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“They had the accident together.”
By the time others arrived at the accident site, the Duke and Duchess, as well as the coachman, were already dead, and only Killian survived, Garfield said.
“Afterward, those who had ulterior motives, including the vassals and nearby nobles, were trying to devour the Grand Duchy.”
Garfield mentioned that he didn’t work for the Rivelon family at the time, but the rumours he had heard were tragic.
“If they had ulterior motives to devour the Grand Duchy, then perhaps…!”
Filaments of thoughts sparked in Sophia’s mind.
“Viscount Percel, who recently passed away, was also one of the vassals who served the previous Duke of Rivelon, right?”
“That’s correct. So, Master must be feeling heavy-hearted as well.”
“In that case, Viscount Percel must have tried to take over the Grand Duchy.”
“No, as far as I know, Viscount Percel went to the outskirts of the Grand Duke’s estate immediately after the accident and lived there, taking care of a small village. Of course, as a vassal in the name of Rivelon.”
Garfield heard that Viscount Percel was a modest noble with excellent character.
He also mentioned that he had a loyal relationship with Prince Howard, the former Grand Duke.
‘So it’s not about seeking revenge against the nobles who intended to claim the Duke’s estate?’
Sophia let out a low sigh.
At that moment, the entrance to the mansion creaked open.
Sophia turned her head to see Kylian walking through the door the servant had opened.
“Oh, have you arrived, Master?”
Garfield put the list he was holding on his side and hurriedly greeted Killian, and the servants in the lobby bowed their heads.
In the meantime, Sophia swiftly moved away from Killian, avoiding his presence.
She fled to the first-floor study and hid herself among the lined-up bookshelves.
“I hope he didn’t see me, right?”
As soon as I saw his shadow through the opening of the door, I rushed in.
Since there were servants present, his line of sight would have been obstructed. Garfield rushed over immediately, so his attention would have been focused in that direction.
“I almost ran into him.”
Sophia let out a relieved sigh.
I am already feeling awkward from yesterday’s incident. What would I say if we ran into each other? I can’t reveal the secret, nor can I hide it.
Moreover, didn’t we almost kiss yesterday?
What face am I supposed to meet him with?
“Running away seems like the best option.”
“Indeed, running away was the right move.”
“Ah!”
Suddenly, a book from the bookshelf in front of Sophia slipped out, and a deep voice echoed through the room.
Behind the bookshelf, Sophia could see Killian’s eyes.
Sophia staggered back, clutching at her beating heart.
“Hey, why are you here…?”
“It’s my house, my study. Is there a problem?”
No, it’s not a problem, but…
“No, it’s just… you were clearly at the entrance earlier, so when did…”
How did he silently follow her? She didn’t even hear him enter. Did she forget to close the door?
As Sophia stumbled over his words, Killian slowly moved his steps.
His figure repeatedly appeared and disappeared behind the bookshelf where books were stacked. And soon, Kilian walked into the space between the bookshelves, where Sophia was.
(T/L: My heartbeat goes, thump thump.)
“Why did you run away?”
His voice resonated heavily in the study, filled with the scent of books.
He approached her slowly, like a predator cornering its prey.
“Oh, it’s not really running away…”
“Didn’t you just say you were running away?”
“I think I said, ‘I’ll mess it up again.'”
“What are you going to mess up this time?”
“…It’s a secret.”
“What kind of secret is it?!”
I know it’s a flimsy excuse, but my tongue blurted it out on its own.
The corners of Killian’s mouth rose subtly as if mocking her, and there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
I feel ashamed to death.
“Rather than that, aren’t you tired? You should go upstairs and rest.”
Sophia hurriedly changed the topic and smiled awkwardly.
However, he walks like a leisurely beast and shows no sign of backing down.
“My fiancée looks tired.”
(T/L: Recently, as I was comparing this chapter with the raw for correction, the part below was edited out; I don’t know why, so due to this, I couldn’t correct it properly. But thankfully, since I translated this chapter a few weeks ago before it was edited out, I have this scene.)
He approached until he was right in front of her, slightly leaning forward and making eye contact with her.
Sophia felt her heart skip a beat. She hadn’t expected him to notice her fatigue.
“Um… I’m fine, really,” she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Killian’s gaze bore into her, as if trying to decipher her thoughts.
“You don’t have to pretend in front of me, Sophia,” he said softly, his tone laced with understanding.
“I can see through your facade.”
Sophia’s defences crumbled under his penetrating gaze. She realized that she couldn’t hide her true feelings from him.
“I… I guess I am tired,” she admitted reluctantly.
“But that’s not the only reason…”
Her voice trailed off, unsure of how to continue. The weight of the secret she carried seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment.
Kilian stepped even closer, closing the remaining distance between them.
His presence was overpowering, and Sophia’s heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
“Tell me, Sophia,” he whispered in a heavy and enticing voice.
“What is this secret that burdens you?”
Sophia hesitated, unsure whether she should trust him with her secret. Because there was something about Killian—an aura of mystery and intrigue, that made her want to open up to him.
Taking a deep breath, she mustered her courage and met his gaze.
“It’s… complicated,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “It involves my past, my family, and things I’ve been trying to forget.”
Kilian’s expression softened, and he reached out to gently touch her cheek.
“You don’t have to carry that burden alone,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
“If you let me in your secret, I promise I’ll help you find the answers you seek.”
Sophia’s heart swayed with conflicting emotions.
Part of her yearned to trust him, to share her secrets, and to find solace in his presence. But another part of her remained cautious, aware of the risks that lay ahead.
At that moment, standing face-to-face with Killian, Sophia knew that her decision would shape the path of their relationship.
Killian’s face drew closer to Sophia’s, and their eyes met as he slightly inclined his waist.
His proximity made Sophia’s heart race, memories of the previous night flooding back to her.
‘Are you out of your mind? Why is my heart fluttering and screaming?
Sophia scolded her pounding heart, trying to steady herself.