Chapter 15
“Mm! I went out with Mother the other day and had this made—it just arrived. What do you think? Does it suit me?”
Adelaide spun in place like a dancer.
The full skirt flared out like a blooming tulip.
Though she didn’t show it, she had seemed a little lonely when Killian stopped visiting.
So not long ago, the countess had taken her to a boutique.
The dress, which had arrived just yesterday, was exactly to her liking.
Roem, the countess, even the count himself, all had told her it suited her beautifully. And when she received Killian’s message saying he would visit, she had immediately thought she wanted to show him.
She had expected him to widen his eyes and praise her. But his lukewarm reaction had already taken the wind out of her sails.
Even so, Adelaide continued talking excitedly.
“Do you know the Viscount Romeo family? There’s a girl my age there. I met her at the boutique—Viscountess Romeo and Rose. Ah, the girl’s name is Rose. We got close while having our dresses made. She picked out this sash for me.”
“Viscount Romeo? I don’t bother remembering houses that insignificant.”
“Honestly, why do you talk like that? Anyway, look at this sash. Isn’t it pretty?”
Killian said nothing. But Adelaide, too caught up in her excitement, kept going.
“I’m going to visit their estate in a few days. It’ll be my first time visiting another noble house. I’m really nervous. There’s so much I want to ask you. You visit all sorts of places with your uncle, don’t you?”
The kind-looking viscountess had invited Adelaide before they parted at the boutique. She had thought it was just polite words, but not long after, a formal invitation arrived at the Eport estate.
The countess, who had worried that Adelaide might be shunned by other noble children because of her background, had no reason to refuse.
And so, permission had been granted. In a few days, Adelaide would visit the Romeo estate with the countess.
“What kind of gift should I bring for a first visit? I’ve been thinking about a few things, but…”
Her eyes sparkled like stars. And the more they shone, the more expressionless Killian became.
He cut her off abruptly.
“Not good.”
“Huh? What?”
“That sash. Someone recommended that color for you? Their taste is lacking. It doesn’t suit you.”
Adelaide stared at him. Killian frowned, meeting her gaze without backing down.
“Why are you being like this the moment you arrive?”
“When did I?”
“You are! Right now! We haven’t seen each other in so long, and you’re acting like this?”
“So I’m supposed to make things up just because it’s been a while? You asked if it suited you, I answered honestly.”
Killian answered flatfly. The air in the entrance hall turned cold in an instant.
“…Fine. I’ll go change. Just wait.”
Adelaide glared at him.
A surge of emotion—whether hurt or anger, even she didn’t know—rose up, and no matter how hard she tried to hold it back, her eyes began to sting.
The bright, sparkling gaze she’d had when she ran down the stairs to meet him, was already gone. Halfway up the stairs, she turned back and shouted.
“I’ll just ask Rose instead! I’m sure she’ll say it’s beautiful!”
“Ask? Who?”
“Were you even listening to me? Rose. Rose Romeo. My new friend!”
“Ah. A friend. Go ahead, then. If you can ask your new friend.”
Killian arched a brow. It was a habit he often did but something about it was different. The easy smile that usually lingered at his lips had gone dry.
* * *
It was time for him to leave. As if he had been waiting for it, Killian stood.
Adelaide didn’t stop him. Too upset to even see him off, she turned her back and focused on her book.
From behind her, she heard a sigh.
“How long are you going to sulk?”
It was the familiar ‘Killi’. Killi, who, though a little rough around the edges, was still kind to her. Adelaide felt tears threatening to fall, but she clenched her teeth and ignored him.
“Adelaide.”
Before she knew it, he was right beside her, his hand gripping her shoulder.
“Let go.”
“…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have acted like that.”
“So what if you’re sorry now? That’s it? Forget it. Don’t apologize.”
“I was upset.”
Despite it, Adelaide turned toward him at those words.
Their eyes met. Killian smiled softly.
“I thought, since you were meeting me today, you’d wear the dress I gave you. But you didn’t. That’s why… I got a little petty, just like you said.”
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