By Zephyria 
Whew.
Once he was seated in the car, he was finally alone. Only then did Cassian close his eyes, lean his head back, and let out a long sigh. It had only been a few hours, but he felt a fatigue as if several days had passed. He wanted to go home and get some deep rest right away, but his mind remained cluttered. There were still too many things he had to consider.
The Marquis’s absurd delusion would naturally be forgotten as time passed, but…
What weighed on his mind was something else. As he recalled the part of the Marquis’s words that had flustered him the most, a deep frown immediately etched itself into his brow.
‘Didn’t you say that rabbit-like child got angry and lunged at them because he heard men—strangers, and larger than himself at that—swarming around and badmouthing you?’
Bliss did something that crazy because of me?
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t believe it. However, it seemed the Marquis wasn’t the only one who thought so. Edward, who had been waiting outside the drawing room, had said something similar; perhaps everyone present had the same thought.
Well, it was a natural conclusion since he had brought him along as a partner.
Since he had blocked all reports of the incident at the party from reaching the broadcasts or other media, there was little chance of a major scandal. The problem was that he couldn’t stop rumors spreading from mouth to mouth.
If that were the case, it was only a matter of time before it reached Mother or Father’s ears.
Beyond a pained sigh, the Marquis’s words surfaced once more.
‘What a brave and pitiful situation. To fight for the honor of a man who doesn’t even recognize his feelings.’
Cassian bit his lower lip slightly and sank into thought.
Why on earth did that brat appear before me after ten years?
There was only one person who could answer the question that had been tormenting him.
Penelope.
Cassian stared out the window with a serious expression. Unable to hide his anxiety, he unconsciously tapped one leg in an undignified manner, waiting for the car to finally arrive at the castle.
What should I do about this frustration?
In the spare time while waiting for her master to return after nearly finishing her daily routine, Penelope paced the room with a serious expression, lost in deep thought.
She had tried to avoid this development, but it couldn’t be helped. The “sweet potato” plot—the kind of frustrating stagnation that hinders love—had arrived, but if used well, it would actually strengthen the bond between the two. The problem was how to utilize it…
Why on earth did this frustration arise between them in the first place?
No matter how much Penelope pondered, she couldn’t figure it out. Something had clearly happened at the party, but Bliss kept his mouth shut and the Count avoided him. She had thought it was simply because he couldn’t handle Bliss’s loveliness, but seeing Bliss’s reaction, there seemed to be another reason. What could it be?
Usually, this kind of frustration stems from a lack of communication.
Drawing fully upon her instincts as a veteran romance novel subscriber, Penelope racked her brain to resolve the situation. Let’s think of romance clichés. What’s a common development for times like this?
What about leaving the two of them alone somewhere?
It was a great idea. In these situations, the two would leave for somewhere due to unavoidable circumstances and end up stranded. There, while facing a slight crisis, they would confirm each other’s feelings, clear up misunderstandings, and find love.
But how could she make just the two of them leave?
The idea hit a wall there. Oh dear, there’s absolutely no way.
Discarding the previous idea, she diligently considered another method. A life-threatening crisis? When someone is in danger and the other saves them, the walls in their hearts naturally crumble.
But which one should be in danger?
Bliss is small in stature and looks physically weak. It would be safer if the sturdy Count were the one in danger. That’ll be best, Penelope nodded to herself, but she soon encountered an obstacle.
…The Count looks like he’d be perfectly capable of escaping on his own.
Discarding the idea once again, she had to contemplate a new development. Just as she was tearing at her hair, experiencing the agony of a creator, her phone alarm went off.
“Oh, is the Count back already?”
Confirming that Cassian had returned, she rushed out, only to see the car already approaching the entrance. Hurrying down the stairs, she stood by the car just in time, opened the rear door where Cassian was sitting, and greeted him with her usual smile.
“Welcome back, Count. You’ve returned early today.”
Bliss was resting in his room. Perfect timing. I should suggest they have dinner together, Penelope thought. If the two of them spent as much time together as possible, some solution would surely emerge.
“Listen.”
Just as she was about to make the suggestion, Cassian suddenly spoke.
“That brat?”
Taken aback by the abrupt question, Penelope completely forgot what she was about to say.
“That brat?”
When the butler asked back in confusion, Cassian frowned irritably and answered.
“Bli—Blair. That guy.”
“Ah, yes. Blair. I mean, Bli—Blair.”
Penelope, hurriedly correcting herself, was momentarily flustered. She was almost confused herself whether Bliss’s alias was Blair or Bli-Blair, but her priority was to smooth over the situation.
“He is resting in his room. Shall I call him?”
“No, forget it.”
‘In that case, how about having dinner together?’
Penelope intended to say this, but once again, Cassian was faster.
“I—”
“Follow me, Penelope. I have something to say.”
Before she could even finish her word, the Count threw out his demand and walked away first. Left behind in confusion once again, Penelope tilted her head and hurriedly chased after him.
“What is it you wish to say, Count?”
Penelope stood there holding the coat Cassian had taken off, but the Count remained silent. Waiting, Penelope looked up at her master, who seemed lost in deep thought, and asked cautiously. Did something bad happen outside? While she made various guesses, Cassian, who had been silent while stroking his chin, finally spoke.
“Penelope, there’s something I want to ask.”
“Yes, Count.”
As she answered immediately, he continued, keeping his gaze lowered toward the butler.
“Up until now, you have worked for the Ducal house and for me for almost your entire life.”
“Yes, that is correct. I have served with lifelong loyalty.”
Penelope answered with emphasis once again. She was confident that her loyalty toward her master was second to none. To the elderly employee looking up at him with sparkling eyes, Cassian said, his gaze fixed on her.
“Then, no matter what question I ask, you will speak only the truth, without any lies.”
“Of course. Absolutely, please say whatever you wish. I will carry out any order.”
Penelope answered without hesitation. Nothing would be more unfair than the Count doubting her sincerity. Like the loyal subject in The Duke and the Pirate, she was ready to go as far as pretending to plunge a knife into her own chest…
“Is Bli… Blair truly a distant relative of yours?”
“Yes, of course. How could I possibly lie to you, Count?”
Penelope lied with a bright, nonchalant smile. This is all for the Count’s sake. Even if he finds out later, he’ll understand…
“Penelope.”
“Yes, Count.”
Penelope answered with a smile at the sound of her name being called quietly. Looking down at her blankly, Cassian continued slowly.
“There is something I am extremely curious about, and I want you to give me the answer.”
“You are curious about something regarding me?”
Penelope asked, tilting her head again. Seeing her innocent expression, completely unable to imagine what was about to come out of Cassian’s mouth, he finally spat it out, grinding his teeth.
“Would you care to explain since when Bliss Miller became your distant relative? Because I’m curious enough to go crazy.”
“Hieeeek!”
At the Count’s sudden bombshell declaration, Penelope ended up screaming, covering her cheeks with both hands. A silence more chilling than ever descended upon the Count’s spacious bedroom.