Chapter 71
Baron Ein?
Huh?
Carynne called Ein as he was imagining all sorts of things in his head.
Was my mother truly that famous?
Thats right
Did you like her, too, Baron?
Baron Ein, congratulations on the birth of your son. I saw it in the newspapers the other day.
You saw that? Haha, Im a little embarrassed. My wife is already quite old.
It was a rude question to ask a married man who was also already a father. When Raymond intervened, this was enough to make Carynne realize, and so her face turned red.
Ah Im very sorry!
Its alright.
It would just be awkward for the baron to get angry now. Time had passed, and right now, that womans daughter was already beyond the age that the woman had made her social debut in the past.
Still, its fortunate that this mistake was made in front of Ein. Any other of that womans suitors wouldnt have been sensitive about the time that had passed. But since Ein had become ill-tempered as he grew old, he couldnt help the urge to grumble.
Well, compared to me, Crown Prince Gueuze was more famous. Once he sees you, I dont know but he might like you.
Turning the conversation away from herself, Carynne asked.
Crown Prince Gueuze Did His Highness come today?
Recitals arent exactly his cup of tea.
Do you know about the Crown Prince, Baron? Raymond asked.
How about you, Sir Raymond?
Ive been on the frontlines for quite some time, however.
Raymonds expression hardened a little. Its understandable, of course. But if hes just going to get caught like that, then its no fun.
Fortunately, Countess Elva intervened at that moment.
He is the epitome of nobility. Hes unlike any other.
Quite so.
Whatever Crown Prince Gueuze did with the lower half of his body and whatever his hobbies were, these werent the things that the noblewomen truly knew. Ein tried to stop himself from laughing at Countess Elvas evaluation. It was a mans allegiance.
The question now was thiswould Raymond stop his fiance? With Carynne standing in front of him like this, her eyes glistening with curiosity, he couldnt get rid of the chills running down his back as he looked at her. He knew that it would be the same with Crown Prince Gueuze.
When will I be able to meet him?
Carynne.
Yes?
Raymond pulled Carynnes arm slightly. Ah, what a shame. Ein chuckled inwardly. Hed have to give a little nudge here. Ein wanted to send a small gift to his old rival.
Theres one seat open in the noble council. That would be a nice gift.
Well, how about this.
Huh?
Play a game with me. Im bored today, you know. If you beat me, Ill take you to him.
Baron Ein.
Raymond spoke in a low voice, but the baron was looking at only Carynne.
What if I lose?
What if you win?
Ein laughed. Taking her there was something he wanted, so why would he win? In any case, win or lose, Carynne was going to stand in front of the crown prince.
You, well I dont know.
Ein saw Carynnes colorful accessories. She was dressed to the nines as though she was flaunting how she was part of the Evans household.
Maybe we can bet just a little money Let me see. Here, shall we start with this coin?
Ein took out one silver coin. It didnt seem like much.
Okay! Thats great.
What exactly was great about this? Ein scanned Carynnes expression, then looked towards the maid behind her.
Carynne, gambling isnt good.
Hm, a-hem.
Countess Elva coughed. When it was mentioned that gambling wasnt good, she stared pointedly at Raymond. However, as the young man felt the countess gaze, he suggested the next best option.
Ill do it for you if you wish.
Goodness, Raymond, what are you saying now? Youll substitute and gamble instead?
Shes still young.
But Carynne pushed Raymond to the side and stepped forward, looking excited.
Its alright Sir Raymond. Im good at playing card games.
Ohh, how cool. In this new era, we need more women like you, Carynne.
Ein welcomed the newbie with open arms.
* * *
How?
Baron Ein looked at the card in front of him.
There was a red queen of spades.
The game is over.
A servant of the dukes mansion announced the end of the game with a low voice. The game ended because there was a gap of 200 points.
You talked big earlier though.
Someone snickered.
Oh my goodness
Countess Elva let out a baffled exclamation.
W-What do we do, Milady.
The maid bemoaned.
This
Do Donna. What do we do?
Flustered, Carynne stammered back at the maid.
Tears, sighs and frowns followed after this. The two girls were on the brink of tears. Those nervous faces evoked sorrow to anyone whod see them, but Ein just blankly looked at the cards. Even still, it seemed like its just a dream. This result.
Carynne lost.
Haa.
Raymond brought a white gloved hand over to his forehead. Although, he did seem rather relieved a little. The commotion centered around Carynne quietly spread through the hall.
Sighs and laughter meandered through the air. Some sneers were directed at Carynne, but most of them were towards Baron Ein. The people of Carynnes age seemed to be having fun with this situation, but the middle-aged noble men and womenespecially those who had lost money to Einlooked at the baron with cold eyes.
I cant believe he wheedled such a fortune from a seventeen-year-old lady.
Isnt that just too much?
I cant stand to see it anymore.
Ein, a man in his forties, was a famous gambler. Considering who he was, it was shameless how he tricked the young lady into participating in the card game. Even if she was the daughter of Catherine, who Ein had chased after during the days of their youth. What did he stand with winning against the seventeen-year-old, debutant-aged Carynne?
Baron Ein is truly so mean.
I know, he really is.
Elva fanned herself with satisfaction. Even though Carynne had lost a great deal of money here, it was still just a miniscule amount considering the huge wealth of the Evans household. So, Countess Elva consoled Carynne casually yet also joined in on the criticism against Baron Ein. She was enjoying every second of it.
How is it? Delighted that you earned some money?
I
Ein vacantly looked down at the cards. Whispers rang through his ears.
Ein could not understand.
Why?
Ein won.
But hes certain that he was on the verge of losing.
* * *
You said youd show me a magic trick.
Did I not live up to your expectations?
Thats right.
Well, Im sorry to have disappointed you.
Carynne jumped and sat on the railing of a balcony, then she leaned back. The evening sky of summer was beautifully radiant, as though its starlight would pour out.
Its dangerous, so please dont do that.
Why are you worried about me?
Well, right before my eyes
Carynne watched Raymonds face. The banquet was still in full swing behind him. She could hear music flowing through, as well as peoples voices as they talked. Raymonds face was obscured by the shadows brought on by the radiance behind him.
Its alright. The railings thick.
And she wouldnt die until that day anyway. Carynne looked sideways and down the railing. There was a well-trimmed tree in the garden below.
Even if I fall from here, wouldnt that tree break my fall?
At least, thats what happened in the past.
You dont need to take such a useless risk.
Or will you save me, Sir Raymond?
Carynne, if youre really curious, then you can go ahead and try.
Mmh
Carynne decided to cut it out. She couldnt see Raymonds expression exactly, but if she tried to test it out for no reason, it might only lead to heartache. Itll just lead to a splat one head cracked open, and then death.
As she giggled, Carynne jumped down from the railing.
Ouch
I told you so.
Ugh
Carynne sprained her ankle, perhaps because of her high heels. Tears welled up in her eyes. She couldnt stop. Carynne crouched down and held back a groan.
Its too difficult to stand.
Did you sprain your ankle?
Yes. Its embarrassing, but do you mind if I take off a shoe?
If it makes you comfortable, please go ahead.
Carynne carefullyvery carefullytook off one golden shoe. And she herself had to grimace at the stench. It was a smell that any other girl would have made sure to hide until the end out of shame.
Thats pretty severe, Raymond commented.
Dont ask whether Ive washed it or not.
Its not to the degree that Ill
Going down on one knee, Raymond observed Carynnes injured foot.
Is this that wound?
It leads me to think that Miss Isella Evans has shoes made entirely out of steel.
Mmh.
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