Even Death Was Taken Away by That Obsession - Chapter 17

Dekiel’s red eyes remained impassive, showing no particular reaction.

It was as if he hadn’t even heard me say that I knew him.

Rather, his gaze was coldly indifferent as he looked down at me, exuding an air of superiority.

‘So he does know that I’ve kept the incident at the temple a secret.’

With a strange sense of defeat, I flashed a smile at Ian.

“I heard from Hubert. About the friend who’s been of great help to you.”

“I, too, have heard much about Your Grace.”

“What kind of rumors have you heard?”

“That you’re more beautiful than a doll.”

The Duke, confident that I had no intention of exposing his lie, acted even more boldly.

“Seeing you up close, I can confirm that the rumors are true. You’re dazzlingly beautiful.”

How many people could deliver such a compliment about dazzling beauty with such winter-like coldness?

Despite this, Dekiel’s lips were so alluring that one might believe anything they uttered as truth.

His shimmering golden hair momentarily caught my attention.

He was the perfect subject to easily steal anyone’s heart, as if the diamond around my neck had been finely ground and applied to his eyes and hair.

I, who had momentarily lost my words, came to my senses as Ian’s hand gently wrapped around my waist.

My body, which had been standing awkwardly, was drawn close to him.

“Personally, I owe Dekiel a great deal. If it weren’t for him, I might have been buried under work, unable to even return home.”

In truth, I wanted to quietly slip behind and exclude myself from the conversation.

But Ian, considerate of my continued silence, drew me into their circle.

Eventually, my eyes met Dekiel’s directly.

“We’ll be seeing each other often, so we should arrange a dinner sometime soon.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

The way the red eyes calmly received Ian’s words was peculiar.

The vivid color, as if someone’s heart had been torn out and embedded in his eyes, wrapped around my entire body like chains.

His eyes, as deep as blood, felt hot as they seemed to flow through my entire body.

It was as if my body was made entirely of that man’s eyes.

“Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Dekiel extended his hand.

I shook it forcibly, unable to hide my trembling fingertips.

Dekiel’s hand welcomed me with a cool temperature.

Due to that cold sensation, the palm that touched his felt as if it was gripping a raw blade.

The surrounding sounds melted away as if I had been submerged in a distant sea.

“Your name, Haine, is as beautiful as your appearance, my lady.”

Dekiel kissed the back of my hand.

Then, mimicking the look I had shown earlier, he spoke.

Wearing a splendid smile that said, ‘This isn’t our first time, is it?’

Despite having faced numerous situations as tangled as a labyrinth, for some reason, maintaining composure at this moment was not easy.

All I could do was smile like a helpless doll, and it was clear that if I stayed here, I would be swayed by him.

I hurriedly turned towards Ian.

“I think I’ll go in first. You must have met after a long time, so I should step aside here, regrettably.”

“I appreciate Your Grace’s consideration.”

The Duke intercepted the response to what I had said to Ian.

Then, gesturing towards the cafe, he signaled Ian to come and talk.

I thought Ian would be swept away by Dekiel, but he firmly met my eyes and asked, “Will you be alright?”

“Yes. I’d like to go back and rest for a while. I want to admire the necklace more too.”

“Alone……”

“What do you mean alone? Hubert is there too. Please don’t worry.”

I playfully winked at Ian, trying to reassure him.

Whether he was genuinely convinced or just pretending to be, Ian reluctantly let go of my hand.

***

Ian let out a small sigh, concerned about sending Haine back alone.

‘She’s in a very weakened state. She needs to take medicine regularly, and it’s best not to stay out for long periods.’

His brother’s words suddenly came to mind, causing him more worry.

It was due to the thorough instructions left by Feiden, renowned both as the High Priest and a skilled doctor.

‘Don’t leave her alone if possible. Don’t take your eyes off her.’

That’s why sending Haine back alone in the carriage bothered him even more.

He didn’t want to leave his fragile fiancée alone for even a moment.

But it was Haine herself who pushed Ian away.

‘What do you mean alone? Hubert is there too. Please don’t worry.’

Haine said this with a shy smile.

She naturally, but firmly, rejected his offer to return together.

Her lips, which seemed somewhat anxious, appeared to dislike the idea of him giving up something because of her.

Eventually, Ian nodded and briefly kissed Haine’s forehead as he saw her off.

Even after the Grand Duke’s carriage had completely disappeared from view, he was still full of worry.

Ian entered the cafe with a face still etched with concern.

The cafe was filled with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and sweet syrup.

Both Dekiel and Ian favored this cafe for its intimate atmosphere, with partitions set up between each table.

The young Duke, who had arrived and seated himself first, lightly ran his fingers through his hair.

His golden hair shimmered quietly between his fingers.

“I thought your fiancée must be quite frail since you wouldn’t even show her to me. But here you were on a date.”

Dekiel expressed his disappointment towards his friend with an exaggerated gesture.

Unlike Ian, who was dressed in a light suit for his outing with Haine, Dekiel was fully attired in his official uniform and insignia, perhaps having been busy with parliamentary duties.

“I’ve been thoughtless.”

Ian smiled plainly as he hurried to take his seat.

He raised his hand to order his share of coffee.

Although the distance between tables was sufficient, people recognized Dekiel and Ian beyond the partitions and let out exclamations.

“My goodness! What a windfall!”

“To be able to see the Young Duke and the Duke together!”

They regarded this sight as a gift, completely captivated by their superior appearances.

Ian, seemingly feeling guilty for disappointing his friend, sought a small forgiveness with his characteristically gentle gaze.

“I’m sorry for the late introduction, but I hope you understand. I’ve only informed the Grand Duke with a few letters as well.”

Even as he apologized, Ian’s blue eyes were full of affection.

His face was curved with quiet joy. It was unmistakably the look of someone completely smitten.

Dekiel, who had been keenly observing Ian, mimicked Ian’s innocent smile and spoke.

“Still, shouldn’t you introduce her to everyone soon?”

Ian, who was just reaching for the teacup placed before him, let out a quiet sigh.

He knew this even without Dekiel reminding him.

This year was the Year of the Oracle, which comes once every decade.

Coincidentally, with the coronation of the next Grand Duke also approaching, Aintz was expected to maintain an excited atmosphere throughout the year, starting from the new year.

And Ian was the heir to that Grand Duke.

When winter returns, it would be him assuming the title, not his father.

Therefore, he was well aware that his fiancée couldn’t be just an ordinary fiancée, that the weight of her position would be different from other women.

“An introduction… I suppose that will happen eventually.”

As Ian nodded with a slight raise of his eyebrow, Dekiel leaned in leisurely.

And he acted kindly as if showing false kindness to a deer that had stepped into his territory.

“As it happens, there’s a perfect occasion coming up.”

“A perfect occasion?”

In response to Ian’s query, Dekiel rested his arm and gave a friendly look.

“The hunting festival will be held soon. And this year, we’re hosting it.”

Ian nodded quietly and reached out his hand.

His large hand patted Dekiel’s firm shoulder in encouragement.

“That’s right, it’s coming up soon. You must be working hard on the preparations.”

“Not only will high nobles attend, but also figures from all walks of life. It’ll be a great opportunity.”

“……”