Cedric did not forget to bow to the crown prince before stepping back. His manners were flawless, without a single flaw. The crown prince, eyes reddened, watched him and then suddenly shouted as Cedric turned around.
“How long do you think your family can stay so arrogant?”
Cedric slowly turned back. The crown prince glared at him and spoke as if chewing him out.
“You will kneel before me eventually.”
“Of course. I serve the emperor. But if the ruler loses his mind, it is also our job to replace the king.”
“Are you saying that about me?”
“I never said Your Highness is the one who lost his mind.”
The crown prince raised his hand and threw something. Everyone gasped in shock, but Cedric calmly caught it. Then, without hesitation, he crushed it. The broken pieces scattered on the table and floor. I was too shocked to say anything.
“His Highness hasn’t changed.”
“……”
“Throwing things at others recklessly—just like ten years ago.”
Cedric casually dropped the remaining pieces to the ground. The crown prince seemed unable to control his anger, his lips twitching. Cedric bowed sincerely and then looked at me. His face had softened a little.
“Let’s go, Revril.”
I bowed to the crown prince and followed Cedric. But the more I thought about it, the more dangerous the situation seemed.
“Are you okay? His Highness seems rather…”
“The foolish emperor, who only knows luxury, sold quite a few business rights to our family. The crown prince has no real power to wield, so that’s why he’s throwing a tantrum.”
“But I don’t think His Majesty will let this go.”
“Revril.”
His voice was low and deep. I looked up in surprise as Cedric took a step closer. The scent of a dense forest brushed past my nose.
“Don’t worry about me.”
“……”
“As long as you trust me, that’s all I need.”
His eyes were deep as he looked at me. As if I was the only one in his world.
For a moment, I felt strange. It was like he already knew I didn’t trust him. I asked quickly.
“Do you know?”
“Know what?”
“That you…”
Just then, the coachman approached. But Cedric paid no attention and kept looking at me. With him so focused, I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Cedric spoke gently.
“Revril, go on.”
One corner of his mouth lifted. He looked at me calmly, as if willing to wait until I spoke. Since I had already started, I couldn’t back out now.
“I was wondering if… you married me to use me.”
Cedric’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Where did you hear such nonsense?”
His gentle tone had an odd edge to it, like a quiet threat. I thought about the things I’d heard and said,
“I just heard rumors. That you had a mistress, and some strange rumors about a wolf…”
Cedric chuckled softly.
“Revril, didn’t I say the mistress rumor was ridiculous? I even told the butler to reassure you.”
“I did hear that, but still…”
“I didn’t marry you to use you. I have no plans to do so, either.”
Just then, the coachman approached again.
“Sir, it’s time to go.”
Cedric was still looking at me, as if leaving the decision to me. Feeling awkward about the coachman standing there, I spoke.
“Let’s go back to the mansion.”
Cedric kept staring at me. His direct gaze made me uncomfortable, so I tried to get into the carriage first. That’s when Cedric held the carriage door. Surprised, I looked up, and he lowered his head to meet my eyes.
“You haven’t answered yet.”
“Answered what?”
“Do you really trust me?”
His deep blue eyes looked unusually intense. There wasn’t a hint of playfulness in them. Not that he would ever joke with me, but still.
I nodded. With Cedric speaking so seriously, it felt exhausting to keep doubting him. Either way, believing the person involved came first.
Cedric kindly opened the carriage door for me.
Inside the carriage, Cedric said nothing. A suffocating silence filled the space. Feeling frustrated, I stared out the window. Though there was only darkness and faint lights, it was still a little better.
Then, a familiar voice broke the silence.
“I plan to thoroughly investigate the person spreading those false rumors about me.”
His tone was firm. As I listened quietly, Cedric continued slowly.
“Whoever it may be.”
Startled, I looked at Cedric. Surely, he wouldn’t go after Lady Jenkins too? Her family had power—it wouldn’t be easy to touch them.
Cedric smiled slightly when our eyes met. He seemed completely calm. For some reason, that calmness felt eerie.
I grabbed my arm without realizing it. The things the crown prince, Lady Jenkins, and even Batis said—something about all this felt off.
“Cedric, I want to ask you something…”
At that moment, the carriage stopped. The door opened and the butler’s voice came through.
“Sir, we’ve received word from the Lefir Mine.”
“Go inside first. I’ll follow shortly.”
The butler nodded and stepped back. Silence filled the air again. When I couldn’t bring myself to speak, Cedric got out first and offered me his hand.
After a moment’s hesitation, I took his hand. It was big and warm. When I got out, he let go naturally. Cold air brushed by, and the warmth slowly faded—but it lingered slightly in my hand.
Cedric looked at me. The servants and the coachman were all gone.
“Revril, go ahead and ask.”
He spoke kindly—not like someone trying to avoid the question.
I slowly raised my gaze. Cedric was still watching me. His eyes showed neither indifference nor coldness, as if he would wait all night for my question.
His sudden gentleness felt strange. Come to think of it, he did seem unusually excited before the banquet.
What’s going on?
Just then, Cedric stepped closer and met my gaze. I was startled by his sudden approach when he spoke.
“Revril, didn’t you say you had a question for me?”
His tone hinted at expectation. His face looked a bit brighter too. I was taken aback. Had he ever shown this much interest in me?
Cedric patiently looked at me. Feeling uneasy, I quickly opened my mouth.
“The curse.”
Cedric’s brow furrowed slightly. He stared at me, not seeming to understand.
Even I realized it came out of nowhere.
I calmed myself down a little. Beating around the bush now would only be frustrating, so I spoke directly.
“Are you cursed?”
Silence followed. Maybe I was too blunt. Then I heard a small chuckle. When I looked up in surprise, he seemed slightly different. Even his eyes.
“Who said that?”
“What?”
“I want to know who told you I was cursed.”
Remembering how cautious Lady Jenkins was, I made something up.
“I just guessed. Something felt off…”
“Off?”
His brows twitched. His deep blue eyes stared into me more strongly than ever.
“What part felt off to you?”
“……”
“Wait, did I do something wrong to you?”
Uncharacteristically, Cedric spoke a lot, clearly curious. His reaction caught me off guard, so I quickly shook my head.
“No, you didn’t do anything wrong, but…”
“But?”
He dragged out the word, staring intently at me. That look felt so unfamiliar, I blurted something out.
“I was just curious. People keep saying things…”
“Who’s saying them?”
Cedric was quite persistent. While I hesitated to answer, he spoke again.
“Was it Lady Jenkins?”
His voice was cold and low. I felt like saying the wrong thing now would be a huge mistake.
