Chapter 108

Chapter 108

After a brief silence, a hollow laugh escaped from Richard.

Having composed his expression first, Richard leaned back loosely against the chair.

Leroys provocation seemed to have restored his reason instead.

Or perhaps he disliked the situation for being overly heated on his side.

Richard lowered his voice and said,

What an insolent remark.

Leroy did not respond.

To Leroy, it seemed Iona had no lingering feelings for the Crown Prince.

She had told him so directly, and her actions sufficiently proved it.

Therefore, it was somewhat inappropriate to say that Iona was wavering between two men.

To waver implies that theres still some regret for the former partner.

Though Leroy could have shown a petty sense of victory, asserting that she had ultimately chosen him, he simply chose silence.

Iona was still serving as a royal knight and had to face the Crown Prince continuously until she officially married and left the capital.

He couldnt trouble her just to engage in such a childish power struggle.

While Leroy remained silent, the Crown Prince pulled out a cigar and lit it.

He blew out a light breath, extinguishing the flame, and soon a pungent smoke spread around.

Leroy thought to himself that he indeed disliked the scent.

Do you know how many years Ive known her?

About eight years, I believe.

Leroy calmly responded to the Crown Princes boastful question.

Of course, Leroy was not childish enough to claim that she had met him even earlier than the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince frowned, as if counting the years, and said,

Rise To Defeat Chapter 53

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Even before serving officially as a royal knight, Iona frequently visited my palace. Ive always cherished that child.

......

Without my summons, she would always voluntarily stay by my side. Wherever I went, whatever I did, she was there with me. Perhaps

The Crown Prince trailed off and spat out the cigar he was holding.

He chuckled softly and added,

We might even be considered like family.

The Crown Prince lifted only his eyes to stare intently at Leroy.

Leroy felt a strange bitterness in the others gaze. It was probably just his imagination.

The time Ive spent with her is not so short as to entertain absurd assumptions of wavering.

Leaning forward towards Richard, Leroy lowered his voice as if about to share a great secret.

He whispered confidentially, Then why not come out with me and announce it in front of everyone? Say you dont want this marriage to happen, that its you who wants to take her hand.

Of course, the Crown Prince could not do that.

He had claimed Iona needed to remain in his shadow, but in reality, he was the one hiding in the dark.

The Crown Prince would never publicly reveal his sordid true intentions.

His claim to Iona was based only on the meager time they had spent together; he had no substantial evidence to justify his possessiveness.

It meant that the moment their separation was decided, whatever connection they had lost all its significance.

No sooner had Leroy finished speaking, the Crown Prince twitched his jaw.

Just as he was about to retort, someone frantically knocked on the door.

Richard turned to the door with irritation.

What is it? I told them not to disturb.

Your Highness, you might need to return to the ballroom.

It was the voice of the attendant who had led Leroy here earlier.

Before even being allowed to enter, the attendant hurriedly explained the situation, indicating its urgency.

Lady Florence has arrived at the ball. She started looking for Dame Iona as soon as she entered, and it seems someone needs to mediate.

The moment Florences name was mentioned, both men rose from their seats simultaneously, even before the attendant could finish.

Their movements, as if choreographed, led them to reflexively glance at each other.

After a brief mutual scrutiny, their gazes drifted apart.

Ignoring each other as if oblivious to the others presence, Richard and Leroy headed out into the corridor.

Rescuing Iona from the commotion was a priority over continuing their exhausting confrontation.

***

Do you have something to say to me?

Iona genuinely wanted to know what Florences urgent matter was, although she wasnt sure if Florence would believe her. It wasnt a question meant to provoke.

At this moment, it wasnt in Florences best interest to make a hasty public appearance.

Indeed, Florence seemed to have left the manor without the Dukes permission, as she was dressed much more simply than usual.

This is not the place for such a conversation, Florence said, biting her lip.

Her hushed tone suggested she didnt want others to overhear their conversation.

However, if she had something confidential to discuss, she should have tried to meet secretly instead of attending the ball. After all, Iona could easily attract attention at such an event without resorting to any forced methods.

Please state your business first, Lady Florence. I have no intention of conversing privately with someone who is suspected of wishing to harm me, Iona declared, her clear voice echoing throughout the hall.

It was only natural that everyones attention turned to the two women standing face-to-face.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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