The world is full of brown-haired people.
But what are the chances that the brown-haired young man I coincidentally met has a similar build to that skull-masked figure? From his broad shoulders to the defined silhouette visible beneath his shirt.
I gauged his eye level and answered, "I'm Dorys Redfield. Everyone just calls me 'Dory,' so I'd like it if you called me that too, Rick."
"Ah, I know what you mean! My full name is 'Richard Rey,' but the only time anyone uses that mouthful is when my superior is furious with me."
"Haha, it's the same for me. My parents only call me 'Dorys' when they're upset!"
"It's my first time bonding over fear with someone I just met, but I don't mind. Next time, let's aim for happier topics—"
"Rick, stop it. It's rude to someone who's unwell."
Maria interrupted. Rick didn't seem embarrassed about being cut off and simply offered a playful farewell before stepping back.
Maria approached, her face brimming with concern.
"Is your leg okay? I heard you can barely make it to the table on your own."
"Where did you hear that?"
"Your mother mentioned it, I heard."
Countess! Please don't paint me as some drama queen!
I shook my head.
"It's just that the muscles in my foot got a little strained from being stepped on a few times. It's not affecting my daily life."
"A few times, you say… but when the Duke steps on someone, his 'a few times' is more like a normal person's 'ten times.'"
"Pfft!"
Maria's expression was serious, but I couldn't help laughing.
"Ahem, the Duke does have quite a solid build."
"'Quite solid'? I think he could take down a wolf with his bare hands."
Ah, so this is what a childhood friend sounds like—frank and to the point.
Shall we prod a little?
"Oh my, is that so? I couldn't tell at the ball. You almost sound like you've seen him fight before."
"Ah…"
"Come to think of it, at the royal ball, he seemed like he wanted to invite you to dance. It seems you're already acquainted?"
Maria's face flushed with embarrassment. She seemed ready to stammer out an explanation, but it's fine. I'm not trying to spread weird rumors.
I spoke in as nonchalant a tone as I could muster.
"It must be comforting to see a familiar face at your debut ball. I had such a hard time during my first season because I couldn't find a dance partner. It's hard to secure one when you haven't danced before, you know."
"Really?"
"Yes. Many men seem to think their popularity will drop if they dance with an unpopular girl. That's why men with sisters often trade favors by dancing with each other's siblings."
I flinched slightly after uttering "trade favors," but Maria seemed to grasp the meaning through context.
"You don't have any brothers, do you?"
"No, just three sisters. My eldest sister, Grace, is married, so it's just Natalie and me in society. What about you?"
"I'm a bit envious. I'm an only child. Although, when I was younger… I spent some time in Frosthill, where I got to know the Duke."
Ah, she's admitting it!
"That's quite a connection. It must have been nice to reunite with an old friend."
"Well, it's the first time we've met since I left Frosthill at sixteen…"
"Oh my, five years! That must have been awkward."
"Yes. Especially since we parted as friends, I wasn't sure how to approach him in society."
Maria emphasized "as friends" with particular weight.
Okay, okay. Sure, you kissed goodbye back then, but who am I to judge?
I smiled.
"Maria, was the Duke a good friend to you?"
"Yes. His kindness was… clumsy, but he was a warm-hearted boy—" She coughed. "A warm-hearted person."
"Then couldn't you become good friends again?"
"Well…"
I understand. It's easier said than done.
But I wasn't finished.
"Most people don't approach others with the intent of forming bad relationships. Even the Duke, who tried to ask you for a dance, likely felt the same."
"…"
"Besides, the Duke has his duties in the North. This might be his first and last social season. And he's spending part of that precious time on you."
"Oh…"
"Of course, there's always a chance he's changed for the worse over the past five years. But if he was once kind to you, wouldn't it be fair to give him a chance to prove himself?"
Maria's small lips parted, and after a long pause, she finally spoke.
"To be honest, I've been terrified to step out of the house because of all the rumors about me."
"What kind of rumors?"
"That I was secretly Arthur's mistress, or that I'm an evil woman weighing Tristan and the Duke against each other… All that from a few dances."
"That's awful."
"So I thought society judged everything based on romance. But…"
Maria raised her head, meeting my gaze directly. Her blue eyes shone brightly.
"There are people like you. People who don't see the world solely through gossip but consider others' hearts as well."
Embarrassment and gratitude washed over me.
I'm not such a good person!
Unaware of my inner turmoil, Maria continued,
"I actually owe you an apology. Because of the rumors about me and Prince Tristan, I worried you might have misunderstood me too."
"Was this visit a chance to clear that up as well as check on me?"
"Yes."
Maria smiled awkwardly.
"But I realize now that my worries were unfounded. I feel sorry for doubting you."
"Apology? You don't have to apologize. If it were me, I'd probably feel just as anxious in your shoes."
"Thank you for understanding. Then, um…"
Maria hesitated, her cheeks reddening more than when she'd talked about the Duke earlier.
"This is embarrassing to say, but… would you be my friend?"
The novel's ultimate angel has spoken.
Despite not being particularly fond of the character, the overwhelming charm of an honest and kind beauty was undeniable. I had to suppress the urge to enthusiastically gush and instead focus on replying calmly and composedly.
"Of course! From now on, can I call you Maria?"
"Y-yes… sure, Dory… I."
Who knew that addressing someone informally could be such a challenge?
Just as I started to feel the post-friendship declaration awkwardness weighing down on us, Rick cut in with a mischievous grin.
"Maria, you told me I was your only friend in the capital. And yet, here you are, making new ones?"
"I never said you'd be my only friend. Besides, everyone needs same-gender friends."
"I'm disappointed. I was willing to plaster on a fake smile and even visit dress shops for you."
"No thanks. The only man I'll visit a dress shop with is my husband."
Rick's brow wiggled playfully, as if thinking, Exactly, because I want to be that husband.
Rick then suddenly turned to me, extending a hand for a handshake.
"A friend's friend is my friend. How about we start by sharing deeper things, like family backgrounds?"
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm engaged. I'd prefer to leave our connection as a friendly introduction."
"Straightforward—got it."
He stepped back gracefully, hands raised in mock surrender, showing no signs of offense. His gaze immediately shifted back to Maria.
"See that?"
"See what?"
"City ladies are sharp like this. Not like how you used to run wild back in Meyer Estate—ouch!"
"Stop bringing up ancient history, Rick!"
Maria grabbed his cheek and twisted, but Rick just laughed radiantly, hiding his unrequited affection.
Maria quickly turned to me, her face red.
"Sorry, no—uh, I mean, sorry about him. I mean, sorry!"
Watching her blushing, adorable face, I couldn't possibly keep this sight to myself.
"Don't worry about it. By the way, are you free this afternoon? If so, how about staying for lunch?"
"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose on your family…"
"My parents won't be back until later, and my sister is having a simple meal in her room."
"If that's the case…"
Maria looked at Rick for approval, and of course, he was already nodding enthusiastically.
The maids, unperturbed by unexpected guests, served lunch with remarkable efficiency. I couldn't help but notice how Rick's cheerful demeanor seemed to charm them. Though technically a knight, his status leaned closer to that of a commoner.
After the meal, Maria moved to the parlor, while Rick turned to us and asked if there was anything he could help with.
Ordinarily, the proper response would be, "You're a guest; please relax. I'll bring the tea shortly."
But! I reject ordinary propriety today!
"Could you help me prepare the tea?"
"What?"
"I'm not sure what tea and snacks our guests might prefer, and since I'm not feeling my best, it's hard for me to decide alone."
Faced with such an appeal, Rick couldn't refuse.
While he busied himself opening tea canisters and dragging out the process, a maid came to deliver the news I'd been waiting for.
"My lady, the Duke of Frosthill has arrived!"
"Oh, how perfectly timed! Please tell him to wait in the parlor—I'll bring the tea over shortly."
"Yes, my lady."
The maid dashed off, and Rick immediately grew restless beside me.
"Maria's alone in the parlor! It's bound to be awkward. Shouldn't I go check on them?"
"Awkward moments are prime bonding opportunities. Now, let's focus on picking the right cookies, shall we?"
"Cookies too? Hmm, okay… these should work."
As Rick hastily grabbed a random assortment of cookies, I internally munched on metaphorical popcorn, attuned to the drama undoubtedly unfolding in the parlor.