Chapter 5

All I had wanted from Ian was a little bit of help.

Even now, after recovering some of my memories, that hadn’t changed.

And yet, of all people, the one who had helped me turned out to be the heir who would one day rule this duchy.

This is a little troublesome.

Dant dressed me in a shimmering silk nightgown while continuing to chatter busily.

“I actually overheard the conversation between the young master and the head butler earlier.”

“What conversation?”

“They said you were the daughter of some very important person, I think. I’m sorry, I don’t remember the details very well! Anyway, they said you were physically weak and had been recuperating in some forest.”

“……”

“And apparently, the young master was greatly indebted to you a long time ago. Because you were so frail and had even suffered an accident, he said he was finally able to repay the favor now.”

Ah.

So that’s how he had explained our relationship.

I must have looked terribly awkward as I accepted this story I’d never heard before, but Dant didn’t seem to notice anything strange.

“It’s sad that you were injured while you were recuperating, but I think it’s actually for the best!”

“For the best?”

“You know! There’s no better place for recuperation than the Grand Duke’s residence. And since the temple protects this place too, it’s incredibly safe. The High Priest is also an excellent physician.”

Ah.

That lunatic who claims to be my friend.

I thought of Phaiden and glanced away, only to quickly find myself worrying about Ian.

The heir to the Grand Duchy has gone so far as to bring home someone he claims is his benefactor, saying she’s been recuperating somewhere… Is this really all right?

He had made far too much of a fuss simply to help me.

I touched my damp lips as I fell into thought.

I was planning to accept his small kindness and then disappear somewhere…

I clenched my fist without even realizing that my nails were digging into my palm.

I hoped that the gentle gentleman wouldn’t go any further.

I hoped that his kindness would remain nothing more than kindness.

With that thought, I made my decision.

I should leave this place before it’s too late.

The condition for me to win the bet was to fall in love with someone other than him.

But hadn’t everyone who became entangled with me eventually met the same fate?

Death.

Once again, I found myself worrying about Ian’s safety.

Dant, who had been talking endlessly, suddenly brightened with a serious look in her eyes.

“It’s getting late, but would you like to take a quick look around the Grand Duke’s residence? Oh! The dressing room would be perfect. You could choose what you’d like to wear tomorrow while we’re there!”

“……”

“You’ll be amazed when you see the dressing room here. It’ll be filled with things that suit you perfectly.”

“…Then shall we go take a look together?”

I answered with a forced smile, hiding my exhaustion.

Her excessively talkative mouth was a little noisy, but I couldn’t help finding Dant’s kindness adorable when she wrapped a shawl around my shoulders.

She had been praising Ian without pause, even going so far as to exaggerate that half the young ladies of Bonasea were desperate to become his bride.

But she added with a playful laugh that perhaps all those hopes would ultimately be for nothing.

That was when—

“Isn’t it a little too late for a walk?”

Ian’s quiet voice came from somewhere nearby.

“Ian?”

He had approached so silently and stood so close that I instinctively flinched.

Despite the overly intimate whisper, Ian’s smile was innocent.

“Did I startle you? But it’s already quite late to be looking around the mansion tonight…”

Everything about him was clear as daylight.

His slightly playful words.

His voice.

Even the look in his eyes.

I actually came because I wanted to see you.

He seemed to murmur those words to himself as he took hold of my still-damp hair.

At some point, the distance between us had grown smaller.

“Ahem, I suppose I wasn’t thinking. You must rest tonight! I’ll show you the dressing room tomorrow. Then, I’ll be going now.”

Dant seemed simultaneously perceptive and oblivious.

Her cheeks flushed as she completely misunderstood the situation.

Then, wearing an unmistakably mischievous smile, she hurriedly turned around and trotted away, her orange hair fluttering behind her.

By tomorrow, the mansion would probably be buzzing with the romantic rumors Dant had secretly been hoping for.

Just Ian coming to see me would have given her enough gossip for the day.

As soon as Dant disappeared, Ian hurriedly stepped away from me.

His noble face had already become as docile as a white lamb.

“I may have gone too far in several ways.”

The man who had been acting like a dignified nobleman only moments ago was now blushing shyly like a boy.

Which side of Ian is his true self?

I found the contrast adorable, but quickly forced myself to calm down.

If he came because he wanted to see me, that means we need to make sure our stories match as soon as possible.

I knew that his affectionate behavior earlier had been deliberate, simply to emphasize that I was his benefactor.

I knew that.

And yet, I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.

“Heine.”

“Yes?”

“I may have been too presumptuous… without asking your permission… about repeatedly…”

Ian suddenly trailed off as though he had become overwhelmed by guilt.

He seemed to realize that even his ears were turning red, because he quietly covered his face with one large hand.

He really is adorable.

I gave him an innocent look and tried to reassure him.

I wasn’t some naïve young lady who would attach meaning to something as simple as having her waist held.

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it.”

In truth, sharp questions were swirling through my mind.

What kind of person do you think I am that you decided to disguise me as your benefactor?

You don’t even know that I’m not human.

But instead, completely different words came out of my mouth.

“You don’t have to worry about it so much. I wasn’t uncomfortable at all.”

The words had slipped out before I even realized it.

They were entirely impulsive.

“Even so, I’m sorry I didn’t ask for your permission first.”

And yet, Ian remained a gentleman to the very end.

He even bowed politely as he apologized.

I hurriedly covered my mouth and turned my head away.

His apology was simply too adorable.

I had to hide the smile breaking through between my fingers.

Whenever Ian was in front of me, my heart seemed to lift strangely.

And before I knew it, a greedy thought arose.

Would it really be all right to draw this man into my life?

Would it be all right for me to take someone who was loved and respected by everyone in the duchy?

“Perhaps I should have thought of another reason besides being your benefactor?”

While I was lost in thought, Ian gave an awkward smile.

“But something similar may happen again, so I’d like to ask for your understanding in advance.”

“Something similar?”

“Since I’ve introduced you as someone precious to me… Of course, I won’t cross any boundaries, so you don’t need to worry too much.”

His considerate hesitation made my heart waver again.

For his sake, I should leave this place.

In fact, I should leave right now.

Because I had to run.

I should.

Soft lighting quietly watched the two of us.

It was an intimate glow, almost as though it were waiting to see what choice I would make.

“Heine?”

His eyes shone transparently, as though the clear sky itself had been folded into them.

Those blue eyes, so different from my own vivid red ones, reflected me back at myself and urged me to speak.

Tell him you’re grateful for everything today.

Tell him you have to leave.

Hurry.

The countless memories of how my love had ended told me that I had to stop here.

Now that the bet between him and me had begun, if I dragged Ian into it, eventually Ian would…

But before I could finish that resolve, it crumbled.

“Heine.”

Ian’s clear voice flowed softly from his lips.

“It’s all right.”

His voice had lowered, calmly lingering beside my ear.

Unlike Ian, who was smiling faintly, I was probably wearing a face that looked as though I might cry.

“I know there’s something you can’t tell me. Whatever it is, I don’t know the reason, but I want to help you.”

His kindness contained not even the slightest trace of a lie.

It was sweet enough to intoxicate me.

“If you’re uncomfortable with how familiar I’ve been acting, I’ll think of another way. I won’t do anything you dislike.”

“But…”

“I promise.”

Ian gently took both of my hands.

His palms were warm.

“Your body hasn’t recovered yet. At least stay here until you’ve regained your memories.”

I lowered my head, pretending to be shy.

I could no longer bear to look into Ian’s clear blue eyes.

And so, in the end, I made a selfish choice.

That’s right.

I still have so much to discuss with Phaiden, and I haven’t recovered all my memories yet.

More than anything, Ian was genuinely worried about me.

So I selfishly decided that I would postpone my departure for a few more days.

And a few days later.

“Ugh.”

As though condemning my selfish choice, someone’s sword pierced my chest.

I’m finally going to die.

Even through the agony of flesh being torn apart, a trembling breath of exhilaration escaped my lips.

Pain spread through me like flames, but I welcomed it as though it were a blessing.

Naively, I thought this was how my story would finally end.