PHATFO 46

~Chapter 46~

“Your Highness.”

Armin’s tears were very rare, so those around him stirred in surprise.

I was just as confused. I thought if I kept denying, he might get angry or shout.

Not knowing what to do, I froze, but then his hand grabbed mine.

“What did your trashy family do to you? What exactly happened that made you… no, this isn’t right.”

He rested his forehead on my shoulder and sobbed.

“I’m sorry, Bella.”

“What?”

“It’s all my fault. I came too late.”

“No…”

Because so many sudden things happened, my mind wasn’t working well.

Only after a moment did I realize he was referring to the promise from two years ago.

“You don’t have to apologize… We never really had any relationship to begin with—”

“No, Bella.”

Suddenly, I was pulled into a hug.

I didn’t notice because it was so tight it was hard to breathe.

“We were engaged to be married.”

Before I knew it, there was a ring on my ring finger.

When that dull glint pierced my eyes—

“…..”

I bit my lower lip hard and endured it.

Because I didn’t know what to do to steady my blurring mind.

4. Viola

“So, you’re saying I was Your Grace’s fiancée?”

“That’s correct.”

Even while telling an obvious lie, Armin’s expression didn’t change.

He was so confident that I almost doubted my own memory.

“Perhaps you’re mistaken? How could someone like me, a commoner…”

“I understand you’re confused. Bella, you likely don’t remember anything right now. But you were a noble, and you bore the name Rohilton.”

“That means I’m not—”

“Would you like to check the noble register?”

Even royalty couldn’t tamper with that. The register recorded names and details, making it impossible to deny one’s identity.

“Don’t worry, Bella. I’ll do my best to help you regain your memories.”

“…”

If I simply nodded here, Armin would drag me away. But if I objected, I’d have to admit I remembered him.

I couldn’t trust him, and I certainly couldn’t be sure of my future. The moment I confessed to lying, who knew what would happen?

Armin didn’t push me. He only studied me quietly with those red eyes.

Gale’s words came back to me.

‘Anyone who mentioned the missing year… was either killed or driven away.’

Perhaps he only wanted to see if I truly had lost my memories.

If I assume he called me his fiancée just to keep me close… everything fits.

It was a vicious trap.

The cruel part was… knowing it was a trap, yet still having to walk into it.

Running away was impossible—with Imperial knights and Armin both, I wouldn’t get far.

Better to pretend to obey, follow him, and wait for the moment he let his guard down.

Either way, I’d have to leave Ermel. So I decided to leave a letter behind.

Aisha hadn’t appeared since Armin showed up.

It wasn’t that I was worried—she’d vanished without a word before. When I asked where she’d been, she’d said:

[I have to work to survive too. Do you think money comes out of thin air?]

Mages had many ways to make money, most of them illegal, so I hadn’t pressed.

I only guessed she was off earning money now.

What concerned me was that she might come back, see the closed shop, and panic.

I won’t mention Armin. I’ll just say I had to leave for personal reasons, so she shouldn’t wait for me.

Aisha was softhearted. If she heard I’d been taken away, she might chase after me.

It had started with her trying to collect unpaid medicine fees, but she’d become the first person to teach me anything valuable.

Counting that, and the help she gave with Jacob, I owed her far more than I could repay.

I only hoped she wouldn’t waste time waiting or trying to save me, and would live well without me.

Rattle, rattle—

Even though the road was rough, the carriage barely shook. If not for the scenery flashing past the window, I’d have thought we were moving slowly.

It must mean this carriage is of high quality.

It was so fast that in less than ten minutes, my shop and even Ermel were gone from sight.

I felt oddly empty. All the time I’d spent in that town now felt like a mere dot.

I’d always told myself I could leave whenever I wanted, but… I guess I’d grown attached.

I let out a hollow laugh—then felt my hair lift slightly. Armin was examining it.

“Why did you dye your hair?”

Ah. The dye.

I repeated his words like an idiot.

The silver hair was to hide my natural color—it drew attention. But saying that outright was dangerous. It could prove I hadn’t forgotten my past.

Luckily, I had an excuse ready.

“Well… actually, someone almost stole it.”

“My hair, you mean?”

Armin seemed surprised that hair could be worth money.

I understood. Back when I was in Rohilton, I hadn’t known either. As a noblewoman—even one treated poorly—maids never dared covet my hair.

But after abandoning my status, I’d seen all sorts of things, including a hair thief.

I’d woken to find someone by my bed, scissors in hand. Even now, it made me shudder.

He’d said my hair was in good condition, and its rare silver color would sell well as a wig.

That’s when I realized my hair drew attention, so I began dyeing it regularly.

When I finished the story, Armin asked casually, “So, who was the thief?”

He was smiling, but I felt a chill.

“I never learned his name.”

“You remember his appearance, at least? Any features?”

“It was so long ago… I don’t really remember.”

“You really do forget things easily.”

For a moment, my breath caught—it felt like he was hinting at something else.

He took my right hand in both of his, kissing the ring.

“Don’t worry, Bella.”

“…”

“As long as you don’t forget from now on… we’ll be together forever, won’t we?”

He was smiling like he was happy, but there was something hidden underneath—whether a scheme to break me down or another desire, I couldn’t tell.

What was certain was—

“Right?”

“…Yes.”

There was only one answer I could give.

The carriage rolled on in silence.

Whether satisfied with my answer or simply saving questions for later, Armin didn’t press further.

I wanted to scream and jump out, but I didn’t.

It would’ve been suicidal—the carriage was too fast, and I was too weak. Even if I survived, I’d only draw his suspicion and increase the watch on me.

The best plan was to stay quiet until we reached the duke’s estate, then look for a way to escape.

Most people relaxed once they were home. That would be my chance.

So I thought he’d hurry to get there.

“We’ve arrived.”

“…This is the duke’s estate?”

“There’s a nearby town. I thought it would be better to stop here for a meal.”

The carriage halted in a bustling city.