Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 24
“If it’s fine with you. Oh! Are you going with your Mother, Iora?”
“Ah, not yet.”
“Hmm?”
Normally, it would have been settled without speaking, or perhaps they would have called upon a designer renowned within the family to make reservations. Despite a few setbacks due to Iora, the reputation of the longstanding Marquis Ribandt was illustrious. Moreover, the family’s wealth was abundant due to her father’s excellent business acumen.
“Are you…uncomfortable, Iora? Do you not want to go with me?”
“Well, that’s…”
Trying to figure out the right answer, there was a moment of silence, but Arcanda must have taken it as a rejection. When her lips twitched, Arcanda briefly displayed a somewhat sad expression. It was a poignant look that could make someone’s heart skip a beat. Iora felt flustered enough that her heart seemed to race.
However, it was Arcanda who spoke first with a subdued tone. “Sorry, Iora. I’m like this sometimes.”
“Huh? What… do you mean?”
“Once I decide something, I get so wrapped up in it and only think about myself too much. I’m sorry. I didn’t consider your schedule and just invited you impulsively. Also, um… today, I acted overly friendly, didn’t I? It was just because I was glad to see you. So, you didn’t fit into the conversation well… I didn’t realize that either.”
“Oh, no.”
“Sorry, Iora. My mistake. I see I’ve put you in an uncomfortable position…”
Instantly, she felt the mood of the maids stiffen as they watched. It was as if they were thinking, ‘How dare you upset our Lady Arcanda!’ It felt too prickly behind her back. Arcanda, who only received love and affection, would never be able to imagine what Iora felt. She couldn’t notice her beautiful attendants, how fiercely they could glare at someone else.
“Ugh.”
Iora’s shoulders tensed firmly. In the midst of countless baseless rumors circulating in the courtyard, now everyone had witnessed this scene. How much would it be exaggerated, and how many malicious words would spread?
But Arcanda hadn’t done anything wrong. Iora pondered how she could articulate her thoughts but soon closed her mouth. She wasn’t sure she could spit out a coherent sentence, and she wasn’t sure how to convey it.
“It’s okay. It’s nothing like that.”
Even a simple statement like that didn’t come out smoothly. Amid the suffocating tension, all Iora could manage was to reach out. She gingerly brushed Arcanda’s shoulder once. It was the best she could do to show that everything was okay.
“Do you forgive me?”
There was nothing to forgive.
Arcanda, wide-eyed at the touch, smiled quietly. “Thank you, Iora. I won’t make such mistakes again. We have classes tomorrow, right? Though our schedules might differ a bit, since I’ll finish first, would you like to chat together tomorrow as well? I’ll wait here.”
“Mhmm.”
Iora knew she shouldn’t get too close to her. She knew that saying the wrong thing could worsen the rumors. Yet, by her side stood the Crown Prince, gazing at them, his intentions veiled.
Nevertheless…
‘She smiled at me.’
Arcanda’s bright eyes and smile were too dazzling. Iora’s fingertips trembled for a moment.
“Let’s have fun tomorrow, Iora. You can’t just leave.”
Somehow, she could see why everyone had words of praise for Arcanda. How could she smile at another candidate, someone rumored to be resentful and jealous, and engage in such kindness? It felt like she had a friend. Momentarily forgetting the circumstances, Iora found herself a bit happier.
Iora nodded quietly, unaware of Ovid’s gaze shifting strangely as he looked at her forehead.
* * *
“Really? Did you know that too? Yes, that’s right. Our teacher adjusts their glasses a lot, several times a day. It seems like they do it more when they’re excited.”
“Yes… I’ve noticed.”
The conversation with Arcanda reminded her of the conversations with Sol, a friend from her past life. Although the female lead in the novel and Sol were different people, they resembled each other. It brought back memories—the familiarity of being called by name, as opposed to being despised by everyone, and the way she would gently draw you into conversation.
For the first time in a long time, Iora could be at peace without fear of being beaten. The saint wasn’t going to glare at her, slap her, or hurl insults at her.
‘So that’s why she’s the favorite of God and the favorite of this world.’
At that moment, she saw a scornful servant girl who disappeared quickly with hurried steps. She might have been one of Arcanda’s handmaidens. She didn’t know what her name was, but one thing was clear—she harbored hostility towards Iora. It was clear from how she glared at Iora earlier while repeatedly making grumbling noises.
‘I must look like a demon trying to take her master’s place.
It was quite impolite to display such an attitude in the presence of her master, but Arcanda seemed oblivious to it. Iora turned away, not wanting to point it out. She thought that perhaps that maid’s behavior might be natural in a way. In this place, or rather, in this world, who would actually like her?
“Iora, are you listening to me?”
“Huh? P-pardon?”
“You were thinking about something else, weren’t you?”
“Sorry… What did you say?”
“At the debutante ball, I mean. This time… Phew, I’ll tell you a little secret. Just between us.”
“Mhmm?”
“My partner has been chosen.”
As Arcanda spoke, she blushed slightly and couldn’t string her words together properly, but that sight was so lovely. Truly a leading lady.
Iora sighed softly.
‘It must be Ovid.’
She didn’t need to say it.
