Chapter 25
“Oh my, I’ve never seen a heated mat used instead of a fireplace.”
Mary admired the heated mat in the center of the drawing room with innocent amazement.
“I expected something that looked like coal, but it’s so beautifully shaped.”
The crimson heating mat stretched from floor to ceiling like a wooden pillar. Even setting aside its function, it made for an impressive piece of decor.
“As expected, the Marquis’ magic is incredible.”
“You’re too kind.”
Karen soon placed tea and cookies on the table.
“It’s rosemary tea, your ladyship’s favorite. And cinnamon biscuits, good for colds.”
Mary gasped in admiration.
“I was quietly worried since the young lady left so suddenly, but I’m relieved to see the Marquis looking after her so well. Thank you so much.”
Mary bowed as if she were my elder sister. I knew well what she had been worried about. She didn’t say it out loud, but I understood. After all, getting caught for breaking the law made it easy to assume I’d been dragged off to the Tower.
“Miss Selenia is someone special to me.”
“Someone special?”
“She came here as a researcher, but she’s unlike the others.”
Eon gave an awkward smile, strangely ill-suited to him. Only then did Mary look at him with a twinkle of realization—the same look the boutique designer Jeanne had given us.
‘No way… this man…’
“To think the Marquis feels that way about our young lady… then I don’t need to worry anymore.”
‘No, Mary. That’s not it.’
Even if I screamed it inside, it wasn’t Mary who heard it—it was Eon. He smiled at me with an unsettling glint in his eyes.
“So then… what brings you all the way here, Miss Mary?”
Eon finally got to the point. Emphasizing his closeness with me must’ve been a tactic to make Mary speak comfortably.
“Ah, of course, if it’s something meant only for the young lady’s ears, you don’t need to say.”
Mary shook her hands hastily at his courteous tone.
“No, it’s fine. I believe the young lady wouldn’t mind the Marquis knowing.”
“Mary…”
I looked at her with pleading eyes, but it was clear she was already charmed by Eon. Her pleased expression, glancing between him and me, made it obvious.
“An invitation arrived for the young lady. Because she left in such a rush, her friends didn’t know where she’d gone. And it hasn’t even been a full two weeks since she left.”
Friends? An invitation? That couldn’t be. Since becoming a Hirne, I hadn’t met any other noble ladies.
I took the letter Mary offered. The red wax seal adorned with pressed dried petals showed how much care was put into it. It even had a sweet scent—possibly perfume.
But what truly caught my attention was the name written in stiff lettering on the envelope.
Karina de Lemont
‘Karina?’
It seemed Eitan had granted my request. Karina must’ve sent the invitation after hearing my story from him. Judging by Mary’s reaction, she wasn’t aware of the connection between the letter I’d sent through Eitan and this invitation.
‘Eitan did so much for me…’
Thinking of Tara made the guilt press heavily on my heart. With Eon watching closely, I couldn’t show any emotion. I closed my eyes for a moment to collect myself and masked the trembling with a flippant remark.
“It’s been a while since I’ve gotten an invitation. My heart’s racing.”
This invitation was clearly not Karina’s usual style—it screamed ‘noble lady gathering.’ In other words, it was a letter made to look like an invitation.
“Maybe it’s for a tea party?”
My hands trembled slightly, so I laid the letter on my lap. I wanted to read its contents as soon as possible. I barely resisted the urge to look.
If Eon realized how interested I was, he might force me to open it on the spot.
“If you’re too busy, you should at least send a reply.”
Mary and I turned to Eon at the same time. As if understanding the implications, he chuckled lightly.
“Do I seem like such a strict employer? Miss Selenia is a noble lady of House Hirne before she is a researcher.”
He spoke generously.
“There’s no need to ask permission to attend a social gathering.”
“That’s wonderful!”
Clapping her hands in delight, Mary suddenly shook her head, remembering something important.
“But you didn’t bring a proper dress, did you? I should’ve packed one from the estate.”
She glanced at Eon nervously—a touch of vanity. She saw us as lovers, or at least close to it, and wanted to hint that I did own decent dresses back home.
Of course, there were no dresses for me at the estate. As an orphan raised like a potion-brewing tool, fancy clothes were never an option.
“No need to worry. There happens to be a dress waiting at Jeantière.”
Eon replied casually. Whether or not he caught on to Mary’s posturing, his answer far exceeded her expectations.
“Jeantière? Really?”
Even a Countess would struggle to use Baynan’s most prestigious boutique. A fallen Count’s family, once reduced to selling illegal potions, wouldn’t easily afford it.
Seeing her amazed expression, Eon smiled contentedly.
“Let’s hope the dress is ready before the tea party.”
“Then… would it be alright if I accompany the young lady when she picks it up? I’d love to see her in a new dress.”
As Mary clasped her hands and pleaded sincerely, I noticed Eon’s gaze lingering too long on her. It wasn’t consideration—he was savoring her like a sweet treat, letting his gaze stick to her hair and eyes.
“Of course. But you should be getting the Count’s permission, not mine, right?”
I noisily set down my teacup. Only then did his gaze pull away from Mary.
“True enough. I barely got permission to come today.”
Mary began recounting the challenges she faced to make it to the Tower. I nodded half-heartedly, keeping my attention on Eon. When the conversation lulled, he spoke again.
“If I’d known, I’d have scouted Miss Mary for the Tower as well.”
“M-Me?”
“Seeing you two together, I think it would’ve been a good idea.”
Instantly, the image of the women in the glass tanks flashed before me. A chill ran down my spine.
“No.”
I spoke before I realized it—because I saw Tara’s image overlapping with Mary.
Both of them stared at me, surprised by the sharp tone. But it wasn’t a mistake. I repeated myself.
“No. Not Mary.”
“Miss?”
Mary grabbed my sleeve, clearly afraid she’d upset Eon.
“There are already enough maids like Mary.”
“Maids like Mary?”
“Yes. Just like her.”
The Tower was filled with brown-haired, green-eyed girls. That murderer was like a child with too many toys, still eyeing the new one hungrily.
“Enough? That can’t be. She’s a loyal maid who has served you for years. She’s nothing like the others.”
“She’s not that special. And the Count’s house is a better place to build a career. So don’t even think about bringing her here.”
Mary looked puzzled, so Eon tried to explain.
“Ah, we had a little argument yesterday. Just a minor spat.”
I barely suppressed a laugh. Was that how he framed our exchange? Like some petty lovers’ quarrel?
Mary, clearly misunderstanding, gave him a knowing smile. I held my tongue. It was better to send her home quickly than get caught in Eon’s pace.
“Mary, I’m going to Jeantière the morning after tomorrow. Can you come? If the head maid won’t allow it, talk to the Count directly. Say the Tower Master approved. He’ll say yes.”
That’s when we could talk about what truly mattered.
“Yes, miss.”
“You should head back now. If you stay out too long, the head maid will scold you.”
I held her hand and gently pulled her up.
“Miss Mary, let’s meet again.”
Thankfully, Eon didn’t stop her. Maybe he’d lost interest, or maybe he knew he could snatch her anytime.
As her carriage pulled away, Eon muttered:
“You treat her like some hidden treasure. Will she wear out just because I look at her?”
