HIFH | Chapter 4

Episode 4

I had suspected for quite some time that Lu Vantes was wary of me.

At some point, he started hovering around me.

Every day, he would check if I had arrived at work, tail me whenever I appeared, and even ask the agents around me about things like my birthday.

We had spent years simply being aware of each other’s existence, never really interacting, and yet, all of a sudden, he was circling around me… Anyone would think he was suspicious of me.

So I began to wonder.

‘Why, though?’

It felt odd to say this myself, but regardless, I was a skilled intelligence agent.

I had never done anything that could give him a reason to suspect me.

‘Then why did he start doubting me?’

I really had no idea.

‘Whatever the case, I need to be careful.’

Right now, my objectives were clear.

First, I had to act as Lu Vantes’ fake lover.

Second, I had to hinder his search for the relic.

“Miss, are you ready?”

I nodded at Mardi, who was kindly holding the carriage door open for me.

Because today—

I was going to ruin Lu’s plan.

***

While waiting for Lu in the carriage, I went over today’s schedule.

Judging by the flood of invitations that had arrived the moment I set foot in the capital, the reports of Lu Vansen’s immense popularity had not been exaggerated.

‘They probably want to see me in person and judge me themselves.’

Since these women were interested in Lu, there was a chance they would say unpleasant things to my face.

But that didn’t bother me.

I was used to being disliked.

‘Besides, it’s not like anyone likes me anyway.’

So whether they insulted me or not didn’t matter.

I just had to do what I came here to do.

“You’re early.”

At the familiar voice, I pulled my gaze away from the empty space I had been staring at and turned toward the carriage door.

Lu stepped inside, impeccably dressed.

His black coat draped naturally over his broad, well-built shoulders, and the crisp collar of his white shirt emphasized his polished appearance.

His golden hair was neatly styled, not a strand out of place, yet under the sunlight, it shimmered freely.

“Apologies. Something came up, and I made you wait.”

As he sat down, he removed his black leather gloves, exuding elegance even in that small movement—unlike me.

“Let’s depart.”

The moment he gave the order, the carriage began to move.

Only then did I snap out of my daze, realizing I had been too fixated on his appearance.

‘He really is good-looking.’

But knowing I couldn’t let myself be swayed by that face, I shook my head twice.

“By the way, Charles.”

Then, Lu’s blue eyes turned toward me.

His gaze, deep and composed, carried a quiet persistence, as if he was prying for something.

“Charles…”

I swallowed dryly.

“Do you only have that one outfit?”

“…….”

Is he insane?

Realizing I had tensed up for nothing, I let out a hollow laugh.

“Why do you start picking fights the moment you see me?”

“It’s not a fight. I’m just stating a fact. That leopard-print skirt—you wore it back in the Holy Kingdom too, didn’t you?”

“It’s my favorite skirt.”

“Why would you be attached to something like that…?”

Lu shook his head as if he couldn’t comprehend it. Then, he scanned me from head to toe.

“This is serious.”

“What is?”

“Everything you’re wearing.”

Why me?!

I scowled, glancing down at my frilled blouse and leopard-print skirt.

But Lu still looked unimpressed.

“I don’t like it.”

Clicking his tongue, he continued.

“Well, we can talk about it later. For now, let me explain where we’re headed.”

He casually handed me a file.

“We’re going to the Florias’ estate. Everlyn Floria invited both of us.”

The file contained information on Count Floria and his wife.

There was also a section on their youngest daughter, Everlyn Floria.

I already knew all of this, but I pretended to read anyway.

“Count Floria is a major player in the arms industry. He was responsible for supplying military goods during the war with the Holy Kingdom.”

Again, information I already knew. I simply nodded while keeping a neutral expression.

“Because of that, there’s a high possibility he knows where the relic is. That’s why I accepted Everlyn Floria’s invitation.”

I nodded slowly.

“I see. While I attend the tea party, you’ll meet with the Count—is that it?”

“Exactly. A classic diversion tactic.”

Lu smiled brightly.

But I couldn’t bring myself to smile back.

‘I can’t let Lu find the relic.’

Even if he was only gathering information, I had to stop him. No matter what.

But…

‘Since I won’t be meeting the Count with him, I won’t be able to interfere directly.’

That left me with only one option.

‘I have to ruin the tea party.’

If I caused a disaster at the gathering, Lu and the Count wouldn’t be able to have a proper conversation.

And if I was the one to create the commotion, word would spread among the noblewomen, and no one would invite me to their events anymore.

That meant I wouldn’t have to carry out this diversion tactic—I could stay by Lu’s side and sabotage him directly.

‘Not a bad idea.’

Convinced by my plan, I closed the file and looked at Lu.

“Alright, Lu. Just trust me.”

And so, I declared with confidence.

“I’m quite popular with women, you know.”

Yeah, I’m definitely going to cause a scene.

Determined, I turned my gaze outside the carriage.

Everlyn Floria was in a terrible mood.

The fiancée of Lu Vansen, who had appeared in high society six months ago and stolen the hearts of every woman, had now made her grand entrance.

“But Sir Lu belongs to everyone!”

Hadn’t the ladies of high society even made a pact?

To treat Sir Lu like a noble flower perched atop an unscalable cliff.

To never dare to claim a place by his side. To simply admire him from afar!

That was how it was supposed to be…

“A fiancée?!”

This was no different from an uninvited rock rolling in and displacing the rightful one!

If she was just passing through, she should have rolled along quietly. But to have the audacity to take Sir Lu?

“I just don’t understand.”

Dorothy, who was attending the tea party, grumbled.

“If it were one of the ladies here, I wouldn’t say a word. But a childhood friend?”

“I’ve never even heard of a place called Courtney. And to bring a woman from such a remote backwater all the way to the capital?”

“He could have easily left her behind and started fresh here.”

“Exactly! Exactly!”

The young ladies at the tea party chimed in, voices overlapping.

“Let’s see how extraordinary she really is.”

“And if she turns out to be unworthy of Sir Lu…”

They exchanged glances, hesitating before someone finally voiced what they were all thinking.

“For Sir Lu’s sake, we must take matters into our own hands, don’t you think?”

That was why they had invited Charles to the tea party—

To drive out the country girl who dared to claim Sir Lu!

Each of them reaffirmed their resolve, soothing their simmering frustration with sips of tea.

And then—

“Hello?”

A foreign voice cut through their conversation. Every head turned in unison.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Charles Courtney.”

The woman who had spoken—Charles Courtney—was far more beautiful than they had anticipated.

Her bright, soft pink hair resembled a field of azaleas in full bloom, and her clear, deep violet eyes held a warmth that effortlessly captured hearts.

Her fair, porcelain-like skin was dusted with a delicate rosy flush, adding to her charm, and her petite frame exuded an undeniable liveliness.

“…She’s beautiful.”

“Cute.”

The young ladies murmured involuntarily.

“But her outfit is awful.”

On that point, everyone wholeheartedly agreed.