Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 47

47.

"I'm coming with you."

Kite was surprised by her unexpected words. Whenever they'd talked before, she'd always said she'd leave the capital once everything was settled—and everything meant the incidents that might occur during the Emperor's birthday festivities.

So now that the banquet was over, her words felt wholly unexpected.

"Are you sure?"

At his question, Ibelin smiled.

"I can't just watch my grandfather's benefactor get hurt."

That damn grandfather. Kite knew she stayed because of Baron Frillie—but hearing it said outright felt strange. He didn't know why.

"I'll help you."

She looked resolute. The Baron really raised his granddaughter well. Kite nodded.

"I'll gladly accept your help."

"Yes!"

Her smile was contagious—he smiled back.

"By the way—there's something I've been meaning to ask."

"What is it?"

"Why were you so close to that man on the balcony?"

At his question, Ibelin's eyes darted—she looked guilty.

"I won't get angry—just tell me honestly."

"There's nothing to get angry about."

She mumbled and confessed—how Unknown had approached, and she'd talked with him about prophecy and danced with him.

"Huh?"

He didn't know much about Unknown yet, but one thing was clear—he was an enemy. Ibelin's own words revealed she thought so too. And she'd danced with him?

Kite smiled, rounding his eyes.

"Hahaha."

His forced laugh made Ibelin flinch. He looks angry—why? He could see her thinking that.

"So my fiancée was holding hands with another man while I was guarding His Majesty?"

"...That sounds strange when you put it that way."

She protested weakly, but he ignored her.

"I just stated facts. I didn't know you loved dancing so much—if I had, I'd have arranged something. At least now I know."

A bad feeling crept over Ibelin.

"Two weeks after His Majesty's birthday is my birthday. I usually don't bother with parties—but now that I have a fiancée, I suppose I could."

He was still smiling, but the atmosphere suggested he was angry. Ibelin smiled awkwardly.

"If it's too much trouble, you don't have to."

"No—it's about time I formally present my fiancée. We'll make it grand and lavish."

No— she'd already broken into a cold sweat being introduced at the birthday banquet. Making it bigger? She waved her hands in alarm.

"No, no!"

"Why not?"

"We're only engaged for show! What if the rumors spread too far?"

Who cared? Rumors were already spreading—they moved fast in high society. Only Ibelin didn't realize the gravity. She still believed she could go back to the provinces and live quietly.

Not a chance.

She'd claimed to be his fiancée and thought she could just break it off? Kite had no intention of letting that happen. Though he'd yet to fully recognize his feelings, his possessiveness was unmatched.

"I'll call back the dancing instructor."

"Excuse me—are you listening?"

"I am—you learned three dances last time, right? This time, we'll increase the variety."

"You're not listening!"

"We'll have more dresses fitted too—we only bought what was urgently needed."

"I don't need dresses either."

She grumbled sullenly but didn't actively resist—because of their difference in rank and personality.

"You're really spiteful, Lord Kite."

"Nothing new."

He replied casually and lifted his teacup.

---

Once the Emperor's birthday passed, the envoys returned home. By the time a week had gone, few foreigners remained. So Kite had no reason to stay at the palace and returned to his residence.

So far, so good.

"Why am I still in the room next to yours?"

That room was usually the Duchess's, wasn't it? Like at the palace, opening the central door connected directly to Kite's room. She had no intention of opening it by accident, but it made her uneasy. She'd complained many times.

"I want another room!"

"Why?"

Of course, he ignored her.

"You stubborn man!"

Even when she shouted, he didn't budge.

"Nothing new."

Having heard worse insults, her cute protests had no effect. Ibelin fumed until she tired herself out and gave up. Then Kite handed her a schedule.

"What's this?"

"Can't you read?"

"I can read—that's why I'm asking!"

There were two sheets—one listed her daily lessons.

"You're really making me learn to dance?"

"Yes—you seemed to enjoy it."

"I don't dislike it, but I don't especially like it either."

She'd only learned it as a noble obligation. She shook her head in alarm—but Kite just smiled.

"Just three times a week."

"Fine—I'll accept the dancing."

He was probably being spiteful about her dancing with Unknown—though she didn't understand why. She'd learn to dance—but the other lessons made no sense.

"Why do I need to learn estate management?"

"It'll be useful."

Learning things couldn't hurt—but estate management and handling servants were skills a lady of the house would need. Where would she use them? Not back home.

"And what's this about sparring?"

"Just sparring."

"With who?"

"Me?"

Her face went pale.

"No—absolutely not!"

She had barely any training—and he wanted her to spar with the Empire's greatest swordsman? Imagining herself rolling on the floor sent chills down her spine. She desperately clung to Kite. Seren, who'd been watching silently, spoke awkwardly.

"You'll still learn a lot."

"And get beaten soundly!"

Seren looked away and fell silent.

"Please remove this."

She clasped her hands and looked at him with tearful eyes—and Kite felt oddly weak.

"But it's necessary."

He still didn't fully understand her abilities. He'd taken her to the training ground at the palace, but he didn't think he'd seen everything.

Whether friend or foe, he needed to know her capabilities—but she clearly hated it.

Back   Next