~Chapter 33~
It hurt to see him refer to being ignored as a “wound to the heart.”
Even while carrying that pain, he still worried about others. That made my chest ache even more.
‘Rivier, did you recklessly step forward again? Even if the people adore you, someone could act out in anger. You’re truly fearless.’
‘But you were by my side.’
‘And if I hadn’t been?’
‘I believed you’d be watching over me. Right?’
‘You’re trying to drive me crazy, aren’t you? Doing this on purpose to make me restless.’
‘Hehe… Of course not. I trust you, Khalid.’
‘If I trust you a second time, I’ll die for sure.’
Even so, hearing the words of concern he once said during our love made my heart pound.
That expression of worry, as if afraid I might be hurt, that gentle hand brushing my cheek and shoulder—I remembered it vividly.
His tone, expressions, and meanings were all different now.
But even a sliver of kindness was enough to awaken old memories.
‘No, I have to hold it together.’
If I shed tears now, Khalid might grow suspicious.
I bit the inside of my cheek and forced myself to stay composed.
Thankfully, Khalid didn’t notice.
Despite my turmoil, our conversation continued.
Had he dropped his suspicions of me? Or did he now see me as someone marginally useful? Either way, he was more open than before.
Though only to the extent of hiding his thorny exterior—his gaze remained cold, and his words sharp.
Once our plan to locate the dogfighting ring and acquire the list was solidified, Khalid stood up.
He hadn’t even touched the food he ordered. I felt guilty, but I had no right to voice it—so I swallowed the thought.
I was used to thinking and hurting alone. Almost tired of it now.
“Then let’s wait for the results.”
I thought he would leave without hesitation—but he quietly waited for me at the door.
He extended his hand toward me. Surprised, I looked up, only to see his brow twitch like it was nothing—‘What are you doing, not taking it?’
And then I remembered. This gesture wasn’t for me—it was for those watching us.
‘Right… we’re supposed to appear like lovers bound by a romantic engagement.’
I had forgotten about our staged relationship while talking to him.
A relationship where feelings were mutual.
Bitterly smiling, I took his hand.
I only meant to grasp his fingertips, but he easily wrapped his entire hand around mine.
I flinched at the sudden warmth and tried to pull back, but my aching leg gave out.
Without effort, Khalid supported me. Everything he did felt so effortless and natural.
“You’re quite the gentleman.”
“I’ve been trained since I could walk.”
“So it’s a habit?”
“I don’t do it for just anyone.”
“So I’m not just anyone, then?”
The words slipped out before I realized.
I couldn’t even turn to check his expression.
Before I could react, he gripped my shoulder slightly tighter and replied with cold detachment.
“I told you not to get the wrong idea.”
Even the possibility of a misunderstanding was distasteful to him.
His hand wasn’t rough, but it hurt all the same.
Even the warmth in our joined hands didn’t feel like warmth anymore.
Sharp. Like being pricked by thorns wherever we touched.
I clenched my teeth and responded like nothing was wrong.
“Yes, I didn’t misunderstand. I just meant… I’m no longer a stranger. After all, we’re in the same boat now.”
“We’ll see about that.”
He would judge after seeing the results of this plan.
At the restaurant entrance, he opened the carriage door himself and gestured for me to get in.
Maybe it was the rain, but my leg ached more than usual today.
I climbed in slowly, hoping he wouldn’t notice my limp.
“It was a delightful evening. I await a favorable outcome.”
“I too had a lovely time. I hope I can meet your expectations, Your Highness.”
To an outsider, it would sound like a sweet exchange between engaged lovers.
Just as he had advised, I smiled faintly and acted the bashful fiancée.
It was harder than anything—my facial muscles were shaking from the strain.
Yet Khalid, ever composed, closed the door with a gentle smile meant to enchant onlookers.
My heart ached unbearably, but one thing was certain—the rumors would spread as intended.
The door was now closed. The curtains drawn.
There would be no second opening of that door.
Khalid had drawn enough attention. When it was done, he would leave without hesitation.
The man who used to wait for me after I left—that man was gone.
Tears I’d been holding back finally burst forth.
The pain in my heart—reacting to one fake smile—was worse than the ache in my leg.
I covered my mouth to stifle the sobs. My vision blurred with endless tears.
Clunk—the carriage began to move.
Just as I expected, the door never reopened. The carriage never stopped.
This was the reality I had to get used to now.
* * *
When I returned to the mansion, my tears had dried—but the evidence of them still remained on my face.
Aldin, who had accompanied me, looked at me strangely but soon looked away.
He had to quickly return to his actual master.
That master, Serel, was preparing to return to the Academy after break, buried in her studies.
Thankfully, that meant she wouldn’t see my messy face.
Avoiding Serel was a relief, but I still had to see the Marquis, who had told me to come by after returning.
“Did you cry again?”
As soon as I opened the study door, gentle concern greeted me.
The Marquis, who had made a habit of speaking formally to me, sometimes slipped into honorifics when we were alone.
“Babel, you’ll slip up and speak like that in front of others.”
“Ahem. Don’t worry—I’m being careful.”
It had been a long time since he used my childhood nickname. Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, he looked sheepish.
I chuckled softly and dropped onto the sofa.
The pretty dress I’d worn to impress Khalid suddenly felt stiff and uncomfortable.
Wearing a beautiful dress doesn’t make me prettier than Rivier.
Even knowing it was petty, I kept comparing myself to her.
“Yes, I cried. Wouldn’t it be stranger if I didn’t?”
“That’s why I told you I’d do it.”
“But it’s okay to cry. Because at least this way… I get to see him.”
The Marquis sighed deeply, clearly pained.
He had wanted to take on the dangerous task himself and face Khalid directly.
But I had opposed him. I had insisted on going in his place.
“His Highness is deliberately creating rumors about you. I fear Rivier’s arrows may turn your way.”
“That just proves how important this investigation is. He needs a convincing distraction to draw her attention.”
“If she still remembers what happened at the ball, Rivier will be obsessed with our relationship.”
If she felt she had been humiliated, she wouldn’t rest until she repaid it. Khalid knew Rivier’s temperament better than anyone.
“If I appear to be helping the Crown Prince behind my father’s back because I’m ‘blinded by love,’ then Rivier will see me not as a threat but as a pawn. Someone to manipulate. Either to mock me or use me to mock Khalid again.”
“That kind of illusion won’t last long. She’ll catch on quickly.”
“You’re right. And His Highness knows that too. But even a brief moment of distraction is valuable. If I can contribute to that plan—then I don’t care what happens to me.”
