Chapter 3
"Don't do that. I don't know what you're misunderstanding... He genuinely treats me well."
"He treats you well...?"
Knoxus seemed on the verge of smashing the vial right then and there, but he managed to restrain himself.
As I gathered my things and put them back into my handbag, he continued to observe me with an almost serene expression.
"Your Highness, I should get inside early today..."
"Yes, I'm sure that bastard will be waiting for you."
"Your Highness..."
"Every time we cross paths, it seems like I'm bringing you trouble. Maybe it would be better if I stayed away from you altogether."
"That's not true. I... I enjoy being in Your Highness' company."
His purple eyes appeared to waver slightly as I stretched out my sentence and added a hint of warmth. His gaze, piercing straight into my eyes, was undeniably cold, but there was a genuine and fierce emotion flickering behind those sharp eyes.
"I want to protect you, yet I can't."
"..."
"If something happens to you... Damn it, the next time we meet, let's do it somewhere outside of this Snake's Den. Don't be too surprised if you're riding your bicycle down the street and suddenly some unsavory character strikes up a conversation with you."
It would be quite satisfying if that unsavory character were to greet Fibonacci.
"But what if I get robbed?"
"There's no one on the streets of the Imperial capital who could successfully rob you. You know that, right?"
Knoxus added with a tinge of bitterness, and one last time he gently gripped my shoulder before turning away. His eyes held a mix of sorrow and remorse.
I waited for a moment, plucking a few sprigs of lavender, until he was completely out of sight. Only then did I leave, carrying an armful of flowers with me.
* * *
By the time I arrived home, the sun was already beginning to set, signaling the shortening days.
"Good evening, Miss Sasha. You finished work early today. Are those lavender flowers?"
"Good evening, Mr. Chaplin. Yes, I picked them up from the hotel garden. Would it be alright if I used them to decorate the dining room?"
"I'll find a suitable vase for them. By the way, you seem to be quite adept at riding that unique bicycle."
"It's surprisingly enjoyable. Would you like to give it a try?"
"Well, I think I might be a bit too old for that. Ah, perhaps the Chief Aide over there could try it."
Mr. Pavel, who looked weary as usual and was heading out for an evening stroll during his rare moments of free time, seemed quite taken aback.
Laughter erupted from everyone at his startled reaction.
"Don't worry, I won't force you to ride it."
"I apologize. It just took me by surprise... His Excellency and the Young Master returned home a little while ago, walking side by side."
"W-why did they return home together?"
"Let me correct myself. His Excellency was escorted home."
"What? What's going on?"
When I inquired, the Chief Aide raised his hand to his forehead and sighed.
"During the meeting, the bishop's wig accidentally fell off due to some comical relief event... He burst out laughing and caused quite a commotion."
Oh, dear... I chuckled and went up to my living room to change into more comfortable attire. I put on an indoor dress made of pale pink linen fabric with delicate ribbon embellishments.
After giving my hair a few final touches, I checked my appearance in the mirror and made my way to the dining area.
Today was one of those rare days when all three of us managed to leave work early. It had been quite some time since the three of us had a meal together.
In the middle of the white table, adorned with a spread of dinner dishes, stood a vase holding the bouquet of lavender I had gathered earlier.
"Sasha, our valiant protector! Well, let me tell you about what happened at today's meeting..."
"If you make fun of the bishop, I'm pretty sure Hyung will go to hell."
"Why am I the only one laughing here? Honestly, everyone was struggling to hold back their laughter! Both you and His Highness... And that's why I can't fathom why His Majesty suddenly looked so furious."
Did he really have an angry expression? It would have been quite amusing to witness.
Benya, who was sitting across from me with a smile, took his seat, while the Duke of Flame and Fury occupied his customary high-backed chair.
"Oh, I'm famished. It's been a while since I laughed this much, I could devour a whole feast... And it's been quite some time since we had a meal together."
"Yeah, everyone's been so busy... Especially you, Benya."
Benya appeared somewhat bewildered by the sudden shift of the conversation towards him, but he responded calmly.
"I'm busy precisely because the head of the family is inept. So, it's all Hyung's fault."
"What nonsense! How can you slander me like that...!"
We savored our meal leisurely in a warm and jovial atmosphere. The dinner, prepared by our talented chef, was beyond reproach.
"This is why I dislike autumn. There are just too many frivolous events."
"How many times must I remind you not to discuss work at the table?"
"Is this even related to work? But speaking of events, what was Princess Parke talking about earlier? Something related to the upcoming banquet."
"I can't quite recall. Sasha, why aren't you eating? Are you not feeling well?"
Benya, who had been engaged in a back-and-forth with his brother, suddenly turned his attention to me, prompting me to shake my head quickly.
"No, I'm fine. It's just that... You said that Princess Parke was at the palace?"
"She's been attending court sessions in her mother's stead these days. Why do you ask? Did you have any business with her?"
Right, that makes sense. Instead of responding, I lowered my head, speared a slice of mutton from my plate, and took a bite.
I couldn't exactly say that the female lead seems to be targeting him while leaving the male lead alone.
What a twist of events this has become. I thought my main focus was on Lethias and Alfonsina's love story, but now the female lead seems to be launching a counterattack...
I wonder how Assad would react if he found out. Or maybe he didn't have particularly strong feelings for Adriana either? After all, I've never seen them display deep affection toward each other.
To be honest, whether Assad or Adriana fell for someone else didn't really matter. What truly concerned me was the original novel's ending. It's just...
"Oh, by the way, Sasha, would it be alright if Alsie joins you while you're cycling? She asked if she could give it a try."
Did he change her nickname to Alsie? That's quite adorable. Hehe.
"Of course, it's fine. You two seem to be getting along well these days, huh?"
"No, it's not like that... Uh, actually, we're planning to meet up today."
"What? When?"
"Later, after dinner. I'll head over to her place as soon as we're done eating."
I see. Oh my, his face is turning red. He looks so youthful. All thanks to this Noona.
Our Bear, who's fallen in love, started checking his watch around dessert time, and eventually stood up first, asking for our understanding.
We certainly didn't hold him back. Instead, we waved him off and exchanged a few playful words.
"Have a great time, Oppa. But don't go bragging about the thrill of speed to her like last time."
"Don't cause any trouble. No, actually, don't come back at all. Please."
"You guys!"
After Lethias grumbled his way out, the rest of us sat in silence for a moment, sipping our tea and indulging in dessert.
Just as I was about to speak while slicing a cookie that was nearly the size of my face in half, he began speaking.
"What's on your mind?"
"Huh? Why?"
"It just seems like you're preoccupied with something."
"Rather than me being preoccupied... There's something I want to discuss with you."
As I brought up the topic casually, the guy who had been lounging back in his chair set down his teacup and leaned forward.
"Go on."
"Well, there's something I'm considering trying. But I'd like to know your thoughts on it."
"What is it? Is it related to the medicine?"
"Should I even call it the immunity fruit a medicine?"
A brief pause followed. Benya simply stared at me as I bit into a piece of the oversized cookie.
His face was impassive, but his sky-blue eyes seemed distant and cold, which made me slightly anxious. Maybe I shouldn't have brought this up?
"So, I..."
"Where is it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Where is... it?"
"It's in my room. Wait a moment, I'll fetch it."
Rubbing my head, I stood up and left the dining area. I wasn't entirely sure what I was trying to confirm, but if I were to consume it and not inform him, he might become upset.
I returned with the small vial of medicine and stood beside him tentatively, feeling a bit like a child.
"This is it. Have you ever tried this?"
Benya sat with his chin resting on his hand, turning the small vial around thoughtfully. Eventually, he placed it next to his teacup and muttered under his breath.
"Valentina must have brought this."
"I requested it. I was advised not to consume it for more than three weeks."
As soon as I said that, a faint smile seemed to tug at the corners of his sky-blue eyes.
"She's quite protective."
"Rather than her being protective, it's simply the truth. Have you or Lethias ever tried this?"
"Before, Lethias did. Poison doesn't work on elephants, but he took it in just in case. Lethias is the type to casually down one after another, so I won."
"I took one today, but it was incredibly bitter. If it were Lethias, he might have secretly discarded it for some reason..."
"That's true. That's why I had to make sure I saw him swallow it in front of me every day."
I can easily picture that scene. Your father was poisoned by his own brothers, and you taking on the role of protecting your brother. What a commendable person.
"Anyway, whether it's for three weeks or three days, it's still a troublesome thing. If it wasn't, I would have given it to you sooner. Have you considered that?"
"Shouldn't you just try it?"
"That's a good point."
"N-No, give it to me!"
As I reached out, he quickly snatched the vial away. Seriously, this guy...
"Come on, I want to give it a try!"
"It's unlike you to change your mind so easily."
"Did you mean to try it yourself? And you said Lethias tried it too!"
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