Luna, unable to hide her perplexed expression, alternately looked at Antes and Deborah.

She had resolved to speak more naturally to him than anyone else without any hint of jealousy. However, faced with an unexpected situation, Luna’s gaze wandered in confusion.

‘What is this… What on earth? What’s happening? What? What?!’

Antes, who usually didn’t enjoy interacting with others, was talking to another woman(?), which was already making her nervous.

Even more surprising, that woman looked quite like herself. How should she interpret this situation?

Luna blinked several times and found herself unconsciously grabbing Antes’s sleeve.

Normally, the most surprising thing in this situation should have been Deborah’s face, but for some reason, Luna felt the need to hear an explanation from Antes first.

As if expecting it, Antes looked down at the sleeve Luna had grabbed and then shifted his gaze to her face.

He met a face he hadn’t seen often from her, one that seemed to be interrogating him about why he was talking to that woman.

“Lady Luna?”

Considering how she usually was, this was something unimaginable.

When Antes called out Luna’s name, Deborah flinched. Luna? She had heard that name a few times recently and had even been impersonating the person, so she couldn’t help but react.

While the name Luna wasn’t uncommon, the likelihood that someone with a similar face also shared the name seemed slim. The situation was pure chaos.

“Um… I mean, what were you two talking about?”

After a brief silence, it was Luna who spoke first. She asked as if to confront him, although they didn’t share a relationship that warranted such a question.

Of course, she didn’t say it calmly. Looking very flustered, she let go of Antes’s sleeve and rambled.

Antes, watching her, couldn’t help but let a smile creep onto his face, his eyes softening. Not because he wanted to, but out of reflex. To anyone looking, he seemed incredibly happy.

While Luna continued her nervous rambling, Antes gently placed his hand on her waist and answered:

“I was just helping this lady as she was about to fall.”

Luna, thinking that their conversation had been longer than just a quick help, was at a loss for words. She tried hard not to show her surprise.

Though she tried to appear calm, her face was filled with doubt and anxiety.

Seeing her reaction, Antes couldn’t hide his amusement.

“Well, she seemed a bit startled, so I did chat with her for a moment afterward.”

“Oh…?”

“As we talked, she mentioned she had just arrived, so I thought maybe I could help.”

“Huh…?!”

It seemed like Antes was adding words that weren’t sincere, making Luna’s eyes widen in disbelief. In all of this, Deborah felt more and more left out.

She had been inexplicably excited about the sweet interaction until a moment ago, but now she felt like someone had poured cold water over her.

Right, such a loving and kind man should have a significant other.

It made no sense for this man, who had stolen her heart at a mere glance, to be single.

Of course, she couldn’t help but wonder that this was the person whom the Duke’s only son, Fersen, was so obsessed with, but at the same time, she thought she understood now.

‘…I understand why Mr. Fersen didn’t think I was him.’

While they looked similar at first glance, upon closer inspection, there were differences.

Not just in their appearances, but Luna’s face had no shadows. It had a unique, lively, and fresh atmosphere.

Compared to her, filled with concerns for her mother and sadness about the current situation, Luna had a bright and vibrant aura.

Deborah managed to compose herself. She wasn’t the type to yearn for things she couldn’t have. Even if she wanted something, she had always learned from birth that sometimes it’s better to give up than to hope.

Hence, to avoid unnecessary confusion and misunderstandings, Deborah cautiously intervened in Luna and Antes’s conversation.

“Um… Thank you for your help. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

Her tone suggested that he had merely helped her from falling, nothing more.

At this, Luna, who had been tormented by Antes’s teasing all the while, finally focused her attention on Deborah.

Realizing she had been ignoring the woman in front of her the whole time, she said:

“Oh! I apologize. Did you get hurt?”

“No, I’m okay. He caught me before I fell.”

“It’s such a relief. However, just in case, how about taking a short break on the upper floor? I’ll guide you. You must have been really surprised.”

The response was as if she was the owner of the jewelry store. And since no one found this strange, Deborah was able to realize that she truly was the owner of the jewelry store.

‘Being the owner of such a beautiful jewelry store… Just how impressive of a person am I pretending to be?’

But could she really pull it off? While Deborah was having such thoughts, Beth, who wanted to get out of this situation as soon as possible, rudely interrupted the conversation.

“Excuse me, miss. Considering how shocked you were, it might be best if you left now.”

Of course, due to their difference in status, it was more about convincing Deborah than responding to Luna.

“No, if you were that shocked, it would be best to rest for a while before leaving. In case you strained a muscle, there might be aftereffects.”

However, for some reason, an immediate rebuttal came from Antes.

It wasn’t really necessary, but the other party was the eldest son of a Marquis.

The commanding tone made it clear that Beth had no place to intervene any further.

On the other hand, Deborah, who blushed at the overflowing consideration from the man she fell for at first sight, nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Luna’s expression became serious again.

* * *

“…Then I’ll arrange some refreshments right away, please rest comfortably.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Luna, trying to maintain her composure, led Deborah to a private room. As soon as the door closed, she unknowingly bit her lip.

Really, if it was merely about helping someone who almost fell, why insist on staying?

What is this about? Is he really interested? Luna should’ve noticed when he abruptly suggested dating, was he such an easy guy?

Thinking this, Luna turned around and saw an elated Antes.

“You don’t seem to be in a good mood.”

Why would I be? Luna coldly responded, looking sharply at Antes.

“Young lord seemed to be in a good mood earlier.”

“Well, I was.”

“…Really.”

What audacity. Was he really that easy-going? Did he really just see a pretty face and immediately become interested?

Luna wasn’t thinking about admiring Antes’ face at times, but she couldn’t hide her displeasure.

So, while briskly trying to walk past Antes and head down alone, he gently asked, seemingly having waited for this.

“Why aren’t you in a good mood, young lady?”

“Why should you care?”

It’s because of you, you! You who think about switching sides because of a slight facial resemblance!

Not even needing an answer to that question, Luna’s steps became heavier. It felt like with a bit more force, she could break the floor.

“I thought if I knew the reason, I might be able to help you feel better.”

“Why would you, young lord?”

An upset Luna tried to swallow the phrase ‘adding salt to injury’ and puckered her lips.

Then Antes, with his eyes narrowed, replied as if suggesting she should now recognize the situation and move on to the next step.

“It seems you’re continuously angry because of me. No, more precisely, because I had a conversation with that lady. I’m asking because it’s strange for someone who sang about breaking up, but am I right in my assumption?”