If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 63
Suddenly, Ivan felt uncomfortable under Liam’s inquisitive gaze. Liam’s eyes seemed to hold numerous questions—why was he being so friendly with the lady, did something happen during her heat cycle, and many more. Ivan found Liam’s scrutinizing gaze highly discomforting.
Clearing his throat, Ivan raised his teacup, attempting to appear elegant as he sipped, while also trying to avoid Liam’s direct gaze. However, Liam’s curiosity was too apparent to ignore.
“…It’s not like that.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s not what you think it is.”
“Do you know what I’m thinking…?”
Just like last time at the dining room. It seemed like the head butler had lost some of his tact these past few days. Ivan continued to drink his tea, steadfastly avoiding eye contact.
Meanwhile, Ruby, having cheerfully taken her medicine, was praising the carrot juice as she sipped it.
The peculiar atmosphere that lingered for a moment disappeared neatly. Ivan, still idly playing with his exposed rabbit ear, glanced at Ruby. Just looking at her made his heart flutter strangely.
Especially when he discovered traces he had left on her neck and arms, his spine tingled with a pleasant sensation.
* * *
The next day, Ivan left the bedroom alone, leaving Ruby still asleep. Liam was already in the private parlor.
“You called?”
“Leave Ruby alone for a while.”
“Yes, understood.”
“She’ll take care of it herself.”
“Of course.”
After washing up and changing clothes, Ivan headed to the training grounds for the first time in a while. After observing the knights training early in the morning and engaging in a light sparring session, he finally made his way to the dining hall.
As Ivan entered the dining hall, the maids approached him with friendly greetings. However, the servant who had seemed annoyed by his refusal the day before had a visibly wrinkled expression when he declined this time.
“…Huh?”
It wasn’t an attitude one would dare to show in front of the owner of the mansion. However, Ivan felt more puzzled than displeased. This was because even when he visited the training grounds, the knights had looked at him with strange glances as well.
Ivan discreetly sniffed his own wrist. Could it be that there was something wrong with his pheromones? Or is there some strange smell coming from his body? Unless that’s the case, a servant wouldn’t openly show such an attitude in front of their superior.
Liam, standing by his side, stepped forward instead of Ivan.
“You leave the dining hall right now,” said Liam. “Since you can’t even manage your expression properly in front of the master, I’m restricting your access here from now on.”
“I-I’m sorry…” The maid realized what she had done and sniffled with tears. Another maid brought the food after the previous one disappeared.
Ivan watched the approaching maid’s expression intently. Fortunately, this maid showed no particular change in demeanor, and he concluded that the earlier maid’s behavior must have been an exception.
After finishing the meal, Ivan arrived at his office in a refreshed mood. Although he had planned to quickly catch up on the work he had taken a break from for a few days, the atmosphere in the office was oddly uneasy, making it difficult to concentrate.
While silently reading through documents, he eventually couldn’t bear the restlessness and set the paperwork aside.
Then, he turned to Mael, his most trusted advisor. “If you want to ask something, just ask.”
Mael, who had been at a loss for words, finally inquired as if he had been waiting for Ivan’s permission all this time.
