CH 76

As far as scale goes, it wasn’t a significant explosion.

I don’t think there will be any fatalities, as it was just like a firework exploding, but there was still a possibility of serious injury, so it was scary enough.

“Well, let’s stay here until we calm down a bit and then go home today. Honestly, what is the police doing?”

As Paula said that, she placed her hand on my shoulder. I felt a strange sense of relief from her touch, and I was finally able to catch my breath.

Then, when I looked around, Dennis was staring at the site of the explosion with a stern expression. She must be prepared for anything. Her presence is also very reassuring to me.

Then, Emilio, who had been looking at the building with regretful eyes until then, spoke up.

“…Lady Lorraine. I’m sorry, but I have work to do, so I’ll excuse myself. I’ll apologize when we meet again. Well then.”

He gave a proper military salute and hurriedly left. He’s a soldier, so it seems like he wouldn’t have much involvement in this kind of situation, but I wonder if there’s some reason behind it.

I silently watched his back without being able to return his greeting.

After that, we waited as Paula suggested until the chaos subsided and then returned to the Duke’s mansion.

◆

“Lorraine!”

As soon as I returned, I ran into Jeremiah, who had already come back, and before I could even say anything, he hugged me. It was quite a strong hug, and I almost let out a frog-like voice, but as a lady, I held it in with all my might. However, I couldn’t even speak while the embrace continued.

Although I was happy that he was worried about me, my spine was a little sore.

In addition, the piercing gaze on my back was also painful.

“Jeremiah, that’s enough. Your beloved Lorraine is about to suffocate.”

Paula’s exasperated voice finally made Jeremiah loosen his grip, but the embrace still didn’t end. I thought that I wouldn’t run away even if he didn’t hold me so tightly and tried to breathe.

“I know, but…I heard about the situation. I never thought that even such a place would be targeted. Nee-san should also avoid going out.”

“Yes, you’re right. But it’s frustrating. It feels like we lost somehow.”

“It’s not about winning or losing. And Lorraine and Lady Lucia shouldn’t leave Duke’s mansion.”

Suddenly being banned from going out, I widened my eyes in surprise. However, now that he mentioned it, it might not be a good idea to wander around dangerous places.

But if that’s the case, then coming here seems pointless.

Perhaps, until this situation is somewhat resolved, events will have to be canceled or postponed.

It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

“Well, there’s nothing we can do. As long as these two are here, I won’t be bored.”

Paula’s eyes were directed towards me and Lucia. It wasn’t a mistake that they sparkled a little. While sighing that I would become like a dress-up doll, I said:

“Anyway, why don’t we move from here? It’s cold.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

◆

After discussing our plans for the future in a different location, we each went to our rooms to change for dinner.

Jeremiah naturally followed us on the way to the room.

He had a somewhat gloomy expression as he spoke.

“I can’t believe something like this is happening in the capital. What could be the purpose of doing such a thing, especially targeting places where the upper class gathers?”

It seemed like the work of someone who held a grudge against the upper class. Well, there were actually people who did things to earn such grudges, but this seemed different.

“Anyway, don’t go out. I can’t bear to think what would happen if something happened to you…”

Jeremiah stopped and let out a big sigh. His expression looked tired, and it made my chest feel heavy too. So I spoke honestly.

“I feel the same way. Jeremiah, can’t you reduce your outings even a little?”

Just as Jeremiah was worried about me, I was also worried about him. I wanted him to spend more time by my side and not go out too much. I looked into his eyes as I spoke.

Then, a surprised expression appeared on his face.

“…You really are something.”

As he muttered happily to himself, my arm was pulled tightly. Once again, I was in Jeremiah’s arms without understanding the reason, repeating “why” in my head.

I was just worried about him in a very ordinary way, so why was I getting this kind of reaction? If you like someone, isn’t it natural to worry about them?

“Do you want me to be by your side that much?”

“N-No, it’s not like that! I do want you by my side, but if Jeremiah were to get involved in something…”

As I stumbled over my words, Jeremiah whispered in my ear while still holding me.

“I understand. Then, except for when I have something important to do, I’ll try to be by your side as much as possible. It will also make me feel more at ease.”

That’s true, but I can’t help feeling like we’re misunderstanding each other. Well, if he’s going to be by my side, then I’ll feel more at ease too. It’s also nice to be able to watch him from up close, but I still can’t quite accept it.

“Besides, we still haven’t fulfilled our promise to read a book together. Well, since I originally intended to be by your side as much as possible, I don’t think it will change much, but let’s adjust our schedules a bit more.”

“Still, I’m glad.”

I just want to be with him for even a little bit.

As I said that from the bottom of my heart, Jeremiah let out a ticklish laugh. We laughed together for a while.

Finally, I thought that today had gone well.

Then I remembered.

There was one more thing that I had to say properly. If I didn’t say it, he would definitely get angry. So I decided that I should say it and opened my mouth.