Until suppertime, I found myself replaying my conversation with William Albertine over and over again. Once I had calmed down, I came to the realization that what I had said to him was wrong. He hadn't intentionally reopened my wounds. After all, my host, the original Maxine, had lived a cushy life and never experienced any tragic events. He must have been curious as to why I appeared like someone who had lost everything they held dear, given that I had lived a relatively comfortable life. On the other hand, I knew that bringing up his painful memories would undoubtedly hurt him. I had deliberately struck where it hurt the most, seeking revenge for a mistake he hadn't even intended to make. No matter what, I had to apologize to him before I set off tomorrow.

In addition, the memories of Maxine and his own memories were starkly contrasting. In his recollections, Maxine appeared to be approachable but with a somewhat gloomy countenance—likely how I must have looked when I first arrived in this world. However, the Maxine from my host's memories was a willful, arrogant girl with a wide social circle, connected to noble ladies her age across the kingdom. Because of this, I had to be cautious not to inadvertently reveal something that the original Maxine would know, but I wouldn't—especially around someone like William.

Furthermore, when he mentioned the "twins," I was certain he meant Brett and Brenda. There were no other twins whom either I or my host had been particularly close with. If that were the case, how did William know them? The twins had arrived at the Ashbourne manor in the capital three years ago, under the care of Countess Ashbourne. During the first year, they worked odd jobs, which is why my host hadn't interacted with them much. Then, about two years ago, the countess assigned them to be my personal maids. Could William have a connection to their past? My mind buzzed with various scenarios about how the twins might be related to him.

Lost in these thoughts, I hadn't noticed when Lucas pushed open the door and came in with dinner. It was only when he called out to me that I snapped back to reality and realized the time. I decided to talk to William after finishing my supper.

*****

Knock. Knock.

"Come in," a deep, magnetic voice called from inside.

Stepping into William Albertine's room, I couldn't help but notice that it was undoubtedly the best in the inn. It exuded an air of luxury and refinement, unlike my relatively modest accommodations. The spacious room boasted a separate study desk, a comfortable sofa, and a round table. The warm, golden glow from the chandelier above cast an ethereal light on everything, making the young man's side profile look particularly handsome as he read through some documents, his head propped on the edge of the sofa.

The man remained engrossed in the document he was reading, not bothering to look up.

"To what do I owe the presence of the most reserved lady in the kingdom?" he asked casually.

"Liam..." I began hesitantly. "I want to apologize for bringing up a sensitive topic earlier.

"Apology accepted," he replied nonchalantly.

Just like that? I stood there awkwardly, nervously fidgeting with the fabric of my dress.

"Is there anything else?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"I... I just wanted to make amends for hurting you. You made me recall some old memories, and at that moment, I felt very sad and angry. Not at you, of course, I was just angry at myself. I guess I ended up projecting my emotions onto you," I confessed.

"Why are you standing there? Have a seat, please."

Looking around, I noticed only one chair in the room. Though heavy, I lifted it and placed it opposite William, taking a seat. Throughout my awkward movements, he watched me, his bright green eyes glinting with amusement.

"You could have just sat beside me on the sofa, you know," he said playfully.

"That would be improper," I replied.

"Relax, I won't do anything to you. Besides, with that strong imperial knight guarding outside the door, I doubt anyone would dare to make a move," he chuckled.

"Would you have tried something had he not been there?" I asked.

"Who knows?" Liam shrugged playfully.

"I know that you wouldn't," I answered.

"And why is that?"

"Because you would never do anything to tarnish your family name," I replied.

"True," he acknowledged, holding my gaze as if trying to read my soul. I calmly met his eyes.

"You are a very strange person," he stated his conclusion.

"I suppose I am," I replied, my eyes drooping slightly. "You must have many doubts about me in your mind."

"You bet I do."

"I'm afraid I can't answer them," I clarified.

"I know."

"Earlier... by twins, did you mean the maids Brett and Brenda?" I asked, changing the subject.

"That's right. I heard they were promoted to be your personal maids. However, I did not see them here," he responded.

"They are doing quite well. I considered taking one of them, but I decided against it because I didn't want to separate them. They share a very close bond from what I observed," I explained.

"Indeed. They've been through thick and thin together, and care deeply for each other. It was kind of you not to separate them. If I may ask, why are you here in Albertine?" he inquired further.

"I stopped by on my way to Rutherford," I replied.

"Rutherford? That's certainly unexpected. Why are you going there?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with childlike curiosity.

"I told you earlier, I can't answer all of your questions," I reminded him.

The young man clicked his tongue in disappointment. "You sure are full of mysteries, Miss Ashbourne," he remarked.

"It's not anything grand. But it's not a reason I can easily disclose to someone I've just met," I explained.

"Is that so..." he trailed off.

"By the way, Young Master—" I began.

"Call me Liam," he interjected with a smile.

"I tried it earlier, but it leaves a bad aftertaste in the mouth," I swiftly replied.

Seeing him chuckle, I let out a short sigh. It was certainly not pleasant to be on bad terms with the heir of one of the two dukedoms in the kingdom. Liam felt easy to talk to, and I would have regretted not making amends with him. His laughter was infectious, bringing joy to anyone watching. Yet, one couldn't help but feel uncomfortable when facing his colder side.

"What were you going to ask, Miss Ashbourne?" he inquired.

"Do you know of any good tailors around here? I just realized I don't have sufficient dresses to wear during my stay in Rutherford," I replied.

"So it is going to be an extended stay, huh... As for tailors, I can ask my mother to lend hers for a while. She is one of the best in the kingdom," he offered generously.

I appreciated his kindness but declined. "Thank you for the offer, but it's not necessary. I don't want to spend too much on clothes."

He leaned back on the sofa, considering my request. "If that's the case, there's a good boutique called Atlanta's down in Maple Street, about a couple of miles from here. It's the best around here. It's on the way to Rutherford, too."

"Atlanta's," I repeated, making a mental note of the boutique's name. "Thank you. In that case, I will take my leave now. Have a good night, Young Master," I said, rising to my feet.

"Will you be setting off tomorrow?" he asked.

"That's right," I replied with a light nod, ready to bid him farewell.

As my hand closed around the doorknob, I hesitated for a moment. "By the way—"

He looked up, waiting for my words.

I flashed the most genuine smile I could muster as I continued, "For hurting you earlier, I promise to make it up to you in the best way possible."

With that, I left the room and gently closed the door behind me, leaving a stunned young man behind.