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Chapter 49
“You can… let go now.
Although, if you stayed like this, I wouldn’t mind.”
Tiago’s playful tone jolted me back to reality.
Oh no… how long have I been holding on? At least ten seconds, I bet.
It felt… kind of like lying on an expensive, ridiculously comfortable mattress that you don’t want to get up from.
Yeah… really nice. Way too comfortable.
Reluctantly, I pulled myself together—got to keep my dignity.
Right. Get a grip. How many women must have fallen for that body?
I walked ahead of him. This man was dangerous. He made me want to do things I shouldn’t.
“Delphine.”
Tiago’s fingers brushed my elbow, then let go. My face instantly flushed. If such a small touch could make me react, I had no idea how I’d had the nerve to hug him so tightly just now.
“Let’s walk together.”
His playful voice wasn’t… unpleasant.
I’m doomed. I hate smooth talkers like this…
He kept pace beside me. Whenever I sped up, he would lightly touch my back, shoulder, or elbow, telling me to slow down and walk with him.
Each time, my cheeks heated like my heart had moved into them.
No. No way. I’m not seeing him again after today!
But I wasn’t entirely confident about that.
Then Tiago spoke.
“Delphine, you like the truth, don’t you?”
“The truth…?”
I suddenly remembered our earlier talk about the mermaid statue and the Mermaid’s Tear.
Oh right, I never properly thanked him.
I tilted my head back—so far I risked neck strain just to meet his eyes.
“Oh, that’s right. I never thanked you properly. Thank you for lifting Frederic’s curse.”
Tiago stopped walking. He bent his knees slightly to meet my gaze.
“There’s no need to thank me for Frederic.”
“Huh? Are you… jealous?”
He laughed freely.
“Jealous? Well, maybe a little—seeing you two together so much. But that’s not the truth I meant.”
“Then what is?”
He gently took both my arms—his grip was firm but careful.
“Delphine, Frederic wasn’t the one cursed.”
“…?”
“You were.”
Huh? I was cursed? What kind of nonsense…
I blinked at him.
“I was cursed…? Hmm.”
He let go of my arms.
“I was holding you in case you fainted from shock. Looks like I didn’t need to.”
“Well… yeah.”
“You don’t seem surprised.”
I wasn’t. It was a little absurd, but it felt more like confirmation of something I’d already suspected.
“Yeah. Weirdly, I’m not shocked.”
“Delphine, did you make a lot of enemies somewhere? You don’t look like the type who’d get cursed.”
He brushed my arm lightly, teasing.
“Not really. Anyway, Tiago—do you know who cursed me?”
He shook his head.
“I can’t know for sure. Only guess.”
“Guess, huh… who could it be…”
I clasped my hands behind my back and walked slowly.
Well, there’s only one person it could be.
“Leo.”
“Leonard Marbo?”
Tiago looked mildly surprised.
“What? Why are you surprised, Tiago?”
“Because Frederic said the exact same thing. If you both suspect him, I’ll look into it.”
The playfulness left his face completely, replaced by seriousness. It was… refreshing.
This man has way too many expressions.
Behind him, Janet the horse snorted softly.
“Delphine.”
“…?”
“Will you come with me?”
“Where?”
“To Brunick. I have a comfortable mansion there, only a steward and a few staff. You could live there in peace.”
“….”
The offer caught me off guard. I stared out toward the horizon.
It was tempting. I hadn’t left the Peredi estate in weeks. My whole world had shrunk to the house and garden.
Brunick was the imperial capital—larger, livelier, full of possibilities.
And to have a house there to stay in? Incredible.
But I couldn’t say yes so easily.
I wouldn’t be able to work there. I’d lose the good position I have here. And most of all…
I looked at Tiago’s face—without a smile, it had a dependable air.
But I can’t just trust my life to him.
I’d come this far to take control of my own life.
If I’d wanted an easy, comfortable existence, marrying Leo would’ve been the obvious choice. I could have been a duchess, even if it made me miserable.
But I chose not to. I’m here because I want to make it on my own.
The moment I thought that, my decision was made.
I shook my head.
“No. Thank you for the offer, but I’ll pass.”
Tiago’s eyes lowered slightly, and he nodded. His smile was warm, but with a trace of disappointment.
“All right, Delphine.”
“….”
“But,” he added,
“My home is always open. If you need help or a place to stay, tell me anytime.”
“Thank you.”
“Oh, and of course—you’re welcome anytime if you just want to see me.”
He winked again, the seriousness gone. His playful manner made the offer—and my refusal—feel less awkward.
That’s the charm of a flirt. Light and easy.
I shrugged and kept walking, feeling oddly lighthearted.
When I glanced at him, I thought, Talking to this man is… energizing.
He noticed my gaze and smiled that fresh, disarming smile again.
“Now I really have to go, Delphine. See you soon.”
He stepped closer, opening his arms.
“Before I go, can I have a hug?”
“….”
He sounded like a child begging for candy—which was oddly cute coming from a man three times my size and all muscle.
Well… I told Frederic I don’t hug guy friends.
I stepped toward him.
But Tiago’s not my friend… he’s… something else. Let’s admit it.
I opened my arms and hugged him. His body was solid and broad.
One of his hands cupped the back of my head, the other circled my waist. I buried my face in his chest, breathing in his exotic scent. It felt like floating on clouds.
“I’ll miss you. But I’ll see you soon, Delphine.”
His voice vibrated through his chest into me.
That’d be nice.
It wasn’t certain, but I hoped so. Our lives had no real overlap now—drifting apart wouldn’t be strange.
Thinking this might be the last time made my chest ache.
I tightened my arms around him, feeling his heartbeat through my whole body.
Tiago closed his eyes, holding her. He could feel her breath against his chest. She was far more delicate than he’d expected, and far stronger.
Sensing movement, he opened his eyes slightly. Someone stood at an upstairs window.
Frederic. Up already? He should rest more.
Frederic was no threat to him.
Sometimes, knowing Frederic spent time with Delphine sparked a flicker of jealousy, but it passed quickly.
Tiago knew Frederic could never truly be his rival—especially knowing how Frederic felt about Charlier.
“…!”
Delphine hugged him tighter. He returned it carefully.
I want to take her with me.
But he knew she’d refuse. He’d only made the offer so she’d know she could turn to him when she needed help.
He wanted to be there when she struggled, when she needed someone.
Not yet. She needs more time.
Her presence against him made him almost tremble with happiness, but he wouldn’t ruin things by rushing.
Steeling himself, he let her go.
“See you, Delphine.”
“Bye, Tiago.”
He mounted Janet easily. A light squeeze of his legs made her start trotting.
He’d already delayed too long.
By his reckoning, he might have to pass through the Dark Forest before nightfall.
The forest itself didn’t bother him, but if Janet spooked, it could be trouble.
