Chapter 69 - Delusions

‘Ugh, why is he making that face now? Could he be undergoing puberty at this late age?’ I couldn’t help but speculate this because of his severe mood swings. 

At that moment, he said in a low voice, “Run away, huh? Doing that will only make your life difficult though.”

I nodded in response. “Well, I think I’ll be much happier being penniless than if I were to marry the crown prince.”

Although I would have to sacrifice my inheritance from my father, I could sell my jewelry for a good chunk of money. ‘Even without my inheritance, I’ll be able to sustain myself by running a small business.’ Although this meant giving up my dream of living lavishly without having to lift a finger, running away was the only adequate solution I could think of. ‘It’s probably a good idea to start preparing.’ 

At that moment, I heard a quiet voice. “I’m leaving.”

“Wait…!” I called out to him, but he had already left without hearing what I had to say. When I came to terms with his departure, I sighed. “…You should’ve at least told me if you were going to accept or reject my request.”

* * *

Fresia quietly watched Duke Floyen as he reviewed the documents she had given to him. ‘For God’s sake, I hope he doesn’t notice anything…’ Her back had become clammy from cold sweats. She had only managed to stall him for an hour, which was already an achievement. 

It was then Regis closed the folder. “I’ve looked through the documents you gave me, but I don’t see anything different from last time.”

As the duke was about to stand up and leave, Fresia calmly said, “That’s impossible. If you look carefully…”

“Yulia.”

She hardened her expression when the duke called out her real name. She knew that he only did this when he was about to threaten her. “I don’t know what your purpose is, but if you pull something like this again, I’ll call off the deal.” Regis stood up after warning her. 

She glanced at the duke. “I have more information though. Are you sure you don’t want to see them?” she asked. 

In response, the man who had worn a hostile expression just a minute ago sat back down meekly. A smile spread across Fresia’s face. ‘His reaction makes me wonder what kind of person Lady Floyen is. She’s managed to make my lord and this scary person so obedient.’ 

“So, what is it that you want to show me?”

Fresia took out another folder. “This.”

‘I planned to disclose this information later, but it can’t be helped.’ Fresia decided to show Regis the last card up her sleeve. 

A murderous aura emanated from Regis’s eyes as he reviewed the document. “Is this true?”

Fresia nodded and sipped her tea instead of responding immediately. When the tea passed through her throat, she set down the cup and smiled sweetly. “Have you ever seen me make a mistake?”

Regis hardened his expression and stood up. “I’m leaving.”

Fresia looked at the duke’s retreating back, then at the clock. ‘Hm, it’s a little earlier than what I had promised my lord… but he’ll probably be able to take care of it.’ She picked up her cup again to drink the remaining tea that had gone cold before forcefully setting it back on the plate. 

* * *

Clang! A rough, bursting sound rang throughout the room. 

‘What is that woman planning?’ Mikhail looked at the broken pieces of the liquor bottle he had smashed and twisted his expression. ‘Why on earth is she ignoring me?!’ He had sent an invitation to her, bothered by the fact she had left in the duke’s arms, but she hadn’t even replied. 

‘Just what is her reason? I even apologized this time…’ Mikhail had always been treated like a genius, so this was his first time lowering himself to someone else. When his apology didn’t even produce a response, it was a hard hit to his pride. ‘D*mn it. What exactly went wrong?’ Although he had apologized and tried to get in touch with her, she wasn’t sparing him another glance. He was the one actively seeking her out now. 

‘A woman like that… I should act as if she doesn’t exist either.’ He tried to stop thinking about her with this in mind, but he suddenly became dizzy from the bitter scent of liquor. 

“I like you, Mikhail,” she once said. 

Perhaps it was because he was drunk, but this terrible memory clouded his thoughts. Mikhail clenched his fists and punched the wall. 

* * *

Bang!

Max returned to his hideout and slammed the door angrily. Fresia, who had been startled by the sound, calmed herself and glared at Max. ‘He’s back earlier than expected, but why does he look so glum?’

When Max sat on the couch with a furious expression, Fresia furtively glanced at him. “Did something go wrong?” she asked. 

“That’s none of your business,” Max said coldly.