TFLMLD 53

Chapter 53

The Gift Sent by Schupen (2)

The nickname of “villainess” that had been stuck to me was swiftly transferred to Rael. As I began to expose, one by one, the atrocities Rael had committed, the noblewomen—watching her complexion grow steadily paler—could not hide their shock.

When it was revealed that the infamous “villainess” of the rumors was in fact Rael herself, the hall was filled with murmurs.

Rael, her face flushed red, let out a trembling voice as she forced an awkward laugh.

“Hey!”

They say a dog can’t change its habits—she had basically smashed her own foot with her own hammer. Realizing only now the blunder of her words, Rael clamped her mouth shut in a panic. Then, as though putting on a two-faced mask, she spoke again in a falsely sweet voice.

“When did I ever say that?”

But that first slip—calling me “hey” instead of “sister”—had already convinced the surrounding nobles of the truth. Worse still, her sudden fake sweetness only backfired.

“She’s no different from a Count Asura.”
“Indeed.”

Ignoring Rael’s furious huffing, I lifted the graceful smile I had practiced countless times.

“Thank you, everyone, for your gifts.”

After bowing slightly to Lady Marie and offering the nobles a polite farewell, I turned away.

The music, briefly halted by the commotion, began again, restoring the atmosphere of the ball.

In the midst of the resumed party, Rael stormed out of the building with angry steps.

Rael was livid.

At first, her goal had been to carry out Evelyn’s special orders properly and secure a place in the House of Reflere.

But now…

“She made me get expelled from the last family, and this time she humiliates me in public?”

Face bright red with rage, Rael gnawed her nails. Still, she was satisfied at having discovered one unexpected, intriguing fact.

“What’s the relationship between Schupen and Calypse?”

To complete this mission properly, she should have uncovered the secret behind Schupen’s gift as well. A shame, but even this much was more than enough to provoke Evelyn.

If Evelyn, already gnashing her teeth at seeing Calypse live happily with “Macaron,” were to learn about Schupen’s gift? Evelyn was shrewd enough to know exactly how to use that card.

The nobles might assume Schupen was currying favor with Macaron… but considering Schupen hadn’t even attended in person nor sent an invitation, something was off. Moreover, when Schupen’s name came up, Macaron’s twisted expression and Calypse’s momentary flustered look confirmed that there was indeed something.

“Did Schupen and Calypse have some kind of connection? Well, Evelyn will take care of it once she hears.”

Evelyn already detested Calypse’s ties with Macaron. Add Schupen’s gift to the mix?

“This is going to get fun.”

A euphoric smile spread across Rael’s face.

The party resumed in full swing with the orchestra’s lively music. Guests spread out, dancing or raising glasses. Here and there, people whispered about Lady Mitchell and Rael.

Most of it was positive, so there was nothing for me to worry about.

With Rael’s misdeeds now exposed alongside Macaron’s public announcement, the nobles turned their attention to me, each eager to earn my favor.

“You must have suffered a lot because of Rael.”
“Indeed. None of us imagined she’d be shameless enough to spout such lies.”

“Um, by any chance…”

At one lady’s hesitant words, everyone’s eyes turned to her.

“Please, speak freely.”

Only after some fidgeting did she finally manage to say:

“If Rael’s actions then caused you distress, I’m so sorry. She begged us so much, and yet to think she’d do something like that…”

Looking closer, I realized she was the lady of House Sword.

“You already apologized back then, so there’s no need. Besides, it was Rael’s doing.”

Since everyone was curious, Lady Sword went on to recount Rael’s past atrocities, and another round of gossip ensued.

By the time Rael’s reputation had plummeted beyond recovery, the talk circled around to another point.

“How could she have entered the Reflere Ducal House without even a letter of recommendation?”

Lady Sword’s question gained traction.

Still, everyone carefully avoided bringing up Evelyn—almost as if being mindful of me. But there’s always one without tact.

“Didn’t Evelyn and Rael get along so well?”

The air went tense for a moment, but when I gave a calm smile, the others rushed to chime in.

“Surely Evelyn didn’t put her up to this?”
“Would she really keep Rael by her side knowing what she’s like?”
“She must know what it means when a maid is dismissed without recommendation…”

Opinions flew—Evelyn had deliberately planted Rael, that her recruiting her was intentional, and so forth.

It was no different from what I had thought myself, but hearing it from so many mouths only confirmed it more firmly.

Evelyn still hadn’t forgotten Macaron and was intent on provoking me.

And… perhaps, as Rael’s curse-like words suggested, she might soon come here herself.

Either way, for someone about to become a head of household to brazenly risk her reputation like this… Though then again, she could always deny knowing Rael would go so far. In a way, Evelyn might be cleverer than expected.

Still, Rael had caused a far bigger mess than Evelyn must have intended.

And with no master to defend her, the Reflere family’s reputation had taken blow after blow.

Both Macaron and I spent the whole day surrounded by nobles, and by the time darkness thickly covered the Crade territory, the guests began preparing to leave.

Carriages lined up neatly in front of the estate, and one by one, the nobles departed the hall.

After seeing off the last guest, the once-bustling hall fell quiet.

The children, exhausted from the late hour, went off with Sir Momont to their rooms, leaving only Macaron and me behind.

The solemn demeanor Macaron had shown earlier was gone—he now bloomed like a gentle sunflower.

“Would you grant me a cup of tea in the east annex tonight?”

Had he not spoken first, I would have asked him to stay anyway. Tonight, I wanted to be with him a little longer.

“Of course. Let’s go.”

The path to the east annex was light, save for one nagging thought.

What should I do about Schupen’s gift?

When we entered the room, gifts were already piled high—Eve and the attendants must have moved them in advance.

As the tea was being served, I noticed Macaron pretending not to, yet repeatedly glancing toward Schupen’s gift.

After setting the tea on the table, I fetched the gift directly.

He feigned innocence.

“Why are you bringing that out…?”

“Isn’t this the real reason you wanted to come? If not, I’ll put it back.”

As I moved to pull it away, he gently caught my wrist.

“Since you brought it already, let’s take a look.”

Then he added, half-amused:

“Though I’m sure it’s a pitiful gift.”

Opening the ornate, patterned case, its contents revealed themselves.

A necklace.

It sparkled brilliantly, a necklace designed with a sun motif, a radiant magic stone embedded at its center.

It was so valuable it was overwhelming—a burden just to look at.

In short, it was a challenge directed at Macaron.

Feeling strangely guilty, I glanced at him.

What must Macaron be thinking?

Surely his eyes must be like a grim reaper’s right now.

“…Shall we send it back?”

But when I looked up, what I saw was the languid gaze of a predator. He seemed almost unconcerned, though a faint crease marked his brow.

What’s more, he even smiled as if pleased that I had suggested sending it back, setting aside the teacup he’d been about to sip.

“If that’s what you wish, do so. But don’t do it just for my sake.”

As I studied him, puzzled by his vague words, a meaningful smile curved at his lips.

“I’ve already paid for it.”

“…!”

Paid? For what?

“I’ve already compensated Steward Nabyru for it.”

When had he done that?

The way he said it, almost as if expecting praise, made me chuckle helplessly.

But when I looked up again, his mood had shifted.

Gone was the boastful kitten—before me now was a man wearing a sensual smile.

Just like that night on our trip: one room, just the two of us.

I wasn’t unwilling… but I was afraid. Even though I had experienced it once before, the trembling was the same as that first time.

“Shall we have a drink first?”

Someone once said that alcohol is the best medicine for those without courage.

But Macaron wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

“No. Tonight I want a different kind of intoxication.”

His gaze lingered on my lips, entangling them in a sticky intensity.

Just the way he looked at me was enough to send a shiver down my spine—it was something only Macaron could do.

And on my bitten lips, a playful smile rested, recalling my past blunders.

If he was remembering the shameful thing I had done… I had no excuse, no defense.

If only I could crawl into his mind and erase just that memory.

Then, from a breath away, his whisper brushed my ear.

“This time, you won’t escape with excuses.”

Polite yet languid, his voice was seductively enthralling.

In the night that descended, his crimson eyes gleamed vividly with obsession—eyes full of hunger, like a starving beast.

What should I do? Of course…

His figure, so poignant it was almost pitiful, left me no room to reject him.

If I turned away now, it would only wound him.

Truthfully, I could have avoided it… but I didn’t want to.

He was so breathtaking, like a sculpted masterpiece, that even my fear dissolved away.

Instinct overpowered reason that night.

Before I knew it, we were by the bedside, his masculine scent brushing my nose with every breath.

The shirt he had loosened revealed raw, living muscles, taut and vibrant.

The faint brush of them beneath my fingertips sent shivers through me.

I didn’t dislike it. No—I couldn’t possibly dislike it.

How could anyone dislike someone who came so gently?

His voice, sweet as cream, wrapped my ear in sinful temptation.

“If you don’t want this, push me away.”

I hadn’t even had a sip of alcohol, yet my face burned hot.

Even with the cold night air drifting in through the terrace, heat only surged higher.

And then, his eyes met mine—before descending toward my lips.