the elevator directly in front of them.

It was Madame Lauren.

Though the hotel was bustling with lounge and club guests, it was impossible not to recognize the woman walking confidently through the crowd. The sharp click of her stilettos echoed across the marble floor—and stopped right in front of Olivia.

“We meet again, Miss Blanchet.”

The ostrich feathers on her hat fluttered as she bowed slightly.

“Yes. It’s been a while, Madame.”

Olivia responded while briefly glancing toward the elevator Madame Lauren had exited.

“There’s been… quite a change.”

Madame Lauren widened her eyes as she took in Olivia’s new appearance and murmured to herself, nodding.

Though partially hidden by her hat, her neat bobbed hair suited her perfectly. The simple outfit—something even a maid might wear—actually accentuated Olivia’s natural beauty.

The ongoing rumors of her relationship with the Marquis of Lancelot after the Rose Ball didn’t seem to be doing her any harm.

Olivia Blanchet…

Princess Anneblin had once been Yves Lauren’s muse. She perfectly embodied the elegance Madame Lauren pursued in her designs.

So then, Lancelot Lauren…

Madame Lauren studied Olivia once more. Then—

“You seem to be acquainted with Mr. Lancelot?”

Olivia’s eyes flicked briefly to the elevator, then back to Madame Lauren. The private elevator used exclusively by the Lancelot Hotel’s CEO. Sensing her realization, Madame Lauren smiled and said,

“I’m hoping to become acquainted—with him, for business purposes.”

So, she wasn’t foolish. She was quite different from the woman the overseas gossip had painted. Olivia’s eyes still held suspicion, so an explanation seemed necessary.

“I made a misstep, you see. The necklace incident didn’t just trouble you, Miss Blanchet.”

She had underestimated Princess Anneblin’s feelings for the Marquis of Lancelot. Who would’ve thought the princess still held a torch for the man she abandoned to marry a foreign prince?

“And now I need a new investor.”

She had no choice but to acknowledge her own mistake for failing to account for such a variable. If she had known, she wouldn’t have insisted on Anne Joubert.

“I see.”

Olivia nodded slightly, expressionless.

Madame Lauren smiled in relief. It wouldn’t do for Olivia to connect her with Edgar—not until the acquisition contract with the Lancelot family was finalized.

“We may be seeing each other often. Until then.”

Madame Lauren brushed past Olivia with a farewell. The confident click of her heels rang out over the light music drifting from the lounge. Her red lips curled upward, filled with greed.

Watch out, dear innocent girl. That cat-like predator will devour you whole.

Olivia Blanchet needed to learn how to doubt people—more firmly.

✦

In the gaming room of the Honors Club, Crown Prince Christian and his friends were already deep into their card game. As Johann entered, every gambler’s gaze quickly turned to him.

Tabloids mocking Johann were scattered across every table. Reading them, you’d be convinced no man in the world was more pathetic.

Ah! Poor fool.

One article described the failed acquisition of a waterlogged steel company, claiming Johann’s wife had leaked trade secrets to help her beloved—Edgar Langster Lancelot—labeling her an industrial spy.

In that way, Johann’s ex-wife, Olivia Blanchet, continued making headlines with her new image, painting Johann as the most pitiful fool alive.

“You’re here?”

With a cigarette between his lips, Christian looked up from his cards and greeted Johann before returning to his hand.

Johann passed him wordlessly and walked to the balcony.

Christian received his last card and beamed.

Five matching suits.

“As expected! My Johann! My lucky charm!”

He shouted while raking in the chips. The noble sons chuckled. Hardly words suited for the man with the worst luck in all of Rondos lately.

After ordering brandy and ice, Christian left the table and followed Johann outside.

“Want in on the next round?”

Slumping into a white iron chair, Christian was already quite drunk.

“Send a letter next time. Don’t summon me.”

Johann, eyes narrowed, stared at the brandy being poured into his glass.

His noble golden hair and air of confidence reeked of arrogance—like every man in the royal family. Christian chuckled.

“You still remember I’m the Crown Prince, right?”

He flicked ash from his cigarette, drew a long puff, and exhaled slowly. Johann raised his glass.

“I owe Olivia a lot these days. Should I send her a thank-you gift?”

Drunk or just cheerful, Christian kept grinning.

The scandal-ridden Crown Prince had always dominated front-page news, but now that spotlight had shifted to Olivia Blanchet.

“If it weren’t for that political marriage with Agenth, I wouldn’t have had to hand her over to you. But why Edgar of all people? Was that really her type?”

Olivia. Olivia.

That damned name.

“So?”

Johann drained his glass in one go and set it down coldly.

“What do you want?”

“Next Friday. The Grand Duchess has been told you’ll attend. Be prepared.”

Through Christian’s curling smoke, the city lights of Rondos sparkled like stars. A city unnecessarily bright at night.

“Please divorce me.”

His wife’s voice stabbed into his memory again, though it no longer startled him.

A loveless marriage, tried once—nothing said it couldn’t be done again. It was time to erase the woman forever tied to his name.

“And what do I gain?”

Johann muttered. His cold gaze met Christian’s, who raised his glass with a crooked smile.

The second deal had begun.

✦

“You’re all set, Miss.”

Anne fastened the ribbon under Olivia’s chin neatly.

“Thank you, Anne.”

Smiling, Olivia walked to the mirror and checked her appearance. The wide-brimmed hat almost completely hid her small face. Up close, she was hard to recognize.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“It’s been an honor serving you.”

“Thank you for everything.”

With Madam Marie seeing them off, Olivia and Anne left the suite they had stayed in at the Lancelot Hotel.

As they stepped outside, reporters in black fedoras were smoking and chatting near the entrance. They scanned every person getting in or out of carriages with hawk-like eyes.

Nervous, Olivia gripped her trunk’s handle and took a deep breath.

They politely declined the doorman’s offer for a carriage and briskly passed by the reporters.

Only after they rounded the hotel’s corner and were safely out of sight did Olivia and Anne exchange silent smiles.

Looking up, the sky was clear and brilliant.

Early spring flowers were fading, replaced by lush green leaves deep with color.

Sunlight rained down between the leaves, dancing with the wind across the pavement. As they walked toward the carriage station, their steps trembled with excitement and anticipation.