The Arranged Suitor Was the Kidnapper

Instead of chastising them for emerging from the same bedchamber, Semela posed an unexpected question.

She had likely just woken up, so how did she know about the events of the previous night?

Catching Zenox’s gaze, she nonchalantly revealed the source of the rumor.

“The servants have loose lips.”

When Zenox remained silent, taking it as confirmation, Semela narrowed her eyes.

“She used to prefer staying cooped up, but why has she been acting so recklessly lately…?”

Her tone implied she blamed Zenox’s romantic involvement for Laria’s changed behavior.

Yet even with a thousand mouths, Zenox had no excuses to offer, for it was all true.

Had Laria not witnessed that horrific scene the previous night because of him?

If Semela demanded he separate from Laria, he had no grounds to dissuade her.

Like a condemned prisoner awaiting sentencing, Zenox could only hang his head, until an unexpected remark followed.

“Let us know if something like this happens again. We’ll take action as well.”

Semela cared little about what became of Zenox himself.

However, if he faced issues, Laria would inevitably suffer collateral damage.

This time too, she had abruptly journeyed to the North upon hearing some disturbance. Rather than leaving him to engage in dangerous acts alone, it was better to move together.

“I heard Rubenta Krassium allied with Marquis Hashir…”

Grasping Theodore’s hand, Semela continued speaking.

“I have personal business with Marquis Hashir, you see.”

Though her expression remained impassive, her tone carried a keenly honed malice.

Even without taking action, Semela exuded an ominous aura.

A stark contrast to her husband Theodore.

“I will keep it in mind.”

Only then did Semela’s gaze return to its usual state.

Having merely rolled his eyes furtively between the two, Theodore tentatively raised his hand.

“Er, I have one question…”

“Please speak.”

And yet another unexpected inquiry followed.

“Between the white fox and Laria, which is more precious to Your Excellency?”

Momentarily struck dumb, Zenox simply stared at Theodore, who faltered but persisted with emphasis.

“You didn’t break up with Laria because of the white fox, did you?”

Just what had led him to such a thought?

Drawing upon the limited clues provided, Zenox deduced. The Rohan family had found Whitie, after which he promptly separated from Laria…

Timing-wise, they likely assumed the separation was due to Whitie.

To Zenox, it was a meaningless question, for Laria was Whitie. However, they were unaware of Laria’s true identity as the white fox.

“Whitie is family, and Laria is…”

He felt embarrassed to voice aloud what he couldn’t even admit to himself.

Rather than offering a superficially palatable response, after a momentary pause, Zenox carefully revealed his true feelings.

“Someone I wish to make a family.”

He couldn’t rank one above the other, for though they were the same person, to Zenox, both were irreplaceable existences.

“And Laria is more precious to me than my own life.”

Semela and Theodore could only blink in silence.

Whenever facing Zenox, his status as the Grand Duke had always taken precedence, overshadowing any veneer of courtesy with an oppressive nobility.

Yet now, before them sat not the ruler of the North, but a youth captivated by love.

The Count and Countess of Rohan exchanged glances.

Just what had led Laria to misunderstand Zenox’s feelings toward her…?

* * *

Lying on the bed, Laria blinked her eyes.

Though she had stayed up all night, she found herself unable to drift off for even a short nap.

Staring blankly at the ceiling, Laria raised her left hand, examining it intently. It was the hand Zenox had held throughout the early morning hours.

Recalling his tantalizing caresses sent a flush of warmth through her body.

The way he had touched her hand so intimately…

‘Could it truly be devoid of meaning?’

While she had never been in a romantic relationship, Laria knew such hand-holding wasn’t ordinary.

Yet she lacked the courage to directly inquire about Zenox’s intentions or make assumptions.

Having already experienced the anguish of shattered expectations, she couldn’t bear to be wounded again, potentially beyond recovery.

Having shaken off her reverie, Laria glanced toward the door.

‘Why isn’t he coming?’

As she considered stepping out, a knock sounded.

“Laria, are you awake?”

“I’m awake.”

Laria promptly responded to Theodore’s voice.

The door soon opened, Semela peering inside.

“It’s time for us to depart.”

Already?

She had expected they would at least have breakfast first.

Though disappointed, with her busy parents, she could hardly throw a tantrum.

“You didn’t behave rudely towards Your Excellency, did you? Nothing truly happened, right…?”

“Yes. Your face tells me nothing untoward occurred.”

Laria felt even more aggrieved by Semela’s response.

“Are our belongings…”

“Already packed.”

With their minimal luggage, preparing for departure was simple.

Exiting the room, Laria found Zenox waiting in the corridor.

“I’ll go down first.”

Fortunately, Semela tactfully excused herself.

‘Perfect, I had something to give him.’

Rummaging through her bag, Laria’s hand closed around a glass vial.

As she handed the vial to Zenox, she provided an explanation.

“It’s a potion for instantaneous teleportation, single use.”

The same potion Solike had used to escape the illegal auction house.

Knowing Zenox was perceptive enough to recognize it, she had agonized over whether to give it to him. She had even slightly altered the concoction… It would undoubtedly prove more useful to Zenox than herself.

“Come watch the dueling tournament.”

For Zenox to attend in time for the tournament dates, he would need to depart this evening.

With so many pressing matters to address, it would likely be difficult.

As Zenox fiddled with the vial, he seemed somewhat wistful.

Not comprehending the reason, Laria could only tilt her head in confusion as he muttered under his breath.

“I won’t be able to keep this, it seems.”

Evidently, his hoarding tendencies had been triggered.

“By the way, if you spill the potion at your feet, it will teleport you to the Rohan estate.”

“I shall make good use of it. And I too have something for you.”

Carefully pocketing the vial, Zenox retrieved a small box from his pocket.

Laria froze upon seeing the box in his hand, instantly recognizing its contents without needing to ask.

“I received this just before returning to the North… but I missed the opportunity to give it to you.”

Zenox opened the box lid.

A pair of rings, each set with a large diamond, gleamed brilliantly.

They had visited a jewelry shop together to have the rings custom-made, but it had been so long ago that she had completely forgotten.

Entranced by the sight of the rings, Laria hesitated.

“…It seems a bit late to start wearing them, though.”

“At least the rumors of our separation will be dispelled.”

Whispers of their parting had been spreading covertly in the capital.

“And we can drive off those pests while we’re at it.”

Muttering those heartfelt words, Zenox extended his hand.

Dazedly placing her hand in his, he gently caressed her left fingers.

The intimate touch rekindled memories of that early morning, causing Laria to catch her breath.

The ring slid smoothly onto her fourth finger, yet remained slightly loose compared to her slender digits.

Unable to conceal his chagrin, Zenox mumbled:

“…I’m certain I measured correctly.”

“I’ve lost some weight. But I’ll regain it soon enough.”

The aftermath of separating from Zenox had caused significant weight loss.

In fact, she had already regained some weight compared to that time.

“Allow me to put yours on as well.”

Laria picked up the remaining ring from the box, her hand trembling slightly.

Though a simple act of slipping on a ring, she felt unexpectedly tense, as if exchanging vows and rings in a betrothal ceremony.

As she moved to place the ring on Zenox’s finger, Laria faltered.

“…It’s too big?”

“I have also lost some weight, it seems.”

This was absurd.

An incredulous chuckle escaped her lips.

What was the point of custom-fitting if this was the result?

“When you come to the capital, let’s go on a food tour.”

“Is this a date proposal?”

He was already playing the role of her lover…

Laria nonchalantly went along with him.

“We’ve never been on a proper date, so let’s do it this time.”

“It’s a promise.”

While she had intended to dismiss it lightly, Zenox seemed more sincere than expected.

Did he not have friends to go eating with?

‘None, it seems.’

Contemplative, Laria resolved to accompany him on a culinary tour of the capital.

After their brief exchange, Laria descended to the entrance.

“See you later.”

Exchanging final farewells, Laria used teleportation magic to transport herself, her parents, and Tigur back to the Rohan mansion.

Upon opening her eyes, Theodore seemed taken aback by Laria’s composed state after the spatial movement.

“Laria, your magic power has increased significantly in just a few days.”

Laria too sensed her magic had grown stronger.

Her diligent gem training had paid off.

‘Could magic power increase the more it’s used?’

That was the impression she had.

“I’ll go practice for the dueling tournament.”

After returning home, Laria’s days became a whirlwind of preparation for the upcoming event.

And finally, the day of the dueling tournament arrived.