Cian asked cautiously, watching Rachel’s reaction.
“Will His Majesty’s presence interfere with Countess Rachel’s plans?”
“Not really. I may have to make some adjustments, though. Is there any way to know in advance when His Majesty will arrive?”
“It’s hard to know the exact arrival time, but I can find out the departure time. Do you need it?”
“Yes, if we have that information, we can surprise Berengella even more.”
Cian nodded.
“I’ll make preparations.”
Rachel burst into laughter at his businesslike response.
“It’s quite fascinating to hear Your Highness respond like that.”
“Fascinating?”
“You said you’d prepare so naturally. Usually, you’d be the one to hear such responses, not the one giving them.”
Cian had been using formal language ever since they first met.
Initially, it was because Rachel was a countess and he was a guild member, but even after his true identity was revealed, and even when Rachel became a commoner, Cian’s attitude did not change.
He said it helped him stay on guard.
‘Just like the with the ‘family outfit’ incident, Cian is really unusual. Going undercover as someone like Alias is not something a typical noble would do, it’d hurt their pride too much… Is there some reason for it?’
But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t figure out why the only archduke of the empire needed to be so cautious.
The beautiful man in front of her smiled faintly, seemingly unaware of her concerns.
“I’m glad it didn’t seem awkward. I’ve never said such things to anyone other than His Majesty and Countess Rachel.”
“…What?”
Rachel’s eyes widened at his unexpected answer.
Cian, instead of responding to her reaction, changed the subject.
“And about the contact on the day of the party you mentioned before. I’m thinking of using my friend Stefan.”
“Ah, Stefan… are you referring to Duke Stefan Iacobs?”
“He’s smart and quick-witted and will be able to react quickly if things go wrong. He’s one of the few friends I trust and rely on, so we don’t have to worry about the operation being leaked.”
The expression ‘friend I trust and rely on’ was impressive.
They say that the higher a person gets, the lonelier they become, but fortunately, Cian seemed to have some good friends. Perhaps it’s because he’s a good person himself.
Rachel nodded.
“If His Highness says so, then it’s okay with me.”
* * *
That evening, after finishing their meal, Stefan and Cian sat across from each other.
Stefan, who was quietly listening to Cian’s plan, twisted the corner of his mouth, dumbfounded.
“So, you want me to act as a messenger at your party?”
“Yes. If possible, I would also like you to escort Countess Rachel so that she can get noticed at the party. Duke Iacobs, who has appeared in the capital for the first time in a long time, will attract attention.”
With his status as a duke, the money he earned as a member of Iacobs, his handsome features and sturdy physique, and his marriageable age, Stefan was more than capable of heating up the social scene.
If such a person were to appear together with the newly titled Countess, the two would certainly attract attention.
However, Stefan, who hated being bothered, didn’t like attracting attention from people around him very much. There was no way that Cian, a friend of 20 years, would not know that.
Even knowing this, Cian made such a request. It was unusual for him.
“You weren’t like this before. Asking me to be a messenger and escort for a party… Is it okay for Archduke Cian Aisa de Dicarsignac to change like this?”
“It’s okay.”
“Tsk.”
Stefan, at a loss for words, scratched his head.
Although he said this, he had no intention of refusing Cian’s request. To Stefan, Cian was a friend and benefactor, and above all, Cian’s plan seemed interesting.
“So, what specifically am I going to be doing?”
“Just convey the information I give you to Rachel. You can hide and wait, and when you get the signal, escort Countess Rachel and come down to the hall.”
“Who’s sending the signal?”
“His Royal Highness Crown Prince Atreille will help.”
“Ah, that kid? This is really getting interesting. So, what are you going to do?”
“I’m the scarecrow. My role is to sit in the corner of the party and when Berengella comes, I’ll engage her in conversation and reveal the woman’s plans.”
“You’re doing what?”
Stefan clicked his tongue.
‘I was surprised when he said he was hosting a party, something he’d never done before in his life, to punish the person who harassed the girl he liked. But this? Acting like a scarecrow to uncover her intentions? He’s really going all out.’
Cian’s face hardened.
“Your answer?”
“I’ll do it. It’s just surprising.”
“Who’s the one usually running around doing crazy thins all over? Are you really that shocked by something like this? Do you know how surprised I was when they drove a herd of elephants around saying you were building a theme park or something?”
“It’s fine for me because I’ve always done such things, at this point it’s normal. But you? It’s more surprising when someone who doesn’t do such things does something strange.”
“…Where should I even start to argue?”
Cian sighed briefly.
Stefan twitched the corners of his mouth, finding his friend’s reaction amusing.
Cian wasn’t an affectionate person, but neither was he cold. He was kind, generous, but rational and did his job while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
But now, without any boundaries, he was giving his all, body and mind.
It was amazing and surprising to see his friend completely changed after falling in love.
‘Ah, I want to tease him! What should I do? Should I hold back or not?’
After struggling for a moment, Stefan couldn’t resist his instincts and started speaking.
“You won’t ask me to do such troublesome work for nothing, right?”
“Of course not. If you need anything, just tell me. Whether it’s investment funds for the merchant guild or a new elephant project, I’ll support you as much as I can.”
“There’s no need for that.”
“Then?”
“Countess Rachel. Is she pretty?”
Cian closed his mouth at the question. The surrounding air became cold.
Stefan felt a chill running down his spine but was also immensely amused.
‘That guy is pissed now, right? See, I told him, he likes Rachel!’
Seeing Stefan’s smirk, Cian replied in a low voice.
“…She’s beautiful.”
“Great! Then can I try getting along with her while escorting her? I’ve been thinking of settling down in the capital, getting married and quitting my travels. Since she’s smart and beautiful, she’d be perfect for me…”
“Stefan.”
Cian’s quiet voice made Stefan’s hair stand on end.
One word shut his mouth, and Cian tilted his head lazily.
“Don’t touch Countess Rachel… I don’t want to have to kill you.”
Stefan shivered as if he’d been stabbed.
‘Crazy.’
Sweat beaded on his palms.
‘Cian, that bastard, isn’t kidding.’
The urge to tease him dissolved. He quickly cleared his throat and looked the other way.
“Hey, hey. I’m just joking. Why are you being so serious? I’ll be staying here for a while, so you don’t need to do anything special. If you’re really grateful, just spar with me sometime.”
“Fine. As much as you want.”
The threatening look in Cian’s eyes disappeared.
As the atmosphere became more relaxed, Stefan also dropped his tense shoulders.
‘Wow. I think I’ll stay in the capital for a while, busy or not. I can’t miss this golden opportunity to see the Archduke go through all this change!’
He was already filled with anticipation.
* * *
On the day of the party at Archduke Dicarsignac’s residence.
The entrance of the mansion was bustling with carriages from the time the sun began to set.
Numerous people dressed extravagantly entered the mansion. She also noticed some of the nobles she’d briefly met at the title award ceremony.
Rachel, looking out the window toward the entrance of the mansion, turned her head and looked at the side door of the building. The servants and workers were busy carrying food, alcohol, and decorations to and from the hall.
‘Berengella will probably come in through there. She might already be inside.’
Rachel was sitting alone in an empty room on the third floor of the Archduke of Dicarsignac’s mansion. She turned off the lights and drew the curtains, hiding her presence, waiting.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door and entered the room.
Rachel stood up to greet the guest.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Countess Rachel Fram.”
“Nice to meet you. As you know, I’m Stefan Iacobs.”
“It’s a pleasure, Duke Stefan.”
“Cian told me to inform you that the woman named Berengella just entered the party.”
“I see. Thank you for letting me know.”
Stefan approached Rachel and stared at her face before bursting into laughter.
“Maybe because I’ve heard so much about you, I’m even more excited that I get to meet you in person.”
“You’ve heard about me?”
She’d been keeping a low profile to avoid rumors. Where could he have heard about her?
Rachel froze in surprise, but Stefan waved his hand.
“I heard from Cian, not from outside. So don’t worry.”
“All right, I understand.”
“Oh. You trust that Cian didn’t say anything weird?”
There was no need to doubt. Cian wouldn’t carelessly say anything that could harm or disadvantage Rachel.
Stefan smiled and pulled back the curtains. He chuckled, amused by something, and waved his hand towards the outside.
Wondering what was going on, Rachel peeked out through the gap in the curtains. Cian, who‘d been greeting guests, was looking this way with a stiff face.
Stefan shrugged his shoulders at Cian standing outside, then turned his head and made eye contact with Rachel, his black eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Hey, Countess Rachel. Want to hear something interesting?”
