Chapter 73

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 73

Chapter Title: The Count I Met Again (3)

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"Isn't this a bit too frilly?"

Joelli, who had been examining the dress, didn't seem pleased with it. She took off the one she was wearing and glanced over at the others nearby. A variety of designs appeared to be laid out on the bed.

Joni turned her head away familiarly. Even though a partition half-blocked the view, leaving only the position of the mirror visible, he couldn't bring himself to look that way. In the meantime, Alicia's soft laughter rang out as she handed over another dress.

"You've slimmed down, so it won't be too frilly on you. Something with lace at the hem like this gives a fuller look and will suit you even better than something too form-fitting."

"Oh, really?"

Joelli took the dress and held it up to her body, checking it this way and that. Alicia added compliments from the side, beaming brightly.

Then Joelli's gaze flicked sideways. Alicia quickly bent down and picked out a pair of shoes the same color as the dress from the row lined up in front of the mirror, placing them at Joelli's feet.

Joelli slipped one foot into a shoe and examined her reflection. I stepped back slightly and watched Alicia. Her eyes and mouth were smiling, but I could read what lay beneath.

'That woman's too cheeky! Who does she think she is, ordering other people's servants around like that?'

'Can't be helped. We're servants, after all.'

No matter what Joelli's true identity was, she was still a noble. Giving orders to people like us was only natural.

'Insolent little wench! If I become the lady of this house, she'll be the first one I kick out.'

And yet she served her so eagerly. Grinning ear to ear, putting on all that false airs. With a wave of Joelli's hand, Alicia hurried over and held out a new dress. I'd never seen Alicia move with such quick reflexes.

Picky Joelli was just as meticulous about choosing a party dress. Even more so than usual. She tried on and took off several before finally settling on one.

"Hmm."

Even that didn't seem entirely satisfactory. Fortunately, she didn't take it off again. She turned this way and that in front of the mirror before sitting in a chair. Alicia lifted the box of hair accessories.

"Shall I have the nanny help?"

"Yes, Lady Joelli."

"......"

Putting aside Alicia, who had no knack for it, the nanny stepped forward. In the end, Alicia came over to our side and waited.

I whispered to Alicia quietly.

"Such a hypocrite."

"It's just a small sacrifice."

"What do you mean?"

"That's why clueless people shouldn't butt in."

"......"

"You need opportunities to make a move, right? Bending over for a few words isn't hard when you think about what I'll gain later. Just sit back and watch quietly."

"Why don't you try living quietly for once? Don't stir up trouble."

"Didn't you say you were leaving? If you're going, then hurry up and go."

Her snide remark made me open my mouth to retort, but Joelli pulled out the hair accessory from her hair and pointed to another one. Before the nanny could move, Alicia was already there with a new one. She even opened the case herself and showed it to Joelli. Whatever it was, she was clearly committed.

Robert, worn out from the long wait, had fallen asleep. He lay his small body on the sofa using my lap as a pillow. As always, he clutched a little horse figurine in his hand. I gently placed his precariously gripping hand on my lap and patted his tiny frame.

"Hmm, this might work."

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. With Joelli's permission, someone opened it and entered. My gaze naturally went to the door before quickly dropping. Joni hurriedly bowed at the waist.

Vincent, dressed in his formal tailcoat, walked into the room.

"Vincent, come on in."

"Are you ready?"

"Not yet. Wait a bit longer. Oh, you can remove the partition."

At her words, the nanny moved to clear away the partition that had been blocking the door. Joni, who had been staring at the wall the whole time, quickly went to help. While I debated whether to join them, Vincent plopped down in the seat next to me. My body stiffened rigidly.

"Don't fuss too much. It's just for the sake of formality."

"I still want to look pretty. Who are we going to see, anyway?"

"Getting ahead of yourself."

Their conversation felt intimate. Seeing them so casual, it didn't seem like a stiff relationship. Come to think of it, what exactly was their connection?

But my thoughts didn't go much further before fading. Tension made my heart race. I bowed my head unnecessarily low and hunched my rigid body even more. My grip tightened on Robert. I was terrified Vincent might recognize me.

But a quick glance showed my worry was unfounded—he never once turned my way. With the partition gone, he only stared at the fully revealed Joelli.

Soon, Joelli finished getting ready and stood before Vincent. Draped in a blue dress embroidered with jewels, matched with shoes and hair accessories, she was stunningly beautiful. Sparkles seemed to emanate from her entire body.

Joelli spun around. The skirt flared out and settled gracefully. His emerald eyes rolled toward her, fixed intently.

"What do you think?"

Her lovely lips curved lazily. It was a smile that could steal anyone's heart.

"It suits you."

"Come on, that's so half-hearted."

"Then don't ask."

But his voice carried an air of annoyance. Dissatisfied with Vincent's lukewarm response, Joelli started eyeing another dress again. It looked like another long wait was about to begin.

Sure enough, as Joelli picked up a new dress, even the nanny and Alicia looked flustered. Meanwhile, Vincent rested his arm on the sofa armrest, propped his chin, and watched Joelli leisurely.

That mouth of his was as sharp as ever. I wonder if Robert picked it up from him?

I glanced at Vincent beside me. Putting everything else aside, it was just fascinating the more I looked. Vincent, with sight restored—what a wonder. What was normal for others had been denied him, so I kept stealing looks at him.

There wasn't a trace of fear on his languid face. It was serene and composed. No lingering shadow of the man who once trembled in terror after losing his vision. Worlds apart from the one who never stepped out of his room for fear of harm. The lonely fighter against pain was gone now.

Good for him. Really good.

I'm so relieved he's doing well.

I gazed at Vincent with a soft smile. Then another face came to mind, wiping it away. My eyes fixed on the floor, wandering around. The tremor spread like ripples, and my mood sank endlessly into gloom.

I clamped my mouth shut and tried to pull myself together. After exhaling a shaky breath, I lifted my gaze again. Vincent had straightened up, staring piercingly at something.

His intense gaze lingered on one spot. Following it, I turned to see Alicia adjusting Joelli's hair. Alicia had been sneaking glances at him ever since he entered.

Realizing he was watching her, Alicia pretended not to notice, putting on a haughty expression. She tilted her head slightly to make sure her face was visible to him. And as Alicia intended, Vincent couldn't tear his eyes away for a long while.

Only Alicia moved, with Joelli's voice occasionally chiming in. Until then, Vincent watched them silently. No—his gaze was almost fixed in one direction. It followed Alicia's every movement.

Why is he staring like that? While I puzzled over Vincent and watched him intently, Joni tapped my shoulder. He leaned in close from behind and whispered lowly.

"Who's that guy?"

For a moment, I thought I'd misheard and looked at Joni. He voiced his confusion while keeping his eyes on Vincent. When he glanced at me, I shot him a look like, you really don't know?

"Who is he?"

"He's the master of the house."

"Oh, really?"

Joni's eyes widened as he looked at Vincent again. His genuine ignorance left me baffled. Hadn't all the servants gathered to greet Vincent when he returned?

"Everyone gathered when the master was coming back."

"I know. But I secretly dozed off then."

"......"

"It's a secret?"

Who would I even tell? I let out an incredulous chuckle, and Joni, embarrassed, added that he'd gotten up too early and was tired. Sure, whatever, I replied casually, shaking my head.

Then I felt a gaze on me. I whipped my head around, but no one was looking our way. Strange. It definitely felt like someone was watching...

"Hey. But why's he staring at Alicia like that?"

"No way. He's probably looking at Lady Joelli."

"Nah. His gaze is intense. Like he's smitten."

"Not everyone falls at first sight like you."

I hated even hearing talk of love at first sight. Recalling the scoldings I'd gotten because of it soured my expression automatically.

I wanted to snap that it couldn't be, to stop talking nonsense, but Joni stared at me oddly instead. What? Why? I shot back sharply, and his face grew serious, like he was about to say something to irritate me more. I hardened my expression and glared, as if to say don't you dare.

"Hey."

A heavy voice cut in abruptly.

My body froze. Joni looked at him in my stead. A beat late, I creakily turned my head.

But Vincent was still looking toward Alicia. His call wasn't for me.

"A new servant?"

It was directed at Alicia. She spun around swiftly, as if she'd been waiting.

"Pleased to meet you, Master."

With a shy smile, she placed both hands on her stomach and bowed deeply. Her long hair, tied back, cascaded down her shoulders.

"Your name?"

"It's Alicia."

Her downcast then uplifted eyes sparkled. Her clear voice rang out distinctly. Her red lips curved upward into a lovely smile. An instantly likable face, and Alicia knew it well, flaunting it fully.

"I attend to Lady Joelli."

"......"

"Master?"

Vincent stared piercingly at her beaming face. Perhaps because his gaze was quite intense, Alicia's cheeks gradually flushed. Joelli, half-turned with her arm draped over the chair back, grinned mischievously.

"Oh my. Vincent, you're staring a hole through her face."

Only then did Vincent let out a short sigh and lean back.

"Smitten?"

Alicia's eyes sparkled at the teasing words.

But his face turned indifferent again, signaling no such nonsense. He didn't even reply. Joelli didn't press further, leaving only Alicia looking disappointed.

"Ann."

Then Joelli called me. Distracted by them, my response came a beat late.

"......Yes!"

"Come here. Fix my hair a bit."

Joelli beckoned me after the nanny had undone her updo. My eyes widened. Me? Really? As I hesitated, the nanny approached.

"I'll watch the young master for you."

I glanced at her gentle smile, then hesitantly stood.

It felt like everyone's eyes were on me. The nanny laid Robert on her lap in my place, and Joelli waited. Alicia, standing beside her, openly scowled at me.

I took heavy steps toward Joelli. My nape prickled—Joni must be watching. And I felt Vincent's gaze too.