Chapter 29
29화
To make an excuse, Charlize was in a state of extreme sensitivity right after the incident at the imperial palace.
She had just encountered malice directed at her and was even more on guard upon meeting someone whose identity she didn’t know.
Charlize realized she had reacted too sensitively, but the bottle had already fallen to the floor and shattered.
‘Oh no, what do I do!’
Pretty-colored wine poured from the broken bottle, soaking the floor.
It had even soaked Ian’s trouser hem and shoes, leaving no doubt wherever one looked that she was the villain.
What do I do? Act shamelessly here? Or pretend to sarcastically apologize?
Charlize’s mind raced.
Would this man finally reveal his true colors? Would he get angry?
It was the moment Charlize raised her head.
The instant their eyes met, a soft smile spread across Ian’s eyes.
“My apologies. It seems this wine was insufficient for the empire’s greatest beauty after all.”
“…….”
Charlize blinked. Though unintentional, it was clearly her fault.
Yet the man bowed his head politely as if it were his own mistake, before Charlize could utter a word.
With perfect, impeccable etiquette and words that shielded her from embarrassment.
Any onlooker would have felt he was undoubtedly the one at fault.
“Next time, I’ll prepare a proper wine.”
She didn’t realize it, but amid her heightened nerves, embarrassment and fluster had seeped onto Charlize’s face. Ian’s narrowed eyes easily caught it.
‘Oh dear, I shouldn’t let myself get curious.’
He was intrigued.
By the fleeting innocent expression on the face of this villainess whom everyone in the capital tsked over as vicious.
By what kind of person this woman was, who didn’t look vicious like the rumors at all, no matter how one saw her.
Had it all been a misunderstanding?
“…Will you drink with me then?”
Charlize pressed her lovely lips shut. Her eyes sharpened toward him, but perhaps because he’d already seen her flustered look, it didn’t seem so fierce.
Charlize rose from her seat.
“I’ve sworn off red wine.”
“Oh, the world overflows with wonderful white wines.”
“If you’re Grandfather’s guest, handle your business and be on your way.”
“But the one who wanted to pretend to see the Duke was you, Duchess…”
“…….”
Charlize was flustered inwardly.
‘What is with this guy?’
Just how deep a grudge did he hold against Charlize to want to see her at any cost?
He was definitely someone to keep her guard up against.
Her wariness surged once more, but she soon severed her interest and turned away.
However, Ian stepped forward with soft yet impeccably polite grace to offer his greetings.
Heh, a courteous man to the very end.
Moreover, unlike her initial impression of him as scholarly, his curving eyes looked enchantingly fox-like, the kind that could mesmerize if one wasn’t careful.
It was as Charlize inwardly clicked her tongue and brushed past his side.
“Duchess!”
She spotted her maid, Susan. But what was this? Susan wasn’t alone.
Charlize’s eyes widened at the person standing behind Susan.
‘My fiancé?’
Surprisingly, behind Susan stood a massively built man whose tall frame bordered on beautiful—Charlize’s fiancé, Askin.
What business could that man possibly have at the Altzveit mansion?
While Charlize was startled, Askin noticed Ian Child, who had been with her.
‘…Why is that guy here?’
His handsome eyebrows twitched ever so slightly.
The Child Family had proposed a collaboration to Askin.
For one of them to be at Altzveit? Was he trying to play both sides? Or was the Child Family ultimately aiming to control him with money, just like the Altzveits?
At the same time, Askin saw the hand Ian Child had extended toward Charlize.
For some reason, the subtle embarrassment clouding that woman’s face—usually so venomous and haughty—didn’t sit right with him.
“You must have an important guest to attend to. Greetings, Duke Remute. Good afternoon, Your Grace.”
Ian quickly glanced between Askin and Charlize, realizing it was time for him to make his exit.
Regrettable, but unavoidable.
“Wishing you a pleasant time, and I hope to have the chance to see the Duchess again next time.”
* * *
Chilly. The silence stabbed into my chest like a dagger.
“…….”
I secretly swallowed. Of course, without letting it show.
Meanwhile, I stealthily lifted my gaze.
‘What should I say?’
Already five minutes in, and Askin hadn’t said a word.
For me, just admiring this statue-like handsome man was a feast for the eyes, but…
According to Susan, who had brought him, he wasn’t here to see Grandfather—he had come to see me. What on earth had blown in this wind to bring him to me?
The problem was, every time our eyes met these past five minutes, he frowned, making me unconsciously press my lips together.
Him coming here was something I was immensely grateful for, so I wanted to tread very carefully, not ruin this chance.
Still, it’d be nice if he’d get to the point already.
To ease my tension without showing it, I casually adjusted my neckline.
“You must be busy with flood recovery—what brings you here?”
If he won’t speak up, what can I do? I have to break the ice.
Still, I smiled as harmlessly and prettily as possible to avoid earning his dislike.
But then, that man’s expression soured.
What? Why? I went out of my way to smile…! I felt a little wronged.
“You get to roam my territory freely, but I have to notify you in advance just to see you?”
…When did I ever say that?
I had no idea why he was picking a fight, but okay, let’s endure. In his eyes, I’m the Charlize who seems like his mortal enemy. It’s something that he’s even talking to me. Wronged as I felt, I held back.
Anyway, the very fact that he came to see me opens the path to my lovable coins—ten billion of them!
That thought filled me with joy and happiness. A happy smile bloomed naturally on my face.
“If you had time to come here, the flood recovery must be well in hand. You’re capable when it comes to that sort of thing.”
“…….”
…What. Why. What. Why is he frowning and glaring again?
It felt like staring at a massive dog pissed off for some incomprehensible reason. I want to soothe him, but he won’t communicate…
We’re both humans—why won’t we connect?
“Seeing you only strengthens my resolve.”
“What resolve?”
Instead of answering, Askin said something else.
“Did you try to win my favor by even using the children from my territory?”
This remark was even harder to comprehend.
Why was my fiancé acting like this? We’re speaking human words—why is it so hard to understand?
I mulled it over and finally got it. Ah, no way.
‘He’s talking about the kids I sent back today?’
Wait, does he think I deliberately dragged those kids here, wined and dined them, and sent them off?
From his perspective, it might look that way…
“No.”
I made an incredulous face.
This is truly unfair. Sure, my guards messed up.
“Now you’ve even brazenly honed your acting skills.”
“Did you hear what happened from them?”
I shot back without yielding.
“Yes, my guards acted on their own—that much is true. But did you conveniently forget that I sent them off loaded down with gifts? They were things I was going to toss anyway, so no need for thanks. And it’s not your place to grill me about it, is it?”
“…….”
Saying it out loud, I suddenly thought I was nailing the villainess role perfectly—while wondering if this was really okay.
At this rate, won’t my fiancé and I just keep running on parallel tracks? Then my money and my path home would all go up in smoke. Complicated feelings swirled inside me.
What should I do? A flustered expression slipped out naturally.
Askin, who had been watching my face, finally spoke.
“Congratulations. Now you could even become the empire’s top actress.”
“What?”
Askin pretended to clap, sneering for the first time.
“Now all you need to do is break off our engagement.”
“…….”
“Anyway, don’t you have another guy lined up?”
What kind of nonsense is this? Another guy? While I’m rushing to Remute territory every single day?
At this absurd statement, I seriously debated dropping the villainess pride for a moment and begging him to stay.
“You must not realize it yet, but you’re the one I’ve set my sights on. You’re leagues beyond those dullards.”
It was the moment those words slipped from my mouth.
I wanted to hear Askin’s reply, but I never got the chance.
“Oh, so you’re here?”
Turning toward the voice, none other than Grandfather was striding over.
Grandfather gazed at me and my fiancé with a pleased smile full of satisfaction.
“Oh dear, did I interrupt? Such a lovely pair—come visit often. Duke Remute.”
“No, you arrived at the perfect time. Duke Altzveit, this is something I needed to discuss with you too.”
For some reason, Askin stared at me for a very brief moment.
Was it my imagination? For the first time, his gaze seemed to waver ever so slightly.
But it vanished faster than the fleeting moment it had appeared.
“Actually, since you’re the one who arranged this engagement, it’s precisely what I need to say to you.”
A resolute voice followed. Cold and unyielding.
“Since you ignored all my letters, I’ll say it formally in person.”
I had a sinking feeling about what was coming.
A faint pain stirred in my heart. Wait—just a moment!
“As…”
“I formally request to dissolve the engagement with the Altzveit ducal family.”