Even Death Was Taken Away by That Obsession - Chapter 27
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The only daughter of the Ilkane Marquis family, the rose-colored Canabeil knows herself very well.
Using her beautiful appearance to deceive others, packaging herself, and wearing masks.
She was, from the beginning, far from being virtuous, having a hobby of manipulating people however she could.
With a reasonably clever mind that worked well, a kind appearance that put people at ease, and the status of the Ilkane Marquis family, Canabeil had absolutely nothing to fear in this world.
Moreover, she was so satisfied with such a life that she had long since erased living virtuously from her options.
But even she experienced one incident she couldn’t handle, and that was a year ago.
That is when Ian declared their engagement broken.
‘Could she still have feelings for Lord Ian?’
Misera glanced several times at Canabeil.
Unfortunately, there were no gaps in that young lady’s composure.
The lady who had lived expecting to be naturally paired with the Grand Duke’s successor from birth, only to be suddenly abandoned, wore the mask of an unfortunate woman for a while and received plenty of sympathy.
‘But what’s with this reaction?’
Misera was disappointed by Canabeil’s indifferent attitude.
She had hoped to see even a hint of disappointment from Canabeil, who was praised as the embodiment of perfection, finding her strangely irritating.
It wasn’t that Misera had any particular grievance against Canabeil.
Yet she was somehow annoyed.
She had simply thought that if given the chance, it would be quite a sight to see her fall from grace.
‘I wasn’t expecting disappointment, but to think she’d be not just detached but even prim about it.’
Misera’s face gradually reddened with embarrassment.
‘…How annoying.’
Canabeil even went so far as to ask why Ian’s appearance with his fiancée was something that needed to be reported to her specifically.
“Ah, well, that…”
“Misera, perhaps… did you want me to show resentment toward Lady Haine?”
“N-not at all! I was just worried about you…”
“Right? The story between Lord Ian and me is already ancient history.”
“So the reason I mentioned this was, um… I just wanted to let you know. There was no other intention.”
“That’s a relief then. Ah, won’t your grandfather be looking for you?”
“Ah, that’s right. Grandfather…!”
Misera jumped in surprise as she remembered her strict grandfather.
Canabeil pointed in the opposite direction from where they had come, seeing Misera off.
“That path will be quicker if you cut through.”
“Really?”
“As you know, Duke Viente’s forest is quite vast with many different paths.”
Canabeil smiled kindly while giving Misera directions.
It was a gentle smile reminiscent of an angel.
Misera avoided her gaze and awkwardly continued speaking.
“Ah, yes… I made an unnecessary interference. Again, I was just worried about you.”
“Not at all. I was happy to see you, even like this.”
Canabeil waved her hand emphatically, pretending to be touched by Misera’s concern.
Misera felt relieved by Canabeil’s innocent attitude and let out a sigh.
Canabeil smiled brightly while holding the handkerchief she had used to wipe Misera’s forehead.
“Do join me at the next tea party, Misera.”
At that angelic smile, Misera hurriedly bid farewell and left.
She seemed to be rushing, afraid that the true meaning of her words might be discovered belatedly.
Once Misera’s figure disappeared in the distance, Canabeil slowly lowered her hand that had been waving gently.
Then she took out the handkerchief she had used to wipe Misera’s sweat.
It was a handkerchief made of luxurious fabric with elaborate rose embroidery.
Canabeil lifted the damp handkerchief to eye level, using only her thumb and index finger.
The wind blew, making the handkerchief flutter.
In sync with it, she wrinkled her face and covered her nose.
Then, as if it were an object too filthy to touch, she flung the handkerchief away with a swoosh.
‘Haine Berdandi. A Count’s daughter from the countryside, was it?’
Canabeil was lost in thought for a while before suddenly remembering her own handkerchief.
Not the dirty handkerchief tainted with the likes of Misera’s scent, but her own, filled with beautiful embroidery.
Wouldn’t it serve as an excellent example if she played a trick with it and handed it over?
‘I should punish her for daring to take Ian.’
Canabeil giggled as she thought of the wicked prank.
As always, she looked utterly lovely.
***
The hunting festival began.
Although I had similar experiences in my previous life, Aintz’s hunting festival felt somewhat unfamiliar.
Not only because all the spoils went to the citizens of the grand duchy, but more than anything, it was because of that priest, my damned friend Feiden.
The most alien part was that he announced the start of the hunting festival.
‘A hunting festival and a priest. How ridiculous.’
Meanwhile, Feiden’s worthless blessing came to an end.
“With this, I declare the start of the hunting festival. Would all participants who will be stained with sacred blood please come to the altar and make your vow to Koseji.”
As there were still procedures remaining, Ian rose, saying he would stop by the altar.
“It will take quite a while. Why don’t you take a walk while waiting?”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
After gently waving him goodbye, I finally turned my head to observe my surroundings.
The blatant stares that had been directed at me hastily scattered, and some pretended nothing had happened while clearing their throats.
In that momentary gap, I unconsciously searched for a golden color that might be somewhere.
It was truly unconscious.
‘What am I doing?’
I quickly shook my head, trying to erase the image of a certain duke that had appeared in my mind.
I couldn’t understand, why I was looking for that duke who was nothing more than a threat.
“Shall we also take a look around?”
When I cheerfully suggested it to clear my mind, Dantea nodded happily and followed behind me.
Though I could roughly gauge what Bonasea’s social circle was like from the people’s attire and attitudes, I wanted to mingle among them and feel the atmosphere.
I covered myself with a modest outer garment I had prepared in advance and hid my face with a fan. Then I crossed through the bustling crowd.
Only a few had seen my face earlier.
Thanks to that, covering my elaborate dress with a plain robe allowed me to move about somewhat discreetly.
Before I knew it, I had reached a place with few people, and sure enough, those who hadn’t noticed me yet were gathered, freely discussing whatever they pleased.
“I heard rumors that young Duke Fortena came with that Count’s daughter.”
“It’s not a rumor, it’s true. I saw them earlier!”
“My goodness. He must have known Lady Canabeil would be at the hunting festival.”
“Well, isn’t it fine? It’s already been a year since their engagement was broken off.”
Broken engagement?
I stopped walking and listened more carefully.
“It was just a childhood connection anyway, merely an engagement arranged by their parents.”
“Right. Wasn’t it resolved without any hard feelings?”
“Well, I’m not so sure about that…”
Their unexpected conversation was far more interesting than Feiden’s worthless blessing.
‘Ian had a fiancée?’
Though it was the first time I’d heard of this, I could easily understand it on the other hand.
He wasn’t just any noble, but a candidate for Grand Duke, after all.
It would be more unreasonable to think he hadn’t had any relationships until now.
Wanting to hear more of their conversation, I gestured quietly to Dantea to prevent any unnecessary disturbance and hid behind a tree.
