CH 52.2

“I am collecting more information about Isabella’s disappearance, Ria. Well, what else should I buy next? No. Which store should we go to and ask about her?”

Her suspicious gaze might have convinced him to change his words.

It was then–

“The lady had returned to Rubella Castle!”

“Oh? We should go home now!”

Ria’s expression brightened up upon hearing that from the knights who were looking for Isabella.

“My sister is back!”

“I know. She is back sooner than I thought.”

“What did you say?”

“No, I’m just glad that she had returned. Shall we go back to the castle as well?”

Prince Victor asked, and Ria nodded vigorously.

The instant Ria turned her back on him, Prince Victor wore an excited grin as he walked while carrying a bag full of things he bought for her.

“Well, this is just the beginning.”

Now that Prince Victor knew that Seria was alive, he had no intention of giving her up.

He was also grateful that she was there with him at the market.

As he recalled the despair he felt upon hearing the news that Seria was dead, Duke Victor looked back at her with a warm gaze.

He was so relieved that Ria was alive.

**

Upon entering the Dining Hall, Marc approached Isabella.

“I’m glad that you returned home safe.”

Isabella felt apologetic that many people had suffered from her reckless behavior.

“I’m sorry, Marc. I just felt out of sorts today.”

“No, I appreciate that you are back, My Lady. I think the others thought the same, as well.” Marc whispered, and she felt even sorrier.

She could see that Duke Kyar had almost lost his mind due to her behavior.

“You must eat, Isabella.” Duke Kyar said.

Isabella put her hands together and lowered her head to apologize to Marc.

Then, she went to the table and sat down.

“Why are we alone here, Your Highness?”

Unfortunately, her question made Duke Kyar suspicious.

“Then who else would be here aside from us? You’re not looking for Raphael, are you?” He asked bluntly, and Isabella flashed him an awkward smile.

“What about Angela Viant?”

“Viant left the North early this morning,” Marc answered on Duke Kyar’s behalf, and Isabella’s eyes widened in shock.

“What? Already?”

“You don’t have to worry about her anymore. It’s not worth your time, Isabella.”

Duke Kyar seemed irritated when he told her.

There must be something she was missing.

Since Duke Kyar was determined not to talk about her, Isabella shouldn’t care anymore.

“Then, did Prince Victor go back to the South–?”

“I don’t want to go back there. I decided to stay here for a while.” Prince Victor replied.

Astonished, Isabella looked back at where that voice came from.

Ria, who stood next to Prince Victor, ran toward Isabella with tears in her eyes.

“Where have you been, sister?” I couldn’t see you all day. I was worried about you.”

Isabella patted Ria’s back gently as she embraced her.

“I’m sorry, Ria. I’ll make sure to inform you of my whereabouts next time. By the way, Ria, what are you holding in your hand?”

Isabella asked while staring at the shopping bag in Ria’s hand.

“Oh, I went to the market at Triers Street to look for you, and Prince Victor bought these things for me while we were asking the merchants of your whereabouts.”

It appeared like Prince Victor had bought many things for Ria and used her as an excuse.

Isabella raised her hand and gently stroked Ria’s head.

“Ria, can’t you trust someone who goes overboard like that? Many people in this world had a lot of evil intentions, you see?” Isabella said.

Prince Victor coughed and cleared his throat.

“Yes, sister. You are the only person I trust.”

“I trust you too, Ria.”

The two best friends made  Archduke Kyar exude cold air from his body.

Isabella suppressed a smile after witnessing his blatant jealousy for a long time.

“Don’t tell me that–”

“Yes. I’m jealous of her, Isabella.” Duke Kyar admitted as he got rid of the icy chills in the atmosphere.

Isabella smirked.

“You may continue acting jealous, Your Highness.”

She threw the exact words he uttered earlier back at him.

Duke Kyar lowered his head and burst out laughing.

**

When Isabella entered the room, Ignis immediately approached her.

“Isabella! Where have you been? You turned Rubella Castle upside down today.!”

“I apologize.”