this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!
“Sorry…!”
I was so startled that I almost shook my hand off.
The finger that touched his lips felt hot, as if it had been burned. At the same time, a frighteningly stoic face came into view.
‘H-He must be angry.’
It felt like any moment now, he was going to furrow his brow and say, “How dare you touch my face?”
Should I apologise sincerely one more time then? Or was it better for me to gloss over it as a mistake?
As I was fidgeting while staring into those black eyes, Periot suddenly cleared his throat and opened his mouth, “Shassen you say…”
Although it was dark and hard to see since the light had been blocked by the curtain, the nape of his neck seemed to be red for some reason.
“It’s an area that even knights won’t want to venture in alone, so that’s quite impressive.”
His return to the topic reminded me of something I had forgotten. I asked the next question cautiously, “Periot, do you perhaps… know of someone called Sable Lily?”
He thought for a moment before speaking softly, “No. However, I’ve heard of the Lily family. Since it isn’t common to use the name of a flower as a surname.”
My eyes lit up at the unexpected harvest.
“What kind of family are they?”
“They’re a marquis household that are constantly using physical force in the west. Marquis Lily is notorious for being greedy to the point where even us in the north have heard about it.”
I listened to Periot attentively and nodded my head.
It truly was a setting that was befitting a face slapping female lead. It seems like there were a lot of frustrating people around her.
고구마 is ‘sweet potato’. However, these days 고구마 is increasingly used as an adjective or a noun to express the speaker’s frustrated or impatient feeling about a situation or a person, the feeling similar to what you may feel when you eat sweet potato without any beverage.
Was this perhaps the storyline?
The female lead, who was originally obedient and compliant, realised that she had only been used and abandoned by her fiance and family, so she regresses and wields her sword of revenge…
“But why do you ask?”
While I was in the middle of letting my imagination run wild, Periot looked at me with puzzled eyes.
“I-It’s nothing. Thanks for telling me.”
“…It’s nothing?”
Even I thought it sounded like a stupid excuse. Sure enough, he frowned slightly as if he were suspicious and took a step closer to me.
As the distance between us got shorter again, I quickly backed away.
My back hit a solid wall. I was so surprised that I almost screamed but held it in at the last second. I once again realised what kind of situation I was in.
Two people who were secretly hiding behind a curtain, as if they were enjoying a secret affair. It was obvious that if anyone spotted us now, we’d be in an embarrassing position when groundless rumours would start spreading.
I quickly pulled the curtain aside and looked outside. Luckily there was no one in the hallway.
“Then, I’ll just get g…”
It was when I was hurriedly trying to say my farewells to Periot, who was behind me, and tried to leave as quickly as possible while keeping my gaze lowered.
“Wait.”
A long arm stretched out from behind and pulled me back inside again. The curtain fell once more, blocking out the light and making the surroundings dark.
“Is that woman named Sable Lily… bothering you by any chance?”
Periot’s voice was heavy with tension.
“…What did you say?”
“Is that not why you were hiding?”
“N-Not at all!”
It felt like he had somehow misunderstood the situation, so I waved my hand frantically, yet his sharp eyes still glinted brightly in the dark.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t tell me. Since I’ll find out soon by directly asking that person.”
Periot, who was somehow stuck in a delusion and muttering to himself, even gritted his teeth as if he were furious.
…I’m sure that me hearing him say he’d personally visit that person and torture her was just my delusion, right?
“No, don’t do it!” I shouted quickly. I was so flustered that I almost went insane.
Although I wasn’t sure what he was going to do by visiting Sable Lily, nothing good would come out of having my name reach her ears for no particular reason.
“It really isn’t like that.”
Periot was still looking at me in disbelief, so I shook my head even more desperately.
You annoying ass Grand Duke of the North who firmly believes that the whole world goes according to his thoughts!!!
I desperately resisted the urge to snap back at him like this.
He stared at my face as if trying to determine whether it was true or not, and then muttered quietly, “Those words… seem to be true.”
“How many more times do I have to say it’s true? Why are you so disbelieving of my words?”
When I resentfully rolled my eyes, it was only then that he sighed and muttered lowly, probably feeling embarrassed, “Not believing you… never mind.”
Despite saying that, he still had an uncomfortable expression on his face. So I still wasn’t able to feel at ease.
In the end, after repeating the same thing several times without being able to escape from behind the curtain, I finally managed to get a promise from him not to behave arbitrarily in matters related to me.
“Then why were you hiding?”
However, it seemed like his doubts had gone unanswered, so we ended up back at square one again.
As I was trying to come up with an excuse, I heard the sound of several men chatting at the end of the hallway. Only then did I realise that I had actually already been gone for quite a while.
Maybe Leonon was even anxiously trying to find me. With that thought in mind, I started to feel anxious as well.
“That’s because I was afraid you’d be troubled.”
“Me? Why?”
Trying to spot the right timing to leave, I answered half-heartedly, “Now that you’ve become a war hero, don’t you think everyone’s attention will be on you? I also heard that there were many courtship letters being sent to you from great people, whether they’re princesses or royal princesses. It would be problematic for you if there were unnecessary rumours going around.”
공녀 refers to the daughters of dukes. they’re not actually princesses descended from royalty, it’s just how they’re addressed or titled.
“Lorella, wait. I…”
At that time, the men’s loud laughter passed right in front of the curtain. I held my breath reflexively. Their presence gradually drew further away and soon disappeared completely.
“I really should get going now.”
I lifted the curtain without any delay. Then, after looking around carefully, I cautiously pulled my body out from behind it.
Not too far away from us stood a large decorative cabinet made of glass. I saw my well dressed appearance reflected on it. As well as the diamond ornament that sparkled on top of my hair.
When I turned around, I saw Periot coming out from behind the curtain, staring at me silently as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.
I fiddled with my hair piece and said in a hushed voice, “This… thank you.”
Even if I hadn’t known who sent it before, it seemed only right to say thank you even if I returned it, let alone now that I had received it and was actually wearing it.
However, I still felt embarrassed to bring it up so late. So I just smiled sheepishly and finished what I was trying to say, “To be honest, I survived thanks to this.”
Periot didn’t answer, as if it wasn’t a big bother to him.
‘In any case, I already greeted him properly.’
I cut across the hallway in a hurry.
* * *
pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:
Periot, who was standing as tall as a stone statue, stared quietly at the end of the hallway where Lorella had disappeared, then sluggishly rubbed his face.
“Haa…” A low sigh escaped from between the gap of his fingers.
Eventually, he lowered his hand to reveal a bright red face.
“This… thank you.”
A face that was smiling prettily and red hair that was even more beautiful than the sparkling diamond hair piece kept lingering before his eyes.
That small and soft hand that had gently pressed against his lips, and that round forehead that had brushed against his chest… Even her scent that still lingered at the tip of his nose.
All of this seemed to cling onto his heart and refused to let go.
Just what in the world was this feeling? This was even the first time that an ‘emotion’ had shaken him so much, so Periot was unusually embarrassed.
‘Am I drunk?’
Was it because of the strong liquor that he had drunk back at the banquet hall? However, he immediately shook his head without even spending too much thought on it. Since there was no way he could get drunk after just a few drinks.
If that was the case, then it was probably the last thing he could have thought of.
“I must have gone crazy for a moment,” he muttered cynically after a moment.
Her whispering voice lingered in his head once more.
“I also heard that there were many courtship letters being sent to you from great people, whether they’re princesses or royal princesses.”
To think that she was paying attention to that.
Should he have told her that all those letters had remained unopened and ended up in the fireplace?
But he shook his head soon after. He looked forward to just how much Lorella’s facial expression would change after finding out about this fact later.
Just thinking about watching her would be a great pleasure, so it would be better for him to take his time and savour it slowly.
Periot trudged toward the stairs with his chin raised haughtily.
“Oh my!”
At that time, he bumped into someone who had just come up to the second floor. They were noble ladies who were adorned with lots of gorgeous jewellery.
“Pardon me, Duke.”
“It’s an honour to meet you here, Duke.”
They both hurriedly bowed their heads in greeting to Periot.
However, he didn’t respond and just passed by them at a quick pace.
The women stared blankly at his majestic back, and with red faces, let out exclamations one after another as if competing.
“Oh my.”
“How…”
It was as if they were possessed. To think that they were able to see Duke Periot, who was renowned for being frigid and cold, smiling so softly.
All of the young ladies who had attended the banquet were already talking about his smile on the podium, so if they had seen such a wonderful smile, they would have probably fallen in love.
Each of them nodded their heads and continued along the same line.
However, Periot’s smile didn’t last for very long. It was because of a man he encountered while going down the stairs.
His neatly tied long blond hair swayed against his back every time the man turned his head to look around, as if he were trying to find someone.
Periot stopped in his steps for a moment and looked down at the man. Then, as if he felt his gaze on him, the man also looked up.
The gaze of the two people clashed together.
Their eyes that were looking at the person in front of them were extremely callous, as if they were looking at a piece of wood or a rock by the side of the road instead of a person. However, the air was heavy with tension, as if sparks were flying.
Periot straightened his back first and walked without wavering, looking straight ahead.
In the same manner, Leonon also climbed up the stairs slowly with his normally calm countenance.
However, the moment their shoulders brushed against each other, the force of a blade that seemed to be able to cut down enemies seemed to settle on the two’s shoulders.
* * *
Although I returned to the banquet hall, Leonon was nowhere to be seen. Despite asking Countess Lewen, she only answered that she wasn’t sure either.
Was he perhaps looking for me? I felt apologetic for leaving my partner alone for so long.
I wondered if I should go out to look for him, but in the end, I just decided to wait for him in the banquet hall. Since there was no reason for me to move again and then miss each other’s paths.
The banquet hall was crowded with people chatting happily and dancing to the music that was playing non-stop. The servants of the imperial palace continued to bring around high-quality champagne without any rest.
I searched in every corner of the banquet hall for quite some time, but still couldn’t find Leonon or even Periot.
Well, seeing as he was a person who wasn’t too fond of banquets, he may also have left already…
It was then.
“So you were here.”
I heard a happy voice from behind me.
“Commander!”
As I turned back with a smile, his sweet smile caught my eye.
“I’m sorry, I was gone for too long, wasn’t I?”
“No, I was just worried you might be too exhausted.”
“How could I be exhausted when I’m this energetic?”
I smiled brighter and brighter, trying to convince him that those words were true.
As upbeat music continued to ring out, we danced once more. Thanks to him adapting perfectly to my awkward dancing, I was able to do the movements quite well without being as nervous as I had been during my first time.
Although my dancing wasn’t much better than the basics at its best, the skirt of the dress that fluttered like flower petals every time I moved my body was extremely pretty, and Leonon’s smiling face made me excited.
Soon, time passed quickly and it was getting closer to midnight, but instead of the number of guests decreasing, it increased instead. I left the crowded banquet hall with Leonon and headed towards the rose garden.
The view of soft moonlight falling on the endless cluster of red flowers was so beautiful that it made my mouth drop open.
“I’m not sure… if today was enjoyable for you.”
As I was soaking up the cool breeze filled with the scent of roses, Leonon spoke in a solemn voice.
“This is my first time escorting someone, so I’m not sure if I’ve made you uncomfortable somehow, Miss Lorella.”
“Pardon? No, I had lots of fun thanks to you!” I quickly waved my hands and raised my voice with all my sincerity. Though of course, it was my first time being escorted, I still couldn’t help but notice how considerate he was toward me.
“I had so much fun I didn’t even notice how much time had passed. Dancing with you was also fun. This is my first time enjoying such a pleasant day.”
Then, Leonon responded with a smile, “There will only be more pleasant days in the future.”
“That would be nice.”
The moment I smiled brightly and nodded.
“So that it will happen… I will make it happen for you.”
A soft yet affectionate voice tickled my ears.
At that moment, that soft and fluffy feeling spread all over my heart and continued downwards. My face felt like it was getting a little heated for some reason.
All I could do was just nod at him, facing his affectionate eyes that seemed particularly warm.
* * *
“How was the banquet, my lady? Did you enjoy it? I heard that the victory banquet will be held for another ten days, but you won’t be able to go and enjoy it any longer.”
Joy, who had waited for me up until late at night, followed me to the room and continued to chatter non-stop.
“Mm, it was a lot of fun,” I answered honestly. “It was so fun to the point where I wondered if I would ever be able to have such a happy and enjoyable time again.”
“Oh my, why do you say that? In the future, the Commander will definitely…”
Joy closed her eyes while laughing without even finishing her sentence. She must have recalled him kissing the back of my hand when he was taking me.
“I’m going to sleep now, so you rest up as well, Joy.”
I could feel the back of my neck getting hot again. I quickly sent the bright-eyed Joy away and shut the door hurriedly.
“Huu…”
As I lay down on the soft bed, it felt like my limbs were finally melting.
I looked at the skyrocketing amount of shares with eyes that were growing heavy with sleep. It was something I did every time before going to sleep and had gradually become a habit.
Rather than feeling anxious every time I look at the stock window now, I started to feel more excited at the thought of the number increasing.
As I turned off the system window and stared blankly at the dark ceiling, the events of today seemed like a distant dream.
‘It really was a lot of fun…’
As I blinked my heavy eyelids, a gentle smile appeared on my lips.
‘I also discovered information on Sable Lily.’
Like the fact that she was going to Shassen soon, and that she had a half-sister who had stolen her fiance, and so on.
And if there had been another discovery, it was that I was able to face Periot quite naturally now.
That meant a lot to me. Not only did I find that verbal communication with him was working, but I was even enjoying our conversation. It was quite a change from before, when I thought he had just been a crazy psychopath.
If I could keep this up, selling Periot shares might not be so painful for me as well…
Perhaps it was thanks to the enjoyable time I just had. My heart was suddenly filled with the confidence that I could do just about anything.
“Just keep it up, Lorella,” I muttered softly as I closed my eyes, overcome with this happy feeling.
…Never dreaming something like that would happen to me.
author’s note
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naver comments
rikye
no, i was just looking at the strong periot, but when i saw periot kneeling(?) in this chapter, i was like, why does it feel like i can picture the future?
winnie
the last sentence may take a while, but… the two of you fighting to impress lorella is so… desirable, so much fun. let’s keep the two of you in check, fight, send gifts, and throw your face away for love~~~!
pt12
please bury that crazy two person composition hereㅠㅠ wow the tension is crazy just… what in the world is going to happen??!ㅠㅠㅠ
omg why am i twinning with periot bc why is he so delulu AHHHHHH THE AUTHOR IS FEEDING ME GOOD BY WRITING THESE ML POVS BC YESLGHSDJFSDJ
ALSO THE ART IN THIS CHAPTER SLAPPED IVE BEEN FED GOOD TODAY
Oh God! As Katherine Pierce once said: “it’s okay to love them both” 😆 But where’s my man Winnard??