CHAPTER 10………………………………………………
Sigh… should I call it a strong sense of responsibility, or just excessive worry? He wasn’t apologizing with bad intentions, so it didn’t matter, but still, I didn’t really need to hear an apology from someone who wasn’t actually at fault. Yet if I refused to accept it, he would keep bowing, so I suppose there was no escaping it.
“Lift your head. This isn’t Kabes’ fault. I was careless as well, and the one who should apologize is not Kabes but the person who tried to give me the drug. Besides, fortunately, nothing happened. So don’t worry about it.”
Speaking with a small smile, I noticed Kabes staring at me intently. Why was he looking at me like that? When I tilted my head, he lifted the corners of his mouth slightly.
“You’re quite different from the rumors.”
“Rumors?”
“Yes. Are you aware of the social circles’ rumors about you?”
Rumors about Ludia? I didn’t know. I’d never experienced high society before. When I expressed curiosity, he rolled his eyes slightly, then looked at me again with a sly smile.
“They call you mute.”
“Excuse me?”
What did he just say…?
“Oh, don’t misunderstand. I don’t mean I think that of you personally—it’s just what the rumors say. You rarely show up at parties or social gatherings, and when you do, you quietly stay by Lady Elian’s side. In that context, it makes sense. I apologize if it offends you.”
It wasn’t exactly offensive—more surprising. “Mute.” How much had I kept my mouth shut for others to think that? It was unexpected that someone who didn’t seem particularly connected to me would risk offense to tell me that.
Instead of ignoring it, he actually said it. In terms of social awareness, he was better than Elian.
“But personally, I think quite highly of you, my lady.”
Smiling softly while stirring his teacup with a spoon, his expression was gentle.
“Though my impression has recently changed, does that matter?”
“Why did it change?”
“My mentor praised you endlessly. They said your depth of thought is qualitatively different from others, your situational awareness is precise, and you express your intentions confidently… very charming, in short.”
“Who said…”
I paused, realizing exactly who it must have been: Roman Berhart, the Marquis and head of the Imperial Knight Order.
Had I really made such a statement? Looking back, it didn’t seem like a big deal. Honestly, I didn’t think the treatment of commoners was all that terrible. Still, it was surprising.
Kabes smiled faintly.
“I also received martial training from that person. Same as His Highness.”
“I see.”
“In fact, yesterday, I wanted to speak with you, but due to my negligence, you were put at risk. Are you attending today’s party?”
I had to, right? No alcohol, just monitor Elian, then come back. And figure out a way to deal with Elian.
“I suppose so.”
“That’s good. He’ll be pleased.”
“Who?”
Kabes only smiled faintly without answering. I stared at his faint smile, and a memory flashed—prompting me to speak.
“Yesterday… who brought me here?”
“Don’t you remember?”
“No… I can’t quite believe it. From a glimpse of black hair and eyes, it seemed to be His Highness… but I can’t be sure he saved me.”
Kabes finished his tea, placed the cup on the table, and slowly stood. Where was he going? I followed his movement with my eyes.
“You might meet him today. His Highness seems interested in you, so perhaps you should speak with him. I’ll leave the earlier question for him, not me.”
He might as well just answer me. But his actions and words confirmed he was indeed referring to the Crown Prince.
I stood as well. Kabes bowed slightly and then turned, his back disappearing from my sight.
At the door, he paused, looked back at me, and smiled.
“May I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“Yesterday, what did you say to make him so flustered?”
“Flustered?”
“Don’t you remember?”
“…I don’t.”
“I see.”
Watching him sigh with visible disappointment, I tilted my head. Why? Was there a problem? Had I made a mistake?
Kabes glanced at the floor briefly, then looked back at me with a small smile.
“You seem increasingly interesting to me, my lady. If it’s alright, may I call you by your name?”
Simply put, it meant he wanted to be closer. Using someone’s name implied familiarity.
I didn’t mind, as I was used to it, but in this world, it could cause misunderstandings. I certainly didn’t want rumors of liking a man who already had a fiancée.
Seeing me hesitate, Kabes smiled.
“I’ll be careful in front of others. Shall I call you by name in private?”
“…Very well.”
After already requesting to call me Ludia, telling him not to was ridiculous, so I reluctantly agreed. Kabes lifted the corners of his mouth.
“Thank you, Ludia.”
He bowed once more, then left the room.
“Ludia…”
Kabes walked down the corridor, covering his mouth with his hand. Something fun seemed about to happen; he had a hunch.
The crown prince, flushed red, clearly frustrated after bringing the silver-haired beauty. Seeing him so openly flustered was unusual, and he muttered something embarrassing:
―“Lend me the bed.”
He intended to lay a sleeping woman on the bed? Kabes scowled at him, as if looking at garbage.
―“Finally committing a crime…”
―“No! If you think about it…”
―“Hmm…”
The sleeping woman stirred in his arms, and his companion turned bright red with shock. At that moment, one could sense:
―“I thought His Highness liked me… apparently not. Disappointing.”
―“Stop the nonsense and give me the bed. I have no interest in unnecessary misunderstandings.”
―“Oh-ho. What misunderstanding?”
―“Ugh…!”
Spring was coming soon.
Having stayed out overnight without permission, I returned home to explain. At home, I was greeted by my mother, Perridot, with a gentle, radiant smile. Her smile, like a gemstone’s name, approached me warmly.
What should I say? “I drank and passed out!” or “Some madman tried to drug me… I can’t say…!”?
But the worry was unnecessary.
“Yesterday, Asirun sent someone to tell me you drank too much and fell asleep, and that Elian was with you, so no need to worry. So there’s no need for that scared face.”
Had it shown too much? My emotions were too visible—embarrassing. I scratched my cheek and smiled awkwardly.
“Sorry…”
“No need to apologize. You’re an adult now, Ludia. Sometimes you’ll be out socializing and come home late. Don’t feel guilty toward us. Of course, someone did get a little upset trying to fetch you last night, but I persuaded them. Later, just explain the situation.”
“Thank you.”
I smiled softly at Perridot, grateful for her concern and recognition.
Truly, they were good parents. Ludia may have been a little naive or timid, but she was kind. Perhaps too kind—but that was the result of their upbringing.
“I’ll come home early today.”
After giving Perridot a brief hug, I turned to my room. I needed to change out of my dress and rest before attending the party.
My body felt like lead; I didn’t want to do anything. But if I stayed in bed while Elian might act recklessly, I would regret it later.
“Just one more day… just one.”
My eyes slowly closed. I was exhausted. The sun was high, and the party would be in the evening. Maybe a short nap wouldn’t hurt.
I told Rosi I’d take a nap, prevented anyone from entering, and snuggled into the blankets. Cozy. Already, home felt comfortable. My ability to adapt quickly might just be my greatest strength.
“I hope I wake up at home.”
With that trivial thought, I drifted off to sleep.
