Chapter 121: Chapter 121

Luna quickly read the contents of the letter handed over to her from Royer. The content wasn’t very long.

[I was wondering how to return it to you. I don’t know why it was in my coat, but I’ll surely give it back.

It might be sudden, but I have to go out this afternoon. Can we meet then? I don’t have any other time than today due to my difficult schedule.]

There was an additional note mentioning the need to avoid the eyes of the servants. The letter concluded with a message about waiting in the bathroom, pretending to be sick.

“It doesn’t seem like she’s at the Duke’s house because she wanted to. She seemed panicked since she first arrived at the mansion.”

Upon hearing Royer’s explanation, both Luna and Antes frowned simultaneously.

“So, she was captured?”

“Given that she’s constantly monitored, it’s highly likely. Besides the fact that she’s imitating Lady Luna, I think we need to meet and find out the exact issue.”

Is this for real? Why would someone capture a woman who looks like her? Luna lost her words for a moment.

‘Why can’t I get rid of this tedious fate? This disgusting evil relationship.’

Though infuriated, Luna realized she had to meet and get the exact details. She turned to Laura.

“I have to go out. Laura, do we have a hat that can cover my face?”

“Ah yes! Here it is, Miss. It’s a mesh hat, so it’s somewhat see-through.”

“Good. I’ll wear that then.”

As Luna examined Laura from head to toe, she spoke.

“We’re similar in height and body type, so the size will fit, right?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Confused by Luna’s comment on size, Laura looked puzzled. Luna seriously replied:

“You have something to do for me today.”

“…Me?”

Suddenly? What? Surprised and bewildered, Laura blinked at Luna. But Luna diverted the topic.

“Let’s eat first. We need to be full before heading out.”

Instead, she took Antes’ hand and headed to the kitchen. Antes, guessing Luna’s intentions, asked:

“Do you plan to swap clothes with Laura?”

“Yes. She said that we had to avoid the servants’ eyes. Considering that I tried to rush last time, I think that would be good.”

Antes seemed to agree, nodding his head. His shiny hair shimmered. Luna looked at him momentarily and then spoke again.

“Well, young lord, you should stay in the carriage since you stand out too much. I’ll ask the important questions and finish quickly.”

But before she could finish, Antes protested.

“What are you talking about? Are you asking to send you alone?”

Luna explained her reasons.

“You’re too conspicuous. Blonde hair, unlike my black hair, is rare, and your appearance too.”

“Regardless, I’ll wear simple clothes.”

Nevertheless, Luna wasn’t convinced by Antes’ determination. His handsome face and shiny hair would be hard to hide. But seeing Luna’s displeasure, Antes proposed another idea.

“If hair is the issue, why not wear a mask like before? Or we could get a face mask. Oh, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to knock down an employee and pretend to be one?”

Luna frowned at the mention of knocking someone down. Since permission wasn’t given, Antes persisted:

“How about I pretend to be a noble lady?”

“…Are you serious?”

“Or I could pretend to be a servant.”

It seemed he would even disguise as a horse if needed. Antes insisted on accompanying her so much.

Since they were going to meet in the bathroom anyway, no matter what makeup they put on, the only person who would face Deborah would be herself.

But it was clear that he was very worried about her, so she couldn’t stop him any longer.

If roles were reversed, she would’ve followed him. Sighing, Luna finally agreed.

“I understand. It’s the place the young lord prepared in the first place. Then, you can wear a mask. You can’t come to the restroom, but stay hidden.”

Relieved, Antes smiled and answered:

“I’ll hide even my shiny hair. Don’t worry.”

* * *

Luna quickly finished her meal and headed to her room with Laura. She selected a dress for Laura and urged her to wear it.

“Yes…?! Me? Why…?!

“You heard our conversation earlier. Help me out just once. If the servants spot me, they’ll surely avoid me.”

When Laura hesitated, Luna explained the situation.

“But…!”

But circumstances are circumstances, and a luxury dress was a luxury dress. Luna didn’t think much of it when Laura put it on, but Laura was actually scared to touch it, let alone wear it.

Seeing Laura’s reluctance, Luna wore a disappointed face.

“I thought Laura would willingly help me. Were we just casual acquaintances?”

“I didn’t mean it that way!”

“Then please help me. Laura is the only one I can rely on, okay?”

Laura, without words, seemed troubled. But she couldn’t refuse any longer, so Luna smiled brightly as she picked up the dress.

“…I understand.”

Though Laura reluctantly put on Luna’s dress, crying like a child being forced to eat mustard.

Not long after, when she saw her unusual reflection in the mirror, her eyes widened in surprise. She spun around in place, unable to hide her admiration, as if she never said she disliked it.

“Do you like it?”

“Uh, uh, um… Yes… It’s pretty. Oh, I mean the dress, not me.”

Just say you like it if you do. Luna, feeling a little hurt, decided she should gift Laura with a lot of pretty clothes when she returned, and wore the maid’s clothes.

Of course, that wasn’t enough. She also painted freckles on her nose and cheeks, wore glasses, and neatly braided her hair.

Thanks to these changes, she looked different enough that no one would suspect her.

“Do you have to go to that extent?”

“Why, do I look ugly?”

“No! Not at all. Absolutely not! I mean it!”

Luna was joking, but Laura denied vehemently.

A strong denial is an affirmation. Luna was slightly disappointed, but since she hadn’t intended to look pretty, she took Laura’s arm and headed downstairs.

That’s when Antes, dressed all in black, caught her eye.

His intention to hide his shiny hair wasn’t a lie; he cleverly concealed his features and stayed close to Luna.

“I didn’t expect much, but you in a maid’s dress look quite… unique.”

“Unique?”

It was a vague comment, neither clearly praise nor criticism. Luna looked puzzled, and he, with a mysterious smile, changed the subject.

“What about me?”

“You look fine. With a mask, you’d be perfect. By the way, should we postpone our date? Given our outfits and the uncertainty of when it will end.”

It was supposed to be a short meeting, but changing clothes and removing makeup after returning home might be inconvenient.

However, in this outfit they couldn’t go to the lake they’d planned, as it was a playground exclusive to nobility.

“How about we enjoy simpler pleasures? We can’t go to the promised lake, but we can row a boat in a bustling river, walk the streets without a carriage, and enter a good-looking restaurant without a reservation.”

In fact, most people went on such dates, but it was new for Antes and Luna. So it seemed fun.

“That sounds good. I wish it was something trivial and finished quickly.”

Upon Luna’s cheerful response, Antes’s face brightened even more.

“I hope so too.”

* * *

The meeting place was the most luxurious cafe in the capital, often frequented by nobles. It had private rooms to ensure the customers’ privacy.

Upon arriving, Luna, with Laura leading, paid a large sum to rent the entire place while waiting for Deborah.

Of course, the owner was a bit skeptical when an unfamiliar noble offered to rent the cafe, but the substantial amount Luna offered left no room for interference, and the cafe was granted without a fuss.

Smoothly completing the preparations, Deborah soon arrived, accompanied by Beth and a knight.

“I’ll guide you.”

Thanks to prior information about Deborah, the staff guided her to the prepared room. Meanwhile, Luna, waiting in the adjacent room, stood up.

“I’ll be back soon.”

“…”

The place they’d chosen to meet happened to be a restroom, so Antes couldn’t join. Even if they’d rented the entire cafe, a restroom was still a restroom.@@novelbin@@

It was a place that might arouse suspicions, so he nodded with a displeased expression.

“If something happens, shout. I’ll be nearby.”

“Understood.”

Luna smiled reassuringly.

Meanwhile, Deborah, sipping her drink, soon started to rub her stomach, pretending to have abdominal pain.

“Beth, my stomach suddenly hurts.”

“Yes?”

Surprised, Beth quickly suggested going back, grabbing her coat.

“No, I think I’ll be fine after a restroom visit.”

“Still, shouldn’t we leave, just in case?”

“I truly believe I’ll be fine after the restroom. Since we’re out, I’d like to stay longer.”

Her pitiful expression added to the act. It was slightly awkward, but Beth, empathizing with Deborah’s mental distress, reluctantly agreed.

“Then I’ll assist you.”

There was no need for Beth to support her, but refusing any further might have caused misunderstandings.

Therefore, Deborah, feigning weakness, walked to the restroom with Beth’s help. Once inside, all she had to do was meet Luna and return the diamond. However, there was one problem.

“…Are you coming in with me?”

“Yes? Yes. Is there a problem?”

Beth seemed to think it was obvious.

While it might be normal in their mansion, this was a public place. Even if it’s a restroom, Beth couldn’t leave her alone.

Deborah hadn’t anticipated Beth would follow her into the restroom and couldn’t hide her surprise.

Noticing her discomfort, Beth narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Is there a problem?”