Dylan, having barged through the door, seemed about to cry.

The expression lasted for only a split second. Perhaps, Avril was the only one to have seen it. By the time her vision had adjusted to the light, Dylan had regained his composure.

“…The ceremony is canceled. Chris, please escort the guests.”

“Understood.”

Dylan calmly gave instructions after confirming Avril’s safety, and in response, Chris briskly walked into the church.

The next moment, Dylan had cupped her face and stared into her eyes.

“Avril, are you injured? Should I call a doctor?”

“That’s unnecessary, Lord Dylan. As you can see, I’m fine!”

—H-his face… is close.

Dylan had Avril sit down on a nearby chair and sighed.

“…Since when have you been there? You must’ve been scared.”

“…”

…She couldn’t bring herself to admit that she fell asleep. Even Carol, who stood behind her, had a complicated look on her face.

Please don’t say anything.

It finally dawned on Avril—why Corinna ordered her to be gagged.

Seeing the listless Avril, Dylan seemed to have understood. His expression faltered slightly.

“…Hey, who’s that woman who tried to impersonate you?”

“That is Corinna, my sheltered stepsister…”

“Is that so? Lady Alexandra Lindbergh! It seems that your maid has arrived at the royal capital!”

Upon hearing Dylan’s cry, Corinna—who was still in shock—shrieked.

“…A-Alexandra!?”

“Well, well, it’s been a long time, Ms. Corinna Allingham. If I recall correctly, a year ago, you were there to witness the annulment of my engagement. How time flies.”

“W-what are you doing here!? No, wait! Let me go…!”

The escorts of the Lindbergh family began to drag Corinna away. Among them, Avril caught a glimpse of her family. Her stepmother was pale and shivering, while her father was expressionless. The church was enshrouded in a strange atmosphere.

…I guess this isn’t the right time to ask about the dress.

Avril pursed her lips as she saw Corinna’s off; the safety of the dress still at the forefront of her mind.

“How did this happen? Lately, there haven’t been any suspicious people visiting you, so I let my guard down. I can’t believe something like this would happen during our wedding… I’m glad you’re safe.”

“No, I’ll fill you in on the details later, but this undoing is a consequence of my own actions. I’m truly sorry for causing such a commotion for the Duke of Lancester family…”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“I’m responsible for any troubles involving my parents’ house. Furthermore, none of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t bullied my own maid. It seems that I went too far.”

Avril was genuinely sorry, but Dylan only smiled gently.

“—Let’s hold another ceremony.”

“…!?”

“I’ll arrange for a new dress. Let that woman keep that one. I know you were looking forward to the day when you could wear it.”

“No, but… While the dress may have gotten dirty, I can still wear it again as long as it’s cleaned. I  couldn’t possibly burden the people of the territory to make a new dress… Also, I appreciate the sentiment more than anything else… You considering giving me a dress is enough.”

“…Did she say that unconsciously?”

“What’s the matter?”

“No, nothing.”

At Avril’s words, Dylan covered his mouth and was speechless. His cheeks bore a hint of red, and Avril felt a tingling sensation.

—But now isn’t the time.

“…I-in short, I don’t need a new dress.”

Although, in this scenario, a full-fledged villainess would probably make the gentleman pay handsomely for her dress… But that’s just a waste of money!

However, as expected, Dylan disagreed. Alexandra—who seemed to have transported Corinna somewhere else—returned and was visibly confused.

“I’ll pay for that dress.”

“L-Lady Alexandra!?”

“It’s partly my fault for not supervising my maid properly. I’m truly glad that Lady Avril didn’t suffer any injury.”

Alexandra smiled elegantly at the confused Avril. Her smile was profound—and at the same time, ruthless.

—Apple.

For some reason, Avril recalled the exact moment Alexandra crushed an apple with her bare hand.

…She could only pray for Corinna’s safety.

“I’ll bear the cost for your dress.”

“O-okay.”

“Great.”

…Uhm, this is?

Just as they promised to remake the dress, Dylan kneeled before Avril. He gently took her hand. In his limpid, sky-blue eyes, only Avril was reflected.

Avril was confused—

—it’s as if he’s trying to propose.

However, Dylan’s next words were laced with kindness like usual.

“…I’m sorry for letting you experience that.”

…Somehow, I feel disappointed?

Avril smiled in response.

“…No, uhm, I had a nice sleep?”

“Huh?”

“No, nothing.”

---

***T/N: Tension? We don’t know her.

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