Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 100

100.

The butler led them to the reception room.

"Please wait here."

As the door opened, the Bermans gasped. The red carpet was plush, the chandelier radiant, the paintings and furniture exquisite—luxuries they'd never seen in their provincial manor.

"Good heavens..."

Vivian's eyes went to the center, where Ibelin sat on a velvet sofa, wearing a lustrous dress with a hairpin—no longer the Ibelin she knew.

"Welcome."

Ibelin rose and greeted them lightly.

"You!"

Before Vivian could speak, Derick covered her mouth. It was rough, but he couldn't let her offend Ibelin before any conversation.

"Long time, Ibelin."

Berman greeted her—she looked at him with an unreadable expression, then sat and gestured for them to do the same.

Vivian sat with a discontented look. Berman and Derick exchanged glances—they should have left her behind, but she wouldn't go easily.

"How have you been?"

"Fine."

"We were worried when you vanished—sent people to search. Thought something bad had happened."

Had they really searched with good intentions? She doubted it. Her grandfather had warned her about them and left her the capital house.

Clink—

Silence fell, broken only by teacups. Ibelin spoke.

"Nothing bad happened."

"Then how did you get engaged to a duke? Tell me!"

Derick pressed his forehead in frustration—so did Berman. Vivian had said exactly what she wanted.

"Hmm."

Ibelin traced her teacup idly.

"That's my business—why should I tell you?"

"What?"

"If you have time to meddle, take care of yourself."

Satisfying. She'd always wanted to say that. But she'd held back for her grandfather's sake.

"Wh-what did you say!"

Vivian tried to stand—Derick pulled her.

"Vivian! How rude!"

In the provinces, most people were commoners or minor nobles—this behavior was tolerated. But here, Ibelin didn't seem as weak.

"Brother!"

"Everyone knows I'm your brother—lower your voice."

His sharp tone made her flinch. She sat and bit her lip.

"Truly noisy."

"I should have left her. Anyway, Ibelin—"

"Yes."

"You're getting engaged—we couldn't ignore it. So I came to congratulate you. You're not alone anymore."

Berman tried to look benevolent—his strained expression was odd.

"I don't need it."

"What do you mean?"

"You've never treated me as family—I'm fine alone. Go back."

"I would never abandon family!"

The audacity was almost laughable.

Just then, a knock came.

Knock—

"Come in."

Several large, armed men entered—knights of House Gracias. Among them were Lucen and Alex, unusually serious.

Berman wiped cold sweat with his handkerchief.

"Family shares joy and sorrow—didn't your grandfather teach you?"

He'd meant to negotiate a dowry—a duke's dowry would be substantial. Even with expenses, it'd be profitable.

"But—"

An invisible pressure weighed on him. Terrified, he couldn't speak. Derick forced himself to speak.

"This is outrageous! We're here as her family—you can't mistreat us!"

"Ah—family."

Another entered—a striking blond man, so handsome Vivian stared, trembling.

"Sorry—but Ibelin has no family. The one she had isn't here."

"W-we are!"

Berman and Derick recognized him.

"Archduke—we share blood with Ibelin."

"You seem mistaken—my fiancée said she has no family. Claiming otherwise makes you frauds."

They should deny it, but the pressure grew. The knights' presence was intimidating—Kite made them tremble. Vivian looked about to faint.

"Let's ask Ibelin—Ibelin, is your family here?"

"No—my only family is Grandfather. They are not."

"There you have it. Baron Frillie—if greed isn't more important than your life, I suggest you leave."

He tapped his sword—Berman fled.

"Father!"

Derick followed with Vivian. Ibelin smiled bitterly.

"You didn't have to help that much."

"Don't want your preparations wasted? You shouldn't cause trouble before the engagement."

"You're one to talk."

She pulled out a hidden gun—she'd prepared for direct threats, but Kite's intervention made it unnecessary. Still, they'd been driven off.

"If you wanted to hit them, I could arrange another meeting."

"No—I'm not a violent person."

She smiled and tapped his arm.

It seemed the day was over—but Kite hadn't told her everything.

I'm violent enough.

To protect those within his line, he'd do anything.

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