Lady Felice’s Secret Class - Chapter 42

“Oh dear, yes. I apologize for not showing the piece to Lady Elise. Lord Racliffe’s earnest request made it difficult…”

“No worries.”

Elise smiled gently.

“So… the reason I called you both here is this. It seems my invitation has sparked unpleasant rumors. Since I believe I bear great responsibility, I will take full responsibility—including compensation for Lady Elise’s dress and all related matters.”

The Count smiled slyly at Claude.

Claude returned the smile and looked at Elise.

Lady Elise, with a delicate nod, praised the Count’s generosity.

Though amusing, Claude showed no outward reaction.

He now held leverage over Felice due to that day’s incident. It was good she had something to feel sorry for, and since money was involved, it was an easy matter for Claude to settle.

The discussion concluded quickly, and the three stood.

Claude escorted Elise from the Count’s estate to where the carriage waited.

“The price for your prank was quite amusing, Lord Racliffe.”

Elise said as she removed one layer of the mask she’d been wearing.

Claude chuckled quietly but didn’t lose the warmth in his gaze as he looked down at her.

Seeing Elise speak to him, he thought there was no need to correct misunderstandings—she seemed to like this sort of thing.

“I was more surprised by the prank you played than the one you planned. Truly befitting the Robert family’s daughter. I tried a similar trick myself—how did you like it?”

Elise laughed heartily as they reached the carriage and stopped walking.

“I had no idea you were so much fun. Trouville is going to be more entertaining now.”

She showed him the back of her hand.

He gladly kissed it.

“Do you remember what we talked about last time? Some say love is rowing a small oar across the terrifying sea of life, but you prefer a fair wind to push your expensive ship along.”

Elise smiled softly.

“Won’t you come to the charity event next month? Since you’re already aboard your expensive ship, I’ll provide the favorable wind.”

The upcoming charity event would be attended by all Conservative Party members of the House of Commons, a fundraiser for a school to be built on the outskirts of Trouville.

Most new nobles supported the Conservatives, so Claude’s political shift wouldn’t be surprising—though he might receive some criticism.

Claude smiled and remained silent for a moment before Elise stepped closer.

“By the way, Sir Racliffe.”

She said, fixing his slightly crooked tie.

“I misunderstood you earlier. You’re not seeking a fair wind, but rather a ‘sail accessory,’ right?”

Despite belittling herself, Elise smiled happily.

“How about a sail? Not just pretty cloth, but a pure white sail that won’t tear, no matter the storms. Of course, there will be some trials to obtain it. It’s the perfect chance to become a ship with a sail attached to the fair wind.”

She winked and stepped back from him.

“A sail with the fair wind—that won’t tear—sounds like a proposal that makes any sea harmless.”

Elise smiled softly and boarded her carriage.

After her carriage departed, Claude looked up at the sky and closed his eyes.

In the blackness, Felice’s image appeared.

Her green eyes were clear and bright like summer foliage. He took a step back from his teacher, though she was trembling and frozen in place, unable to refuse…

“It’s a fateful love that gives a handkerchief to a lady.”

Opening his eyes, he gently touched the empty inner pocket of his coat.