Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 30
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- Chapter 30 - I Would Rather He Be Like Everyone Else
“….”
“My Lady.”
Iora’s hands went cold at the quiet voice overhead. When she realized what had happened, she was mortified. To be caught in such a state by Ovid of all people.
At the same time, she felt a surge of resentment at his question.
I’ve been caught in the middle of your love affair. I’ve been caught unaware, and now he asks me what’s wrong?
Iora gritted her teeth, but the dizziness didn’t subside. It was the first time she felt like this. She felt a little frightened. They had been saying she looked sickly and lost weight lately, but dizziness like this too?
“My lady. Iora. Can you hear me? Are you feeling very dizzy? Or is there something else that’s wrong?”
“…Your Highness.”
“For now, it’s best to clean that up.”
“…Thank you.”
She looked at the handkerchief the Crown Prince held out. Cautiously propping himself up on one elbow, he slowly helped Iora to sit up, keeping one knee slightly bent as they held eye contact.
Iora couldn’t help but emit a hollow laugh at his terribly caring gentlemanly behavior. The scrutinizing gaze seemed as if he was genuinely concerned about her. But that couldn’t possibly be the case.
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble,” he said, “could you spare me some time? I wish to have a conversation with you.”
“Not Arcanda, but… me?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Iora took the handkerchief with a trembling hand and pressed it against her face. What more was there to say? Even if he didn’t probe, her heart was already bruised and broken.
A thought occurred to her, and Iora pursed her lips. Perhaps, he must not like the fact that they were still engaged.
She hesitantly murmured, “If, um, you’re considering asking for me to break off our betrothal, like I mentioned before, there’s nothing I can do…”
Ovid, his face now stern, let out a heavy sigh. “It’s not about that.”
Not about breaking off the engagement?
“The reason I’ve been coming here for the past few days… was not for Arcanda but for you…”
“…What did you just say?”
Ovid’s murmured words were barely audible. Frowning, he gestured to one of the knights following him, issuing an order to call for attendants to fetch a change of clothes and a maid for Iora.
“As you have eyes to see, it would be better to leave this place. Do you agree with my suggestion?”
“Yes, yes. But…”
“Alright, try to hold onto me and stand up.”
“Ugh.”
Relying on the prince’s supporting hand, Iora attempted to rise, only to be struck by another wave of dizziness as her vision went black.
‘Why does this have to happen now?’
She worried about the potential spread of rumors if someone were to witness her in this state. There was a possibility she might be labeled as the conniving villainess feigning frailty this time. Iora couldn’t tell what the prince was thinking as he observed her trembling shoulders with concern. His dark eyes seemed almost angry.
“It seems like you might have a serious health issue. Have you consulted a physician?”
“No, my health…”
“That’s nonsense. This won’t do. Excuse me for a moment, Iora.”
“What? What…Ah!”
Before she could ask what he meant, her body was swiftly lifted. Eyes wide with astonishment, she found herself face-to-face with the strikingly handsome male lead. The prince’s face was uncomfortably close. What on earth was happening? Iora momentarily forgot to breathe.
Startled, she stammered, “Your Highness? Wh-what now?”
“I realize you’re not able to walk.”
“But if anyone sees us…!”
The Crown Prince, who had stiffened at the urgency in my voice, soon twisted one lip into a ferocious grin. “Letting you go in this condition would be unbecoming of me.”
“…”
“So, even if I appear rude, please be still for a moment.”
Iora’s face paled as if she wanted to scream, but the prince strode on, carrying her in his arms.
* * *
Couldn’t she just open that door and run away?
Currently, Iora was inside the carriage with Prince Ovid. The carriage remained stationary, waiting, but the confined space was much smaller compared to meeting in the reception hall. The proximity made her feel suffocated. Iora glanced at the slightly ajar carriage door, contemplating the idea of running away.
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes?”
“I saw everything. Not only did you dare to come out, but you also attempted to escape. Those maids who committed such actions today will be severely punished.”
“As for today, thank you. It was disgraceful… And as for the maids, you don’t have to do that.”
“No, managing the Saint’s Manor is a responsibility of the palace. I apologize for my neglect. I noticed the attitudes of the maids and servants were inappropriate during my last visit. Has it always been like this? If such incidents have occurred before, I will be even more unforgiving.”
“…It hasn’t been like this before. This is the first time.”
“Iora.”
Iora’s face flushed with embarrassment. How pathetic for a noblewoman to allow the servants to commit such an impudent act and not be able to do anything about it. It was ridiculous that the lady of the house walked around alone without her maid.
However, Iora found solace in being alone. Inside the Ribandt estate, she was invisible yet always watched. So being alone in the saint’s mansion classes was her only respite. She didn’t want to be disturbed.
“It was not for nothing that I sought you out today. …In any case.”
The Crown Prince paused.