The Bad Ending of an Otome

“What is that…”

“It means to regain your composure and reflect, Lord Edmund Gloucester. Yes, fresh from the countryside. According to the Lord and the general populace, how do you believe the lady, who is as pure and gentle as a lily, would select a partner? She wouldn’t have any knowledge, would she? If she doesn’t choose based on appearance or ancestry, wouldn’t it be obvious who she chooses? She would ask the Marchioness, to whom she owes her subsistence, to recommend an individual who would not be a burden for the House Windrose.”

Clearly, it is ‘that’ Marchioness. 

She had barely been seen in public for nearly two years. 

She would not impose an unattractive companion on the young woman she has been caring for like a mother bird on her chick. 

To the eyes of a man whose rationale is somewhat immobilized by desperation, however, Cassio’s words appeared to reflect in a different direction. 

The man, who resembled a ferocious winter beast, progressively recovered his senses.

Edmund closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them. 

Then, he appeared to be attempting to calm himself by pressing and releasing the edge of his cheek with his gloved hand. 

His eyes, which had been as fiery as a flame, progressively cooled.

“… I’ve made a fool out of myself, Lord Brahamdorff.”

“No need to mention it.”

Cassio Brahamdorff beamed sweetly, but he did not deny that his words were foolish, even if they were meaningless. 

It was a smile that exemplified the word ‘sweet’ to perfection, being both fresh and delicate.

“Therefore, your words mean…”

“Well, in the spirit of cooperation. As I have various ties to the Windroses, I could, depending on the circumstances, assume the role of Lady Elodie’s suitor as a way of returning the favor.”

“I must have misunderstood…”

Obviously, Cassio had led him to misinterpret on purpose. 

In actuality, the earlier ‘I refuse’ was also intended to grate on Earl Edmund Gloucester’s nerves. However, neither Edmund nor Cassio brought this to the attention of the audience.

As a blazing volcano cools, Edmund’s visage, which had been exploding violently, became even colder than it had been before. 

On the other hand, Cassio maintained a cheerful expression. 

It would be quite problematic if Edmund misconstrued something and realized his true intentions in this circumstance. 

Edmund Gloucester was required to maintain his focus on the House Windrose for the time being.

“However, if you are so sincere, what difference does it make whether I initially assume the role of a nominal suitor or not? If Lady Elodie has eyes, she will be able to tell the difference between me, who extends his hand like a rogue depending on the situation, and… Lord Gloucester, who takes care of everything scrupulously.”

“What… indeed.”

Edmund responded with some hesitation. 

Obviously, based on what Cassio had heard, Edmund’s actions resembled those of a semi-stalker. 

However, Cassio was not the type to intentionally cause conflict. 

Ultimately, the words he uttered now were not intended for ‘Lady Elodie’.

Obviously, the outcome could have been different. 

If he had been unable to locate Emilia or if Ophelia had not summoned him to meet prior to her demise. 

Or, if there had never been a person named Emilia… 

Then, how would he have altered following Ophelia’s death?

Cassio Brahamdorff was unable to speculate, even for himself. 

Since he met Ophelia, his life, which had always been dull and filled with dull people, has taken on new vitality. 

Curiosity, enjoyment emerged. 

In a circumstance in which he had lost Ophelia…

He was willing to do anything.

A house without Ophelia was completely uninteresting to him. 

Rather, wouldn’t he have preferred to observe the disintegration of Ophelia’s relatives? 

Edmund Gloucester was, more than anything else, his most prized plaything.

As if pouring water on an anthill to drown them or murdering ants one at a time by pressing them with his fingernail, he would have conducted all business in this manner. 

He had no idea how he would have utilized the new ‘piece’ named ‘Elodie’ he would have acquired.

Either he would have stood by or he would have encouraged the demise; he would have done one of the two. 

Without a heritage or the determination to protect herself like Ophelia, the conditions were ideal for those who would target her: she was beautiful and kind to everyone.

So long as the House remained standing, he could not observe the girl with ‘that’ Ophelia’s face disintegrate with his eyes open. 

Especially Raretis Hope, there was a good chance he would provide at least some protection.

However, for the current Cassio, this was not a particularly pressing concern. 

His present attention was completely devoted to the woman who kept adamantly declaring, ‘I will never fall for you.’

“Even out of concern for Lady Elodie, you angered me, didn’t you? Lord Gloucester, if Lady Elodie knew of your sincerity, she would undoubtedly be moved, despite the risk of being deemed impolite for the sake of someone of great value.

“…”

Cassio rose from his seat and extended a shoulder touch to Edmund. 

It was a friendly gesture that implied encouragement and was performed by familiar acquaintances. 

Edmund nodded as if he agreed, but his visage still displayed traces of a peculiar suspicion that had not yet vanished. 

Cassio found it fortunate that, although Edmund was instinctive and even untamed, he was incapable of identifying the source of his emotions.

“I’m pleased to have clarified the situation. I will always support Lord Gloucester.”

“…Really, are you serious?”

“At the very least in this matter.”

Cassio spoke with a regretful tone on purpose.

“Have I not often stated that a merchant should be able to spot a jewel in the mud? As Lord Gloucester recognized Lady Elodie’s radiance for the first time, I stepped back.”

“…I greatly appreciate your consideration.”

“This is not the appropriate time. I’ll call the butler so that we can enjoy a glass of wine together.”

“In broad daylight?”

“Isn’t this a joyous occasion, like when a misunderstanding is resolved? In honor of Lady Elodie’s benediction, let’s have a drink together.”

Cassio Brahamdorff placed an arm across the shoulder of Edmund Gloucester and chuckled.

“Isn’t that right, Lord Gloucester?”

“…Alright.”

Cassio Brahamdorff offered a purely innocent smile to the man who had hesitantly nodded with a somewhat suspicious expression. 

Regardless of what anyone said, the smile was exquisitely crafted and flawless, with not a single crevice.

[See you on the next volume]