“…I had a lover. We were betrothed, but my family fell into ruin and our engagement was broken off. He wanted to stay with me, but his father wouldn’t let him. Having lost the engagement, I ended up working as a maid for a prestigious aristocratic household. That would’ve been fine, but…”

“…”

Avril was at a loss for words as she recalled Clarissa’s background, but Clarissa didn’t notice.

“The head of the household was said to be a terrible playboy. I was scared after hearing all those rumors, so much so that I got off the carriage halfway through. I thought of slowly sorting out my feelings while walking the rest of the way, but… I was abducted on the way and ended up here.”

I see.

That was the reason why Clarissa, who should’ve been sent off properly by Viscount Limington, was abducted. Avril sighed, thinking that the bad rumors about the former duke was also a factor in this incident.

Because the Duke of Lancester had neglected the former duke’s annex, this happened. For the sake of the duke, something must be done as soon as possible.

Thinking that, Avril asked.

“If I get you out of here, would you like to work at the mansion?”

“…Yes. I will endure for a few years, and once I’ve get a job that will reimburse the salary that was paid in advance, I will go and live with my former fiancé. I made up my mind while being held captive here. His father is against the marriage, but I want to believe him. He said he’ll wait for me.”

“I see. I understand.”

Avril had asked that question hoping to recommend her to other mansions, but Clarissa’s answer was unexpectedly firm.

Clarissa…

Looking at Clarissa’s straightforward eyes, Dylan’s face suddenly came to mind. The look of surprise on his face when she told him, “I love you,” earlier struck her deeply.

That’s right. I hope we can both return to those we love.

Avril nodded vigorously and asked Clarissa in a low voice so no one could hear.

“Clarissa, please tell me one thing. Is there anyone named Teresa here?”

“Teresa? …I’m sure one of the people keeping an eye on us had that name.”

“Really? I don’t see her anywhere.”

“She was here until we set sail, but now that I think of it, I also haven’t see her.”

Just as I thought.

Teresa must’ve escaped from Myrtle Town and onto the ship. Kathy, the old woman, Thomas, and Wallace were all in cahoots.

It would be pretty bad if Avril bumped into Teresa, who knew she was the Duchess of Lancester. If she did, she’d have no choice but to play the role of a villainess who was manipulating Dylan.

As much as I’m ashamed to admit it, I don’t think I’d be able to pull it off too well. I’ll try my best to avoid stumbling into her.

Avril had decided how she would behave from then on, but Clarissa told her to wait a moment.

“I recall Teresa mentioning she’d be getting off at the next port. After that, it’s a long voyage to a foreign land, where we’ll be sold off.”

“Well, that sounds unpleasant.”

“You say that so easily… Aren’t you afraid of being sold to a foreign land?”

Clarissa looked genuinely puzzled at Avril’s calm smile, but Avril only laughed even more.

“Yes, it’s okay. I’m the worst villain here. I’ll take care of you all. Just pretend you are on a big ship.”

“…”

They were already physically on a big ship. But for some reason, Avril’s words made Clarissa feel better. She wiped her tears, smiled calmly, and lay down again.

“Get well soon, Clarissa.”

Watching Lynn place a wet handkerchief on Clarissa’s forehead with her small hands, Avril thought.

Teresa’s destination is also as I had guessed. If she were simply fleeing Myrtle Town, she’d only need to relocate one port. Moreover, it seems that Lord Dylan has anticipated this and made the needed arrangments. I don’t think we’re in a bad situation.

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***T/N: …Damn that hits me right in the feels.

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