About an hour later, the Victoria safely set sail.

Due to a storm that had crossed her route, the Victoria had been harbored for several days. As a result, one could tell at a glance that everyone—both passengers and crew—was having the time of their life.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Avril watched the departure from the top deck. Somehow, she managed to suppress her excitement.

A lot of people gathered at the port to see them off, but Avril and others had something else in mind.

Namely, that night’s preparations.

A welcome party was being held that evening to celebrate their departure from Myrtle Port.

As Teresa was fond of flashy things, if she was indeed stowing away in that ship, she might make an appearance.

“—Now that she has safely departed from Myrtle Port, free from grasp of the investigation, she might be feeling relieved. If everything goes according to schedule, we will reach the port near the royal capital tomorrow. That must be her aim. This party is our best chance.”

We have to prepare ourselves!

Avril nodded firmly at the words Dylan whispered to her.

***

Avril, who was helped by Grace in dressing, was surprised upon seeing herself in the mirror.

“I-is this me…?”

“Yes, you look gorgeous. I’m sure Lord Dylan will be pleased.”

Grace was also looking in the mirror with satisfaction. The reflection showed a different version of herself.

Dylan had prepared a pastel pink dress with a V-neck that showed off her décolleté. Although it was wide open around the shoulders, the lace sleeves gave it an elegant finish.

Grace had also done her hair so as to match the dress. The pink floral hair ornament only complemented her gorgeous side braids.

At that moment, she looked like a ‘docile and innocent young lady’ that the former duke seemed to prefer.

“S-since when did Lord Dylan prepare this dress?”

“There are many others. It’s just that Lady Avril always wears the same dress. By the way, he doesn’t record them in the ledger in fear that you might return them.”

“…”

Before, Avril worried the alimony she was supposed to receive at the expiration of their contract would be reduced. Now that they were no longer in a contract marriage, that was no longer an issue.

In spite of that, Dylan’s assumption was right on the mark.

…As Lord Dylan has guessed, luxury isn’t for me…! Such delicate fabric… How am I supposed to sit or eat any food without worrying about this dress!?

Avril, completely ingrained with servant mentality, began to consider methods for removing any stains that might befall the dress should it get dirty.

Then, Dylan came, also prepared.

However, with a single look at Avril, he gasped.

“…Would you mind returning to the photo studio?”

“Hehehe. I wish I could, but we’re in the middle of the ocean right now.”

Dylan always gave her formal compliments, but he was acting casual that day. Avril didn’t think anything of it, but Chris and Grace were smiling from delight.

“Lord Dylan, should you really be idling here?”

“…Chris, you’re being too noisy.”

While listening to their exchange, Avril, not really paying attention to the meaning of the conversation, suddenly took out a large piece of paper. Dylan, who was blushing, quickly changed the topic.

“What is that?”

“This is the map of the Victoria that I asked from the concierge earlier! I found the great detail it’s written in very helpful for guiding us through the evacuation route.”

“Didn’t something similar happen when we infiltrated the masquerade ball? At that time, you memorized the map of the entrance, but I don’t think there will be any hidden rooms this time—”

“That’s what I’m actually concerned about.”

“…”

Dylan seemed clearly concerned—taken aback, even, but Avril continued.

---

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***T/N: This has truly become a spy x family before I knew it AHAHAH

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