The Arranged Suitor Was the Kidnapper

What is this all about?

Laria was momentarily confused, then startled and replied:

“Huh? No!”

Seeing Laria’s reaction, Ishel felt relieved and said openly:

“I guess it’s just my mistake, isn’t it? You two really like each other.”

Those words made her mind race.

‘Was it obvious that I like Zenox?’

To say that ‘they like each other’, Zenox didn’t really like Laria.

Or at least not openly. Maybe he has some degree of fondness, though.

‘Because we are pretending to be lovers in front of the crown prince…’

Laria finally asked, after thinking it over.

“Why are you asking such a question?”

“Oh, it’s just that during the palace banquet, Zenox and I went out together for a moment.”

She indeed remembered how Ishel avoided Herdin and took Zenox with him.

“He seemed so focused on the young lady. It even looked like he was watching you to make sure you didn’t run away.”

“Prince.”

When the Emperor called as if warning, Ishel said, ‘Yes’, and closed his mouth.

“…Sorry.”

Ishel muttered quickly, but Laria was preoccupied with her own thoughts.

‘Solike mentioned something like this.’

That Zenox was keeping an eye on her as if she were a wayward lover.

She laughed it off because it was ridiculous, but it felt strange to hear something similar again.

‘Why would Zenox be watching me?’

He may have noticed that Laria is Whitie.

Before her thoughts could continue, she felt the Emperor’s gaze.

Reluctantly, she met his eyes, and he offered a kindly smile. It reminded her of her grandfather back in the countryside, and it always seemed to put her at ease.

But even so, she couldn’t help but feel a bit wary.

“It’s really fortunate that Zenox has found such a wonderful partner as you.”

Libeus has narrowed the distance between them, as the uncle with his niece whom he cherishes rather than the Emperor of a country.

“My only sister passed away in an unfortunate accident, and Zenox has become an orphan.”

Libeus said with a voice filled with long-standing regrets and sadness.

“After his parents’ death, his personality darkened quite a bit, and I was very worried.

“…”

“But his nature is inherently kind, I was so worried because of bad rumors about him circulating lately.”

Laria tilted her head at Libeus’s words.

Because it was the first time she had seen anyone other than herself who said that Zenox’s nature wasn’t bad.

“I should have paid attention… My biggest regret is that I couldn’t do that because I was busy.”

Libeas’s every word was filled with genuine affection for Zenox.

“I’m glad that Zenox seems to be stable these days.”

“…”

“Thank you.”

Laria hesitated, not knowing how to respond to the sincere words of gratitude.

After licking her lips, she answered:

“I don’t think it’s something to be grateful for.”

After leaving the Grand Duke Krassium’s residence, Laria had been feeling an inexplicable emptiness. She didn’t know what it was, but when she reunited with Zenox, she realized whose place remained empty.

Laria revealed her true feelings that she could not even tell to Zenox.

“I also found stability through him.”

Libeus and Ishel looked surprised, as if they hadn’t expected Laria to give such an answer.

Immediately, Libeus smiled warmly at her.

“If you ever run into any difficulties, please don’t hesitate to speak with me. I’ll definitely help.”

Laria was taken aback by Libeus’s proactive attitude.

‘Is it really right for him to check on his nephew like this?’

The more they talked, the more Zenox seemed like an innocent child.

Of course, Zenox himself had mentioned that the Emperor was watching over him, but… it seemed that he was doing more than watching; he was trying to take care of him.

It was as if something had gone wrong somewhere.

Ishel, who had been watching the conversation, spoke up hesitantly.

“I was planning to announce their engagement at the banquet, but it was postponed due to the poison incident. I’m really sorry.”

Ironically, the poison incident had allowed them to delay the engagement announcement. 

Just thinking about that time still sent shivers down Laria’s spine.

“You can choose the day you want.”

Libeus suggested with a smile that remained sincere.

‘I should start being more careful from now on.’

The atmosphere had been so warm and friendly that it had made her lower her guard.

‘I should probably delay the engagement until I return the fox orb to Zenox.’

According to their contract, they were engaged and could break it off at an appropriate time. However, Laria feared that once Zenox learned the truth, he might regret the engagement itself.

As her expression darkened, Laria raised her head.

“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I’m thinking of postponing the engagement.”

Libeus and Ishel blinked in surprise.

After a while Ishel hit the table and bombarded her with questions.

“Why? Did something happen during this time? A change of heart?!”

His body almost tilted towards Laria, but Libeus didn’t stop him this time. Because he was also surprised and didn’t even think to stop Ishel.

Laria was trying to figure out what to say in her defense, what excuse she could give that both of them would accept…

“It’s clear that Zenox wants to get engaged soon.”

Laria suddenly raised her head to Ishel’s mittering, surprised.

“His Excellency said he wants to get engaged quickly?”

“Yes, I thought both of you had already discussed it.”

What did this mean?

Laria’s mind momentarily went blank as she recalled their past conversations.

But Zenox had never asked to expedite the engagement.

‘I clearly asked to postpone the engagement, and Zenox agreed to it…’

Something had gone wrong in the middle, or Ishel was lying.

Laria shot her a suspicious look, and Ishel quickly spoke as if she needed to clear up a misunderstanding.

“It’s true! I feel really unfair about it!”

Ishel blurted out.

“I made a big mistake by pushing ahead with the engagement without both parties’ consent, and Zenox came to talk to me afterward.”

It was the first time Laria had heard of this.

“He said he wanted to marry the young lady because he fell for you at first sight. I thought you felt the same way! And you’re even dating!”

Ishel expressed his resentment to the fullest, but Laria had no time to pay any attention to him.

‘Zenox said he wanted to marry me because he fell for me at first sight?’

That can’t be possible…

They had only shared a cup of tea during the arranged meeting, and they had parted without ever seeing each other again. Zenox had shown no interest in her at all.

Libeus, who had been quietly listening, chimed in:

“Honestly, I didn’t expect the engagement to be delayed this long.”

“…”

“Zenox visited me after a long time and asked me to write a congratulatory letter for his upcoming marriage.”

Laria was now completely stunned.

Someone was clearly lying, but neither Libeus nor Ishel showed any signs of deception. Furthermore, lying now would easily be exposed.

Wouldn’t it be easier to use their authority to press for the engagement?

So that means Zenox lied…But why?

As Laria reflected on their past conversations, a particular exchange stood out:

-Please help me find Whitie.

-Since we’re of marriageable age, we need to prepare for marriage… I just can’t afford to be lazy.

-I’ll ask you again when there’s time.

Not long after that conversation, the Crown Prince had summoned Laria and Zenox, wanting to know when they would hold their wedding.

If the Emperor and the Crown Prince’s words were all true…

‘No way… Did Zenox deceive me?’

Laria felt like she’d been hit on the head.

“Your Excellency the Grand Duke!”

“No, it’s not allowed!”

Urgent cries came from outside the door, and when it swung open, a disheveled Zenox appeared. He had rushed out so hastily that he hadn’t even buttoned up his shirt properly.

Laria, who had been staring blankly into space, slowly turned her head.

And at that moment, their eyes met Zenox.