Villain, Let Me Touch You! - Chapter 99
Demyr’s temples were throbbing, the veins rising like Mount Everest. I was genuinely worried she might collapse from high blood pressure at this rate.
“Your Majesty, please calm down, I mean, please relax.”
Demyr’s lips trembled.
It wouldn’t have been surprising if she slapped Priscilla right then and there.
I thought Demyr’s presence would ease the tense atmosphere between Priscilla and Helios, but instead, it only made things more uncomfortable.
And amidst all this, why the heck is Helios grinning like that?
I nudged him gently, hoping he would finally put an end to this awkward situation.
How he interpreted my signal, I couldn’t tell, but he immediately moved closer, placing his hand on my lower back. His fingers began tapping rhythmically on my back.
Helios seemed to enjoy watching the fight between Demyr and Priscilla. I knew that watching a fight was usually the most entertaining thing for him, but didn’t he realize that the fallout could affect us too? Or was he pretending not to notice?
Or did he think Demyr would protect us?
“Your Grace, it’s an honor to meet you. Happy birthday.”
Surprisingly, it was Chloe who broke the staring contest between Demyr and Priscilla.
Demyr, ever graceful, observed Chloe’s greeting with interest, her eyes taking in the sight. Though she was curious, Demyr didn’t ask who Chloe was first, showing a restraint typical of her.
“It’s surprising to meet a young lady that the Imperial Consort doesn’t know. This is Lady Chloe Dorian.”
“Dorian?”
Demyr glanced at Helios as if asking if he knew anything about the Dorian family. It was quite the loyal move on her part.
Helios shrugged, indifferent.
It was understandable that Demyr might not know. The Dorian family was from a rural territory, one that even had the descriptor of “secluded” attached to it.
It was so small that calling it a territory seemed almost embarrassing.
“It’s understandable that Her Majesty wouldn’t know. It’s a very small and humble place. But it’s incredibly beautiful. The people there are kind, too.”
Chloe proudly spoke about her homeland. It was a great attitude, one that would surely impress the adults around her.
Demyr’s gaze softened as she looked at Chloe.
“Did I interrupt your conversation? I was just about to leave, having come to give Her Grace a gift. I’ll deliver it and leave right away.”
“Already leaving? You should stay and enjoy yourself more.”
“I have to check the experiment results, Your Grace.”
Priscilla’s face was full of disappointment.
“Wait, now that we’ve exchanged pleasantries, let’s have you greet Helios as well. Helios, come over here.”
Priscilla smiled brightly and waved her hand. Helios looked at her as if he’d seen a cockroach.
And then, my heart sank.
It’s finally happening. The connection between Chloe and Helios.
Helios had just a month left before Chloe’s name would be imprinted upon him. I had believed I still had time, but if their connection begins now…
Will Helios, who has given his heart to Chloe, still help me with my treatment?
As worry clouded my face, Helios’s letter lingered in my mind.
He watched me for a moment, his expression serious, before speaking to the Imperial Consort.
“Looks like she’s busy. Why don’t you just send her on her way?”
Helios rejected Chloe. Though it was technically rejecting Priscilla’s suggestion, it sounded like he was rejecting Chloe to me.
Why? Before I could even question it, Chloe spoke up.
“Your Grace’s introduction isn’t necessary. I already know all about you. You’re quite famous, after all.”
“I’m famous? You know about me?”
Helios smirked. Chloé’s face warmed slightly at his laugh, which was full of nuances that told her not to be cocky.
“Your Highness, what I meant was…”
Just as Chloe started to stammer her explanation…
“We’ll leave the greetings here. Oh, happy birthday,” Demyr said.
“Your Majesty, I will properly greet you next time.”
Chloe quickly responded, and Demyr tilted her head.
“Next time? Will we even meet again?”
Chloe’s smile faltered.
For me, living in the palace and meeting royals was a part of daily life, but for a provincial noble’s daughter like Chloe, such an opportunity was rare.
For her to talk about a “next time” in front of Demyr could easily come off as audacious.
“Whenever you need my help, Your Majesty…”
“Do you think I need your help?”
The more Chloe spoke, the worse the situation became.
Chloe was usually so clever, so why was she making so many mistakes today?
“Your Majesty, it’s getting quite late. If there’s a major announcement to be made, it would be best not to delay any further,” I intervened reluctantly.
It wasn’t just to save Chloe.
As a pacifist, I hated when fights dragged on, and I was tired.
And if I got too exhausted, it would mean needing medical attention from Helios.
I can’t keep the prince busy. He’s already done too much today.
As his physician, it was my duty to ensure his condition was well-maintained, and even if Demyr gave me a look, I had to step in.
Fortunately, Demyr didn’t seem to mind me intervening. She simply turned away from Chloe coldly.
“Happy birthday, Your Grace.”
I bowed my head respectfully. I wasn’t sure whether Helios had greeted Priscilla or not. One thing was certain, though — while I was busy chasing after Demyr, Helios had been caught by Chloe.
The two of them spoke to each other. By the time I had distanced myself from the two of them, the surrounding noise had grown, and I couldn’t hear their conversation.
But even from that distance, the sound of my heart dropping as I saw them standing side by side was unmistakable.
