Chapter 70


    With annoyance evident upon her face, Carynne red at Raymond, who spoke up as though to defend himself.


    Its not a problem with your makeup, but with your countenance. Your shoulders are tense. And your voice is too strident.


    That kind of problem then. Shrugging, Carynne handed the hand mirror back to Donna. A problem like this wasnt a big problem at all.


    I drank too much coffee so that I wont fall asleep. Im fine. This much is nothing.


    It might be better if you just go in and rest. Or would you rather go to the recital and go back home right away? If you wont be able to see the oue properly, itll be for naught.


    Being considerate now, arent we.


    Carynne had to try not to sound sarcastic.


    But please dont worry.


    Carynne lifted the hem of her dress skirt and smiled.


    If youre someone whos taken a glimpse of the exams answer sheet in advance, then you wouldnt be afraid of the results.


    A gambler who knew their opponents cards would not hesitate to bet their money.


    You can look forward to it. You know, I actually know how to do magic.


    * * *


    Catherine?


    She looked the same as she did back then. Beautiful, as always. Elegant. With bright red hair that would vividly catch ones eye. Her appearance was exactly the same.


    The roses of June, the verdure of summer, a fairy, a queen. Regardless of what kind of description you attach to her, it wouldnt matter. Nothing would be awkward with a woman like her.


    Just as she always did, she drew near him and smiled a kind, gentle smile. If it hadnt been for the man next to her, then Ein would havemitted a mistake.


    Its been a while, Baron Ein.


    The splendid young man who had blond hair reached out to him for a handshake. And it was only when he felt the grip of the young man did Eine back to his senses.


    Sir Raymond, its been quite a while. I got it now, so let go. My hand hurts, yeah?


    Oh my.


    The redheaded beauty covered her lips with her hands and giggled. Ein felt a wave of shame wash over him. A woman at her age would now be considered as his daughter.


    She then greeted Ein, who was now slightly depressed.


    Ive heard many people tell me that I resemble my mother. I am Catherine Evans, a pleasure.


    Ah, ahh. I, I see. Then the rumors.


    Ein was conscious of the eyes watching from around them. Hes sweating. Ah, shit. Whats this. That cant be true. A long time has passed. Im <i>that</i> old now. Even if there was a lighthearted, joking atmosphere around them, he was at the age that hed receive much scorn if he so much as looked at her with a hint of desire.


    They look alike, dont they? I was surprised too when I first met her.


    I see, Lady Elva.


    Didnt you doze off during the recital?


    What are you saying. The poems that the Duke wrote himself were excellent. Compared tost time, of course. But for you to say that, what are you doing here alone, Countess?


    Baron Ein and the ck-haired countess. These two were old acquaintances. Adversaries for a long time, yet on the same side every now and again. If it hadnt been for amon hobby tying them together, they wouldnt have met each other.


    These two were gambling addicts.


    The difference was that Elva had a huge bankruptcy recently, while Ein never fell to such depths.


    Still, they were not the same. Just now, Ein pointed out that Missus Elva did note here without her daughter and husband. It was not very bing for a married woman to go to ces all by herself. A married man was different from a married woman.


    My husband, well my daughter was sick, so I came alone.


    But then you still came here?


    <i>Even though your child is sick.</i>


    Elvas expression grew a bit stiff.


    Oh my, is it severe?


    Towards the countess, whose face was rapidly turning red, Carynne expressed her worries. And without missing this opportunity, Countess Elva quickly changed the subject.


    Carynne, will youe visit our residenceter? She said that she wishes to see you.


    Of course. I hope she gets well soon. When would be a good time for me to visit?


    Ill send you a telegram soon. Youre so sweet, just like your mother.


    Were you acquainted with my mother?


    I believe Baron Ein knows her better than I do though?


    Truly? Do you know her well?


    The girl smiled at him with innocent eyes. Ein wrapped one hand over another. Carynne, who looked exactly like her mother, seemed so far removed from the world of gambling.


    I did not know her very well.


    Oh, youre only pretending not to know. I remember you chasing her around a lot? Well, not as much as Crown Prince Gueuze, but I recall you being pretty persistent, too.


    Countess Elva cut into the conversation and guffawed. The more that woman grew old, the more she wouldnt let herself stay just inside the house, and now shes sticking her nose up in all sorts of ces. Shit.


    Ein replied awkwardly.


    That was when I was still young. In the same way, there wasnt a man back then who hadnt chased after Catherine.


    There was no man out there who would refuse beauty. But among those men, Ein was someone who quickly epted reality. Compared to a morous woman like Catherine, weing just a simple woman who hadnt that much presence as his wife was what would satisfy the self-esteem of a man such as himself and bring him happiness. And his choice wasnt so bad.


    Indeed, she was extremely pretty. Its a shame, Carynne. Raymond is fine enough as he is of course, but even from olden times, a woman tended to have numerous men around her to choose from.


    Oh my, I know right.


    Carynne burst out into a peal ofughter together with her. On the other hand, Raymonds expression hardened, but it was only a harmless joke. He soon grinned and ced Carynnes arm on his to show off.


    Im right here next to you. Youre too mean.


    Oh my, Sir Raymond. I know that you must be happy. If Carynne had made her debut like Catherine did, you would have received at least ten duel challenges by now.


    Curiously, Carynne asked Countess Elva.


    Did Father win any duels?


    Your father was very much wiser, Carynne. What he offered was neither a gun nor money, but his smile. Baron Ein knows this all too well.


    And right then, displeasure surged within Baron Ein.


    I do not agree with that, Elva.


    Elva cked her fan open and covered her mouth with it, covering her expression that clearly said, <i>got you.</i>


    If its like that, I shouldnt say anything more. Carynne, ask Baron Ein more about your motherter. Hell have <i>much</i> to say.


    This woman.


    As the air around them froze, the young man and young woman nced over to one side and the other. If this had been the back alley, Baron Ein and Countess Elva looked as if they would have already shot each other in the head right where they stood.


    In the end, Raymond began to put things back to order.


    Then Im lucky. For winning Carynnes love peacefully, I mean. If there are a lot of men like Baron Ein around, Id lose confidence.


    Oh you, Sir Raymond. Gosh.


    Haha, Sir Raymond. So you know a thing or two yourself. But you know, my type of woman isnt Catherine anymore either. Youll find out as well. A womans beautiful appearancests only during her prime.


    Carynne is beautiful not only because of her face Shes perfect.


    S-Stop it, Sir Raymond.


    Carynne clung tighter to Raymonds arm to stop him from boasting. That kind ofpliment embarrassed even the other people around them, and she didnt know why she was feeling bashful for some reason.


    Its just that you dont know it yet, so


    Baron Ein trailed off. Ultimately, if he were to defend his stance here, he would only undermine Catherine. And this thereby would insult both Carynne and Raymond. Damn, I cant say anything more.


    Pfft.


    Seeing this, Countess Elva snickered, but he didnt react to this because this was the truth. Ah, what a headache.


    And this girl?


    Shes my maid. But shes be ady-in-waiting recently.


    I see.


    Now thats better. Eins gaze turned towards the timid maid beside the dazzling Carynne. She had a girlish charm to her, and with a magnificent mansion as the backdrop, it was refreshing to see that kind of shyness. The older he got, the more gorgeous a girl like her became in his eyes.


    Ugh.


    Perhaps she noticed what kind of gaze Ein had for her. Her face grew red as she looked away.


    Haha.


    He preferred women who were moderately shy. Not someone like Countess Elva, who was a gambling addict, under the impression that she was some great woman.