Chapter 49
“If it’s too hard, tell me. I’ll carry you.”
“I can walk on my own, you know?”
Ignoring Theo’s excessive kindness, I quickened my pace uphill as if to boast about my stamina.
As planned, we began climbing the mountain at dawn with Theo’s group.
I really hated hiking, but—
Perhaps because I was finally free of the corsets and dresses that used to squeeze the life out of me, and the shoes that made my feet ache after just a short walk.
Contrary to my expectations, the climb wasn’t that bad. And besides—
Good thing I learned how to swim.
With every step, I could feel my stamina had improved.
I’d hated swimming lessons with a passion when the time came, but at least the money hadn’t been wasted.
The hike went more smoothly than expected.
“Don’t rush too far ahead by yourself. You might run into wild animals.”
Theo, who had somehow caught up beside me, spoke with a worried expression.
“Then I’ll deal with it if it happens.”
I sat comfortably on a rock.
“You said Sir Lena was a knight, right? We should go together once she gets here.”
The moment I mentioned her name, Theo’s face crumpled.
Last night, after dinner, we’d had time to introduce ourselves, and that was when I learned—
That Lena was the only former female imperial palace knight of the Norverre Empire.
She hadn’t explained why she’d quit such a prestigious position to join Theo’s group, though.
“…I can protect you with my sword too.”
“I’d still rather ask Sir Lena. She’s from the imperial knight order.”
“You said it yourself after that blind date—you don’t like people obsessed with swords. Sir Lena really loves swords.”
“I said I don’t like men obsessed with swords. A woman obsessed with swords? That’s… cool, isn’t it?”
I’d brought up Lena just to avoid Theo, but I genuinely started wanting to befriend her.
Apparently, Theo hadn’t expected my positive reaction.
He ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep sigh.
“Just asking, but… are you avoiding me?”
“Huh? Me? No? Why would I?”
Absolutely not. I acted cynical. I acted casual. I gave it my all. It worked, right?
“I’ve felt it since before we left. You seem like you don’t want to be around me.”
“No, you’re misunderstanding. Oh! They’re coming!”
At last, Lena and the rest of the group came into view.
I quickly stood and walked over to her side, and Theo let out a hollow laugh.
The truth was—Theo’s instincts were right.
I was desperately avoiding him.
Every time I see his face, I get irritated.
Why? Because he kept taking care of me so kindly. Making my heart flutter.
Someone once said, “Meaningless kindness is a crime.”
If that’s true, then Theo deserves the death penalty.
I realized his kindness was meaningless last night.
Before dinner.
When I found it strange that everyone already knew me even though I hadn’t introduced myself—
“…I-It’s because Lady Yvonne is v-very famous.”
“Right. That’s why I spoke to you like I already knew you.”
“Then shall we all introduce ourselves after Lady Yvonne finishes her meal?”
It felt a little off, but I let it slide.
After all, these were the people I’d be traveling with to another empire.
If anything, I was the one at a disadvantage.
And then, late at night.
“I can’t sleep…”
Was it because I’d changed beds? Or the shock of attempted murder?
Sleep refused to come.
Maybe I’ll get some air.
I slipped out of my room and crept quietly down the hallway.
Looks like I’m not the only one still awake.
Light was leaking out from beneath the door of the room at the very end of the corridor.
Was someone still awake—or did they sleep with the lights on?
Whose room is that?
Unable to resist my curiosity, I walked toward the door.
“…We went through a lot of trouble to obtain it.”
A boastful voice drifted out.
Who was it? I leaned my ear against the door.
Honestly, I didn’t know why I was doing this either—but I was too curious.
“Good work. When can I receive it?”
That voice was Theo’s. What thing were they talking about?
“It should arrive in Norverre in about a month. It’s extremely rare and expensive, so it took time.”
Listening closely, I realized the boastful voice belonged to Mael.
Is that why they’re going to Norverre? Because of some expensive item?
No, that didn’t make sense. If it was just a delivery, they could receive it in the Peronando Empire.
“Then I’ll receive it once the job is done.”
What job were they talking about? My curiosity was killing me.
I pressed not just my ear, but my cheek flat against the door. And then—
“Are you really going to marry that person?”
“If she agrees.”
What?
My heart started pounding wildly.
Theo… getting married?
The moment reality sank in, I trudged back to my room.
“I really was clueless.”
I sat on the edge of the bed and sighed.
The reason he was leaving. He was going to marry the woman he loved.
When I’d once asked to define our relationship, Theo had told me he was going far away—and made a suggestion.
“If you happen to visit the empire someday… could you give me your answer then?”
He’d left the possibility open.
If his marriage failed, then he’d consider me.
“Isn’t this guy completely awful?”
I was a fish in his pond.
The moment I realized I was being strung along, anger surged to the top of my head.
“…Should I say I’ll go separately, even now?”
But in my current situation, I was the one who needed him.
I’ll stay with them until we reach Norverre.
I’d squeeze every benefit I could out of this.
I’d never be alone with Theo. I wouldn’t flounder in his pond.
That was my firm resolve before going to sleep, but—
“Want me to carry you?”
“No.”
No matter how much I tried to avoid him, he followed me around like someone with separation anxiety, fussing nonstop.
“Hot, right? Sorry. It’s hard to take a ship right now.”
“I’m detoxing, you know? Don’t interfere.”
He fanned me, wiped my sweat, hovered beside me like it was his mission.
The biggest problem was—
Why am I the one getting flustered?
I’m a shallow woman who values looks.
My heart kept reacting to the meaningless kindness of a handsome man.
Judge, please sentence Theo to death. He’s a menace.
Episode 89
(Excerpt omitted)
Meanwhile—
“How is your body? Are you alright?”
“I’m f-fine—ugh.”
As his father visited, Nathan tried to sit up, only to clutch his abdomen and groan.
“Don’t overdo it. Just lie still.”
“I’m sorry.”
The Duke of Lambert looked at his son with pity as he coughed in pain.
How had things ended up like this?
The daughter who couldn’t even kill a bug had stabbed her own brother and fled.
He’d sent people to find her, but a full day had passed without success.
“What on earth happened between you two?”
Yvonne wouldn’t commit such a horrible act without reason.
Something must have occurred.
Growing frustrated, the Duke asked.
“It seems my sister was dissatisfied with me inheriting the family.”
“And that’s why she stabbed you?”
“All this time, I’ve only been suspected of threatening her.”
The Duke’s face filled with confusion.
“Today, your suspicion hurts more than ever.”
Nathan was always calm, always expressionless. This was the first time he’d ever seen him cry.
He didn’t even cry when his mother died.
Feeling guilty for being cold to his injured son, the Duke softened.
“I’m sorry. I think I scolded you in my confusion.”
“No. I’m sorry for showing weakness.”
“The plan was to give you the title once Yvonne married.”
“Yes.”
“When Yvonne returns, I’ll proceed with the succession then. Marriage may… be difficult now.”
That was the truth.
If she had only stabbed Nathan, rumors could have been suppressed.
But the situation worsened when Richard was found dead by a secluded lakeside.
“My young master went on a date with Lady Yvonne, so I drove them.”
According to the coachman’s testimony.
“She suddenly fled in the carriage. But my young master never returned, no matter how long I waited.”
Worried he’d gotten lost, the coachman went to look for him.
“My young master was lying there, stabbed.”
Yvonne became the prime suspect.
There was no way to deny it. After Richard’s death and Nathan’s stabbing, she had disappeared.
“The household is already in chaos. We’ll proceed with your succession once Yvonne is found.”
“…Understood.”
“Rest well.”
After the Duke left, silence settled over the room.
“This won’t be easy.”
When his father wavered at the sight of his tears, Nathan had thought he’d won.
Rising slightly, he let out a quiet chuckle.
The wound was more bearable than expected.
She was too kind—too soft-hearted—to stab deeply.
“Where did she hide?”
Even Louise, Yvonne’s only friend, didn’t know her whereabouts.
He needed to find her quickly and deal with her.
If she were found as a corpse, his father would have no choice but to hand him the title.
[Why not use your power on your father instead?]
The low voice whispered again.
The being that had granted him his ability was making its presence known.
“No. This time, I’ll do it on my own.”
[Isn’t this power also yours?]
“I want to obtain it without using that.”
The situation was already overwhelmingly unfavorable for Yvonne.
A girl raised like a flower in a greenhouse—her escape wouldn’t last long.
Soon, she’d be caught. And Nathan would win.
[Choosing the harder path. How foolish.]
“Sometimes the hard path helps. If I truly need it, I’ll use it then.”
Perhaps because of Nathan’s firm resolve, the voice faded away.
Mother warned me.
His mother’s words from childhood surfaced belatedly.
“He never shows himself. He tempts you with sweet words.”
“Is that possible?”
“It is for him. Never accept. He drains life itself.”
“I’ll remember.”
“If you hear a voice, ignore it. No—don’t use the power at all. I want you to live a long, healthy life.”
Nathan closed his eyes, recalling his mother’s final moments.
Her body, grotesquely shriveled after having her life completely drained.
If he used the power any more, he’d end up just like her.
Where are you hiding…?
He had to find her first. Nathan clenched his fist.
The next day.
“Master, the young lady…”
She was found dead in a remote mountain area.
[Comments]
→ The female lead died?
→ Then who’s the female lead now?
