We did not remain long at Count Lenucci's house.
While Count Linucci and his wife treated us very warmly, Ethan was more frank, interrupting the others who then approached.
“My wife is not feeling well today, so we are leaving.”
At first, it might seem like Ethan was acting like normal, but that wasn't the case.
Ethan wasn't the type to excuse me in a situation like this.
Rather, he was following my condition with interest.
He seemed to notice that I was getting tired of interacting with so many people.
Why is he acting like this all of a sudden?
On the ride home, I kept looking at Ethan, who was sitting next to me.
To be honest, I thought there was no reason for Ethan to have any positive feelings towards me.
We had a heated argument twice during the thunderstorm, and from Ethan's point of view, he must have felt like I was an ungrateful person and would return the favor with harsher words.
But what's even weirder is that he's being nice to me now.
I cleared my throat and asked, “…So, why did you come here today?”
“I already told you. I came by in a hurry.”
“Where exactly were you passing when you decided to pass by?”
When I pressed him further, Ethan frowned, “Does it matter? It’s not like I’m forbidden from being there.”
“True, but… it's still strange. You've never attended a banquet in your entire life.”
“This has never happened in my life? We both attended a banquet at Viscount Rochefort’s house a short while ago.”
“It was different. There was a reason and justification for it. Today was not even planned.”
“Do you really have to analyze everything like this? Can’t you just-”
Ethan, looking irritated, suddenly closed his mouth. He pursed his lips, taking a moment to collect himself before speaking in a low voice.
“…I was just curious to know how you were doing. I was worried about you.”
"Worried? About me? Why?"
“Because you collapsed then. You were bedridden with a cold for several days.”
“……”
She frowned and looked at Ethan.
"You're looking at me like that again. Is it weird that I'm worried about you?"
Upon hearing that, I was at a loss for words.
I felt strange and simple at the same time.
Although Ethan was a cold person, I knew that he cared well about the people within his circle.
The most representative example of this was Elodie.
The problem was that it was not easy to get into his inner circle.
At least Camille was definitely, undeniably, outside that circle.
Of course, since becoming Camille, many aspects of the original story have changed.
I still don't remember doing anything to get Ethan to open up to me...quite the opposite.
Looking back, all I can remember is joking, making fun, and saying unpleasant things.
Or maybe Ethan has a masochistic streak? The more you insult him and push him away, the more he likes it...? Could this be so?
It seemed ridiculous, but part of me couldn't help but wonder, "No, but what if?"
That's why I couldn't understand the current situation.
Well, there's no need to keep arguing with Ethan anyway.
I had given up on the idea of divorcing Ethan.
My plan was to adopt Elodie first, then escape with Arthur's help.
For a successful escape, it may be best to pretend to let go of the divorce and lower Ethan's guard.
“No, it's not strange. Thanks for worrying about me. And also...”
I hesitated for a moment before continuing: "I'm sorry about last time. I didn't know that you made such an effort to help me, and said harsh things."
“……”
Ethan's eyes widened slightly as he looked at me, his expression one of genuine surprise.
“See? You also find it weird when I sincerely apologize.”
“I can't say I don't,” Ethan said reluctantly.
ابتسمت بخفة.
After my apology, I felt more relieved than I expected.
Subconsciously, that incident weighed on me.
“Thank you so much for everything today as well. Honestly, having you by my side made me feel more comfortable. Thanks to you, I was able to leave without stress.”
“…It's no big deal,” Ethan muttered awkwardly.
“Oh, are you embarrassed?”
“I'm not like that”
“No matter how I look at it, you are.”
“…I said I wasn’t.”
I laughed lightly, “Well, sure. If you say so.”
Ethan turned to look out the carriage window with a hint of uneasiness.
After that, we remained silent until we reached the palace.
But unlike before, the silence wasn't awkward.
***
Time passed, and September came.
I returned to the Jena Church Orphanage with Audrey to volunteer again. It's been exactly one week since my last visit.
I was so excited to see Elodie again that I ended up humming quietly without even realizing it.
Audrey, who was riding with me in the carriage, looked at me and said, “You seem to be in a good mood today.”
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids."
“So do I,” Audrey smiled contentedly, looking happy.
It seems that she misunderstood a little, but there is no need to correct her.
After all, this isn't entirely wrong.
Last time, I was only observing Elodie from afar, but today, my goal was to meet her face to face and leave a good impression.
It would be nice if we could even exchange words, but I shouldn't exaggerate. If I rush things, it may be too much for me.
After a while, the carriage arrived at the orphanage. When the door opened, I saw Miriam and the children standing there, as if they had come out to greet us in advance.
“You're welcome,” Miriam greeted us with a kind smile.
"Were you outside waiting for us? You didn't have to," Audrey said apologetically.
“No, not at all. We just went out.”
Miriam turned and gestured, and all the children bowed in unison.
“Hello, Duchess of Dumont. Hello, Countess of Grandbert.”
The slight difference in their voices was so endearing that I couldn't help but smile warmly. Then two children emerged from the group, each carrying a small bouquet of flowers.
“Oh, are these for me?” Audrey knelt down and asked.
The boy's face turned red, nodded, and handed her the bouquet.
“It's beautiful. Thank you.”
Audrey accepted the bouquet and smelled it, then patted the boy's head.
The boy, his face a little red, was fussing with embarrassment.
It was a very moving scene, but I couldn't help but like it.
I couldn't even greet the child coming towards me like Audrey did.
The little girl standing in front of me, holding a bouquet of flowers, was none other than Elodie. This was the first time I had seen her up close like this.
Unlike last time, Elodie braided her hair today in two braids. That was unbearably wonderful.
She was holding a bouquet of sunflowers, and it was impossible to tell which was brighter, the roses or the roses.
Elodie hesitated, lowering her eyes as she fiddled with the bouquet in her arms. She seemed unable to offer it to me.
Miriam could not watch any longer, so she spoke: “Elodie? Please give the Duchess the bouquet.”
Elodie looked at me, then closed her eyes tightly as if gathering her courage. She took a step forward and held out the bouquet to me.
I extended my hand, as if in a trance, and accepted the bouquet.
The children's applause echoed faintly, as if under water.
What is this …? Is this a dream?
I was so exhausted that I felt dizzy.
I swear, even if I were asked to marry you, I wouldn't feel this way.
"...Camille? Are you okay?" Audrey whispered next to me.
I quickly turned to her, “Huh? Yes, I’m fine.”
When she looked back, Elodie had already joined the other children.
“Shall we go in?”
“Yes, Abbess,” Audrey nodded, then glanced at me.
Still in a daze, I followed her inside.