The Duchess of the Attic

"Well! I wonder what a great day this is! I can't believe the Duchess McCloud is coming back to us!

"... I'm Marquise Roussel now"

"Oh, you did. So where's the Marquis?

The host of the night club, the Viscount shook her fat body and peered behind Opal.

The Viscount's loud voice echoes throughout the venue and gets everyone's attention.

Opal explored his expression to gauge the sincerity of the Viscount while keeping a smile, but he sees no malice.

Apparently he hasn't thought of anything, but surprisingly, these types are harder to handle.

"My husband is such a busy man that I can't get away from my desk... So even though I wasn't even invited this way, I pushed it. Sorry for the inconvenience?

"It's outrageous! You're always welcome!

If Opal answered with just a little loneliness, the Viscount clouded her expression with sympathy.

It was painful to deceive a relatively good lady, except that her mouth was surprisingly light, but it wouldn't be bad because this conversation with Opal makes her a popular member of the social community for a while.

And the deacon in this House shouldn't be blamed for passing Opal without an invitation.

Opal relieved himself as he saw his wife rushing to deny the inquiry excusing her sudden visit.

Hubert didn't seem to tell anyone that Opal and Claude were planning to return to their country.

The return of Opal has not been passed on to the social community, either on the road or because I never met anyone I knew in particular.

So Opal suddenly chose to attend a nightclub instead of bothering to write to someone or take a walk in the park to appeal to existence.

The social world is gorgeous and poisonous, and the majority of people flock to something topical.

As expected, there have been many gatherings with Opal away from the Viscount.

Everyone is desperate to entertain Opal and get a little closer.

Opal smiled calmly and responded, yet his feelings were quite chilling.

Eight years ago, they were scorned by the women because of bad rumors, and the men even threw dirty words at them.

However, the invitation was uninterrupted because of its identity and wealth, and Opal was present willingly, but now I think it was foolish.

So I realized that nothing had changed even now.

Opal is gaining more status and wealth than he was then.

Former Duchess of McCloud and now Marquis Roussel.

There is still more and more about wealth.

Eight years ago, I was going to be fighting for my honor.

Now it's in Beth's honor - more for self-satisfaction, I'm sure.

You don't have to do this, you can give Beth as much assistance in life as you want.

When I thought about it that way, Keymont, the culprit of Beth's ordeal, called out to Opal.

"Long time no see, Marquise. Remember me?

"... Yep. Long time no see, Sir Keemont."

"You just thought about it, didn't you? Now is the proof."

A little while opened because I was surprised by Keymont's attitude, which was too familiar, but Opal was even more surprised by the words that followed.

Hubert and his alumni Keymont are too childish, even though they are in their mid-thirties.

Besides, Opal and I only danced at some ball once eight years ago.

I used to think I was complacent, but now it seemed more than that.

"Sir Keymont, it must be pretty hard to remember someone you just danced with eight years ago, right?

"Then you have to dance again to remind me clearly"

Keymont didn't get the taste through, and Opal was soon forcefully taken out to the dance floor to say no.

Speaking of which, I even recall giving up and dancing to such a forceful attitude in the past.

If so, an incredible word was whispered in Opal's ear, which Beth also resisted at first, but thought might have broken in the end.

- What is it?

"So if you're lonely, I'm telling you I can do it for you."

"Lonely?"

"Hubert separated me, and if the next time I got married was a bumpy grandfather, that would bore you too, wouldn't it? I can make you feel good. I'm sure you've never even experienced Hubert. He's solid."

I wasn't going to make a scene tonight.

Opal pushed himself to this uninvited night club to actually meet and find out who Keymont is.

I also checked their plans in advance that neither Hubert nor Miss Marienne would want to see each other.

And yet I couldn't stand it more because of disgust and nausea than anger.

Opal headed all the way from Keymont to the exit, despite being in the middle of the song.

"Marquise!?

Ignoring Keymont's surprise, he didn't stop his legs when exposed to the gaze of curiosity while walking out of the way of the dancing people.

I guess I didn't remember this much disgust eight years ago because Keymont was still barely in the realm of good youth, even if he was more narcissistic than we were young with each other.

He joined Naja, who had refrained in the separate room, and Opal, who went outside the mansion, was relieved.

Then a carriage comes right in front of me, somewhat prepared to be waited for.

And I got in the carriage and was amazed.

"Claude!?

"Hey Opal. That was faster than I thought, wasn't it?

"It's... more than that, why are you here?

"Of course, because I wanted to see Opal soon."

"Oh, I'm sorry to bother you."

Claude gave a deliberately hurtful look when Opal gave him a doubtful gaze while he was happy.

But I smile at one blurry Naja.

"I'm always sorry, Naja."

"I'm having fun."

"Oh..."

Naja grinned and returned, sitting in the seat across the street and closing her eyes.

It's a trick that you haven't heard, but you'll be listening.

Still, Claude continued, as Naja wouldn't mind asking.

"I'm sure Opal would have caused some commotion. I thought I could run anytime, but I didn't seem to need it."

"Excuse me. I haven't caused any disturbances.... this time it just came out in the middle of a dance"

"Leave Keymont on the floor?

"How did you know it was Lord Keymont?

"I don't care about Opal. I wonder if it's because they don't move their emotions. I went to see Keymont tonight, so Keymont's the only reason Opal's mad, right?

When I hear Claude smile and a low, calm voice, Opal's sprouty disgust disappears.

Relaxed and exhaled, Opal left his head on Claude's shoulder.

"Thank you, Claude"

"Yeah. I like it, Opal"

"I don't have a pulse."

"Really?"

"But I like it, too."

"I know."

"... So you know this? The Marquis Roussel seems to be a bumpy grandfather."

It was embarrassing to continue with the topic as it was, and Opal missed the point.

Then Naja squirts and hurries to hold her mouth, and Claude sighs like she gave up.

"Does anyone still believe that information"

"I used to believe that too. The Marquis Roussel is an elderly man."

"The deputy hasn't changed since he was my grandfather. Some people within Socieux still don't seem to know that their grandfather or uncle has died... well. Does that mean Opal is supposed to have remarried his rather older counterpart"

"Yeah, looks like it. To get status and wealth."

I hear Hubert hasn't even told anyone about the identity of Marquis Roussel.

Originally, I didn't like dating in the social world, so naturally.

"Wow. I wonder how far the hell Opal is going to go up there?

"Alas, I'm going after His Majesty King Alessandro next."

"Then I'll be dumped. That's sad. I still love you, Opal."

If Opal jokes, Claude gets on too.

But to the confession that followed, Opal was unable to answer and missed his face.

"Is that it? Now you won't give it back to me?

"Don't expect me to always return it"

"Well, that's too bad."

If you turn your gaze properly, Claude is laughing with pleasure.

Claude is sweet to opal, but opal is weak to claude like that.

Opal, who was steadily raising his jaw, laughed indulgently, and Claude laughed even louder.

Naja looked at both of them with open eyes and delight.