Chapter 107
Leroy spoke provocatively.
It was a tone that definitively asserted such an event would not happen. Whether it was due to her misdeeds or his change of heart.
Iona, looking at his confident face, found herself speechless.
He could speak in such a way only because he didnt remember the events of his past life.
Before her death, she had been anything but a reliable wife.
Though she never blatantly did anything that could negatively influence him, given her position as his spouse, the number of obstructions she caused with indirect intent was countless.
While helping the crown prince keep Leroy in check, Iona consoled herself that it was something that could not be helped.
Once she peeled away that flimsy excuse, her own cowardice was laid bare.
She wasnt a good enough person to deserve such trust from him.
How could I possibly do such a thing to the Duke?
See?
Leroy raised and then lowered his eyebrows as if to say, I told you so.
Iona didnt bother to prove her own mediocrity. She only wanted him to see the best in her.
Instead, Iona reaffirmed her resolution.
There would never be a situation where he was put in danger because of a half-hearted wife like before. She would protect him in this life, no matter what.
After the dance, would it be alright to go somewhere quiet to talk? Id like to ask you more about that day.
It was a bond that began unexpectedly in times long past. Naturally, Iona had many questions she wanted to ask Leroy.
The same was true for the other party, as Leroy responded to Ionas words with a playful voice.
If you answer my question first.
What are you curious about, Your Grace?
Last time, I noticed you didnt seem as interested in food as you used to be.
Leroy deliberately paused, as if to give weight to his words.
Iona almost reflexively coughed out loud but managed to suppress it.
Suddenly, she remembered a time when he had taken her to a restaurant and filled the entire table with food, treating her extravagantly.
At the time, she thought it was an unbecoming way to waste food, but she never thought it was something he did after knowing her past.
She was about to excuse it as a bad habit from her childhood, but the dance song ended just then.
Iona and Leroy locked eyes for a moment.
Leroy spoke with a voice laden with emotion.
After we parted back then, did you live well? As much as others, without missing out on the simple, yet essential things
His eyes held a hope that she had.
Regrettably, Ionas growth wasnt as bright and hopeful as he might have expected.
The reason she no longer felt deprived of the things she once obsessed over was simply because she had been stripped of even the desire for them.
As Iona hesitated, searching for a response, people began to leave the ballroom one by one.
Leroy and Iona, not wanting to stay too late, blended into the crowd and walked out.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Iona didnt need to ponder her answer any longer.
As if on cue, a servant approached Leroy with a message from the crown prince.
Your Grace, the crown prince is waiting for you.
Iona knew several ways to shut Nils up.
Sure enough, at Ionas bluff, Nils hastily waved his hands and backed off.
No, we can talk comfortably about it at home.
It was a feeble evasion.
After all, it wasnt like Iona completely couldnt understand Nils position.
Following Yvonnes incident, everyone was subtly curious about the Modrov familys affairs.
Just because Nils was Yvonnes biological brother didnt mean he could ignore Iona in such a setting; it would have looked very odd.
Maintaining an outward appearance of a trouble-free family relationship wasnt bad for Iona either, so instead of pushing Nils further, she chose to silently let it pass.
However, it seemed she was fated not to rest easy while waiting for Leroy.
No sooner had she moved a few steps than someone else blocked her path.
Ionas eyes widened slightly as she recognized the face.
She hadnt expected someone embroiled in scandal to show their face at such a public event so soon.
Taken aback, Iona remained silent, prompting Florence, pale-faced, to speak first.
Dame Iona, could we talk for a moment?
***
What is this supposed to be?
Hearing the crown princes stern voice, Leroy thought it was exactly the reaction he had expected.
Perhaps to freely express what he couldnt at the ballroom, the crown prince had called Leroy to a secluded place.
Leroy glanced around the almost empty room with a dry look.
Even though he danced with Iona for quite a long time, it seemed like it wasnt enough time for the crown prince to calm down his anger.
The crown prince was pressuring Leroy with cold, undisguised fury in his eyes.
Pretending to be unaware and avoiding the conflict wasnt in Leroys nature.
After a brief contemplation, Leroy replied with a lifted corner of his mouth.
Did I not promise to marry Lady Iona as Your Highness wished?
His response was sincere, not pretentious, though its underlying intent was mockery.
The crown prince quickly grasped the meaning behind Leroys words, gripping the doorknob tightly just as Leroy finished speaking.
Wasnt I clear enough about what this marriage means? Are you slow to understand, or is this intentional defiance?
The crown princes words were sharp, each one seeming to stir his anger. In contrast, Leroy faced the crown prince with an utterly untroubled expression.
Im not sure why you say that. Proposing to a lady before marriage is a natural procedure.
The problem is that your proposal was overflowing with unnecessary earnestness. As if youre trying to challenge me.
A challenge, you say? Are you implying that Your Highness and I are competing over Lady Iona?
Leroy expressed his amusement. Maintaining a relaxed smile, he continued fluidly.
If thats the case, do you also think she seemed swayed toward me?
--- End Of The Chapter ----
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