Chapter 33 Gentlemen's Exhibition
"Kaine, stop teasing Halesia so much. It doesn't feel good to see a friend being made fun of."
Halesia, startled by Rhiannon's words, stared intently at the gentleman in front of her.
He was a stout man in his mid-thirties, sporting a fine beard and a slight belly.
He gave off a somewhat frivolous impression, but he looked like an ordinary nobleman one could find anywhere.
However, it seemed that his true identity was Rhiannon's capable butler in disguise.
Halesia gasped in disbelief, examining the stout man before her.
The man himself smiled knowingly.
"...As expected. You've figured it out again today."
"Honestly, Kaine has no intention of hiding, does he?"
Rhiannon replied with a sigh.
Halesia gaped in surprise.
"Um, if you 'figured it out again today,' does that mean Mr. Kaine has been sneaking into balls like this before?"
"That's right. Even if I say I'm fine on my own, Kaine is definitely at the ball. He's really quite the worrywart."
"Lady Rhiannon can see through Mr. Kaine's disguise even in a party full of nobles?"
"Well, yes. Lately, I can tell no matter what disguise he wears. Today might have been a bit more challenging, though."
Rhiannon shrugged.
To an outsider, Kaine's disguise would seem perfect.
He was a master of disguise, able to change his appearance and even gender at will.
Ordinary people would likely never see through Kaine's disguise.
However, for some reason, Rhiannon could always see through it.
Usually oblivious, she was exceptional when it came to spotting Kaine's disguises.
Kaine looked a bit frustrated.
"It's frustrating to admit, but Lady Rhiannon is indeed a master at seeing through disguises. If you could tell me how you do it, I would have room for improvement, but it seems you don't quite understand the reasoning behind it either..."
Rhiannon, being stared at by Kaine, made an awkward face.
No matter how many times Kaine asked her why she could see through his disguise, Rhiannon could only respond with, "I just kind of knew." However, after hearing the whole story, Halesia sighed dreamily.
"Well, isn't it the power of love? Lady Rhiannon can see through Mr. Kaine because she likes him. And Mr. Kaine, without even realizing it, is sending her hot glances. Even dull Lady Rhiannon can't help but notice."
"Ugh!"
Both Rhiannon and Kaine looked taken aback at the same time.
"Uh, uh, the power of love?! I just thought, 'I kind of like this person,' and it was mostly Kaine..."
"Um, my lady, please calm down. If you speak in a rush, you'll just dig yourself deeper."
As Rhiannon started to make excuses in a fluster, the composed Kaine interrupted her with a cough.
"Lady Halesia, please don't tease us too much."
"Oh come on, don't be shy. The reason you two can see through such a perfect disguise is that you care for each other. Honestly, I just want to see you two get together soon..."
"If you continue this topic any further, I won't give you that photo card."
"Please, anything but that!"
Halesia made a face that looked like she was about to cry.
Rhiannon tilted her head in confusion.
"A photo card?"
"This is a matter that doesn't concern you, my lady. And, my lady, while I understand your desire to talk to Lady Halesia, remember that we are at a ball. We are here to expand our knowledge, insights, and connections."
"...Okay, okay."
Rhiannon nodded reluctantly at the phrase she had heard so many times it was almost annoying.
Then Kaine added, glancing at the clock in the grand hall,
"In 3 hours, at ten past 9, Sarah Belts is scheduled to arrive at this venue. Please make sure to leave before that".
"Is Sarah coming to the party?"
"Yes. But only until a little while ago. I've set up all sorts of obstacles on the way for Sarah Belts to get here."
"Oh, all sorts of obstacles, by Kaine..."
Knowing Kaine, it was certain that the obstacles would be quite ruthless.
Rhiannon felt a twinge of sympathy for Sarah, even though she was technically the enemy.
Halesia interjected with a puzzled expression.
"Why did you allow Lady Rhiannon to attend this ball knowing that Sarah Belts would be here? With the doom flag situation, isn't the risk too great?"
"Even with some risk, I wanted Lady Halesia, her one and only friend, to see how much she has grown. I've asked for many favors before, and I thought it would make her happy to see the results in such a visible way."
"This swamp has excellent benefits and is the best! It definitely boosted my motivation! The real Lady Rhiannon is amazing!"
Kaine smiled softly at Halesia, who was sparkling with excitement.
"Well, that's just a facade. To be honest, the lineup of guests at today's party is perfect for you to choose a partner. Look over there. There's Lord Adel, who rarely shows up at parties, and Lord West... and over there is even Lord Hoistman. When it's a royal-hosted party, you have a selection of gentlemen from distinguished families. I judged that the risk was worth it."
"That's something only someone who sees the party as a gentleman's showcase would say..."
Halesia looked exasperated.
However, for Kaine, the party was indeed just a showcase of gentlemen.
It was a place to find someone who would take care of Rhiannon in his stead, while still respecting Rhiannon's feelings to some extent.
That said, Rhiannon wasn't as enthusiastic about finding a fiancé as Kaine had thought.
In fact, she seemed somewhat reluctant.
Kaine was feeling anxious.
Even after slipping past the doom flag, Lady Rhiannon's life continued.
If by any chance she can't find a fiancé...
The absence of a fiancé is Rhiannon's second doom flag.
That's why Kaine was determined to help Rhiannon find a "man of interest" no matter what.
Watching Rhiannon bask in the intense gazes of other men, jealousy swirled in Kaine's chest, but he tried to ignore it.
In fact, there was even a part of Kaine that wished for Rhiannon to find a "man of interest" quickly, even if it meant suppressing his own jealous feelings.
(If the young lady finds a good fiancé, I can finally let go. Then, my unrequited feelings will eventually fade away...)
Kaine took the risk of having Rhiannon attend this party, even with the chance of a near miss with Sarah Belts, because of such intentions.
Regardless of the complicated feelings in his heart, Kaine smiled politely at Halesia.
"Well, let's wrap up the small talk here. I look forward to working with you in the future."
"Yes, of course! I won't hold back in helping to eliminate Lady Rhiannon's doom flag! If you could also pass along that bromide...!"
Halesia spoke with fervor.
Completely left out of the conversation, Rhiannon asked, "Hey, what's this bromide talk about?" but Halesia and Kaine ignored her and exchanged a firm handshake.
Once their business was done, Kaine quickly turned on his heel.
"Well then, enjoy the party. Lady Rhiannon, please find a good man soon."
With that, the disguised Kaine blended into the crowd of the party.
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