IHYMW 15

Chapter 14

Tap—!

Snapping out of her nostalgic thoughts, Liet slammed a glass of water down in front of Evan. Despite her aggressive gesture, Evan greeted her with a pleasant smile.

“You’ll break the glass.”

“I wish it would.”

“What’s got our dear Duchess in such a foul mood?”

Evan asked casually, and Liet bit her lip tightly.

“You really don’t know?”

“Ah, is this about Count Kael? Come to think of it, you said you were going to have dinner with him. How’d that go?”

Count Kael was the man Liet had agreed to go on a formal date with.

“Everyone knows he’s a notorious womanizer—except for our dear Liet.”

“And doesn’t he have a secret child, too?”

“Oh, and did you know nobody likes eating with him? He’s apparently a really loud eater.”

In the end, Liet had been fooled by Evan’s words and stood Count Kael up—only to later find out all those things were completely false.

“Everything you said was wrong!”

“I heard people talking like that last time. Guess they meant someone else.”

Her hands trembled at his shameless attitude, but she didn’t want him ruining her mood—especially not today.

Just then, the door opened, and the person they had been waiting for finally arrived.

“Uncle!”

“Ohh, Liet!”

Haile Kreuit approached with a joyful expression upon spotting Liet.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. What about you, Uncle?”

“I’ve been doing just fine.”

Haile gave Liet a gentle hug.

“I’m here too, Father.”

Prompted by Evan’s voice, Haile belatedly turned and greeted him.

“Ah, Evan.”

“How’s the territory doing?”

“Nothing ever changes in the same old land.”

Haile had handed down his title to his son Evan and moved to the countryside to take over the estate management his younger brother Heart used to handle.

Evan had told him there was no need to go that far, but it was the life Haile wanted. Years in politics had left his body and mind exhausted.

Thanks to this, it had been a long time since Haile, Liet, and Evan had all met in person. Haile only came up to the capital once a season.

“Uncle, you should come up more often.”

Liet always missed Haile. Since becoming a duchess and a member of the Noble Council, she had grown to admire the path he had walked.

“I’d like to, but I’m too busy managing the estate.”

“Don’t overdo it, okay?”

“Oh my, only Liet worries about me.”

In just a few years, his hair had turned gray. Haile smiled kindly, a face seasoned by time.

“How about you, Liet? No one’s giving you trouble?”

“Only Evan.”

Liet playfully raised a knife in Evan’s direction. Evan just shrugged as if he had no idea what she meant.

Haile, seemingly used to this dynamic, naturally continued the conversation.

“I’ve been worried. You’re the only woman among the Noble Council members, after all.”

“That’s true, but don’t worry. You know what I’m like.”

Liet cooled off the freshly served hot soup by blowing on it as she spoke. Still, Haile’s concern didn’t fade from his face.

“That’s exactly why I’m worried. Someone like you—straightforward and righteous—is an easy target.”

Haile understood the aristocratic world well. They never wanted to lose what they had, and anyone who tried to take it was seen as an enemy.

In short: protecting their power.

It was a simple goal, but directly tied to their survival, making it a sensitive and serious matter.

“Father is right.”

Evan, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. Liet raised one eyebrow, clearly disliking his interruption.

“What now?”

“Liet, you have too many enemies.”

Liet knew Evan wasn’t trying to attack her.

His calm eyes looked more serious than usual.

“Stop provoking the vested powers so much. I keep hearing talk about you behind the scenes.”

At his words, Liet put down her spoon and let out a soft chuckle.

“You think I’m doing all this because I don’t know any better?”

“I’m saying be careful.”

“Evan, if you keep worrying about what the nobles think, nothing’s ever going to change.”

At her firm words, Evan ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

“That’s exactly what frustrates me. If you think it’s the right path, you just rush into it without looking back—even if it leads straight into a fire.”

Evan dropped his usual relaxed facade and showed his emotions.

As tension rose, Haile stepped in to break it.

“Now, now, let’s not argue on such a nice day.”

Haile placed his hand over Liet’s on the table.

“Liet, I know how smart and strong you are. But I still worry.”

“……”

“The Emperor is behind you for now, so no one dares touch you. But show even the slightest weakness, and your enemies will bare their teeth.”

Liet clicked her tongue at Haile’s sharp insight. Despite living far from the capital, he still read the political climate with precision.

In his eyes, she and Evan probably still looked like reckless youths. No wonder he worried.

Liet knew this was the moment to step back.

“Alright. I’ll be careful.”

Only then did Haile smile in satisfaction.

Soon, the main course arrived, and thankfully the conversation shifted to Evan.

“Evan.”

“Yes?”

“I heard the Second Princess expressed interest in a marriage proposal.”

Evan furrowed his brows, clearly displeased with the topic.

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

“She seems quite eager, though.”

“I’ve already politely declined.”

Liet half-listened as she sliced into her veal. The Second Princess’s pursuit of Evan was already well-known among the nobles.

Though she was a stunning beauty with golden hair, the princess was known for her quiet demeanor. Her open pursuit of someone was such a shock, it had quickly become the talk of the town.

Naturally, everyone had assumed Evan would accept.

But Evan had respectfully refused, and that, too, had sparked even more gossip.

Witnessing all this, Liet had to admit one thing:

Evan had grown into a man worthy of such attention—even from the shy princess. His once-cute, chubby face had matured into a chiseled nose and sharp eyes.

The grown-up Evan was handsome enough to make heads turn.

His slightly cold appearance was balanced by his charming words and friendly smile.

He had also grown a full hand and a half taller than Liet, and thanks to years of sword training, his body was firm and fit.

Still, he’s Evan.

To Liet, he was just an annoying rival—nothing more, nothing less.

“Don’t you think you judged too hastily, Evan?”

Haile asked with concern.

Liet answered in his place.

“Leave him be, Uncle. Evan can handle himself.”

She spoke nonchalantly with her head down, pushing the vegetables to the edge of her plate.

“……”

“……”

The dining room fell silent.

Noticing the strange atmosphere, Liet looked up—and found both Haile and Evan staring at her.

Evan looked especially surprised.

“Did I say something wrong?”

She asked, bewildered. Haile cleared his throat.

“It’s just surprising to hear you speak up for Evan like that.”

Only then did Liet realize she had defended him.

“I mean… Evan’s an adult. He can take care of himself…”

Haile widened his eyes, as if expecting something.

“Liet, could it be…”

“Yes?”

“You don’t want Evan marrying someone else…?!”

The unexpected question left Liet momentarily blank.

She hadn’t intended to defend Evan. After all, he was already set to be the female lead’s romantic partner. She just didn’t want to waste energy where it wasn’t needed.

So why was Uncle so excited?

Since she couldn’t bring up the female lead, Liet covered it up the usual way.

“No! It’s just that the princess is too good for Evan!”

“Ah, I see…”

Haile visibly deflated. Evan merely let out a sigh.

To lighten the mood, Liet raised her voice.

“Speaking of marriage, do you remember that one time?”

Haile looked at her curiously.

“When Evan confessed to me!”

Liet could never forget it. She had been shocked at the time, but now she found it hilarious—a perfect story to tease Evan with.

“What if I had accepted back then?”

She said teasingly. Evan, however, remained expressionless.

Ugh, what a boring guy.

He always found ways to nitpick her, yet didn’t even flinch when teased.

“I would’ve married you.”

His calm and steady reply caught her off guard.

She hadn’t expected the atmosphere to shift so awkwardly.

Even Haile rose from his seat awkwardly.

“I’ll leave you two to talk. I think I spilled something on my clothes—need to check in the restroom.”

“Huh? You didn’t spill anyth—”

But before she could finish, he was already gone.

Now alone, Evan stared straight at Liet.

“What do you think would’ve happened if we got married?”

“Why are you asking something so absurd?!”

Liet shouted like she’d just heard something horrifying. Evan, previously expressionless, broke into a smile.

“Hm… I don’t think it would’ve been so bad.”

Liet scowled.

“Did you drink too much?”

She had seen him drink wine earlier, but he usually held his liquor well.

And yet, why was he suddenly saying such things?

“If we were married, I’d get to see your angry face every day. You don’t even know—your eyes get red when you’re mad.”

Of course. He was teasing her again.

Liet narrowed her eyes and glared.

“You’re a creep.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

At Evan’s fox-like reply, Liet clicked her tongue.

He used to be such a sweet kid. When did he become like this?

There must’ve been a turning point. She had watched him grow up—how could she not know?

As she pondered it, something came to mind.

Ah, maybe it was then…

She still didn’t know exactly what changed him, but she remembered when it had started.

Right before they entered the aristocratic academy.