Trap (7)
After dinner, Rahon tried to heal my ankle, but I politely declined.
I feel bad about pretending to be hurt, but it's too shameless to waste his power.
And so the afternoon passed, and the second day of the summit ended.
Rahon went to the apothecary with Nicola, saying he had something to buy, while Kjer stayed in the palace, saying he had something to discuss with Kalit.
As I left the Great Library, supported by Ian, Chevio was waiting for me.
He approached me with a stern expression and knelt down on one knee in front of me.
"Brother?"
"Youngest, you hurt your leg."
"...Rumors travel fast."
"Is this the time to be talking about such things? Look at how much you're hurt."
I barely managed to stop Chevio from lifting up her dress.
"I was just shocked and sprained my ankle. I'm fine now."
"Why are you limping when you're fine?"
"That..."
Because as many people as possible need to know that I was hurt because of Oslo.
Instead of me hesitating, Ian reassured Chevio.
"It will go down if you apply a cold compress. Don't make a fuss."
Ian didn't check my ankle.
Chevio's expression softened somewhat after being fooled by the blatant lie.
Chevio stood up and cupped my cheek.
"You should have been healed by Rahon."
"Why would he use your power for something like this? I already refused his offer to heal me."
"I'll take you there. I think I can take it easy for about an hour."
"Rest during this time. I know you can't guard me inside the palace."
"Our youngest... You're really grown up."
Chevio rubbed his cheek against my crown with a moved look in his eyes. Then he spoke to Ian with a serious expression.
"Ian, you take responsibility and escort our youngest to her bedroom. Be careful not to hurt her ankle."
I was embarrassed by the tone of voice that sounded more like an order than a request.
"Brother, don't keep doing that to Ian. Is Ian my nanny?"
"No, what did brother do...."
"It was the same when I went to Eldern. You said that if anyone heard that I didn't smile even for a single day during my trip, you wouldn't let it go?"
“...!?”
"I already know everything, so there's no point in trying to avoid it. Why are you bothering Ian with something like that?"
Chevio's expression became blank. He blinked his large eyes and met Ian's gaze.
After a long silence, Chevio opened his mouth.
"...That, that's right. I won't do that again."
"I'm going home now. You can't skip meals just because you're busy."
"Yes..."
Chevio walked me to the carriage. He seemed strangely absent-minded, but of course, I couldn't ask why.
By the time we got home, the sun had completely set.
As I opened the carriage door, a cool breeze blew in. Summer was fading away.
"Please get off."
"Yes... Huh?"
Ian suddenly picked me up in his arms. He patted me like I was a baby as I struggled in surprise, then turned me around.
As we entered the mansion, the servants who came out to greet me hurriedly bowed their heads.
Ian leisurely passed them by and strode up the stairs.
I didn't have to take a single step on my feet until I finally reached the bedroom.
Ian's courtship continued even during meal times.
Nadia and I were supposed to have dinner together in the bedroom because my father had an appointment, but Ian showed up.
He sent Nadia out and sat next to me.
The back of his head was slightly wet as if he had just finished a bath. He had a strong, soapy scent.
I replaced all the soap we use at home with the soap I bought from Rahon.
So naturally, not only my family but all my employees smelled like benefactors.
But I don't know why my heart races only for Ian.
"Please eat."
Ian picked up a piece of the food he had chopped up with his fork and placed it gently against my lower lip.
Are you going to feed me yourself instead of just helping me eat like you usually do?
It wasn't my hand that was hurt, it was my ankle. And even that was a lie.
"I'll eat it."
Ian handed me a fork as I reached out my hand gropingly.
His attitude was polite, but his expression was not. I could clearly see his eyebrows raised in displeasure.
After that, he, who had been acting so earnestly that it was embarrassing, finally finished his meal and stood up.
"Would you like to go for a walk?"
"Oh, is that so?"
As soon as I answered, he leaned in to hug me. I couldn't hold on any longer and had no choice but to confess the truth.
"Ian... Actually. I pretended to fall at the restaurant. I didn't hurt my ankle. I'm sorry I only tell you now."
"I know."
"...Did you know?"
"It is basic for a knight to understand the other person's condition. I already noticed that Young Lady was fine."
"Then why..."
Ian chuckled.
"Because I wanted to."
"...What?"
"I guess I like taking care of Young Lady. It feels pretty good. To the point where I want to forget for a moment that Young Lady isn't sick."
"...Don't be so pushy. What if I forget how to eat with my own hands?"
"That would be better."
Ian looked down at me and reached out his hand.
As I was thinking that he would flip my hair back like always. I lowered my eyes, and then suddenly I felt a hand caressing my lips.
The moment I was startled and tried to turn my head without realizing it, Ian grabbed my chin and held it still.
After a while, a low, slow voice flowed out.
"I've been imagining things like that lately. I imagine Young Lady eating the food I feed you, moving around in my arms, and falling asleep in my arms."
Ian pressed his thumb against my lower lip.
"I wish you could do nothing without me."
"..."
"So, rely on me more."
Why do these words sound like a confession to me?
He cupped my cheek and whispered.
"I'll be ready to go for a walk, so wait."
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't say anything until Ian left the bedroom.
'Following Rahon and Kalit... Could it be that even Ian?'
Three people like me? I couldn't even imagine it before I burst out laughing.
That's so ridiculous.
'But...'
I intend to grant whatever my benefactor wishes for.
It didn't matter whether it was money, power, or fame.
If one of them is my benefactor, and what he wants is what I want...
'What should I do then?'
I only know sick love. The love I have experienced is full of lies, and even that is one-way.
Will I ever be able to love someone again?
My mind was in a state of confusion. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
Nothing is certain yet. It is not too late to worry after finding a benefactor.
'I confirmed that three of them had flower-shaped scars on their backs.'
Rahon has slave tattoos, Ian has a tattoo that isn't usually visible, and a flower-shaped mark can be felt on Kalit's shoulder.
The more I think about it, the more frustrated I feel about how such a coincidence could happen, but let's just move on.
What I need now is a connection between them and me.
If there was anyone who could have sneaked into my bedroom and comforted me 4 years ago...
'Is Rahon the most likely candidate for now?'
From what I heard from him, it seems like it wasn't the end of him briefly attending my mother's funeral when I was young and accidentally treating me.
Rather, I felt a deeper and more intimate intimacy.
'He told me that he had definitely had his shoulder treated by someone.'
Of course, I didn't say for sure, but I was sure I would be able to confirm that soon.
If Rahon completes the drug that restores my memories.
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