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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Collapse
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“If you passed through the hallway on your way here, you’d know I have a foul temper. If you don’t, you’ll find out soon enough.”
Darcy casually brought up the matter of breaking the door. As expected, it was all part of his plan.
His confident demeanor made him seem like someone who could ascend the throne at any moment. Judging by his blood-red eyes alone, he looked like a tyrant who wouldn't hesitate to cut down anyone who didn't side with him.
Of course, I knew this was just my imagination.
Because I knew just how considerate he truly was.
However, seeing him like this, his thirst for revenge against Ryan and Kies seemed genuine.
It wasn't so much a desire to become the true emperor, but a greed to topple the imperial authority and diminish Ryan's power that stood out.
He was someone who had originally intended to leave, who said he would depart once I was happy. I was the only one who knew he had no interest in status.
‘…Though I don’t know how he plans to leave later.’
Building up his power and captivating people like that must stem from his innate charm, right?
In any case, it was a relief that Darcy had responded to Kies’s earlier humiliating actions with indifference.
Kies's attempt to provoke Darcy had been met with no reaction, which only ended up exposing his own inner turmoil.
Darcy now held another advantage.
The reason they had to accept Darcy, despite hating him so much.
The only ones who knew that reason were Darcy himself, and me.
Those on Ryan’s side would tremble in anxiety because of this.
And those who would side with Darcy would be relieved.
“I don’t have much more to say. Since we’ve all gathered in the palace, I hope you enjoy yourselves.”
Finishing his last words, he offered a half-hearted smile. The way one corner of his mouth twisted upward was clearly forced.
But who could possibly object to him? Even Ryan didn't dare to step forward.
I recalled the first time I met Darcy and shook my head.
‘A merchant, my foot.’
He was a man who belonged in the light, not the shadows. As I reveled in satisfaction, trying to calm my trembling heart, the person standing in front of me began to fall backward.
Her build, her dress, even the color of her hair—everything that came into view was familiar.
Only then did I realize that the person standing before me was Reshuan.
The realization was instantaneous.
My hands moved on instinct. I reached out with both hands to cradle Reshuan's head.
*Thud.* The awkward posture sent me tumbling down with her. The dress I'd worn in several layers for today provided some cushion, but it still hurt.
“Reshuan!”
With the Marquis's cry, all eyes turned to me and Reshuan.
‘At least I won’t be misunderstood for pushing her.’
I had completely lost my balance and fallen along with her. I wouldn't have to worry about rumors...
Lost in thought, I flinched at the chill I felt from Reshuan's arm as it brushed against me.
‘Did I just touch Reshuan’s body?’
It was hard to believe she was a living, breathing person just moments ago. One might have believed she was gravely ill.
She was perfectly fine just a moment ago, wasn't she? Was Reshuan always this sick?
In the original story, she was described as having a weak constitution, but she had never collapsed like this.
Could something that happened today have been the trigger? Something that shocked Reshuan's body to such an extent. What could have... oh.
‘Was it because she met me?’
She was so still, she almost looked dead.
I thought things between Reshuan and me had been resolved, but was I wrong?
To calm my chaotic thoughts, I bit my lip and placed a finger under her nose.
I could feel her breathing, however faint. Just as I let out a shaky breath, Reshuan's body was lifted into the air.
“I will help her.”
It was Kaysen.
To see him act before Ryan. It was a decisiveness uncharacteristic of the second male lead.
The Marquis, who had pushed his way through the crowd, rushed over and checked on Reshuan, his face pale.
“Reshuan, wake up. My child…!”
He had completely lost his composure. The Marquis, his hands trembling, gave me a slight bow.
“Thank you. I shall repay you for this later.”
In that moment, he cut off any potential misunderstanding I might have faced. He was a marquis for a reason.
“It's nothing. But what on earth happened…?”
No matter how much Reshuan and I didn't get along, I never wished for her health to decline.
“…I don't know.”
The Marquis replied after a brief silence. It was a slight hesitation, but I knew instinctively.
The Marquis knows why Reshuan collapsed.
But he wasn't angry with me. Instead, he thanked me for saving Reshuan, who could have been seriously injured in her fall.
What could be the reason?
“First, we must let her rest. I'll take her to the drawing room.”
Is it because there are too many people?
My mind raced at this unexpected turn of events. Amidst it all, I couldn't help but be impressed by the Marquis's strength as he took Reshuan from Kaysen's arms and held her himself.
“I shall guide you.”
Ryan, who had returned to his spot, also checked on Reshuan's condition and calmly led the way. The Marquis nodded and followed him.
Kaysen stared blankly at the spot where Reshuan had disappeared.
It was now painfully clear who the Marquis had in mind as Reshuan's partner.
I suppose it's only natural, considering he could rise to the highest position in this country.
“Are you ever going to get up?”
“Ah.”
Darcy, who had approached me at some point, let out a soft chuckle. My face flushed red.
I was so busy observing the situation that I hadn't even thought about getting up.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes.”
“You looked dazed... Here.”
His gentle tone was completely different from the flippant demeanor he'd shown in front of everyone earlier.
The brief moment when Darcy extended his hand to me felt like a scene from a movie.
He had told me to follow my heart. I had said I would do as I wished, too.
I took his hand. As I smiled and tried to stand, I flinched at the pain in my ankle.
“…I guess you're not alright after all.”
“It's just a sprain, I'm fine.”
My ankle throbbed a little, but it wasn't excruciating. However, it seemed Darcy wasn't satisfied with my answer.
The color seemed to have drained from his face. He gazed at the hem of my dress where my ankle was and then spoke.
“You need to go rest, too.”
“Okay, then I'll call a maid-”
But I couldn't finish my sentence. Darcy, who had squeezed my hand before letting go, slipped one arm behind my shoulders and the other behind my knees.
Darcy lifted me as if I were cotton candy.
“Ah, um. Darcy?”
…We did agree to get to know each other, but this sudden physical contact is flustering. Especially when it's a princess carry?
“As expected…!”
“The two of them…”
The gasps from the crowd sounded especially loud in my ears. I could practically see a vision of my relationship with Darcy becoming official.
We were in a stage that couldn't even be called a fling, and yet we were about to be officially declared lovers.
I shouldn't have underestimated Darcy's drive.
As I was inwardly reflecting, Darcy must have read the worry on my face, because he whispered,
“This is the fastest way.”
“But, there are servants…”
“Being carried by a prince is the safest option, wouldn't you say?”
Darcy lowered his head at my words and grinned. His silver hair, cascading down like wisteria leaves, tickled my cheek.
It was a smile only I could see.
Even the part of me that felt this was a bit absurd melted away like snow in spring.
In the end, all I could do was surrender.
“Let's go.”
It was a whisper so quiet even I could barely hear it, but Darcy didn't seem to mind.
He started to move.
“I will go with you.”
…And an unexpected guest followed us.
It was Kaysen.
***
Darcy shot a glare at Kaysen, who had followed them out.
“Why the hell did you come out?”
“…To follow Lady Reshuan. You already know that, so why do you ask?”
“I'm saying you could have come out later.”
“You know as well as I do that was the perfect time.”
“Not my problem.”
Their bickering was surprising. I had never seen the usually blunt Kaysen interact so comfortably with anyone other than Reshuan.
It was a new sight to see him steadfastly enduring Darcy's cold remarks.
‘He's like a subordinate being tormented by his boss.’
Kaysen, who to me had only been a villainous second male lead, seemed incredibly small.
Darcy, who had been wearing a blatantly bored expression, opened his mouth as if he'd thought of something.
“Don't you have anything to say to Marso?”
“…”
Kaysen, who had been silently following us, slowed his pace.
“This is the perfect time.”
At that, Darcy's steps slowed to match Kaysen's.
“Do I tend to repeat myself?”
Darcy's subtle threat followed.
Seeing Kaysen at a loss for words. How delightful.
It was a shame I couldn't spend time alone with Darcy, but this was a gain in its own way.
“…Thank you for today.”
His voice, as solid as wood, reached my ears. The content was just as I'd expected.
Kaysen never strayed from my expectations.
People don't change that easily.
I stared blankly at Kaysen.
“That's not what I was talking about.”
“No, it's fine.”
I stopped Darcy before he could speak again.
“It's a futile hope.”
