Chapter 45 - The Turning Time (3) (1/2)

45. The Turning Time (3)

…Well, even if Lewis told me to stay silent, from the beginning, I couldn’t speak. I glanced at him.

Lewis seemed satisfied with my response—the moment his gaze returned to William, his expression turned embarrassed.

“William-sama, you don’t have to word it that way.”

However, even after being told so, William continued mercilessly.

“Oh, so you’re finding fault with what I’m saying, now? Even though you’re the one who’s responsible for this, huh, Lewis? You have a lot of nerve.”

William’s expression was cold.

I could only stare at him in confusion.

Lewis was taken aback by his Master’s heartless reply—however, this too, was surely an act…

William continued on,

“Compared to a neck flying, my words are still warm, don’t you think? If you talk back once more, Lewis will be forced to bear the consequence of your crime.”

“—”

Finally, Lewis shut up. He seemed hurt.

Lionel was at lost for words—however, he understood that if he spoke out of order, Lewis’ head would fly.

—…what is their real plan?

Lewis, what was it that William was planning? Hush money… why is it necessary in this situation? I had to figure this out sooner or later. For now, I just kept observing.

“Mr. Lionel, as you can see, I’m a busy person. This is a waste of time. I’ll leave this check with the butler—what was your name again?” William looked straight at Schwarz.

Stewart lowered his head while answering.

“My name is Stewart, Earl of Falmouth.”

“Now, Stewart, I’ll leave this with you. Both admonishing and persuading are your duty as a butler, after all.”

William handed Stewart the check through Lewis. It wasn’t the blank one. Lionel watched the entire procession with a bitter expression.

Stewart bowed again after safely putting the check in his breast pocket.

“You can believe in this servant. I’m very sorry for all the inconveniences. Also, thank you for your kindness.” Stewart replied in earnest, which regained William’s smile—along with his satisfactory nod.

“No, I’m the one who should be saying that after all the trouble I’ve caused.” Then, he stood up, arm still encircling my waist.

“Lewis, we’re leaving. Go ahead and prepare the carriage.”

“Right away.”

“Stewart, it’s fine if you don’t see us off. The same goes to you, Mr. Lionel.”

“Are you sure you have to leave right away? I’m sorry that I couldn’t provide you with any hospitality.”

Lewis, William, and Stewart exchanged greetings respectively.

“—!?”

—uh, wait, what? We’re leaving? It’s over already?

I was still stupefied as I watched William.

Lionel’s face was still bitter.

In this entire scenario, William was the bad guy—

—huh, isn’t that strange?

Shouldn’t that role belong to me, the ‘Ice Queen’? William, along with Arthur, were supposed to be the most popular men in the kingdom, chased by many women—

—in the eyes of Lionel, who didn’t know of such a thing, our roles were reversed.

…well, certainly, the other party isn’t a woman, but…

As the son of a Marquis—as an Earl, was that kind of behavior acceptable?

William, unaware of my thoughts, kept smiling at me.

“Amelia, shall we go?”

I noticed that Lewis had already left the room. That meant this was really over—!