That same night, on Boklund Street.
A carriage stopped in front of No. 162. Its door opened, and a young man of about twenty-four or twenty-five jumped out. With gentlemanly grace, he held one hand against his abdomen and offered the other to help a pretty young lady out of the carriage.
The girl looked seventeen or eighteen, with lovely features, blond hair, and blue eyes. Dressed in an elaborate court gown and long gloves, she looked as though she had just attended a banquet.
And indeed, she had.
As she stepped down, the villa's front door swung open with a clatter, and the butler and servants came out to greet her.
The girl smiled politely and said to the young man beside her, "Thank you for bringing me home, Viscount Dio."
"It was my honor." The young viscount gently took her hand, kissed its back, and released it. "I look forward to our engagement more and more. I truly wish the day would come sooner."
The girl's expression changed slightly, but she quickly composed herself. She smiled without answering, then lifted her skirts a little and walked toward the door.
Viscount Dio smiled faintly, turned, and climbed into the carriage. Soon, it disappeared down the street into the hazy fog.
Letting out a long breath, the girl suddenly drew her brows together and strode into the house as though venting her frustration.
In the living room, flames danced in the fireplace. A woman sat beside it with a thin blanket over her legs and a ladies' magazine in her hands.
Hearing the footsteps, the woman turned and smiled. "You're home, Belle."
At the sight of her mother, Helibel immediately said, "Mother, I don't want to get engaged to Viscount Dio!"
Enilu was about to respond when a stern, deep