Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 84
‘But I have nothing to trade with you. There are no major events here, so I can’t even ask you to be on my side in exchange for telling you about the future. If I consider the conditions, perhaps… I can reveal that I’m the Saint? But if what you desire isn’t the power of the Saint but Arcanda herself…’
It was then that the warmth of his skin, which had been barely touching the hem of his clothing, faded away.
Then suddenly, the face with a lazy smile came close to her nose. His blue eyes shone so brightly, illuminating even her own face reflected inside them. They looked like the eyes of a famous foreign movie star.
“Name.”
“What?”
“If you leave like this without giving me your name, I’ll be terribly disappointed.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. After all, you’re the first person to ever give me flowers.”
“It’s an honor.”
“So, your name. I’ll remember it deep in my bones, enough to recognize you just by seeing the back of your head even after a hundred years.”
His burning eyes seemed unexpectedly determined, as if insisting on something. Well, did he really need to be so determined to remember it? Though hesitant, there was no reason not to answer. Unlike in the past, he had come directly to the Ribandt manor himself. He must be asking even though he already knows.
“Iora. Iora von Ribandt.”
As expected, he wasn’t surprised. He simply smiled warmly as if he was delighted and pleased with her for telling him her name. His pure happiness, like that of someone who had received permission, was infectious. Just like that, Iora’s heart began to pound as if she were doing something fun and exciting.
‘He’s so fun to be around.’
This time, Iora asked, “And you? It’s only fair that you share your full name.”
“Can you handle it? Do you have the courage not to run away, even if I turn out to be terribly frightening?” He chuckled playfully, extending his hand.
Iora gazed at it intently before slowly placing her hand on top of his. And she thought to herself with a sense of amusement, We’ve had this conversation before, haven’t we?
“If you don’t run away, will you grant me a wish?”
Just as he did before.
As Iora pondered whether she should honestly request him to be on her side if they were to strike a deal, it happened. He gently enclosed her hand with his. His touch, once gentle, now gripped her hand a little tighter.
“Vigros.”
And then, like a drop rippling in the water, the name echoed in her ears.
“I am Vigros, Iora.”
She had expected him to say the name with a bit more caution, a little more wariness. But when she looked up, she saw Vigros gazing down at her with a serious expression, the smile wiped off his face.
Why wasn’t he smiling? What was he thinking right now? Their hands held together seemed to be growing warmer. Was he feeling it too?
Then, suddenly, he chuckled.
“I’ll listen. What do you wish for?” he asked.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” she began.
“Why? Are your enemies also mine?”
“…Do you need the power of a saint, Vigros? If I could offer you that power…would you be on my side?”
She had trusted him so much that she had laid all her cards out on the table.
But whether knowingly or unknowingly, she had an unfounded certainty that he wouldn’t betray her. Perhaps it was because of his unwavering gaze and kindness, but she had the strange expectation that he would say it again this time too. There was a strange hope that the wish that hadn’t been granted in the past might be fulfilled now.
There was a moment of silence. Her crimson lips twitched slightly. She pondered how to respond if he asked why a saint would emerge here. She considered stepping back if he criticized her for pretending to be the true saint.
But what came out of his mouth was neither of those things.
As the silence lingered, making her feel a bit uneasy, he gently tugged at their clasped hands and brought his lips close to her ear.
“Good,” he whispered.
The scent of fragrant roses enveloped her. Her ears tingled. The sensation of his breath and his lips distinctly touching her made her neck shiver.
“Make a deal with me, Iora.”
“…Really?” she asked.
“Yes. I’ll be on your side.”
Their palms separated. The cool breeze brushed against her damp skin. The man, with a strangely ecstatic and teasing smile, watched as the rose petals fluttered in the wind.
Iora whispered to herself, dreamily.
No, you’re the dark male lead. Do you think you can seduce me so easily? What exactly do you take me for?
“Let’s make a contract, Iora.”
Apparently, she’d done a good job of luring him in with her hooky joke.
