After Connecting the Villainess and the Male Lead from the Original Story

13. Unexpected Words (2)

“I’ll never let that happen, so you don’t need to worry.”

With those words, I offered him a reassuring smile.

I resolved myself once again.

For someone with many responsibilities and duties, having someone to lean on at the end of a long, tiring day could be crucial. To ensure Kaelan could have that, I had to take action.

As we both regained our determination in silence, the quiet stretched between us. It was then that I suddenly realized we were alone in this place, and just like earlier, my heart began to race.

“No, this can’t happen.”

Please, calm down.

However, instead of calming down, my heart increased its tempo, threatening to beat out of my chest as I thought that I should probably escape this situation to avoid being alone with Kaelan.

I was about to suggest leaving the terrace when the music that had filled the large space beyond the curtains suddenly stopped. Simultaneously, a loud voice that signaled the Emperor’s departure from the banquet hall echoed, making its way to our ears.

Feeling relieved, I quickly moved back into the hall with Kaelan.

I kept my head bowed until the Emperor left, then raised it as the music resumed.

At that moment, people gradually began to approach us, or rather, Kaelan. Among them, a middle-aged man quickly approached Kaelan and called out to him.

“Count La Berion.”

I recognized the man immediately. He was Benjamin Arte, the younger brother of the late Countess La Berion and the maternal uncle of the La Berion siblings.

“How long has it been?”

“Count Arte.”

Kaelan, who had been looking at me all this time, shifted his gaze to Count Arte. As I was out of his direct line of sight, I could finally relax a bit.

“I was wondering if you might be here this time. It’s truly wonderful to see you.”

“Have you been well all this time?”

Perhaps because they were relatives through their mother, Kaelan was unusually warm in his greeting to Count Arte.

“Oh, I’ve been doing well. Ha-ha.”

Count Arte replied with a hearty laugh, then turned his attention to me.

“Miss Rosentia.”

“Count Arte, it’s been a while.”

I felt thankful for Count Arte, who managed to break the uncomfortable and awkward atmosphere, and I greeted him warmly.

“Adelia, oh, I mean, you shouldn’t address me so casually. After all, she is the esteemed Countess of the Creighton family. Nevertheless, didn’t you say Rosentia is the closest friend of the Countess of Creighton?”

Count Arte mentioned Adelia, directing his question at me.

“Yes, that’s correct, Count.”

“It seems that the Countess of Creighton couldn’t attend this banquet this time.”

“Yes, she informed us in advance that she wouldn’t be able to attend this event.”

“That’s a shame. Whenever the Countess of Creighton participates in a ball or banquet, her unique cheerful atmosphere always adds warmth to the occasion.”

“She often says she can’t enjoy events that she isn’t confident in.”

“By the way, Duke Laverion and Miss Rosentia are engaged, right?”

“Yes? Oh, yes, that’s correct.”

Suddenly, Count Arte brought up the topic of our engagement, making me momentarily flustered. I managed to regain my composure and respond.

“Now that the Duke’s younger sister, the Countess of Creighton, is married, should we expect good news from the two of you soon?”

Without considering the implications of his words, Count Arte spoke openly about our engagement. I was at a loss for words and evaded giving a direct answer. I couldn’t bring myself to confirm our breakup, but I also couldn’t feign excitement about our future wedding.

“Uh, well…”

“Even so, we plan to hold the wedding soon. If you plan to attend, please keep your schedule open; we may extend an invitation to you soon.”

Completely unexpectedly, the words slipped out of Kaelan’s mouth. I couldn’t fathom what was happening.

“What… you mean a wedding?”

‘What should I say?’

I couldn’t just stay silent forever. I needed to respond, one way or another. Faced with an unexpected turn of events, I rapidly thought about what to say.

However, as my thoughts whirled, and I prepared to speak, Kaelan calmly announced:

“We’re planning a wedding soon.”

‘Wait, a wedding? Who?’

Kaelan and me?

With a rather shocked expression, I looked up at Kaelan. He gazed back at me for a moment and then turned his head, emphasizing his words to Count Arte.

“It’s because I felt like I left my fiancée alone for longer than necessary.”

“Oh, I see. Duke, it’s quite a significant occasion that you’re finally getting married. I will prepare a congratulatory gift for your wife. By the way, it’s already getting late. I should take my leave.”

“Please go safely.”

“…Take care. Count Arte.”

“We’ll meet again.”

Count Arte, who had thrown a huge stone into the previously tranquil waters, slowly distanced himself from us.

“Since your condition doesn’t seem to be great today, you shouldn’t push yourself any further. Let’s go inside.”

Kaelan said to me as I continued to stare blankly at Count Arte’s receding figure.

“Yes, alright.”

It was the most welcome thing I heard today. I quickly nodded in response.

I wanted to return home as soon as possible. I needed to sort out the complicated situations and thoughts swirling in my head.

But I had no separate means to go home since I had come here in the same carriage with Kaelan. So, reluctantly, I climbed into the Laverion family’s carriage.

Throughout the journey, the carriage remained silent. For some reason, Kaelan was in low spirits, and I was too preoccupied to engage in conversation.

‘I need to sort out my thoughts.’

I felt the urge to understand why he had made that statement and to assess the current situation accurately.

“Is it okay if I open a window? I’m feeling a bit stuffy.”

I wanted some fresh air since the carriage had become quite stifling. So, I asked Kaelan, and he nodded slowly.

“Since the night air can be chilly, don’t keep it open for too long.”

Once he gave his permission, I opened the carriage window wide. The cool breeze, tinged with the scent of the night, immediately rushed in. As the wind hit my face, my previously congested mind felt a bit lighter.

A significant matter had been thrown before me, but I had no desire to think about it now. So, I closed my eyes and quietly felt the breeze.

How long had it been like that?

The carriage, which had been running all the while, came to a slow stop. When I opened my eyes and looked outside, I recognized the familiar mansion.

Kaelan stood up from his seat first and then extended his hand to help me. I silently stared at his large and long hand for a moment and then gently held it before getting off the carriage.

“Thank you for giving me a ride,” I said, attempting to release his hand.

However, just like before, he held my hand firmly, and I couldn’t let go.

“Duke?”

I addressed him with an uncertain tone, and only then did he let go of my hand.

“Thanks to you, I could come comfortably today. I’m also grateful for taking care of my health,” I said, expressing my gratitude.

Despite my pounding heart and the various events that transpired today, it had been somewhat difficult, but I had been with him all along. Thus, those moments were incredibly precious and delightful to me.

“I have to leave for a while since there’s something I need to attend to,” he said.

“I see? Oh, alright.”

“Even when Adelia and I aren’t around, everyone in the Duke’s residence likes you, so… You’re always welcome.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

Today, he had given me a significant task to complete. However, he was so considerate that I couldn’t help but appreciate him. With a wide smile on my face, I thanked him.

“Take care, Duke.”

He glanced at me once more and then turned away.

“If anything happens, make sure to contact me. Even for the smallest matters. You’re frail, especially when it comes to your health.”

Saying this like a solemn request, he climbed into the carriage.

“Alright, I will.”

The carriage’s door closed after a moment, and it gradually moved further away.

Feeling somewhat melancholy about his departure once again, I watched the carriage until it disappeared from sight.

Then, I entered the mansion, feeling the weariness that washed over me like a wave.