~Chapter 74~
Leoric arrived at the Winters estate in the late afternoon.
“Allow me to serve the tea.”
In the mansion’s reception room, Cien’s voice was unusually kind as she set the tea between Aisha and Leoric, who were sitting across from each other.
“Since Sir Leoric was coming, I prepared a rare blend of tea… ah! Not that I took the liberty myself, but as a gesture on behalf of His Grace…”
“Ah, yes. Thank you very much.”
“The chef also prepared desserts with great care. If you find them too sweet, please say so, and I’ll bring lighter ones.”
So Cien could be this kind to someone.
If she treated me even half this way, we’d be the best of friends!
Aisha glanced sourly between Cien and Leoric. But Leoric either didn’t notice Cien’s blush, or didn’t care.
“I eat anything, really. Please thank His Grace for the fine tea.”
“Yes, of course. If you need anything else—”
“Hahaha! No need to fuss, Cien! You can go now.”
Feeling embarrassed, Aisha raised her voice. Cien gave an awkward nod, then left with neat, silent steps.
Once the siblings were alone, Aisha sprawled in her seat, legs wide, and spoke.
“Hey, Leoric.”
“Why—ugh, so unladylike. You’re my sister but still…”
“Shut up. Do you… have someone you like?”
“Huh? Why?”
Leoric’s face instantly lit up, just like Cien’s had earlier.
“Just curious.”
“You don’t ask that kind of thing without a reason. Wait—does someone have feelings for me?”
Excited, Leoric started firing off questions like a machine gun.
“Who is it? A lady from which house? Pretty? Cute?”
“Do you even have the right to be picky? You still don’t know your place, do you? Anyway, I was just asking.”
Aisha set her teacup down with a click.
“Mm, this tea’s really good. You should come over more often.”
“Well… you’re right.”
“Hm?”
“I’m not picky. As long as someone really likes me, that’s enough.”
His cheeks reddened.
Aisha almost gagged.
“Love isn’t easy, you know. Even a little interest is important. All love starts from there. If I realize someone cares about me, naturally I’ll start caring too. Then maybe we fall in love.”
…Was that true?
“So yeah, I’m always ready to fall in love.”
Listening silently, Aisha’s face twisted in disgust.
“Of course Father might disagree, but honestly, I don’t care about status or family. Isn’t that romantic? …Ah, damn it!”
“What? Got a terminal illness? You look like it.”
“No, it’s Father!”
Leoric glared.
“I forgot because of your nonsense! That’s why I rushed here!”
“What now.”
Did Rohan Ashton, that lunatic, pull another stunt? Use Killian’s name again? Spread more nonsense?
“He was really worried. Said he thought something terrible had happened.”
That didn’t sound like him.
“If something went wrong, both of us could end up dead—and more importantly, your engagement to Duke Killian would become useless.”
Of course.
Aisha frowned.
“So he’s just as crazy as usual. What’s the big problem—”
“He said he can’t wait any longer.”
“…What?”
This was different.
Aisha froze and stared at Leoric.
“He wants the engagement finalized soon. Today he told me to get your answer—when will the ceremony be?”
“……”
“What are you going to do? Father doesn’t know the truth, but this engagement is… a sham.”
A sham.
Leoric was right. From the moment Aisha had been thrown into The Emperor Cannot Live Without His Captive, she had sworn never to get involved with Killian.
If not for the Sunday’s Exposé specials on him… if her identity as the publisher hadn’t been revealed… none of this would’ve happened.
What excuse can I use?
In the past, she would’ve just run away. But now Killian was tangled up in it too. And the whole empire already knew about this engagement.
But still… I can’t really marry Killian. He wouldn’t want that either.
…Wait.
Then why did she feel a pang of disappointment?
“Are you even listening, Sis? This is serious!”
Leoric jumped up, ready to scold her again—
“Hello, Leoric Ashton.”
The familiar voice came from the doorway.
Startled, Aisha and Leoric turned at the same time.
There stood Killian, arms crossed, leaning against the open door, looking right at them.
Oh no. How much did he hear? From the start?
She froze, watching him nervously. But Killian, without a hint of hesitation, strode over and sat right beside her. Naturally.
“Uh… g-good afternoon, Duke Killian…”
“Tell Count Ashton this.”
Killian cut off Leoric’s greeting coldly.
“The engagement ceremony will be held as soon as possible. He needn’t worry about a thing.”
What?!
Aisha forgot to breathe, staring blankly at Killian.
