🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 38
…How did it come to this?
‘At least getting down here went well.’
Compared to being carried by someone else, at least I could walk on my own two legs now. Just being able to do that made it feel like the situation had improved.
‘But…’
I subtly glanced to the side, and just then, our eyes met—he was looking right at me.
I quickly looked away, but it was already too late; I was like a mouse trapped in a jar.
“Why do you look like that, Milady?”
Chaser seized the opportunity and asked.
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
Even as I tried to deny it, my gaze stubbornly wouldn’t leave him.
‘Why is he acting like that all of a sudden?’
Even in the original story, did these two even interact? Not really.
He was the mastermind representing the world, while I was just a powerless supporting character.
‘That’s right.’
Looking at our social statuses, I was a fallen noble and he was the crown prince. No matter how you look at it, it would have been almost impossible for us to meet.
Even if we had met before my family’s fall, I doubt we would have been close enough for him to personally see me off like this.
Original Aria was also very timid and introverted. If she couldn’t even bow her head properly in front of a lady, how would she act before the crown prince?
‘It’s a relief I didn’t faint.’
So, I had no idea what to make of him.
It wasn’t like he was simply being polite because I was the emperor’s guest. He must have been busy with other matters, so seeing him personally see me off was a little puzzling.
‘Or…’
Maybe he had something specific to say? Perhaps he was curious about why I met the emperor, or something like that.
‘That’s possible.’
It was the most reasonable suspicion for now. But still, I didn’t want to ask directly. If I probed and it turned out to be nothing, it would be awkward.
Just as I was pondering how to start a conversation, Chaser spoke first.
“Are you feeling alright?”
“Eh?”
I slowed my pace, caught off guard by the question. Chaser, standing tall beside me, gave a gentle smile.
“I heard you recently had some troubles.”
“…Ah.”
I immediately understood what he was referring to. I glanced briefly at Mathias and nodded.
“Yes, there were issues, but everything has been resolved now, Your Highness.”
Most things had been handled by now. My family’s debts would now be solely Xavier’s responsibility.
The emperor also appreciated our efforts in this matter and had promised to help Renesty return as a central noble.
Now, all that remained was rebuilding my fallen house. Everything else was the emperor and the marchioness’s responsibility.
“That’s fortunate.”
He nodded, looking quite relieved at my words.
“I heard you accomplished something significant this time.”
I looked up at him, startled. Chaser calmly observed my surprised expression and continued.
“I was aware that the Marquis Odilon and other nobles were holding illegal auctions.”
“….”
“I had thought I might sort things out one by one after returning, but…”
Chaser tilted his head slightly.
“I didn’t expect it to be resolved so neatly. And you personally took action as well.”
“…Madame Odilon assisted as well.”
“I know. Madame Odilon also made a considerable contribution. A slave auction, of all things.”
His blue eyes shifted slightly to the side.
Mathias frowned as he observed.
“Isn’t that horrible? Trading people as if they were objects.”
It wasn’t wrong, but the way he said it carried a subtle undertone.
Caught awkwardly between them, I hurriedly changed the subject.
“Aren’t you tired, Your Highness? You just returned to the palace.”
I tried to hint that maybe it was time for us to go.
“I’m fine. It wasn’t that big of a deal.”
The crown prince lightly dismissed such a trivial matter.
“Is the person beside you your guard?”
“Yes, that’s right…”
At that moment, I flinched and bowed my head.
Mathias, who had grabbed my hand in the blink of an eye, showed an uncomfortable expression.
‘Uh-oh, this feels like it’s about to turn into a fight.’
His gaze was sharp, as if ready to attack.
I quickly glanced at the crown prince. Fortunately, he looked completely unbothered.
Yet Mathias remained vigilant even in this moment.
‘Could it be…’
Was he sensing some kind of racial hostility? I had felt uneasy earlier, and now I couldn’t help but worry that a confrontation might happen.
Luckily, Mathias just held my hand firmly. He didn’t provoke anyone. I knew he wasn’t that kind of person, which was reassuring.
Then, an unexpected reaction came from another direction.
“For a guard…”
“….”
“You seem far too close.”
Had he been watching us? His narrowed eyes fell upon our tightly clasped hands.
Just as I tried to pull my hand away, a voice called out.
“Your Highness!”
Someone from afar called him. Chaser calmly turned his head and glanced sharply at the aide who was rushing over. The aide froze in place at the gesture.
Sensing the awkwardness, I raised an eyebrow. Chaser turned back to me and extended his hand.
Suppressing my unease, I reached out, and Chaser seized it as if he had been waiting.
Mathias frowned at the sight, his expression tense and unpredictable. But before he could react, Chaser pressed his lips briefly to the back of my hand.
The soft lips lightly touched my skin and then withdrew. I instinctively restrained Mathias from stepping forward.
After the final greeting, Chaser nodded politely.
“I would like to escort you to the carriage, but I must be going now.”
“That’s fine, Your Highness.”
I stepped back.
Chaser gave a mysterious smile and glanced at Mathias.
It was only a brief moment, but…
“I hope we can meet longer next time.”
His gaze carried countless meanings.
‘Annoying.’
Even in the same position, perceptions could differ so much. I stepped into the carriage and rubbed the back of my hand with a handkerchief, clicking my tongue.
From the way he looked at me to his tone—it was all polite, yet strangely unsettling.
‘I knew he was two-faced.’
Facing him directly was draining.
‘Next time, I’ll just avoid him.’
I would soon be busy with work anyway, so even if invited, I would have a valid excuse to refuse.
‘Still…’
He’s been watching Mathias this whole time.
‘Did he notice?’
But we haven’t even gone to Frombel yet. There’s no way he knows I’m of slave origin…
‘…Eh, probably not.’
I shook my head reflexively, scolding myself.
‘Useless thoughts.’
