Don't Ask, It'll Hurt If You Know - Chapter 8
Being in Ian’s embrace wasn’t new, she had experienced it countless times while dancing or sparring. Yet now, it felt unfamiliar and awkward, as if it were her first time. There was a flush of embarrassment.
Perhaps it was the strange atmosphere created by those damned people that swept her away.
Grinding her teeth in frustration, Chloe couldn’t bring herself to look directly at them, opting instead for furtive glances. For the same reason, she couldn’t bring herself to chastise them either.
Unaware of the watchful eyes upon them, the couple remained focused solely on each other. Given the echoing cries they released, it was highly likely that even if they knew, they wouldn’t care.
What on earth were those people thinking to engage in such acts in the palace corridor garden? Chloe simply couldn’t comprehend it. Nor did she want to.
“Ha~ah, ha~ah. It’s okay to finish inside, right?”
While she could reluctantly concede to what they were doing, she just wished that the woman would keep her mouth shut. Chloe covered her ears and closed her eyes again, stifling a silent scream.
Fortunately, the scandal that felt like it would never end came to a close after a short while. The couple left, exchanging trivial remarks about how great it had been and that next time they should invite a third person, still completely oblivious to Chloe and Ian’s presence.
Once their voices faded entirely, Chloe let out a sigh of relief and opened her eyes. She tried to break free from Ian’s embrace, but his strong grip around her waist prevented her from doing so.
“Now that they’re gone, can you let me go?”
The lingering heat from earlier was evident in her voice. It sounded strange and embarrassing even to her own ears, causing her to flinch and cast her gaze downward. Her slightly damp eyelashes fluttered.
“Ahem, it’s fine now, so…….”
As she cleared her throat and attempted to speak again, she felt something firm and heavy around her abdomen. It felt almost like a gentle poke.
What is this?
Confused by the unfamiliar sensation, Chloe tried to glance down, but just then, Ian’s hand, which had been gripping her waist, released its hold. As he forcefully pushed her away, Chloe stumbled backward, propelled by his strength.
Ian himself retreated further into the shadows of the corridor, leaving Chloe unable to see his expression at all.
“……As you can see, this corridor is a gathering place for nobles who wish to indulge in secret affairs.”
Ian’s voice was lower than usual, devoid of any warmth. Instead, it felt so cold that it sent shivers down her spine.
His expression was probably just as icy.
Chloe felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her, realizing she had been swept up in such a strange atmosphere alone, gripping the hem of her dress tightly.
“The inside of the corridor and the garden are even worse, so if you want to be alone in peace, I recommend heading to the terrace.”
Worse than here? That implies there are even more people indulging in outdoor play?
Suddenly imagining a scene where multiple men and women were tangled together, Chloe’s face scrunched up in disgust.
“Why are you only saying this now?”
If he had told her earlier, she would have gone straight to the terrace instead of the garden. Then she wouldn’t have had to see that scene, and Chloe felt a twinge of resentment toward him for not mentioning it sooner.
“I did tell you.”
“When? Did you really say this place is dangerous?”
Ian confirmed with silence. Chloe sighed, realizing that was what he meant. It hadn’t crossed her mind at all, and she pressed her crumpled forehead with her fingers.
“You should have said it properly. If you say it’s dangerous, how am I supposed to know?”
Chloe asked, sounding accusatory, but there was no reply. She hadn’t expected an answer from him in the first place, so she clicked her tongue briefly and turned away.
