Quietly Hiding that I am a Man chapter 58- Fake Evidence

* * *

Seeing him more worried about the person who slapped him rather than being offended made Jeanne’s face flush.

He didn’t seem hurt or even annoyed.

‘I put a lot of force into that slap!’

The humiliation of his best effort failing to faze him, combined with the realization that Jerome was looking down on her, made his ears burn.

he angrily yanked his wrist free from his grip and turned away sharply.

“Fine. Whether you kill Carlisle or not, I don’t care. Honestly, I’m glad I won’t have to see you for a while. I’ve had more than enough of you these past few days.”

Spitting out his frustration, he headed toward the carriage.

He wanted to leave as quickly as possible out of sheer embarrassment.

But there was a problem.

This was a merchant’s carriage, not the one he usually rode.

The steps of the merchant’s carriage were much higher, with no regard for the rider’s comfort.

As he struggled to climb into the carriage, his body was suddenly lifted with ease.

Jerome, who had effortlessly hoisted his in, thrust something into his hands.

“A parting gift.”

It was a leather pouch, heavy with something inside.

Before he could refuse, the carriage began moving, leaving his with a confused expression.

Jerome lightly tapped his cheek with his fingers and smirked.

“Always remember this, even when we’re apart.”

“…”

“You are a married woman, after all.”

Jerome stepped back as he finished speaking.

He wanted to ask where he was going, if he really intended to kill Carlisle, but he swallowed his questions.

Even if he asked, Jerome wouldn’t answer.

As the carriage picked up speed, he curled up inside.

‘I’ll probably get scolded when I get back, right? I might even get kicked out this time. Maybe I’ll end up being sold off as a bride to some wealthy noble.’

He felt like a soldier being dragged back into battle, even though he had found peace during his time in the cabin.

Sighing deeply, he fiddled with the leather pouch Jerome had given him.

‘What even is this?’

He cautiously untied the pouch’s string.

The moment he saw what was inside, his heart raced.

He quickly tied it back up and cheered silently to himself.

‘Yes, with this…!’

✽ ✽ ✽

After running through the forest for some time, the carriage finally stopped at the estate where the duke’s mansion was located.

As he got out, he noticed the coachman looking around, dazed, as if he had no idea how he had ended up there.

‘Is it really possible to control a person to this extent? I need to figure out how to counteract brainwashing magic as soon as possible. You never know when Mephisto, inside Jerome, might emerge again.’

The memory of the previous night sent chills down his spine.

He shook his head, trying to dispel his unease, and started walking toward the mansion.

As he reached the entrance, he swallowed nervously.

The estate’s garden was blooming with vibrant flowers, a clear sign that spring had arrived.

He hesitated to go inside, lingering awkwardly, until a voice called his name, making his freeze.

“Jeanne.”

He slowly turned his head to find Cedrick staring at his as if he’d seen a ghost.

He staggered toward his and grabbed his wrist. His grip was so strong that he winced in pain.

With veins bulging in his neck, Cedrick furiously demanded answers.

“Tell me what happened. Was it that bastard Jerome?”

The commotion drew the attention of the gardeners tending the flowerbeds.

Cedrick, who prided himself on being the next head of the Efilia Duchy, was usually conscious of others’ gazes and never showed his raw emotions in public.

Seeing him lose his composure like this, in front of the servants no less, was shocking.

He struggled to find the words, stammering as he explained.

“I twisted my ankle while being chased by heretics near Maron’s Spring. So I stayed at a cabin in the woods to recover for a few days.”

“…”

“Nothing happened with Jerome. If it weren’t for him, I’d be dead by now. He saved me from the heretics.”

If he didn’t clear Jerome’s name now, the situation could escalate into a conflict with the House of Howard.

Cedrick sighed deeply and brushed his thumb across his cheek, causing his to wince from a sharp sting.

He must have scratched himself somewhere without realizing it.

“Wait here. I’ll get a healer.”

As he turned to leave, he grabbed his arm.

Cedrick shot his an irritated look.

His cold gaze made his shiver as he spoke in a subdued voice.

“No, it’s just a scratch. Where is the duke right now? I have something to show him.”

“Father is furious with you. You should stay in your room for a few days. I’ll speak to him on your behalf.”

He had expected this outcome.

Truthfully, he was terrified of facing the duke herself.

But this was his mess, and it was hers to clean up, not Cedric’s.

He clenched his fists and shook his head.

“Thank you, but I need to take responsibility for my actions. I can’t hide behind you and let you fix this for me.”

“…”

“Cedrick… please.”

His pleading tone softened Cedric’s fierce expression, but only for a moment.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in the center of his forehead.

Cedrick had flicked his with a firm snap. As he rubbed his forehead, Cedrick spoke calmly.

“Don’t ever do this again, okay? I… I don’t want to lose you like we lost Marie.”

His voice faltered, and he brushed a hand over his mouth.

He didn’t need to hear the rest to know what he meant.

Clicking his tongue, Cedrick motioned with his eyes.

“Come on. It’s better to face this together.”

She followed behind, rubbing his still-aching forehead.

It swelled where he had flicked her, but he couldn’t complain.

He was too guilty to say anything.

Cedrick knocked on the door to the study.

“Father, Jeanne has returned.”

There was a quiet click as the door opened.

The head maid’s eyes widened when he saw Jeanne, but Jeanne avoided his gaze and walked past his into the room.

Duke Carlotte didn’t even glance in his direction.

The only sound in the room was the soft scratching of his pen.

Just as Cedrick opened his mouth to speak, the duke raised a hand to stop him.

“Wait.”

He neither expressed anger nor joy at Jeanne’s return.

He simply continued his work with a cynical expression.

Feeling anxious, Jeanne absentmindedly picked at the skin around his nails.

“Stop that.”

Cedric whispered quietly beside him.

After what felt like hours, the duke finally set his quill down.

Interlocking his fingers, he spoke mockingly.

“I thought you had run away for good, but I see that’s not the case.”

“…”

“As soon as word spread that you had gone missing while enjoying a secret tryst, the Count of Ryle withdrew his marriage proposal. No noble wants to take in a scandal-ridden young lady.”

His tone was as cold as if he were talking to a stranger.

Everything Jeanne had worked for with the duke had come crashing down in an instant.

The duke continued, watching his dejected expression.

“Because of you, I’ve suffered great losses. You know, I don’t give second chances to those who make me lose.”

“…”

“How many times are you going to disappoint me, Jeanne?”

He felt like his words were stabbing him.

The rumor that he had disappeared during a romantic escapade must have already spread throughout society, tarnishing the Efilia Duchy’s reputation.

The duke sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“If you understand, you may leave now. Stay in your room for the time being and reflect. I’ll take some time to decide what to do with you.”

The Duke waved his hand dismissively.

Cedrick, who looked troubled, gestured toward the door.