CH 93

“I thought it was strange when Lady Brianna sent me a marriage proposal.”

“Why is that? Lady Brianna has liked you since she was little. It isn’t strange that she sent a marriage proposal?”

Heinricion’s eyes narrowed significantly at Eristella’s question.

“It’s because of you that she liked me.”

“…Why is it because of me?”

Brianna was jealous of Eristella. This was why she set her eyes on Heinricion, who was always by the princess’s side.

Since Eristella wasn’t exactly around now, Brianna had no reason to propose to Heinricion. He didn’t know if there were any other ulterior motives.

His suspicions started from there.

“Anyway, sooner or later, I will invite Viscount Diaclen.”

Rather than just exchanging light greetings at the banquet hall, Heinricion thought it would be better to meet in person and check it out for sure.

The viscount did make a request to be invited at the last banquet, so the excuse was appropriate.

“But first, it’s important to check your changes.”

The most critical thing right now was this. Heinricion examined Eristella’s condition and said,

“From now on, stay by my side even if it’s annoying. Don’t wander around alone.”

“…….”

“Okay?”

“…Yes.”

Brianna didn’t like Heinricion.

Surprised by the unexpected truth she learned after more than ten years, Eristella nodded calmly in a daze.

*******

For the past few days, Eristella and Heinricion had stayed up all night to see if there had been any changes as to the time she would turn into a fox.

“It’s morning soon.”

While watching the sun rise, Heinricion would see if Eristella transformed into a fox.

“I’ll turn into a fox as usual today.”

“Well. Let’s see.”

As if what had happened at the banquet in the Imperial Palace was at the mercy of the gods, over the past few days, Eristella had gone from her original form to a fox exactly at sunrise.

Should they continue to keep an eye on it or was it a really unexpected variable? At this point, it still was difficult to decide.

“If today is the same, I think we can consider it as an exception for now.”

The incident at the banquet in the Imperial Palace was bothering them, which was why Heinricion and Eristella were waiting for morning with some tension.

‘Come to think of it, I’ve been with Heinricion all night lately because of this.’

The two stuck together the whole time because he had to keep an eye on the time of change.

They sat side by side and talked, played simple games, and went out for a short walk when they felt frustrated.

It wasn’t just that. They made small jokes and had serious conversations that they had never had before.

And today, they were sitting by the window drinking wine and gazing at the shining night sky.

It was a moment that somehow felt peaceful, but actually, Eristella was in a slightly nervous state. She played with her fingers.

‘To ask or not to ask.’

Eristella had a question for Heinricion. Judging from the mood, it seemed like it would be perfect for her to bring it up now. She opened her mouth quietly.

“Well then.”

‘I have to say it as calmly as possible. If I do it like that, it will look like I’m just asking a question rather than being very curious.’

She was a bit hesitant as her thoughts were mixed, but she continued as if she had made up her mind.

“Are you not interested in the marriage proposals from the beginning?”

Eristella wondered if he hadn’t really thought about marriage at all.

Heinricion stared blankly at Eristella.

“You’re curious?”

“No.”

She was flustered by the question that returned instantly; it was like he knew her heart.

So she reflexively denied it. But it was obvious that she was preparing for an answer. It was when she bit her lower lip thinking that it was ruined.

‘Now that this is the case, I really need to hear the answer.’

When Eristella, after gathering her determination, stared deeply into Heinricion’s eyes, his eyes slowly curved.

Then he spoke in a soft tone.

“My fiancée is alive.”

Each and every word came out of Heinricion’s lips naturally. He was also gazing straight at Eristella.

“Um…?”

Eristella’s resolve to strengthen her mind no matter what he said was quickly shattered.

Embarrassed, her wide-opened eyes blinked rapidly, and Heinricion kindly continued speaking.

“His Majesty said I don’t have to worry about it, but my fiancée isn’t him.”

Heinricion looked at his fiancée who was right in front of his eyes and added quietly.

“Our engagement isn’t broken. So I have no intention of doing that.”

‘Why are you saying that now?’

Heinricion’s answer made Eristella imagine many possibilities. It was at this time when Eristella’s heart was beating and filling with anticipation.

“I will answer His Majesty like that next time.”

Eristella’s eyes narrowed; no longer was she forgetting to breathe and panicking at the thoughts running through her head.

She believed she understood Heinricion’s intentions.

‘Ah… You’re using me like this?’

‘You have no thoughts about marriage yet. You’re using me as an excuse for refusing all the proposals.’ 

Of course.

‘My heart was excited for a moment… No, it only swayed!’

Eristella sighed.

But she did not get angry nor tell him not to use her.

This time, she knew for sure.

—She hated the thought of Heinricion marrying someone else. She wanted him to reject all the marriage proposals that came.

Those were her true feelings.

“But don’t play with me.”

And she decided not to give up on herself anymore.

Even though she made up her mind to be different from before, it was still awkward.

Now she had people who liked and valued her, but would everyone else do the same?

It was far more likely not.

But even so, she decided to bet everything on the possibility that she had already personally confirmed once.

That was Eristella’s choice.

So she couldn’t pretend that it was okay just to be reassured right now.

“If you’re not breaking off your engagement because it’s a formal relationship although it can be broken at any time, I’ll be exact. You don’t have to.”

It would be better to endure it while watching Heinricion meet someone else.

Eristella spoke after making a difficult decision.

She would do her best not to be hated by the people she cared about.

Even so, if the person she desired didn’t love her, she decided to make a choice that she herself could be proud of rather than ashamed.

“I will be honest.”

It was still awkward and embarrassing to express her feelings, so she wanted to pretend and forget about it.

However, there was no way that she could hear the answer she really wanted from others if she kept avoiding things.

What she needed at a time like this would always be courage and sincerity.

“I wonder. What did you think when you saw the marriage proposals? Perhaps… Have you thought about your future with someone else?”

Thus, Eristella spoke frankly.

The shame or embarrassment that might follow had already taken a back seat.

Even if Heinricion’s reaction was contrary to her expectations, she could handle it.

‘…At least I can pretend I’m okay.’

It was just when Heinricion, who understood that Eristella’s determination was not light, was about to give her an answer.

Sunlight came in through the windows.

It was time for Eristella to return to her fox form.

Which would prevent the two from bringing up the topic from earlier.

But… Confused and embarrassed, Eristella muttered.

“Why…? Why is it like this?”

Eristella did not turn into a fox.

Her heart thumped uneasily.

Right then. Of course, at this timing, Rowen’s voice was heard along with a knock outside the door.

“Your Excellency. I will go in for a while.”

“Wait a minute.”

Heinricion replied hastily and looked at Eristella.

And only after Eristella reflexively hid did Heinricion speak again.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Rowen entered.

Not noticing anything strange, Rowen reviewed his schedule after a brief briefing.

“You have a luncheon with Count Brooks today.”

“I think it would be difficult to attend today. Additionally, please postpone all of my plans for this morning.”

He couldn’t leave this room because he had to keep an eye on Eristella’s condition.

“Suddenly? Did something happen?”

“I need to organize my thoughts. I want to be alone.”

“All right. I will wait for Your Excellency to come out.”

Although Rowen was puzzled by the unusual order, he followed what his master said. The instant when Rowen withdrew and completely closed the door…

Eristella slipped out from under the bed.

Ame: At the rate they’re going, mushrooms will grow on me before they even have their first kiss TT_TT come onnnnn, you can do it!! just a little more!!