🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 49
“Why, Are You Worried?”
“…So, can I go see the village tomorrow with May and the others?”
I glanced up, watching Carriaire’s reaction as I asked.
He slowly put down his teacup and said,
“Do you think that’s okay?”
“Well, it’s not like it can’t be…”
“No.”
He cut me off firmly.
I frowned and asked,
“…Why not?”
“Because I have no reason to allow it.”
His smirk grew as he crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hand, clearly enjoying my reaction.
I was frustrated, but I was the one feeling disappointed.
“People don’t always have reasons for their actions, do they?”
“Maybe. But I don’t act without a reason.”
He shrugged and leaned back, teasing me.
For a moment, sparks flew between us, but his expression didn’t change.
I decided to try a different tactic.
“I just feel a bit stifled. It’s been almost three weeks, and I haven’t even been outside the castle.”
“…”
“So can’t I just go for one day? I promise! No trouble, no strange thoughts! I’ll behave and only look around!”
I smiled as kindly as I could at him.
He looked at me, tilting his head with a crooked smile, and said,
“That’s strange.”
“…?”
“Why do I hear that as meaning you will cause trouble and have strange thoughts?”
‘…’
His words hit me right in the heart.
Don’t get scared. He’s probably just joking.
I kept my voice firm and said,
“That’s strange. I think I’ve behaved well and caused no trouble.”
“…”
“I wonder when I lost your trust.”
He smiled softly and sipped his tea.
Watching him, I thought maybe it really wasn’t easy.
May said it wouldn’t be so hard, but maybe there are more things to worry about than I thought…
Everyone in the castle knew I was Heidi Elliana and a hostage to trick Delphian, but the villagers didn’t.
From Carriaire’s point of view, letting me out even briefly was more stressful than keeping me locked in the castle.
Even though I knew he wouldn’t take such risks, the feeling of disappointment kept bubbling up.
Honestly, it would help with future plans if I could go out once…
“I’ll add a condition.”
“…What?”
“If you agree to my condition, I’ll allow your outing tomorrow.”
“What condition? Just tell me! I’ll agree to anything!”
I brightened, thinking I’d be trapped in the castle no matter what until now.
Seeing my hopeful eyes, Carriaire set his teacup down and said,
“You must always have company when you’re in the village.”
“Of course! I’m confident. I’ll stick close to May…”
“By my side.”
“…Whose side?”
“Mine.”
“…”
“If you’re okay with me being your companion while you tour the village, I’ll allow you to go.”
My soaring hopes crashed straight down.
Carriaire smiled and asked,
“So, will you go?”
Later…
So, did I go?
“Lady, I’ll do this!”
“No, I’ll do it. May is busy too.”
“But…”
“It’s fine, don’t worry. May should do her work. And just call me Laifan. I’m here as a servant of the Grand Duke now.”
May gave a complicated look but nodded.
I ignored her worried gaze and stared blankly at the roaring fire.
The night before, I had chosen to explore the village rather than accompany Carriaire.
Even if I stayed in the castle, I couldn’t escape his watchful eyes, so what difference did it make if the boundary extended to outside the village?
The only problem was being dragged along with Carriaire and the servants at dawn to the village for food distribution.
“Yawn.”
I rubbed my sleepy eyes and tossed a broken branch into the fire.
“…It burns well.”
I hadn’t planned to stay here from the start.
I was bored and awkward sticking close to Carriaire, so I asked if I could help.
Though I eagerly offered, servants subtly avoided me.
I ended up by a large iron pot filled with Laifan’s special potato soup.
“I understand, but…”
The villagers didn’t know Heidi Elliana was in the Grand Duke’s castle.
So I decided to act as a servant during the event.
But those who already knew my identity didn’t easily change their attitude.
I was pushed around by servants who didn’t want to take care of me until I reached this spot.
I smiled awkwardly thinking of their faces and said,
“Is it really necessary to be so uncomfortable?”
“Right.”
“Ah!”
Suddenly, a voice startled me and I fell backward.
My heart pounding, I looked up to see Carriaire winking at me.
“You scared me!”
“You don’t have to be startled every time.”
“Pardon?”
“Sometimes I wonder if you’ve done something wrong to me, judging by how often you jump.”
“…”
“I’m probably the one who wronged you.”
I gave an awkward smile.
He was skilled at poking at people’s conscience.
Carriaire reached out his hand.
“If you’re done being scared, get up. You’re going to ruin your clothes.”
“…Thank you.”
I took his hand and stood up.
I carefully dusted my skirt, feeling his sharp gaze from the side.
Looking at him, I blushed and asked,
“Why? Is there something on my face?”
“Yeah.”
“Ha! So you can joke?”
“What?”
“Like a little makeup or something?”
“Sometimes I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
His serious eyes made me uneasy.
Feeling uneasy all over, I raised my hand to my face, but Carriaire grabbed my wrist.
Surprised, I looked at him.
He pulled my hand down and showed me.
“How far do you plan to put that on?”
“Um… Why?”
He looked at the floor.
Following his gaze, I saw ashes and soot on the poker near where I sat.
“Oh, I didn’t know.”
“I guessed so.”
He smirked and took out a handkerchief.
“Look this way.”
“No, I can do it myself…”
“Why, are you worried?”
“No!”
“Then it’s fine.”
Surprised, I blinked as he turned my face toward him.
His touch was soft and gentle as he wiped my face.
I felt my throat dry up.
Looking anywhere but at him, our eyes met.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He lowered his gaze silently.
His eyes felt like they touched my lips, making me blush.
He gave me the handkerchief and said,
“You wipe your lips.”
“…”
“I worry about that part.”
