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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: By Her Bedside
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Leonhart reflexively caught Adrian as she collapsed.
Realizing what he had just done, he furrowed his elegant brows into a mess.
He had no intention of holding her. Having such quick reflexes was a problem in itself.
“Shit.”
Just as he was about to toss her aside out of sheer revulsion, a man over two meters tall whispered discreetly.
“Your Highness, there are many eyes on us.”
It was Esir, the second son of Count Viart, who had joined the Demon King expedition with him.
His swordsmanship was top-notch, and with a sharp mind to match, he served as Leonhart's guard and advisor.
“So what?”
“Putting aside the fact that you'd appear hostile to the Duchess, tossing an unconscious woman to the ground could be seen as a matter of character. The Duchess could use it against you later.”
People in and around the Grand Plaza were watching Leonhart.
Whatever he did here, rumors would spread in an instant.
The Grand Plaza's renovation was a key part of the Emperor's birthday celebration.
Since Leonhart was in charge of such a crucial task, the other princes were not about to look upon him favorably.
They were already finding every excuse to delay the construction; he couldn't give them any more ammunition.
Leonhart suppressed his annoyance and asked.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Use this opportunity to your advantage, Your Highness. There's no harm in appearing to be on good terms. Please escort her to her mansion.”
“…Me?”
“Of course, Your Highness must do it yourself.”
“Fu—”
“No more swearing.”
“Hah…”
Leonhart glared down at the unconscious Adrian in his arms.
*Is she really unconscious?*
He observed her carefully, but it didn't seem to be an act.
Still, the situation was just as absurd.
*I mean, why would she suddenly vomit blood and collapse in the middle of a conversation?*
Is this revenge for when I choked her last time?
If so, there could be no more perfect revenge.
Because instead of killing Adrian with his own hands, he had to carefully escort her all the way to her mansion.
Leonhart squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them.
“To the Ivrante mansion… we go.”
***
“Leave the Ivrante mansion as late as possible. It would be even better if you spent the night there.”
“Hah…”
Leonhart ran a hand through his hair and muttered a curse.
He was on the verge of going mad with the desire to storm out immediately.
If not for Esir's advice, he would have already done as he pleased.
“This is ridiculous.”
He couldn't understand why he had to be in Adrian's bedroom, watching over that woman.
In any case, since he had come this far, he planned to endure it until midnight.
*That's the only way the calculation works.*
He hoped the rumors would spread and reach the First Prince's ears.
So that the First Prince, who believed Adrian supported him, would grow anxious.
And that his distraction would keep him from interfering with the Grand Plaza's construction any longer.
Thinking of that made this damn situation somewhat bearable.
He just had to endure a little longer.
Leonhart cast an indifferent gaze out the window.
He had no interest in whether Adrian was groaning in pain right beside him.
He was just waiting for time to pass when he heard a strange sound.
“...Le...o...”
“She's lost her mind.”
Leonhart scoffed. He thought Adrian had regained consciousness and was calling his name.
Just like she used to at the Academy back in the day.
“Leo...na...”
“What?”
Leonhart's eyes widened.
Leona? Did Adrian just say Leona?
That was impossible. Leona was a nickname he had allowed only Adela to use.
No one else was permitted to address him in such a way.
Of course, she might call him that when she was alone.
But Adrian didn't know that Leonhart had ever been called Leona.
His back, which had been languidly leaning against the armchair, tensed up.
Leonhart sat up straight and focused his hearing.
Adrian made no more sounds.
As if possessed, Leonhart rose from the armchair and slowly approached the bed.
“She's not awake.”
Adrian had not regained consciousness.
Tucked under the sheets, her complexion had improved since she collapsed, but she was still unconscious.
But she seemed to be having a nightmare, her brow furrowed as she mumbled something.
“Ugh…”
Leonhart leaned down over Adrian's face.
Her hot breath warmed his earlobe.
Just as he frowned at the strange sensation, Adrian mumbled in a faint, sleep-talking voice.
“...Ah, why do you keep... Just stop... saying that.”
What's this? Just nonsense.
The moment a chill passed through Leonhart's eyes.
Adrian's eyelids fluttered open. Soon, her sleepy eyes crinkled as she smiled faintly.
“Leona… does it not hurt anymore?”
Leonhart froze on the spot.
It was the same as when she had grabbed his hand before. A strange sense of déjà vu once again took over his mind.
Why did he keep sensing Adela in Adrian?
*Unless I'm going crazy…*
Leonhart clenched his jaw.
“How does the Duchess know that name?”
“Hmm?”
The woman, who had asked languidly, shot up in surprise.
“Your Highness?!”
Leonhart's long eyes narrowed with an unusual intensity.
“Just answer me. Who did you hear it from?”
“Pardon? Hear what?”
“Don't tell me you called in members of the expedition to investigate my past? How utterly repulsive.”
“…Why would I investigate Your Highness's past?”
Adrian tilted her head.
Her acting was superb. Her expression was so innocent that even Leonhart was almost fooled.
In his younger, more naive days, there had been a time when he trusted Adrian.
Of course, he had no intention of repeating that foolish mistake.
While Leonhart was lost in thought, Adrian got out of bed and looked around.
“More importantly, Your Highness, why are you in my bedroom?”
“You're asking me that? You're the one who collapsed for all to see in front of that crowd, not me.”
“Ah… that's right, I collapsed…”
Adrian muttered, clutching her chest. Her face was not just pale, but ashen.
Leonhart watched her quietly.
It didn't seem like she had fainted on purpose.
But that didn't mean he had completely let go of his suspicions about her.
Not long ago, she was the one who sent assassins to pressure him to withdraw from the competition for the crown prince's throne.
Even though she knew full well that Leonhart, a sword master, couldn't possibly be assassinated.
For a woman like that to approach him in a crowded place, vomit blood, and collapse.
It was only natural to be suspicious of her intentions.
There was no telling what crime she might try to frame him for.
She was the type of woman who wouldn't hesitate to claim that Leonhart, being a dark sorcerer, had used demons to curse her.
That was why he'd had no choice but to bring her safely to her mansion in front of everyone.
To prevent any gossip from starting.
Leonhart asked nonchalantly.
“Are you in pain?”
“…No, I'm not.”
“My suit was covered in your blood.”
Adrian's eyes reddened with displeasure.
“I apologize, Your Highness. I'll have it cleaned for you.”
“I threw it away.”
“…”
Leonhart remained silent intentionally.
Despite the pressure she must have felt, Adrian spoke calmly.
“I had companions with me. What happened to them?”
“The Duchess was covered in blood, so I sent them ahead. We came in a different carriage.”
“Hah… That's a relief. Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. I was unwell earlier and committed a great discourtesy.”
“What was your business at the Grand Plaza?”
“I saw you while passing by, Your Highness. I only went to discuss the construction issue. There was no other reason.”
“…”
“I didn't go to the Grand Plaza to see you, nor did I know you were there. It was purely a coincidence, so I hope you won't misunderstand.”
“A coincidence… If the Duchess says so, then I suppose it must be.”
“Hoo…”
Adrian seemed about to flare up but instead wiped her face. Her voice came out slightly hoarse.
“The longer this conversation goes on, the worse we'll both feel, so I'll be brief. Just withdraw the plan to build the statue. If you do, I won't appear before you again. Of course, I can also help ensure the construction finishes smoothly.”
“I have no intention of doing so.”
“I'll support you as the crown prince. I promise.”
“Did I not tell you? I will handle my own affairs.”
“…Your Highness, you'll be in trouble if you make an enemy of me.”
“When were we not enemies? You're speaking nonsense.”
“…”
“It's past midnight. I will be leaving now.”
Leonhart stood and straightened his clothes. As he turned to leave, Adrian's voice reached his ears.
“Do you really think Adela Helsington would like something like that?”
Leonhart stopped dead in his tracks.
“A golden statue modeled after her. If it were me, I would never like… Ugh!”
Leonhart shot out a long arm and gripped the back of Adrian's neck. The distance between them closed abruptly.
“What do you know about Adel?”
“…Is that something one must know to be able to say?”
“It's troublesome when you pretend to know things you've only heard somewhere.”
Adrian gazed up at him.
Even with her vital point in his grasp, she was calm and composed.
“Don't feel guilty about Adela Helsington's death. It wasn't your fault, Your Highness.”
Leonhart clenched his jaw so tightly a thick vein stood out on his neck.
He should have warned her, told her she knew nothing, told her to stop pretending… but the words wouldn't come out.
*She's like a different person.*
She seemed so genuinely sorry that he could hardly believe his eyes.
Whether Leonhart felt guilty about Adela's death or not, wasn't it strange for Adrian to be the one feeling sorry?
Leonhart roughly let go of Adrian's neck.
No, it was less that he let go and more that he moved away from her.
Just then, Adrian stared blankly into the air before her expression suddenly crumpled.
*What is she looking at?*
Leonhart glanced up above his own head.
*There's nothing there.*
Suddenly, he felt a sense of déjà vu.
*I feel like I've had a similar thought before.*
Then, the woman, who had been silently chewing her lip, clutched her forehead with a troubled look.
Leonhart stopped thinking and let out a dry laugh.
*Is she treating me like a troublesome problem right now?*
“Fine, in that case, I will create a perfect… a proposal for you. Once you see it, you'll definitely change your mind.”
“…The Duchess, herself?”
“Yes, me, myself. So please, Your Highness, make a concession as well.”
Adrian didn't negotiate fairly like this.
Her father was royalty and her mother was the previous Duchess; she herself had inherited the ducal title upon coming of age.
Second in power only to the Emperor, she never had to make concessions to anyone.
She could suppress those more talented than her, take what she coveted, and crush those she disliked, all without any issue.
For such a woman to suddenly act so reasonably immediately raised his suspicions.
*I can't fall for her tricks.*
He could just ignore her, but the problem was this strange premonition he kept having.
That he needed to keep her close and watch her.
Leonhart hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“Very well.”
“Pardon…?”
“Prepare the proposal, Duchess.”
“Ah, no, no, wait a moment. Your Highness, that's not what I…”
“I'll give you five days.”
Leonhart left the stunned Adrian and walked out.
