CH 47

At night, I arrived at the Viscount’s mansion, which was the venue, by carriage and immediately headed to the organizer to exchange greetings. I looked for Bruno and Tatiana, who were supposed to be there, and soon found them, feeling relieved.

As I tried to approach them, I heard a voice calling out to me from the side. When I turned to look, I saw a woman dressed glamorously waving her hand.

I couldn’t help but let out a small groan.

There were already several faces that I didn’t want to see again, and her face was one of them.

The memories that came back to my mind still evoked a sense of discomfort, like when I accidentally smelled something foul. Unaware of my feelings, she approached me with a happy expression.

“Long time no see, how have you been?”

“I’m fine. And you, madam?”

“Fufu, not really. I’m not a madam anymore…I’m Baron Baiano’s widow.”

The woman, Baron Baiano’s widow, smiled seductively and put her index finger on her plump lips, looking at me meaningfully.

——She’s the same old woman…

I looked at Baron Baiano’s widow, who was dressed in a deep red dress, with a cold feeling.

I knew that her existence was also one of the factors that made me avoid mothers and daughters who run amok with marriage aspirations. Before getting married, she had enthusiastically approached me.

It was an unpleasant memory.

I wanted to be released from her quickly and achieve my goal. ——But.

“Do you understand the meaning of this? Do you remember the words I told you before?”

“…I’m sorry, I forgot. It was many years ago when I met you.”

When I told her that, she narrowed her eyes in disappointment and pursed her lips.

It was a lovely gesture. How many men were captivated by her at that time? And she successfully captured a nobleman. Perhaps the only thing that was unexpected for her was that he died so soon.

“Well, maybe. Shall I remind you again?”

“That’s fine, but I’m keeping my friends waiting, so maybe next time.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. But I believe you will remember even if I don’t tell you.”

Baron Baiano’s widow didn’t linger any longer and slipped past me, heading towards another gentleman. Feeling refreshed from being released, I approached Bruno and Tatiana.

As expected, Bruno frowned and watched Baron Baiano’s widow’s back.

He was one of the people who was approached by her around the same time as me.

“Hello, Lady Grimani. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Good evening, Lord Jeremiah. It’s a lovely night, isn’t it? I heard about you from my husband. So, what kind of lady are you looking for?”

Tatiana smiled like a blooming rose and her eyes shone with curiosity.

Objectively speaking, she was simply beautiful. Passionate red hair, green eyes with a transparent golden mix. Her voluptuous figure was wrapped in a vivid green dress.

On the other hand, Bruno had a sour expression and was wearing a green outfit to match hers.

Seeing them, I felt envious.

“To be honest, I didn’t see her very clearly either. But if we’re here, we’ll probably be able to find her, and then I’d like to borrow your eyes.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Searching for a mysterious lady who disappears like smoke. I was a bit bored, so I’m glad to have something interesting to do,” Tatiana said with a smile.

I laughed at Tatiana’s words.

Then, Bruno, who still had a sour expression, spoke up.

“Jeremiah, what did she whisper to you earlier?”

“She? Oh, it’s nothing much. She just said she became a widow. In other words, she wanted to say that she’s in a position where she can play whenever she wants. “

“You don’t need to bother with her. Some libertine should provide her with a lovely night, and once she finds a partner, she won’t even look at you.”

“I see. That’s good to know.”

I shrugged my shoulders at Bruno, who seemed relieved. However, he still looked like he had something more to say to me. Thinking that there might have been a misunderstanding, I spoke up.

“I was only slightly interested in her. I wasn’t seriously infatuated with her.”

“I know. But she’s probably looking for her next partner. And you’re still single, so it’s better to be careful,” he explained, and I understood. Perhaps he had already talked to the people around here before I arrived and heard about such topics related to her. Thinking that I should just listen obediently, I nodded.

“I see. I’ll do that.”

As I answered, Bruno finally showed a smile. Tatiana next to him also smiled, seemingly relieved. While looking at them, I glanced around the venue.

Tonight, a ball was being held. During this season, nobles hold balls at their homes at least once, so they go out every night.

I don’t visit anyone other than close friends or relatives. If I did, my body wouldn’t be able to handle the influx of events, no matter how many I had.

The chandelier hanging from the ceiling illuminates the hall, and snacks and chairs are provided for those resting on the side. In the distance, the exhausted orchestra plays familiar dance music day and night.

As I absentmindedly looked over there, she came!

I quickly looked in the direction that gave me chills and told Bruno and Tatiana.

“There she is, you two. That girl.”

“What? Where? I can’t see her. There are too many people here.”

They looked in the direction I pointed, dissatisfied. I also searched hard. However, the eyes that should have caught my attention for a moment quickly blended into the surrounding scenery and disappeared.

“What was she wearing? If we could at least figure that out.”

“I think it was a light green that didn’t stand out. I think her hair was blonde… Her accessories were understated, and there wasn’t anything particularly distinctive about her.”

As I spoke, I became irritated at how plain she was.

Looking around the venue, young girls are incorporating trends and pursuing their own fashion, but that girl is wearing something that completely blends in.

I usually think that I should assert myself more, but now I’m thinking the opposite.

Then, I feel a chill and the hair on the back of my neck stands up again.

I look in that direction, there she is. Although it’s hard to see clearly from a distance, a girl with pale green, elegant dress and light golden hair is looking at me.

As soon as she notices me, she panics and quickly averts her gaze, disappearing into the crowd.

Feeling like clicking my tongue, I followed after her.

I burn her golden hair into my memory.

Tonight, I will make her feel uncomfortable. With that thought in mind, I move forward. Then, Bruno asks me.

“Did you find her?”

“Yeah, over there.”

I answer and chase after the golden hair again. Despite her plain appearance, her shiny and glossy honey-colored hair is unforgettable. I have a good lead, so I move through the crowd.

Then, I hear a voice from the side.

“Oh, did you come to chase after me so soon?”

It was Baron Baiano’s widow. She wraps her arm around my confused arm and asks me with a coy look.

“Oh, no. I was trying to call out to an acquaintance I found. Sorry, but please let go.”

“What’s wrong? You’re so cold.”

She says angrily and quickly lets go. It seems that I had been quite rude, but that wasn’t the problem.

I strain my eyes through the crowd and groan softly.

——Oh no, I lost her.

The honey-colored hair is already gone from my line of sight, and the girl in the green dress has disappeared without a trace.