Chapter 48 - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Alex was fast.

But I was faster.

I caught up to him in no time and grabbed the back of his collar. He struggled like a caught rabbit, but there was no escaping my strength magic.

"Let go!"

"No."

"I said let go!"

"And I said no."

Alex glared at me with his purple eyes, but I just smiled brightly. He clicked his tongue and looked away.

"What do you want?"

"Why did you ignore me?"

"I didnundefinedt."

"You did. I saw you."

Alex was silent for a moment. Then he muttered quietly.

"……I was just surprised."

"Surprised? By what?"

"That you called my name so cheerfully."

I blinked. Was that something to be surprised about?

"Why wouldnundefinedt I call your name cheerfully?"

"Because I……."

Alex hesitated, then spoke in an even quieter voice.

"I was rude to you before. About the bug thing."

Ah, that.

I laughed and released his collar.

"Iundefinedm not that petty."

"……Really?"

"Really. Besides, I was the one who screamed like a fool. You must have been shocked."

Alex looked at me with a strange expression.

"Youundefinedre…… weird."

"Weird?"

"Most nobles would have punished me for less."

"Well, Iundefinedm not most nobles."

I shrugged and started walking again. Alex followed beside me after a moment.

"So, are we friends now?" I asked.

"……Friends?"

"You know, people who call each otherundefineds names cheerfully."

Alex snorted.

"Youundefinedre really strange."

But he didnundefinedt say no.

I took that as a yes.

* * *

The banquet hall was already bustling with activity when we arrived.

Nobles from all over the empire had gathered to celebrate Ruwellinundefineds birthday. The hall was filled with colorful dresses and sparkling jewelry, and the sound of laughter and chatter echoed off the high ceilings.

I spotted Ruwellin across the room, surrounded by a group of nobles. He was smiling and nodding, but I could tell he was bored. His eyes kept drifting toward me.

When our eyes met, his face lit up. He excused himself from the group and walked over to me.

"You look beautiful," he said, taking my hand.

"So do you."

He was wearing a dark blue suit that matched my dress. I had chosen it for him, and he had agreed without complaint. It fit him perfectly.

"Shall we dance?" he asked.

"Iundefinedd love to."

He led me to the center of the floor, and the music swelled around us. We moved together like we had been dancing for years, our bodies perfectly in sync.

"Happy birthday, Ruwellin."

"It is happy. Because youundefinedre here."

I smiled and rested my head on his chest. His heart was beating steadily, strongly.

I wished this moment could last forever.

But of course, it couldnundefinedt.

* * *

The banquet continued late into the night.

I danced with Ruwellin several more times, and also with Father, Adrian Hyll (who looked like he would rather be anywhere else), and even Alex (who stepped on my feet twice).

But through it all, I could feel someoneundefineds eyes on me.

It wasnundefinedt Ruwellin. His gaze was warm and loving.

This gaze was different. Cold. Calculating.

I looked around, trying to find the source, but the hall was too crowded. I couldnundefinedt see anyone who looked suspicious.

undefinedMaybe Iundefinedm just imagining it.undefined

But I couldnundefinedt shake the feeling.

* * *

The banquet finally ended, and the guests began to leave.

Ruwellin and I stood by the door, bidding them farewell. Father and Adrian Hyll had already retired to their rooms, and Sierra had gone back to the infirmary.

"Are you tired?" Ruwellin asked.

"A little."

"Letundefineds go to bed, then."

He took my hand and led me to his room. The maids had already prepared it, with fresh sheets and a warm fire.

I sat on the edge of the bed and took off my shoes. Ruwellin knelt in front of me and took my feet in his hands.

"What are you doing?"

"Your feet must hurt. You danced a lot tonight."

He began to massage them gently. It felt wonderful. I closed my eyes and leaned back.

"Youundefinedre too good to me," I murmured.

"Impossible. I could never be good enough for you."

I opened my eyes and looked at him. His emerald eyes were soft, full of love.

"I love you, Ruwellin."

"I love you too, Rosnia. More than anything."

He leaned up and kissed me. It was a gentle kiss, full of promise.

Then he pulled back and smiled.

"Now, letundefineds get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day."

"Because of the investigation?"

"Yes. Iundefinedve received word from my people in Castell. Theyundefinedve found something."

I felt a chill run down my spine.

"What did they find?"

Ruwellinundefineds expression darkened.

"Evidence that the late Marquis of Castell was involved in my parentsundefined deaths. And possibly in your motherundefineds disappearance as well."

I had suspected it, but hearing it out loud was different.

"What are you going to do?"

"What I have to do. Iundefinedm going to bring them to justice."

He kissed my forehead and pulled me into his arms.

"Donundefinedt worry. I wonundefinedt let anything happen to you. I promised you that, remember?"

"……I remember."

"Then trust me. Everything will be fine."

I closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat. It was steady and strong, a lullaby that chased away my fears.

I believed him. I trusted him.

And I knew, deep in my heart, that our love would overcome any obstacle.

Because this was our story. And we would write it together.