RVMPT Chapter 98

Chapter 98

My eyes flew open.

“…A contract?”

“Yes, a contract. We don’t need it anymore. There’s no reason to hold on to something unnecessary.”

“…”

“Diana?”

“Oh! Yes, you’re right. We don’t need the contract anymore.”

Harold stared at me, sensing something was off. His deep navy eyes reflected the moonlight softly as they settled on me. I quickly added an excuse.

“It just doesn’t feel real. The treatment was supposed to last at least four more years, but it’s already over.”

“If things had gone as expected, it would’ve taken longer to fully recover.”

He tucked my hair behind my ear and gently cupped my cheeks with both hands.

“If you hadn’t suddenly asked me to sleep with you that night.”

He kissed me. His lips, right under his sharp nose, curved gently.

“I just wanted you to get better quickly.”

“I know.”

His voice dropped sweetly, filled with satisfaction.

“This little head of yours was full of thoughts about me.”

He slowly blinked. But the next moment, the hunger in his navy eyes returned—dark and intense. A blazing heat swirled inside them.

I’d seen that look countless nights before—I knew it too well.

‘Is he going to…?’

I had said we should just sleep early since we needed to wake up soon.

He gently ran his thumb over my lips. Wherever his fingers touched, tension built up inside me. My heart started racing.

But then Harold pulled back calmly.

“I don’t think I could stop halfway, so I have no choice but to hold back.”

He closed his eyes as if preparing to sleep. I stared at him, lips slightly parted.

“…Are you really going to hold back?”

“Should I not?”

He opened one eye, gleaming mischievously.

“No!”

His smile widened, revealing sharp canines. I gasped and covered his face with my hands.

“Go to sleep. We have to wake up early.”

He clicked his tongue, then kissed my palm.

Then he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into his embrace.

“I’ll settle for this tonight.”

After about ten minutes, I heard his calm breathing above my head. He must have fallen asleep.

But I was wide awake. I had been tired earlier, but now I couldn’t sleep at all.

‘Will he talk about canceling the contract tomorrow and tell me he wants my powers?’

That must be it. Probably.

‘I knew this day would come.’

My mind felt foggy. It was only natural for our relationship to change now that the treatment was over, yet my heart felt like it was caught in a storm.

A dull ache throbbed in my chest, and I frowned.

‘I don’t regret anything.’

Asking him to sleep with me that night, healing him completely—I didn’t regret any of it.

This ache in my chest… it must be because I’m sad about the goodbye that’s coming.

All my ties since coming into this world are here. That’s why.

‘Let’s just sleep.’

I squeezed my eyes shut.

But no matter how long I tossed and turned, sleep didn’t come.

***

The next day, fancy carriages lined up in front of the Baisen mansion. Nobles who arrived earlier than expected gathered in groups, chatting among themselves.

In the middle of it, Kaiden entered the party hall with Amanda.

As soon as they appeared, a crowd of nobles buzzed toward them like bees. Count Garcia was the first to speak.

“It’s been a while, Lord Kaiden. Lady Amanda. You both look splendid as always. Lady Amanda especially reminds me of a regal peacock today.”

Amanda was extravagantly dressed from head to toe. Ever since she was banned from mingling with the servants, she had been relieving her stress through luxury.

Kaiden found it better this way. At least her fashion sense was good, so he didn’t have to worry about her looking tacky.

“Count Garcia, it’s been a while.”

Kaiden smiled, but his hand clenched tightly. If only Count Garcia hadn’t kicked Diana out… Kaiden held back the anger simmering inside, as if forgetting that he had once agreed to that decision.

He glanced around. As the heir of Baisen, he was used to attention, but today it felt like more people were watching him—about 1.5 times more.

Kaiden had a rough idea of why. Then, the Count asked,

“Do you know what the reason for today’s party is?”

Kaiden shook his head.

“I wish I could tell you, but I don’t know either.”

He had heard that Harold had been secretly dining with Baisen’s neutral retainers, but nothing suspicious had come of it. Still, it felt unsettling.

But there was no reason to share this, so Kaiden stayed quiet.

“Hmm, I see. I wonder what happy occasion the invitation mentioned…”

Count Garcia frowned, unlike the other curious nobles. He seemed nervous and uneasy.

“Ahem!”

The Count cleared his throat and leaned in to speak softly.

“Lord Kaiden, would you join me for a meal later today?”

“I’m afraid I—”

Kaiden was about to decline, but then the Count added quietly,

“I have something to tell you about Diana.”

“…Then I’ll see you after the party.”

The Count smiled, pleased. So his guess was right—Kaiden had feelings for Diana.

Trying to ignore the unease Harold had stirred in him, the Count bowed.

“Then I’ll look forward to it.”

Afterward, Amanda pulled Kaiden aside to a more secluded area.

“Kaiden, you haven’t forgotten that Diana is infertile, right?”

“I know, Mother. Please be careful—others are still nearby.”

“Sigh… we’ll talk later.”

At that moment, someone nearby said, “The Duke and Duchess have arrived.”

Kaiden looked up toward the main stairs of the central hall. Harold and Diana were walking down arm in arm.

Diana wore a sapphire evening dress matching her eye color, with navy accents. Harold wore a navy suit with sapphire accents.

“Oh my, the couple looks even more perfect in matching outfits.”

“It’s not just the clothes—look at the way they gaze at each other.”

“Hoho, maybe the good news on the invitation is that she’s pregnant?”

The chatter of the noble ladies didn’t reach Kaiden.

All his attention was focused on Harold and Diana, exchanging warm glances in their matching outfits.

Kaiden clenched his jaw, face twisted in jealousy. Fortunately, everyone else was watching the duke and duchess and didn’t notice his expression.

Just then, a servant handed Harold and Diana wine glasses. Other servants distributed glasses to the rest of the nobles.

“It wouldn’t be a proper celebration without drinks, so I’ve prepared some.”

Using a magical item, Harold’s voice echoed through the hall.

The nobles, even more curious, carefully took their glasses. What could this secret celebration be for?

“I heard everyone invited has arrived—and many of you brought guests as well. I appreciate your time.”

The room went quiet. Everyone was hanging on his every word.

“I hope this occasion allows us to share in joy together.”

Harold lifted his glass, his lips curling into a lazy smile.

“Today, we’re celebrating the end of my incurable illness—because I am now completely healed.”