Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 175
Well, Guinevere’s wise son found himself face-to-face with his half-brother as he descended the stairs.
Ulysses scrutinized his brother’s attire. It was still dirty and disheveled, but there were no signs that he had undressed and redressed.
The strange sense of relief that washed over him now unsettled him.
Nigel’s face was calmer than before. His previously fiery expression had cooled to an icy indifference.
His golden eyes noticed Ulysses. They merely glanced at him, showing no interest.
Normally, Ulysses would have been relieved. His brother usually scowled at him in public, spouting curses or picking fights. Though he would often evade or ignore him, it was tiresome to endure.
But today was different. Ulysses was the one who stopped Nigel first, despite having resolved just a few minutes ago to remain indifferent to the situation with Cecilia.
“Young Marquis, did you achieve what you wanted?”
Nigel, not expecting Ulysses to address him first, showed a momentary expression of surprise.
Then his mouth twisted into a familiar sneer.
“Since when have you been so interested in my affairs?”
“Since you’ve been causing such a commotion here, mixing public and private matters. I couldn’t help but take notice.”
“What did you just say?”
“I am still a member of House Rosencrantz, after all.”
“…You’re quite shameless today.”
Are you becoming more like your mother? Nigel muttered to himself.
He jabbed a finger into Ulysses’ chest.
“Why don’t you go and pander to your mother? The only reason you’re still clinging to this family is because of that woman.”
“I don’t deny it.”
“Then get lost. I’m leaving.”
Leaving? Already?
The man who, like a crocodile, never let go once he sank his teeth into his target, was leaving so easily and so soon? Ulysses’ mind raced.
“…So, you met her?”
Cecilia Lasphilla. So, he found her after all?
Nigel raised his chin leisurely.
“Oh, yes. So, she was on your mind, wasn’t she? I knew it.”
“…”
“Don’t be so cowardly, beating around the bush. Just ask directly.”
Ulysses decided to follow his brother’s lead.
“Then, did you meet her?”
He asked again, this time without any pretense.
Nigel’s lips curled up in satisfaction.
“Yes, I met her.”
“…”
“It was a very heated reunion.”
Ulysses’ face twitched. Nigel observed keenly, seeing emotions flicker across the face of someone who usually remained stoic, no matter what insult he endured.
All that talk of public and private matters was just a flimsy excuse. Ulysses was still hung up on that woman.
Nigel thought. This guy still has feelings for Cecilia. And today, I became her lover. Though it’s just a contractual relationship.
‘This is quite amusing.’
It’s something that would definitely irritate Ulysses. Disgusting, but interesting no less.
“Hey, did you know?”
Nigel began.
“She was the one who called me. She came to me herself, and she was so flustered, doing all sorts of sly things…”
Blue eyes wavered. Seeing his brother’s increasingly shaken expression only added to Nigel’s enjoyment.
“She called you first?”
Ulysses’ question was more of an instinctive mutter to himself, but Nigel answered it willingly. Yes, he said.
“Why?”
“For what reason do you think a woman calls a man in private? Do I need to spell out every intimate detail for you?”
“But you clearly…”
“Hey, you seem to be under some illusion.”
Nigel took a step closer and muttered in a low voice.
“Hatred and desire can coexist perfectly well.”
“…!”
Ulysses’ fists clenched tightly. The sounds of singing and chatter faded, as if the real world was slipping away from him. He felt utterly disconnected from reality.
His mouth moved on its own, spewing out a question that had been chewed over so much it was practically in shreds.
“What did you do… upstairs?”
“What else would a man and a woman do when they’re alone on the second floor?”
Blue flames flickered in Ulysses’ eyes.
Nigel hoped that, this time, Ulysses would finally throw a punch.
If he were to lose all his precious composure in front of so many people and ruin his reputation over a woman, Guinevere’s expression would be something to behold.
