<Chapter 03>
But unfortunately, Thisbe could not see the change in Sor’s expression. Before Thisbe could speak, Sor picked up the newspaper and blocked the line of sight between them.
So Thisbe, not knowing anything, picked up a teaspoon and idly stirred the teacup and continued speaking.
“As you can see from the article, they say it was a slightly strange accident. The accident occurred because the wheel of the carriage became loose… … .”
“It says that Marquise Manette’s carriage was built a week ago, so that’s not possible.”
“that’s right. So it seems like a lot of opinions are focused on the fact that it wasn’t an accident and that it was someone else’s work.”
“… … And you think the culprit is you?”
The voice that answered was very low. Since the newspaper could not muffle the sound, Thisbe also realized that Sor was very upset.
It was a voice that believed in Thisbe’s innocence, as if it were very natural. That’s not that surprising.
‘Because Sor is a good person.’
Although Sor was a minor character with a minor role, Thisbe knew how he was portrayed in the book.
A man who is naive to the point of being a bit foolish and believes in the good side of people.
So, even when everyone turns their backs on Thisbe, who commits all kinds of evil deeds, he steadfastly stands by her side, saying that it cannot be done, but in the end, he is taken advantage of by Thisbe and dies.
‘It was definitely an attempt at poisoning, which is what Thisbe ordered Sor to do in the original work.’
In fact, strictly speaking, he did not instigate poisoning. Because Thisbe deceived Sore.
Geongukje is about a month from now.
Since Thisbe debuted in society at the age of 12, she has always been in charge of carrying the torch that marks the beginning of the founding festival.
It’s natural. Thisbe was a saint, a child of an oracle who was respected by everyone in the empire.
Sanctification was almost the only public work Thisbe was responsible for as a saint.
But that was until last year. After it became known that the real saint was someone other than Thisbe, the torch was passed to Estelle.
There was no way Thisbe could tolerate that.
So she prepared some medicine and asked Sor.
-Sour, secretly pour this into Estelle’s teacup. I am forbidden to speak alone with Estelle, but you are not.
-… … What is this? Surely the poison
-It’s not like that. It’s just a medicine that causes body aches for about 3 days… … . Really. If you don’t believe me, you can try it.
-Thisbe. But this… … .
-I can’t bear to see her stand on the cauldron at the Konkuk Festival instead of me. Please, Sor. Please help me just this once. There is no one who can help me except you… … .
Thisbe pleaded with tears. He said that he was stripped of his position in his family and kicked out of the temple. There is no one on my side other than you.
-If you don’t help me… … I’m going to commit suicide.
There is no way that the weak-hearted Sor could ignore Thisbe’s tearful threats.
However, since it was against his ethics to give Estelle the medicine he was given based solely on Thisbe’s words, Sor tried the medicine himself.
Surprisingly, Thisbe was right. He lay down sick for just three days, then immediately got up from his bed.
So Sor decided that Thisbe did not have a very evil mind, so he put the medicine in Estelle’s teacup.
If Sor had known that the medicine would become poison if it mixed with the ingredients of black tea, he might have saved his life.
Of course, this is only if.
Estelle collapses after taking poison, and Sor is imprisoned.
But the most surprising part is that Sor did not accuse Thisbe even after he realized that he had been deceived by Thisbe.
‘Even if we said it wasn’t Sor, it was obvious that the culprit was Thisbe, so we couldn’t avoid the investigation.’
No matter how good a person he is, if the situation were like this, he might try to prove his innocence by talking about Thisbe. Sor didn’t do that.
On the contrary, when he heard that Thisbe was accused, he even defended it, saying that there must be some misunderstanding.
‘When I was reading the book, I wondered if there was such a stupid kid.’
When I actually met him, I realized what an idiot he was. Sor was a kind, pure, and even responsible man like no other in the world.
So Thisbe was able to calmly hand over the article criticizing her.
As Thisbe had expected, Sore clearly showed his displeasure and frowned, which was rare.
“What kind of irresponsible article is this to say that you must be the culprit since all of the victims have recently run into you?”
“On the outside, it looks elaborate.”
“However, it is unacceptable to publish an article like this without properly obtaining the facts. Moreover, even if it is true that he collided with the victims, wasn’t he the one who attacked first?”
“That’s right.”
Thisbe recalled what happened last weekend.
That day, Thisbe went to the opera house with Sor. Originally, the family had told her to meet once a weekend for tea, but it was not easy for Thisbe to spend hours with a man who spoke very little.
So she often made appointments with Sor elsewhere.
Of course, newspapers also played a role back then. While I was flipping through the newspaper, I came across an interesting play promotion.
-Sor, look at this. <The Secret Night of Madame Delaunay> is being screened as a play!
-Do you want to see it?
-sure!
In the middle of an affair, a novel that is famous for being over 19+ and that most noble ladies would secretly have a copy of, is being made into a play!
-The last date is next Sunday. Sor, do you want to go see it together?
-I am… … Is that okay?
-Why not? Oh, maybe you don’t like this kind of thing?
-Oh, no. Anything Thisbe likes is fine.
To Thisbe’s question, Sor answered happily, slightly coloring his ivory cheeks.
Sor was probably curious about the play with the provocative title “The Secret Night of Madame Delaunay.”
It was clear that it would be better for Sor than sitting across from his fiancee, whom he didn’t really like, and drinking tea in a boring way.
So I went to the theater with a light heart, but I never thought I would get into a fight with Marquise Manette.
-haha. She talks a lot about being a child of an oracle or a saint. After all, if that’s not a scammer, then what is? Meanwhile, I’m happy to see the opera with my fiancé.
– Huh, Marquis. Please lower your voice. The princess will listen.
-Did I say something wrong? You were so frightened by the monster that appeared at the hunting ground that you said out loud that you were not a saint, right? It’s shameless and pathetic. If it were me, I wouldn’t have even stepped out of my room for a while.
It was indeed the speaking habits of an extra.
The Marquis Manette must have said that in the hope that Thisbe would be hurt, but unfortunately, Thisbe was not hurt at all.
‘If you use your mouth like that, your life will be short-lived.’
That’s all I can think about.
Oh, and you’re sorry for putting Sor, who came out with you, through something unnecessary?
So Thisbe hurriedly pulled Sor’s arm, whose face was stiff.
-Sor, I’m sorry. Because of me, you made people say things like that for no reason.
-… … no. Thisbe rather than me. … … Let me tell you something.
-I’m fine. Something similar happened at the last salon, right? There are a lot of people, so let’s move on quietly.
When Thisbe laughed casually, Sor lowered the tips of his eyebrows to show that he was upset, but he did not object to Thisbe’s words.
In its own way, it was a fortunate thing. If Sor had come forward, the situation would have definitely gotten worse, and the rumors would have gotten stronger.
Above all, Thisbe really didn’t care.
Her mind was already filled with worries about what drink to order at the theater rather than Marquise Manette’s insults.
As a result, both the noblewoman who had insulted her in the salon and the Marquis Manette died.
So it became clear that Thisbe was the one who lived longer, but she was not in a position to be happy.
Suddenly, she ended up being accused of murder without doing anything.
‘But after talking to Sor, I feel a little lighter.’
After it was revealed that Estelle was a real saint, Thisbe became completely alone.
Everyone may say a hello or two on the outside, but that’s it.
Even though I knew it was the cold-hearted logic of a socialite who weighs the pros and cons that would come to me, I felt bitter in many ways.
As soon as Sor saw the article, he believed in Thisbe’s innocence. It’s something I can’t help but be thankful for.
However, since it seemed unlikely that the wrinkles between Sor’s fair eyebrows would ever be smoothed out as it was, Thisbe decided to encourage conversation.
“It’s okay though, Sor. Since I am innocent, the truth will definitely come out. “Relax your expression.”
“I know, but… … “I am concerned about the disgrace you are receiving.”
Ugh, it’s definitely against the law to look at it with such pitiful eyes. Finally, after much thought, Thisbe reached out and cupped Sor’s cheek.
Sor hesitated for a moment, seemed hesitant, and then leaned his face into Thisb
e’s hand. The nape of her neck, newly exposed by her collar, was red.
“Thisbe always says she’s okay, but I’m worried that she might end up in a situation where she’s really not okay.”
“i know. Thank you for your concern. But is it really okay?”
“Are you calm?”
“Sure. “I plan to catch the culprit who committed this act.”
Thisbe smiled sweetly and answered.