Chapter 100

(Why, why...?)

Ortencia could only stare blankly at Gérard, who had just appeared, unable to blink.

However, Ortencia was not the only one who was surprised.

Gérard, usually so composed, was also staring at Ortencia with wide eyes, a rare sight for him.

For a while, the two of them could only look at each other in silence.

It was the Duke of Linière's words that cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Oh my, it seems neither of you knew about this. Perhaps it's fate?"

Gérard was the first to regain his composure at those words.

"I never thought, Ortencia, that you would come to him."

In a voice devoid of emotion, Gérard spoke.

The Duke of Linière's lips curled up in amusement at his words.

"Miss Ortencia is more intelligent than I thought. You are indeed worthy of being Gérard's sister. ...I, too, have taken a liking to her."

As the Duke of Linière's gaze turned to her, Ortencia struggled to suppress a shiver.

(Why is my brother with the Duke of Linière...?)

From the way they were acting, it didn't seem like this was their first meeting.

The Duke of Linière was a dangerous man with ties to the cult of the evil god.

Gérard had made contact with him before Ortencia.

(No, the demon god's evil hand must not reach my brother!)

In front of her, Gérard and the Duke of Linière were conversing amicably.

That was the most terrifying thing of all.

(No, brother, don't go over there...!)

It felt as if Gérard was slipping out of her reach, and she couldn't remain calm.

Desperate to bring Gérard back to her, Ortencia decided to put on a show.

"Ah...!"

She let out a small cry, distorted her face, and pressed her temple.

As expected, this drew the attention of both the Duke of Linière and Gérard.

"Miss Verité, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I have a bit of a headache..."

"That won't do. We should find a place for you to rest—"

"No, I have a special medicine prepared at the mansion. Although I'm reluctant to leave, I must take my leave today."

With a bright smile to avoid suspicion, Ortencia approached the Duke of Linière.

Suppressing her disgust, she took his hand.

"I am honored to be welcomed as a comrade. May your future be filled with good fortune."

She smiled, and the Duke of Linière laughed pleasantly.

"It is my pleasure to welcome someone as beautiful and intelligent as you. Personally, I hope to have a close relationship with you. You will surely become my lucky charm, Miss Ortencia Altier Verité."

With that, the Duke of Linière kissed the back of Ortencia's hand.

Despite the goosebumps that ran down her body, Ortencia struggled to maintain her ladylike smile.

She glanced at Gérard.

Gérard was looking at her with cold, unreadable eyes.

His expression reminded her of the time he had abandoned her in her first life.

—"Shut up, disgrace to the duchy. ...I never once thought of you as my sister."

The despair from that moment pierced her heart, and a cold shiver ran down her spine.

(I have to get my brother away from here...!)

The Duke of Linière was dangerous. She had to get Gérard out of here as soon as possible.

"Brother, I'm terribly sorry, but... if it's not too much trouble, could you escort me back to the mansion?"

Pretending to be the innocent sister, Ortencia made this request to Gérard.

Gérard's expression remained unchanged, and he continued to look at her with cold eyes.

...If it were the Gérard from a little while ago, he would have offered to escort her without her having to ask.

His change was terrifying.

Just as Ortencia's expression was about to falter, the Duke of Linière came to her aid.

"We cannot have anything happen to such a precious lady. Gérard, please accompany your sister."

"But—"

"Ah, don't worry about our discussion later. We can reschedule."

Even Gérard, who was usually so composed, couldn't refuse the Duke of Linière's strong request.

"...I understand. Until next time."

Gérard bowed politely to the Duke of Linière and then turned to Ortencia.

"Let's go."

In a cold, chilling voice, he spoke just one word.

He then started walking without waiting for a response.

Ortencia hurried to follow her brother.

Gérard never looked back.

This made her feel incredibly lonely.

(He's so close, yet he feels so far away...)