Childhood friend? Rebecca, who had not realized it, opened her eyes wide like a full moon.
"Childhood, childhood friend?"
"Yeah. Don't you remember?"
Adeus smiled with a meaningful twinkle in his eyes.
"We used to play together a lot when we were young."
'Was he one of the people from the Viscount Fortun's household?'
Before the regression, all I had heard about the Viscount Fortun was that he had sold his private land and villa to pay off his gambling debts.
'Was there such a young man in the Viscount Fortun's household? I thought his only child was a daughter who was to debut this year.'
I narrowed my eyes and scanned Adeus, but soon turned my gaze away indifferently. It was a common story for nobles to have illegitimate children or hidden children.
Meanwhile, the two of them were still sharing memories of the past and talking.
"I used to bully and tease you a lot, didn't I?"
Rebecca remained silent, rolling her eyes instead of answering. Then Adeus placed his hand on Rebecca's shoulder with a stiff expression.
"Rebecca, you really don't remember? I'm disappointed. We were really close."
As soon as Adeus finished speaking, Rebecca opened her mouth wide as if she had recalled something. She pointed at Adeus with her finger and showed a sign of joy.
"You, you're Adeus?"
"Yeah. Do you remember now?"
Rebecca nodded hastily. It seemed that they were indeed childhood friends who had known each other since they were young.
"To think I would meet you here, Rebecca."
"Y-Yeah. It's been a long time."
Rebecca, who seemed awkward meeting an old friend after a long time, lowered her gaze and smiled faintly. After their greetings, silence returned.
"Let me introduce myself formally. I am Adeus Fortun, a person from the Viscount Fortun's household."
Adeus placed his hand on his chest and bowed politely to me. His blue eyes, which glanced at me, were filled with an incomprehensible joy. As soon as Adeus finished his introduction, Rebecca leaned close to my ear and whispered.
"He's a childhood friend. We used to play together a lot when we were young, but it's been quite a while since we last met."
That's why you looked so awkward.
"I heard Rebecca went to the capital, but I didn't expect to meet her here."
"I, I didn't expect to see you here either."
"I just returned from studying abroad in a foreign country."
Adeus glanced at the carriage behind us with a suspicious smile.
"Rebecca, you are..."
Or rather, he seemed to be looking at the family crest on the carriage. Adeus, who had been examining the carriage with narrowed eyes, turned his gaze and smiled.
"It seems the rumor that you became a maid in the Duke Laphireon's household is true."
"Huh? Y-Yes..."
Rebecca nodded cautiously, glancing at me. She seemed hesitant to talk about me in front of me. Adeus's gaze returned to me.
"So you must be Her Highness the Duchess of Laphireon."
Adeus smiled affably, as if confirming an already known answer. Since he was Rebecca's friend, I couldn't treat him coldly like a stranger. I forced a smile and nodded.
"I have received the help of a great person."
"Don't worry, I didn't mean to cause any inconvenience. I just had to move the carriage because my path was blocked, and you happened to be in the way."
"Regardless of the intention, you saved me from being hit by the carriage, so you are my benefactor."
Adeus's smile looked like that of a weasel. His unusual blue eyes sparkled with interest.
"To hear you talk about repaying the Duchess of Laphireon's kindness."
Adeus laughed, saying, "A rabbit almost acted like a king in a mountain without a lion."
"I appreciate your sentiment."
That's enough for the conversation. After a brief chat, I moved to the side to pass Adeus, who was blocking the way. However, Adeus followed my direction and blocked my path again.
"In return, if Her Highness the Duchess needs my help one day, I will stand by her side and assist her, no matter what."
"No matter what?"
"Yes. Even if it means killing someone."
What? Despite his terrifying words, Adeus continued to smile brightly like the sun. The contrast was unsettling.
"I don't think I'll need such help, so I'll just take your sentiment."
Killing someone? Are you crazy? I felt uncomfortable with his intention in saying such things to me. I wiped the smile from my face and stiffened, moving to the side to pass him. This time, I intended to pass Adeus. However, he stubbornly blocked my path again.
"Did I offend you?"
Adeus spoke as if he could see through my thoughts. His face was still smiling, as if he found the situation amusing.
"It was just a metaphor. I wanted to show my resolve to do anything for Her Highness the Duchess, so please don't misunderstand."
Despite his words, Adeus did not move from my path. His cheerful smile made me feel irritated.
"Alright. If there's a day when I need your help, I'll call you. But I doubt that day will ever come."
That meant I would never need his help. Despite understanding my meaning, Adeus's expression did not change. His smile remained unwavering.
"Are you heading back to the mansion now?"
"...Yes."
It would be nice if you moved out of the way now. Despite my answer, Adeus still blocked my path.
'If that's the case, I'll have to make you move.'
I recalled the expression the people of the Duke Laphireon's household used to make.
"Shouldn't you move out of my way now?"
I sneered arrogantly at Adeus, just like them.
"Who do you think you are blocking my path? Can you handle it?"
Perfect. Adeus slowly scanned me, Rebecca, and the carriage with a cool expression. Then, he asked playfully.
"Since I'll move out of the way, can you take me with you?"
"What?"
What nonsense is this? Me? You? Why? My intimidating expression crumbled instantly.
"Didn't Her Highness the Duchess say this place is off-limits to outsiders?"
"Yes, but?"
"If I go out alone, the guards will find out I entered here, won't they?"
That's right. Even if there were no guards when I came in, there would be guards when I leave. I nodded, and Adeus continued as if he had expected it.
"If the guards find out, I'll be punished... so..."
"...So?"
Adeus met my gaze and spoke in a light tone.
"Can you take me with you when Her Highness the Duchess leaves?"
"No."
Oops, I answered without thinking. Adeus's smile disappeared for the first time, surprised by my immediate response. I should have thought about it before answering. Thinking... thinking...
"Still no."
Even after thinking, I still don't want to.
"Did I just get rejected twice in a row?"
"That's right."
To my straightforward apology, Adeus laughed as if it was the funniest thing. His laugh was beautiful, but I still didn't want to take him.
"If you're worried about punishment, I'll cover for you with the guards. Besides, you're Rebecca's friend, and..."
And I feel a little guilty for leaving you behind.
"Anyway, I'll have someone from my side talk to the guards to ensure you're not punished."
"Is it that unpleasant to take me with you for a while?"
Silence is consent. I remained silent without answering. Adeus pointed at Rebecca.
"I want to talk to my old friend Rebecca. Can't I?"
This was hard to refuse. Rebecca, who seemed uncomfortable, was still avoiding eye contact. Sensing I was looking at her, Adeus also looked at her.
"Rebecca, don't you want to talk to me after a long time?"
Rebecca, who had been pale, looked up at Adeus's question. She glanced between me and Adeus and nodded slightly.
"Um-hmm."
Does she want to talk to Adeus but is checking my reaction, or does she want to help him avoid the awkwardness? Her response was ambiguous.
"Rebecca, do you want to go with him?"
I asked Rebecca again. She fidgeted with her fingers, lowered her head, and answered softly.
"Y-Yes. If it doesn't bother Her Highness the Duchess... But if it does, it's okay."
If Rebecca wants to talk, I can't refuse. The procession won't take long to leave anyway. I turned to Adeus. He looked at me expectantly, as if he already knew what I would say.
"Alright..."
Just as I was about to invite him to ride in the carriage with us, the sound of hooves became clear from behind. The distant sound of hooves was getting closer at a fast pace.
'That's...'
A black horse with a magnificent mane galloped towards us.
"There you are."
The black horse stopped right in front of us, and Terdeo was on it.
"...Terdeo."
"Your Grace!"
Terdeo and I, along with Rebecca, called out in surprise at his sudden appearance. Terdeo first looked at me slowly. After confirming I was fine, he slowly scanned the stopped carriage, Rebecca, and Adeus. I forgot we were having a conversation and approached Terdeo. This time, Adeus did not block my path.
"How did you get here?"
"I received a report that you were preparing the procession. I thought it