CHAPTER 56……
Rumors spread that just a day after Adele returned to the count’s mansion, she had completely fallen for the commander of the Fidelio knights she had bought.
And before another day had passed, there were rumors that Adele had taken the initiative with him.
Most people reacted in a similar way when they heard this.
“Like father, like daughter, after all.”
No one in the South would dare mock the count, so this was literally the truth—and admiration.
There was no need to doubt or deny it, as it was well known that Adele took after her father in every way.
Moreover, Killian had used his full strength in front of the count.
For the count, whose heart and mind were ruled by public opinion and money, there was no greater weapon than that.
“But did you hear? The one the master of the house supposedly ‘attacked’…”
The commander of Fidelio may have lacked money, but he did not lack honor.
He was a representative of the high priest with the authority of the church and ranked third, following the archbishop and the priest’s daughter.
Refusing his demands would have meant that every future disaster in the South would fall squarely on the Sergio household.
“Wow… so that’s how rumors start.”
Adele could now imagine how Noella had become such a sudden villain in the original story.
So much so that, for the first time, she even felt a bit of sympathy for Noella.
But that was Noella’s problem. For Adele, who had to endure all of this firsthand, it was maddening.
And she had to smile and accept it without so much as a frown.
“Excuse me… when exactly did I do anything that required you to take responsibility?”
“You seem to have forgotten.”
“…I don’t know what memory you mean, but that day, technically, you were the first to—”
“You were more… proactive.”
Sitting at the tea table, Adele forgot her pride and gulped down the tea. Even its fragrant taste was lost on her.
What frustrated her most was that she couldn’t even deny his words.
Indeed, she had been the one to hold him by the neck that day and not let go.
But admitting that didn’t mean everything could end lightly with laughter.
“Father actually thinks we really did that!”
“Then he gave his permission, did he not?”
“….”
“Your name is missing here.”
Killian handed the invitation he had checked over toward Adele’s quill.
Both signing and confirming seemed almost mechanical.
‘Ugh.’
How many copies had this been already?
Adele clenched her tingling hand, then smoothly finished signing. It felt as if she were in a trance.
Her father, who seemed determined to drag out the time, had already set the date right there.
The engagement was today; the wedding, three days later. Even if one were to roast beans over lightning, it wouldn’t have been this rushed.
“Father, if you hear me out—”
“Enough. Have I not always said—”
“….”
“All pleasures come with responsibility.”
But I didn’t even get to enjoy the pleasure! If I had, I wouldn’t feel so wronged.
Even if Adele tried to speak, the count was unwavering. True to the Sergio family, he pressed her with words of responsibility.
Though it seemed like a misunderstanding, Killian’s shameless efforts to keep the truth hidden against a formidable count were in vain.
“…Did you do this on purpose?”
“What do you mean?”
“To see just where Father cannot move.”
Adele rested her chin while signing the invitation.
Killian, who had been sipping tea in textbook-perfect posture, gracefully set down his cup.
“….”
He was a man both fascinating and frightening the more she thought about him.
No matter how independently her father lived, he was a merchant at heart.
If one challenged his pride with trust and responsibility, there was no way he could refuse.
“I will take responsibility to the ends of the earth.”
A slogan her father had personally created for the merchant guild.
“Then, Adele, you must be someone he cannot resist.”
“…You’re joking, right?”
Adele lightly brushed him off. Still, she couldn’t have signed so quickly if she had disliked this situation.
Whose hand is this?
Adele stared at her hand, moving as if it had a mind of its own, filled with betrayal.
‘Think positively.’
She tried to see it in the best light. After all, if it was a marriage that had to happen, better to rush it—and also to firmly dash any fanciful hopes Noella might have.
But that was only her own reasoning. She didn’t know why Killian went so far out of his way.
“…I appreciate it, but why are you…?”
“Killian.”
“Yes?”
“You wrote this wrong.”
He pointed with his fingertip to the spot where her name should be.
[Commander]
The three characters felt both familiar and strange.
“Sorry… I don’t usually make this kind of mistake. Why did I?”
“You could just call my name, normally.”
“…Yes?”
“You don’t intend to keep calling me ‘Commander,’ do you?”
Though his tone was gentle, it was impossible to ignore him.
She had seen firsthand how massively he could escalate things—why else would she have been signing hundreds of invitations all day?
‘Was I deceived?’
Adele couldn’t hide her anxiety as she glanced at him.
A supposed paladin commander who kept his duties properly turned out to be a predator, radiating danger like a dragon newly tasting meat.
The problem was that Adele, knowing this, was irresistibly drawn to something rare.
When their eyes met, she forced a casual smile. Struggling or pleading would not suit her character.
“Step by step, then.”
“There will be a party tonight. And those people… they emphasized to me, yet you won’t even call my name?”
“…That’s not it, but…”
“You insisted on clarity from the start.”
“Yes, but still…”
Why am I acting like a criminal?
Adele, sulking like a young debutante, let out a hollow laugh.
Calling his name wasn’t hard, but doing so made her mouth tingle.
She shook her head at his penetrating gaze.
“You seem flustered. Don’t worry; when the time comes, I will handle it. But I suppose I should ask again what I asked earlier.”
“What?”
“I don’t understand why you are rushing our engagement, Commander.”
“…Are you asking because you don’t know?”
Killian’s posture faltered for the first time. Adele, amused by the childish sight, shrugged.
“It doesn’t benefit you, after all.”
“You shouldn’t be so sure.”
“….”
“Why you think it wouldn’t benefit me.”
Even in his disheveled posture, his gaze was intoxicating. She could not let her guard down for even a moment.
Before being further swept away, Adele hurried to organize the invitations.
“Hum, this should go out first. Commander too…”
“Killian.”
“…Alright, Killian. The schedule is tight; I don’t know if I can reach Fidelio in time.”
Even so, she continued firmly, aware that advancing with him any further could become uncontrollable.
Fortunately, she was skilled at breaking awkward tension.
“The archbishop said he can’t come, and I don’t know who else will be able to attend. There’s not enough time for the engagement announcement today, but I hope they can make it to the wedding in three days.”
“…Don’t worry too much. They are not the sort to care about formalities.”
“I know how modest they are. But this is your engagement, Commander. It’s not about expecting anything special, but they will care, nonetheless.”
Even Adele’s simple smile seemed to make Killian restless.
He suddenly poured more tea than necessary.
“Ah, by the way, what about your family, Commander?”
“….”
“Why are you staring? It’s a wedding; they should know. If it’s too far, I’ll notify your father to send the fastest messengers.”
Ah, why did I only think of that now?
Adele looked up from counting the invitations.
Even if Killian hadn’t said a word, this was a significant matter.
It would be rude not to inform his family, even after trimming her own list.
“Or at least your parents or siblings…”
“They are both deceased. It’s as if I have no siblings either.”
“…What? Still…”
“You said it yourself: everyone has circumstances unknown to others.”
“Ah…”
Adele did not press further against his subdued tone.
His household seemed complicated as well.
Given his usual silence about his family, there must be matters unknown to her.
But she could not control the pang in her heart.
Seeing him stirred her pulse, then left her hollow with reality.
A contract is a contract.
Forcing a smile, Adele organized the remaining invitations.
“…I see. Well, it’s not my place, after all.”
“Adele, I—”
Seeing her hands move quickly, Killian suddenly reached out, taking hers in both of his.
His hesitation matched the conflict in his eyes.
“…If you can wait just a bit…”
“And if I don’t?”
Killian didn’t release her hand. Adele smirked.
It was oddly reassuring that he was holding her.
“Don’t worry. This engagement was my idea. It’s my choice; what can go wrong if I don’t wait?”
“….”
“You should at least relax your expression, Commander. You wouldn’t show up at the banquet with that face, would you? I wonder how well you’ll manage, after all your instructions to me.”
Smiling even more cheerfully, Adele rose first. She handed the invitations to Jacqueline and prepared for the banquet.
And above all… she felt she should leave him space alone for now.
“Shall we meet again tonight… Commander?”
“You’ll know in three days.”
As she reached for the door handle, Killian’s hand shot out behind her.
With one arm around her waist, he leaned down, his breath hotter than before on her neck.
Huff!
Her breathing quickened as if she were running.
“…W-what?”
“To see which of us is better.”
His lips brushed her neck deliberately. Adele shivered. Was it deliberate? Well, she probably would have done the same.
“I’m fine with the wager.”
