By Zephyria 
Penelope, speaking louder than usual as if on purpose, gave a loud clap with both hands, then placed them on her hips and looked up at Bliss.
“Now, let’s think about what happened earlier later, and shall we go tend to the morning chores?”
Bliss followed her as she turned around energetically, but the image of Cassian from earlier refused to leave his mind. Get out, just get out. Why do I keep thinking about that foul-mouthed liar? You’re the one who needs to get out of my head!
He waved his hand over his head, trying to shake off the useless thoughts, but it wasn’t easy. Just as he unconsciously grit his teeth at the face that kept clinging to his mind—
“Yes? What was that?”
Penelope suddenly turned around and asked. Thinking he had said something, Bliss hurriedly waved his hand and gave an awkward laugh.
“Ah, uh, it’s nothing. Haha.”
Penelope tilted her head in confusion, then turned back and continued walking. Letting out a small sigh of relief, Bliss steadied himself and changed his train of thought.
That bastard actually cursed at me.
It seemed the sins he had accumulated so far weren’t enough. He would make sure the man regretted it. Adding another item to his personal ‘revenge list,’ Bliss vowed to pay him back in full.
“Count Herringer! Welcome. I have been expecting you.”
Upon seeing a silver-haired gentleman who greeted him warmly, Cassian stepped forward readily to shake hands, wearing a conscious smile.
“Hello. Thank you for inviting me.”
“This way. Everyone has been waiting.”
Guided by the host toward the drawing room, Cassian found men gathered in groups of two or three, engaged in conversation.
“Oh, Count Herringer.”
“Count, it has been a while. How have you been?”
Seeing Cassian enter with the host, they likewise smiled and acknowledged him. After exchanging brief handshakes and greetings with everyone, Cassian took a seat, and the waiting butler poured him some tea. As he lifted the cup and brought the hot tea to his lips, the host, Marquess Berhello, finally spoke.
“Thank you all for gathering today. As I’ve already mentioned, regarding the new bill being proposed this time… what are your thoughts?”
Everyone gathered there was a member of the House of Lords. Such meetings, gathering a few like-minded members to achieve a desired result, were common; sometimes, they were held simply for socializing over trivial matters.
Today was one such day. In a conversation where most of the words were close to jokes and the conclusion was already predetermined, Cassian quietly sipped his tea. In truth, not a single word from the men reached his ears. His mind was filled with other thoughts.
Along with a migraine that had been tormenting him relentlessly.
When on earth will this get better? Cassian wondered, though he knew all too well that the possibility was slim. The migraines, which had begun around the time his insomnia started, had gradually worsened and now plagued him to a horrific degree. He couldn’t tell if the insomnia was caused by the headaches, or if the headaches were caused by the lack of sleep. Feeling that the hot tea seemed to soothe his sensitized nerves, he held the liquid in his mouth once more.
“…Therefore, I believe we must lend our support to this bill. What are your thoughts, Count Herringer?”
At the sudden sound of his name, Cassian froze. Slowly lifting his gaze, he saw everyone looking at him. After a brief pause, pretending to take another sip of tea to stall for time, Cassian slowly set the cup down and looked at the man who had questioned him. In moments like this, the answer was predetermined. This was it:
“I am of the same opinion, Marquess.”
As he added a beaming smile, Marquess Berhello let out a boisterous laugh and slapped his own thigh.
“Exactly! I knew it. I figured Count Herringer would naturally agree with my opinion!”
In truth, he had no idea what had been said. But it didn’t matter. Cassian simply remained silent and smiled.
“I heard Miller is preparing to propose another bill; does anyone know anything about it?”
Everyone’s attention shifted to the person who had spoken. The man was Baron Condial, a young member who had recently been making a name for himself. Perhaps because he had not long inherited his title, he spoke quite passionately, and as expected, he drew attention by bringing up the most recent events.
“No, I haven’t heard. Do you know something?”
The Marquess shook his head and looked around, but it was the same for everyone else. Seeing that they only looked at one another without any answers, the Marquess turned his attention back to the Baron.
“So, have you heard something, Baron? If you know anything, please tell us. If it’s a bill proposed by Miller, there’s a high chance it will pass, so we should be aware of it.”
Everyone looked at him with anticipation, but the Baron’s reaction was not very positive. With a troubled expression, he scratched the back of his head and hesitated before speaking.
“Actually, this is all I know for now. I need to look into it further, but I asked just in case.”
Disappointed sighs echoed from here and there. Feeling embarrassed, the Baron hurriedly continued.
“However, since we don’t know what that man might come up with next, I would appreciate it if anyone with the right connections could look into it. Of course, I am searching as well…”
“Yes, I understand. I see your point.”
The Marquess nodded in agreement and soon moved on to another topic. Just then, as Cassian set down his empty cup, the butler standing to the side immediately approached and refilled it.
The conversation continued, but Cassian didn’t even listen to half of it. Whenever a question was thrown his way, he simply smiled and said, “Yes, I think so too,” and everyone was satisfied. It was a conversation he didn’t need to hear anyway; thinking so, he just kept smiling. As expected, the time passed with no one knowing his inner thoughts, and the meaningless gathering came to an end.
“Thank you for coming today, Count Herringer.”
To the Marquess, who gave him a firm handshake, Cassian replied with a smiling face, as he had throughout the meeting.
“Not at all, please call for me again. It is my pleasure.”
The Marquess’s influence in the Parliament was by no means small. Building rapport through such trivial matters would certainly be helpful later. His efforts to hide his true nature and build a benevolent public image were in the same vein.
“I believe that one day, the Count will lead England.”
The Marquess’s face was full of trust and expectation as he spoke. Cassian smiled and said, “Thank you.” And that was also what he desired.
“Then I shall take my leave. Until next time.”
After a polite farewell, Cassian left the Marquess’s estate. Next on his schedule was a meeting with the head of a charitable organization he was donating to. Seeing that they had invited him to their own home, it was clear they wanted something. They would call it a ‘favor.’ And after that…
Sitting in the carriage and recalling his schedule one by one, Cassian let out a sigh and closed his eyes. Leaning his head against the backrest and waiting for the migraine to subside, he thought.
It’s okay, it’ll be gone once I go back.
Penelope was a competent butler and had never once defied Cassian’s will. So, it would be the same this time. Once he returned, everything would go back to the way it was. The empty and gloomy Count’s castle, the endless nights, the terrible insomnia, and…
…this horrific migraine.
“Damn it.”
Cassian let out a curse that sounded like a groan. The Duchess might faint in shock if she knew this, but he had been using such language for quite some time. Yes, probably since this cursed migraine first appeared.
“…Ugh.”
He let out a pained sound and grit his teeth. All he could do was wait for the headache to subside. Unable to do anything, while cold sweat beaded on his temples.
…It’s okay.
Cassian whispered to himself. There is nothing wrong with me.