Chapter 206

Chapter 206

“......”

Violet’s words were sincere and true, and Aldin was well aware of it.

Though she was smiling now, unscarred, Aldin couldn’t forget that day.

Violet being dragged away by a man in a black mask, he fiends they encountered when he followed, Violet threatening her own life with a dagger.

Aldin closed his eyes tightly, recalling the blood flowing freely.

Even knowing Violet was safe, he often had nightmares.

What if he hadn’t seen her by chance, or hadn’t been able to rescue her? What if Violet had been seriously injured?

He remembered the expression the crown prince wore as he saw Violet injured.

What were his feelings at that moment? When he refused his request to see her safe just once, what expression did the crown prince have?

The knight, tormented by nightmares while unable to send even one letter to inquire about her safety, frowned.

Violet, noticing his expression, asked with a hint of concern.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“Pardon?”

It was an unexpected question for him. Aldin opened his eyes, furrowing his brow, unaware of his own expression.

What he saw were Violet’s purple eyes.

The flustered knight opened his mouth stiffly, the wrinkles on his brow still prominent.

Violet pressed and rubbed Aldin’s brow.

The more she did, the more intensely his expression contorted.

Violet quickly withdrew her hand before she found too much amusement.

“Ah, my apologies if I was rude. Your expression just seemed so troubled... I worry I might have tired you unnecessarily.”

“It’s okay. I’ve been having nightmares recently, it seems.”

“Nightmares?”

“But I think I won’t have them tonight. Because I have the painting you gave me.”

Realizing why the man had become timid, Violet stopped in her tracks. Unable to burst into laughter, she trembled slightly.

Aldin was the only one confused by Violet’s sudden behavior.

It was only a bit later that Aldin realized Violet was laughing. His ears turned bright red.

“Ahahaha! Were you really worried about that? No way. I’m actually grateful to you, my lifesaver.”

“......”

“Really. You’re so much cuter than I thought. Or are you just being shy?”

“...Um.”

“I’m telling you, it’s fine. So please feel free to send me letters. There is something that’s bothering me, but that’s another matter.”

“...Yes.”

This time, the knight began to tremble. Violet considered teasing him a bit more but then let it go.

The afternoon promenade was quiet. It was time for work for everyone else. In that atmosphere, the sound of birds chirping was clear.

Walking down the peaceful boulevard, Violet laughed. Her unbound hair fluttered in the breeze.

Laughing in the cool wind, Violet laughed again and again. Aldin, glancing at her laughing with the sunlight behind her, held his breath.

“It’s actually about a different concern. That day, Cairn was seriously hurt because of me.”

The topic Violet broached was neither about the kidnapping nor about Aileen.

Aldin shifted his gaze to Violet. Even though she was laughing, her expression seemed somewhat bitter as she looked into the distance.

Recalling his recently mature-acting friend, Aldin looked back at Violet.

“What do you think of Cairn?”

“I consider him a good friend. He doesn’t cling to status or lineage, and he always speaks his mind. Though sometimes he’s too reckless with his words.”

“I suppose so. But I dislike him.”

“I can guess why.”

“I still dislike him. Not just simply disliking, but I find him detestable.”

Closing her eyes, Violet admitted this. Even though it amounted to bad-mouthing a friend’s friend, she couldn’t stop.

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