Chapter 10 - 10

Even his contorted face was handsome, but the energy emanating from him was not easily ignored.

Because he approached with such intent to kill me.

Wait, wait, I'm not going to die like this, am I?

"No, no. I have no intention of killing Aria..."

"Don't lie. Do you expect me to believe you?"

"..."

I was speechless. To ask him to believe me, I would need evidence.

Question: Is Charlize capable of providing evidence?

'No.'

I was at a loss for words, and that didn't lead to a good outcome.

"I have endured countless times until now. Yes, I had no choice but to endure. When you committed atrocities, when you tormented my servants, when you dragged my knights to damnable banquets, even when you insulted my ancestors and humiliated Aria!"

Uh, excuse me. Mr. Fiance? I really understand your anger.

I understand, but...

"How much more must I endure for you to be satisfied? You couldn't fix that habit, and now you're trying to kill my sister!"

But I'm not that person. The core isn't her...!

I moved my lips inwardly, but couldn't make a sound.

'My mouth won't move...'

I instinctively tried to say 'I'm not that person'.

But for some reason, my mouth wouldn't move, as if sealed with glue.

Could it be that it automatically blocks me when I try to tell the truth?

What is this... The more this happens, the more keenly I feel that the parchment's contents are true and that God indeed sent it.

If I had even 1% doubt left, that disappeared now.

Anyway, this handsome fiance, unaware of who's inside the shell, released his anger and caught his breath. Even the act of catching his breath was handsome, but...

He ended up uttering the words that should never be said.

"Break the engagement."

Wait, wait a minute!

It felt like I started a game and immediately saw the 'Game Over' screen.

Wait a moment, handsome fiance? I haven't done anything yet. I really haven't done anything!

"Wait, wait."

"How convenient. I didn't plan on telling you in person, but your maternal grandfather absolutely wouldn't accept it."

"Wait!"

As I urgently reached out my hand, Askin's words stopped for the first time.

"I'm sorry. First of all, I'm really sorry for coming in uninvited."

"...What?"

Slight bewilderment tinged his gaze as he looked at me.

"But, just this one thing. Could you please just listen to me?"

"..."

"I, I didn't do anything to Aria."

Ah, I shouldn't have said that. As soon as I mentioned Aria's name, the bewilderment in Askin's face vanished, instantly replaced by coldness.

But from his cold face came words opposite to his expression.

For a moment, a hint of color appeared in his face as he looked up.

"Fine, I believe you."

"...Really?"

"Not today, but you must have intended to kill her someday."

"..."

Oh, Charlize. What on earth did you do that made that man so convinced? How am I supposed to fix this!

"I will formally send the engagement break papers soon. The Imperial Family will also be informed."

"Wait a minute... Alright. I get it, so..."

"I have nothing more to say. Go back to your residence immediately."

I pulled a sad face. How on earth am I supposed to resolve this and then seduce him again?

Let's wait and see first. The fact that this man talks about breaking the engagement means...

'What does he plan to do about the debt owed to Altsbeit?'

Maybe we can break the engagement, then get engaged again?

Just as I thought that.

My heart throbbed painfully.

"Ugh...!"

As I clutched my heart and collapsed, I unconsciously grabbed Askin's sleeve.

When I looked up, I saw Askin's frowning face.

"What is this trick?"

"...Trick, ugh, no..."

It hurt so much I couldn't pronounce properly.

What is it? Why does it hurt!

At that moment, it felt like someone whispered in my head.

[Upon breaking the engagement, you will die!]

[~From the God who forgot an important detail~]

Does it mean I'll die if the engagement is broken like this?

What? You didn't mention that.

I clutched my heart tightly. Then, is this pain a sign that the break is near? Does it mean this man truly intends to break it off?

I bit my lip hard.

Though invisible, I guessed my face must have turned white from the pain.

"...I really, ha, didn't come to harm her. Not today."

"..."

I wanted to clear up the misunderstanding first, but Askin's hardened face showed no signs of softening.

I guess I have no choice. I must somehow hold onto this man.

"I-I'll do it. Break the engagement."

"...Huh?"

Disbelief appeared on his cold face.

Look at that face, not believing me even when I say I'll do it.

Even amidst the pain, I almost laughed at the absurdity.

To hold onto this man, I seem to need to target one thing.

I didn't want to use this method because it's dirty.

"I'll break the engagement, so give me the money right now. That money you could borrow from my family because you were engaged to me. Pay it all back. Then I'll break it off right away and leave here."

At that moment, the pain disappeared instantly.

When I looked up, oh... There was a handsome face looking at me with utter disgust.

They say handsome people are like a painting no matter what they do, even the cold glare wasn't unpleasant.

'Is the engagement break now further away?'

Since my heart doesn't hurt, I guess so.

For a very brief moment, surprise crossed Askin's face.

"...I'll give it to you soon, so go back immediately."

A cool voice, but with suppressed anger like the growl of a beast.

"No, I can't move a single step from here unless I get the money."

"What?"

"Give me money. Give me money. Give it to me now. Quickly."

I sat down right there.

When I looked up, I saw a face that was not just flustered, but bewildered, even astounded.

I smiled prettily.

"If you don't give me the money, I won't break the engagement. I won't move from here."

For now, this is the only way.

Askin's beautiful eyebrows twitched. Just as he was about to say something.

"Your Excellency!"

I heard someone running from a distance. Turning my head, it was his aide, Ben.

He glanced strangely at me sitting down, then quickly opened his mouth.

"Lady Aria has woken up!"

"Ha..."

"The young lady has no serious injuries. I've also called a doctor just in case..."

"Let's go."

"Yes!"

Askin took a hurried step, then paused. Our eyes met.

"If you don't give me the money, I won't move from here."

"...Do as you please. Whatever it is, it won't go your way."

"Okay."

I spoke to his back as he turned away.

"I want to get along with you. I'm serious."

It looked like he was going to go his own way regardless of what I muttered.

I smiled wryly inwardly.

'Should I apologize for everything I've done as Charlize?'

Though it's not my fault. I know very well how hard it's been for you.

But still, it's unfair from my perspective. Why did I open my eyes in this body?

'...I know it's not something that can be solved with an apology.'

Even though it's not my karma. It seems I'll have to bear it from now on.

As the one wearing this shell, should I apologize?

I closed my eyes tightly.

* * *

It was only after leaving the garden that Askin let out a breath.

'What on earth is her scheme?'

His head throbbed at the eccentricity shown by his fiancee, the woman he would soon break up with.

Charlize Altsbeit was a woman who should never be underestimated.

For some reason, he realized Ben was right that she wasn't her usual self today. She was certainly different from her usual self.

However, she might be acting to lower his guard, and then hit him where it hurts.

As he walked, he tried to erase Charlize's face from his mind, but strangely, today, her annoying face lingered unusually long.

But soon, concern for his sister pushed the woman's face to the back of his mind.

"Brother!"

When he opened the door, his sister Aria called out to him.

Askin rushed over to his sister as soon as he entered.

"Aria."

His sister Aria resided in a different building, not the main one.

Since his sister loved the garden, he had given her the building with easy access to it, and whenever he had spare money, he used it to repair this building or ensure its safety.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, haha..."

Askin, busy examining her, lightly grabbed his sister's shoulders and looked her over intently.

"Aria, you can be honest. What did that woman do this time? Did she try to cut off your fingers? Or cut your hair again, claiming she wanted to collect it? Or... did she insult your clothes again..."

"Brother, brother. Calm down."

Aria lightly shook the sleeve of Askin, who was speaking without pausing for breath.

She knew her brother was always cool-headed, just, and rational, but when it came to her, he couldn't maintain his composure.

She knew that his sensitive reaction to anything concerning her was also something he couldn't help.

"Tell me. What atrocity did that woman commit this time?"

All of this was Charlize Altsbeit's karma. The scars she left on the siblings were deep.

But...

"No, no, brother."

Aria shook her head.

"I suddenly ran into the Countess in the hallway... I was so surprised that I fainted. The Countess didn't do anything wrong."