Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 95

95.

Kailun spoke first.

"Let me make this clear—"

Martin looked at him curiously.

"Ibelin—no."

"Grandfather, I haven't said anything yet."

"Whatever it is—no."

Her eyes narrowed at his refusal—she was clearly annoyed, but he stood firm. He'd raised her; he knew her well.

"What's 'no'?"

"You're thinking of acting as bait, aren't you?"

Her guilty eyes confirmed it—he slapped his chest. Though gentle and mild most of the time, once she decided something, she charged forward fearlessly.

"But Grandfather—they're targeting me."

She continued calmly.

"Unknown blocking my visions—it's all for that. To catch them, I have to be the one."

Her clenched fist spoke of her resolve.

"Ibelin."

A cold voice came—he'd forgotten there was another who wouldn't stay still.

"Are you in your right mind—trying to do this alone?"

Kite's mood darkened.

"Using my fiancée as bait—what nonsense."

"The fiancée herself is offering."

She protested weakly, but he wouldn't relent—his eyes grew sharper.

"Rather than use you as bait—I'll kill Draven myself. Sorry to my nephew, but my first love is walking into danger."

That seemed extreme—Draven might be a traitor, but there was no proof. If Kite attacked him, it'd get complicated.

"Wouldn't that be wrong?"

She cried out in alarm.

"Why?"

His half-crazed eyes asked.

"It would challenge the Emperor's authority! Even if he's suspicious, without evidence, you can't destroy a ducal house—and you don't want the throne."

He leaned back lazily and crossed his legs.

"Should I try for it?"

Knowing how much he cherished Leonhardt, it was nonsense—but he seemed capable of it.

"Just joking?"

"What do you think?"

His smile was warm, but beneath it, other emotions surged. He might be joking—but was there no sincerity? Anyone else would have fled, but she didn't back away.

She approached him without hesitation—like facing a grizzly in the forest.

"I know you don't mean it."

"I always speak sincerely."

"You care about your nephew—you'd never betray him."

At her firm words, his smile faded, but he looked calmer. She took a deep breath.

"Listen—I'm not offering to be bait lightly."

She grasped his hand—warmth passed between them.

"There are people outside the door to help me. If something happens, they'll come to protect me. And most of all—"

All eyes turned to her.

"I'm confident!"

Her proud shout made Kite laugh. Kailun and Martin looked stunned.

"I'm not weak."

"But they could be assassins."

"Then I'll use the supplies from the basement."

"Those dangerous things?"

"Yes."

Kailun interjected incredulously.

"Those aren't dangerous."

"Baron Frillie—they are. Anyone else hoarding them would be arrested."

He coughed awkwardly—Martin nudged him.

"What exactly do you have?"

"Things I got when I was with Intelligence."

"Lot of them? I thought you used most and retired."

"I ordered more—I was uneasy."

She looked exasperated.

"Planning a terrorist attack?"

"No—it's just—"

He trailed off. She understood—Intelligence work exposed you to dirty situations, leaving lifelong scars.

"I won't say anything—just get rid of them."

He nodded silently.

"Back to the point—Ibelin, will you really act as bait?"

"Yes."

"Then Intelligence will help—it's for His Majesty too."

"Of course—she's my granddaughter."

"Such a doting grandfather."

She clicked her tongue. With Kite around, Ibelin wouldn't be hurt—but they didn't know what the enemy had prepared. She'd need to prepare thoroughly.

"So—have you set the engagement date?"

She asked the most important thing.

"Yes—in two weeks."

Isn't that too soon? Before she could speak, Ibelin asked.

"Two weeks?"

"Yes."

"I haven't heard about a date."

"Ah—I forgot to mention. It's small, so I set it early."

"That's too fast!"

She cried out—but he was calm.

"Don't worry—it'll be the best engagement ceremony."

As if. She pressed her forehead.

Could they be ready in two weeks? Anger flared—it was supposed to be a peaceful, ordinary engagement. Why did she have to prepare for assassins?

I won't let them.

Assassins or not, she'd stop them.

Watching her resolve, Kailun sighed.

"An engagement ceremony so rushed..."

There was so much to prepare.

"For the record, His Majesty will attend."

"Are you mad? Holding it in two weeks? Postpone it—now!"

He raged—but to no avail.

"Knowing I'm preparing, the enemy hired assassins. Delaying would only arouse suspicion. Better to proceed as planned."

"P-planned! Is that the only reason?"

"There's another."

As Kite spoke seriously, Kailun calmed—remembering the young Kite who'd fought barbarians. He must have a plan.

"I wanted the world to know Ibelin is mine as soon as possible."

Kailun reached into his coat—like his granddaughter, he was good with guns and always carried one.

"Are you insane?"

Martin realized and tried to stop him, but he struggled.

"Let go—how can I bear this!"

"Stop!"

Only after Martin smacked his back hard did he calm—though he muttered darkly, glaring at Kite.

A son-in-law like this? He ground his teeth.

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