Chapter 111

 

‘I’m not sure yet, but it’s definitely worth checking.’

 

Having served the Crown Prince closely for a long time, Iona always prioritized her own judgment when deciding on matters related to him.

 

However, if there were perspectives she had missed, as Florence suggested, she couldn’t keep relying on her past erroneous beliefs.

 

Iona swallowed slowly and replied.

 

“…She claims that she has nothing to do with Yvonne’s matter. When I said I couldn’t believe it, she expressed a desire to speak with His Highness directly.”

 

Fortunately, even after cutting to the heart of the matter, the situation didn’t feel awkward.

 

Having finished explaining, Iona managed to maintain a calm expression.

 

Being a royal knight, accustomed to turning a blind eye and a deaf ear, Iona was quite effective in containing her turmoil.

 

Observing Iona’s reaction closely, Richard then asked a different question.

 

“Did she treat you harshly?”

 

Uncharacteristically, the concern in his behavior towards her made Iona feel a bit embarrassed.

 

And for good reason, as Richard had remained silent even when Florence had committed far worse in the past.

 

Indeed, Richard’s reaction this time seemed unusually intense compared to his usual demeanor.

 

What suddenly made him so angry?

 

Had he reached his limit of tolerance towards Florence’s outrageous behavior?

 

Florence had gone so far as to involve another man in an attempt to humiliate Iona. A deed that would certainly enrage any man with feelings for her.

 

The problem is that in all other aspects, he has demonstrated remarkable patience.

 

Richard had previously been pleased that Iona had endured the humiliation for him when she was slapped by Florence.

 

It wasn’t unreasonable for Iona to think that there was something disgusting about his tipping point.

 

“There was nothing to worry about.”

 

When Iona cut the conversation short, Richard too seemed to have nothing more to say.

 

Iona lightly touched Leroy’s arm, who stood beside her, and continued.

 

“It was really nothing serious, so please don’t worry, Duke. I wanted to end the conversation as soon as possible to avoid this kind of concern... I didn’t expect you to finish your private talk so quickly.”

 

“I came out after hearing that the young lady from the Landshof house came looking for you. I was even more surprised to hear that the two of you had disappeared alone.”

 

“I should have sent someone to let you know that everything was fine.”

 

“Now that I know you’re safe, that’s enough. Can we return to the ballroom? If it’s too much, perhaps it’s better to go home and rest.”

 

Leroy still seemed unable to fully dispel his worries, despite Iona’s reassurance.

 

She could feel his concerned gaze on her.

 

Iona was confident she could return to the hall and behave as usual, but the real issue lay elsewhere.

 

Iona answered with a troubled face.

 

“It doesn’t matter to me... but soon people will learn of how Miss Florence left the palace. It might be better to leave now to avoid awkward questions.”

 

The plan to quietly deal with Florence had already lost its meaning.

 

Unlike Leroy or Richard, Iona was in a position more exposed to people’s curiosity.

 

Naturally, being of a less noble status, Iona was more approachable than them.

 

She could avoid conversation or ignore it, but that wouldn’t look good to others. There were no benefits in mingling more with people, but the potential for damage was overwhelming.

 

‘Above all, I need time to sort out my thoughts alone.’

 

“I feel bad for leaving early when I attended as a partner, but if it’s alright with you, may I leave now?”

 

Iona asked Richard, as if seeking his permission.

 

She thought Richard might be petulant and say no, but to her surprise, he nodded easily.

 

Then, Leroy stepped towards the exit, as if suggesting they should leave immediately.

 

“I’ll accompany you out.”

 

“No, you should stay here, Duke. If both of us leave, people might think it’s strange.”

 

Iona restrained Leroy, holding his hand.

 

She felt Richard’s gaze immediately shift their way.

 

Under normal circumstances, such a trivial action would be overlooked, but given the suspicions, even these small gestures took on undue significance.

 

Trying to ignore Richard’s gaze, Iona continued.

 

“It’s hard to slip away unnoticed if I go with the Duke. I’ll contact you after I get back.’”

 

With a reluctant expression, Leroy agreed.

 

As they were discussing, Richard, who had been observing, casually added his input.

 

“If you wish to leave unnoticed, use the back door. I’ll instruct a servant to send a carriage there.”

 

After saying this, Richard called in a servant waiting outside the door and placed him at Iona’s side.

 

With the situation somewhat resolved, it was time for her to leave.

 

However, instead of moving immediately, Iona paused for a moment in her tracks.

 

After a brief hesitation, she spoke up.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

At Iona’s call, Richard turned only his eyes to look at her.

 

His dry gaze betrayed no particular emotion.

 

In that moment, Iona was swept up by the atmosphere, doubting whether she had perhaps misunderstood his feelings.

 

‘Secretly, I hope it’s not true.’

 

Richard had never treated Iona as anything more than a subordinate.

 

If he had loved her, he wouldn’t have committed the countless acts that were absolutely unthinkable for a lover.

 

Richard had dirtied her hands, tested her loyalty, and ultimately, betrayed her.

 

If using people and discarding them is his idea of love, then for him, love is nothing more than a perverted hobby.

 

Iona swallowed a bitter smile and reluctantly made a request.

 

“I need to see you in private and have something important to discuss. You’ve had a big event, so you probably need to rest until tomorrow... May I visit you the day after tomorrow in the afternoon?”

 

Richard, surprised by the unexpected request, slightly raised his eyebrows.

 

Instead of asking why, he just lightly lifted the corners of his mouth as usual.

 

It was a smile that was more beautiful because it was insincere.

 

“Why would you need permission to see me? I’ll be waiting with pleasure.”

 

***

 

It was a night when sleep did not come easily.

 

As soon as Iona returned home, she locked her door, using fatigue as an excuse, but instead of resting, she just paced around the room. Her mind was too cluttered to erase the invading thoughts even when she closed her eyes.

 

Considering whether to ask for some warm tea, Iona realized it was too late and likely everyone was asleep, so she sighed softly and slumped into a chair.

 

There was nothing she could do in the darkness since she had turned off all the lights to avoid a conversation with Nils.

 

Iona rubbed her temples as she closed her eyes.

 

‘...There’s so much to deal with, and the situation has become even more complicated.’

 

At first glance, Richard’s affection could be interpreted as Iona gaining an advantageous position.

 

Feelings of affection are usually manifested in a positive way.

 

Like wanting to do everything for the one you love.

 

However, to Iona, Richard’s emotions seemed far from such purity.

 

He had never been like a man ordinarily in love, so even if he recognized his feelings for her, there was no way to predict his future actions.

 

In fact, for Iona, who had been navigating the situation based on past judgments, this was an unexpected complication.

 

To turn this situation to her advantage, she needed to ponder deeply.

 

As Iona organized her thoughts for the upcoming meeting with Richard, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

 

‘What is it?’

 

She had explicitly instructed not to be disturbed, considering her exhaustion.

 

The servants, who had recently started treating her with utmost respect, must have a reason for such an intrusion.

 

Unless the person knocking was not a servant.

 

Wondering if Nils had come to remind her of a promise, Iona silently listened towards the door.

 

Soon, a low and soft voice relayed a message.

 

“Miss, the Duke has sent someone. May I come in to convey his message?”

 

Iona’s head snapped up.

 

Though the voice tried to disguise itself, Iona couldn’t fail to recognize its owner.

 

She quickly rose from her seat and hurried to the door.

 

As she pulled the handle, sure enough, a familiar face appeared through the crack.

 

Unable to hide her surprise, Iona whispered.

 

“Duke?”

--- End Of The Chapter ----

 

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