Chapter 35
The Taste of Spying
Kailian, flipping through a bundle of papers bound together page by page, suddenly froze, doubting his own eyes.
“Kailian Thermos Marquis, Observation Journal?”
In the journal, dated meticulously, was a detailed account of his every move.
“So, her real purpose was to spy on me! She was trying to extract some sort of information from me!”
Feeling as if he’d been betrayed, Kailian sat back down on the bed in dismay and began to read each entry about himself.
[So far, there hasn’t been much unusual movement around him.
But I cannot let my guard down.
Today, I should take the opportunity to secretly follow his inspection rounds.
Fortunately, the Marquis doesn’t know that I’ve been secretly watching him.
It seems he hasn’t realized at all that I am Himena.
Good thing he’s duller than I expected.]
“Ha, dull? Ridiculous. As if she even knows who’s really playing along here.”
[During today’s inspection of the town marketplace, I saw a completely different side of the Marquis of Thermos.
The way he greeted the townspeople like family, checking on their well-being, was very moving.
It’s clear he genuinely cherishes and cares for his people and subordinates.
Though he puts on a cold, stern front, he’s undoubtedly a warmhearted and compassionate man.]
“Ahem… what nonsense to be writing down…”
[He seems like someone I could learn a lot from. If I ever inherit Father’s domain, I’ll work hard to become a fine lord like the Marquis of Thermos.]
“Was she secretly… trying to learn governance from me? No, that can’t be it.”
[While watching him today, I suddenly thought of Senior Kang, and unexpectedly teared up.
I miss him… I wonder if he ever thinks of me, even once in a while…….]
“That man again. The one she said she liked. Said I resembled. Still someone special to her…”
Kailian’s chest ached sharply once more. He continued to read.
[Today I accompanied him on an inspection of the birch forest where the townsfolk gather chaga mushrooms.
For the first time in my life, I saw a real beast up close and nearly fainted from fear.
But the Marquis, calm and confident, stepped forward and felled the terrifying creature in an instant.
Wow, swoon! He was so cool! Truly the strongest!
Already handsome, but today he looked ten times more handsome!]
“Ahem, really, over just that much…”
[Now I understand why Lois said every knight dreams of joining the Red Moon Order.
It must be because they want to witness and learn from the Marquis’s swordsmanship.
I’m completely smitten myself.]
Before he knew it, Kailian had forgotten his initial outrage and sense of betrayal. Instead, his cheeks flushed as he became engrossed in the contents.
[This is bad. I think the Marquis of Thermos has fallen for me.]
“W-What?”
[He seems utterly captivated by my demonic charm.]
“Demonic charm?”
[I wondered how he could have fallen for me, but I found the answer.
In the final tournament, he was knocked out by one of my kicks. From that moment on, he became completely enthralled.
No one else has ever landed such a spectacular kick on him!
But honestly, it’s a bit perverted. Falling in love from just one kick, despite looking so proper.]
“Wha—this is absurd! Unbelievable!”
Outraged at being called a pervert, Kailian leapt to his feet without realizing it.
[And to think the Marquis of Thermos’s sexual preference was pretty boys!
Lois said that the reason he never flinched at my advances before was because he preferred men over women.]
“This—this is supposed to be a record? What on earth is she writing this for? Changing my preferences at will, guessing at my thoughts without reason…”
[But honestly, the way that cold, prideful man flusters and blushes every time the kick incident is mentioned… it’s actually kind of cute.]
“C-Cute?!”
[If I had known, I would’ve kicked him more gently. To think my kick was that attractive.
But regardless, Hermes and Kailian can never be. I came here to protect him, not to seduce him.]
“There it is again… protecting me? Protecting me from what, exactly?”
He kept reading.
[Lately the Marquis keeps avoiding me. Why? Did I do something wrong again?
If I did, he should just tell me properly…….]
“Th-This must have been after… that fainting incident…”
[In the end, the power of the ‘demonic kick’ lasted less than half a month. Of course.
I still haven’t properly thanked him for saving me that day at the Lagrima hot springs.
But since he won’t even meet my eyes, I feel really hurt.
Even if I’m by his side as Hermes, not Himena, I thought we had gotten closer…
What would his face look like if he found out I was Himena?
Would he spit venom and turn away like that time on the palace stairs, saying I disgust him?
Maybe so. That’s how much he hates me—Himena.]
“…That…”
The mention of the palace stair incident immediately dragged down Kailian’s mood.
[Anyway, after the beast subjugation tournament, everything will be revealed.
Until then, I must not let it be known that I am Himena.
I just hope the culprit isn’t that woman.
If I can at least confirm that the Marquis is safe, then I can leave in peace.]
That was the last entry in Himena’s observation journal.
Kailian lingered on the line about her “leaving in peace” for a long time before carefully putting the stack back under the bed.
Now, at least, one thing was clear:
Himena hadn’t disguised herself and come to Acticos to harm him, but to protect him from someone.
“Does that mean someone who wishes me harm is circling close? This ‘culprit’ she speaks of, a woman… who is she? Who could she be, that Himena would risk everything to protect me?”
But there were still expressions in the journal he couldn’t make sense of.
As if she came from another world entirely… why did she sometimes describe herself as if she were a completely different person from Himena?
Still, more than the confusion clouding his thoughts, it was another heavy emotion crushing his heart.
“I truly love you!”
“Love? How disgusting.”
“W-What? Kailian… how could you say that…”
“I’m leaving.”
“Kailian… Kailian! Nooo!”
“Ah! My Lady!”
“Haa…”
As those memories resurfaced, a pained sigh escaped his lips.
How could he possibly describe the way his feelings for Himena had changed?
How could he apologize… how could he ever tell her?
With heavier steps than when he had entered her chambers, he turned and shut the door.
***
“Oh? Eron!”
“Lady Sylvestre!”
Having heard the news of Himena’s return, Eron hurried to the estate to see her.
“It’s been a while, Eron. How have you been?”
“I’ve been well. And you, my lady?”
Huh? No wagging tail today? He’s smiling, but… his expression looks a bit dark.
Though he smiled and met her eyes, Eron’s demeanor was calmer than before—no longer overflowing with excitement at seeing her.
“How did you know I’d come back?”
“Ah, I heard a rumor spreading in the capital…”
“A rumor?”
“Yes. That you are to wed Prince Diego…”
“Ah…”
So the rumors have already spread far. Well, an imperial marriage would be the empire’s hottest issue, not just in high society.
“I see…”
“It’s late, but… congratulations on your engagement.”
Eron kissed the back of her hand lightly.
“Heh, no, Eron. I’m not engaged, and the proposal will soon be canceled.”
“Canceled? What do you mean?”
“Pfft! Let’s just say… certain things are happening. The imperial family must be in chaos right about now. Hahaha.”
“Something’s changed while I was away, hasn’t it?”
“Hmm… shall we take a walk in the garden again?”
“Ah, yes. I’d like that.”
They left the estate and strolled through the late afternoon garden.
“How is the Duke’s health? You seemed to stay in Anatole quite a while nursing your father…”
“Ah. He was getting better… until I made him relapse with a headache again. Haha.”
“Why…”
“Because… I said I didn’t want to marry the Prince.”
“Ah…”
Eron stopped in surprise, unable to keep walking.
“May I… ask why you refused?”
“The reason’s simple. I don’t love him.”
Eron looked at her, still unable to understand, as she answered so casually.
“But my lady… to become a princess, a member of the imperial family, is not a common chance. Many noblewomen would pull every string for such an opportunity, yet you… And besides, Prince Diego is very handsome. Why refuse…?”
“Come on. Eron, you’re far more handsome.”
“Wh-What?”
“To me, you’re a hundred times better looking than that smug boy prince.”
“Th-That can’t be…”
Eron covered his mouth quickly, blushing.
“It’s true. And like I said, whether the prince is handsome or whether marriage makes me royalty, I don’t care.”
“…Why not?”
“Think about it. Marriage means living with someone for the rest of your life. How could I marry someone I barely know, don’t even love? The same goes for the prince. If he proposed without even having a proper conversation with me, then clearly his purpose in marrying isn’t me. He must need my family’s support.”
“Well… political marriages often do have such reasons. Still, becoming part of the imperial family would bring your house great power…”
“Heh, Eron.”
She turned back to him with a gentle smile.
