Chapter 26 (2/2)

“No. I’m fine.”

“Did you finish packing anything?”

“Oh, right.”

I turned my head and found Ash.

-I’m here, Olivia.

I felt something sitting on my shoulder with a voice spreading in my head.

As I turned my head, I saw a plump white body.

-You didn’t get hurt either, right?

-Of course not.

The shape of his confidently stretched-out chest was even intriguing.

-Just because I ran a little like you doesn’t mean I’m hurt. I have wings, so I don’t need anything.

-What?

-Speaking of which, why don’t you check your physical condition? I’ll take this time to strengthen my stamina.

Ash winked playfully.

“That’s the bird I saw last time.”

Thanks to Lennox, who spoke just in time, I couldn’t respond properly to his teasing.

“Your Highness has a good memory. You must’ve had a glimpse of him.”

“It’s not polite if I can’t remember the top contributor of our marriage.”

Ash had dropped the article about Lennox looking for a marriage partner at an exquisite time.

-Olivia! Don’t reveal my identity to the Duke! Okay?

-How about ‘you’re just a bird?’

-Not in any way!

Lennox’s eyes, which were watching us, shined as they narrowed sharply.

He couldn’t hear our conversation, but he felt something strange.

“As you can see, he’s a smart bird.”

But doubts were just doubts. Unless there was evidence, it was enough to play innocent.

“I can take him to the Duke’s residence, right? I’ll make sure he won’t bother you.”

As she asked, he turned to study the bird before slowly pulling into a meaningful smile.

“Of course. Since you’re raising it, should I get you a few birdcages?”

-No! Say you don’t need it. I hate being trapped the most in the world!

Ignoring Ash’s shocked expression, I nodded.

“Just one.”

-Olivia!

-Can’t you see Lennox is suspicious? I’ll take you out when there’s no one, so be careful not to get in trouble,

I snapped at him as I smiled brightly at Lennox.

“I’d like a generous size, please.”

“Of course,” replied Lennox with an unexpected smile.

Ash’s dissatisfied cheeks swelled up.

-Are you getting revenge on me?

-What revenge?

-You’re upset because I told you that you have poor stamina!

Oh, poor stamina?

I raised one eyebrow as I smiled.

-Ash, will you say that again?

When he saw my fierce expression, he shivered.

-I, I was just saying to take care of your health…

The bird quickly lowered his tail as if he just lost his anger.

The conversation ended smoothly.

Suddenly, feeling a gaze, I turned my head to where it was coming from.

‘Carinne.’

Standing still, she looked at us with nothing distracting her. Her dull face—devoid of any warmth—was like an inanimate object.

“…”

Biting my lips gently, I turned away from Carinne.

I could feel her persistent gaze enough to stab my back, but I tried to play cool.

With whatever I packed, I was eventually running away from her now.

Someone might regard me as cowardly and incompetent.

“Let us leave, Your Grace.”

But nevertheless, I wanted to live.

Earnestly.

***

The Duke’s residence was much larger than I expected.

Even after we passed through the main gate, the mansion appeared only after a long ride in a carriage.

‘This is the Duchy of Kravant…’

I imagined a dark castle-like mansion, but surprisingly, the duchy gave me a feeling of a quiet villa.

There was even grass on both sides of the road with regular neat plantations of shrubs and flowering plants to make your eyes happy.

The smooth water from the fountain reflected the shining sunlight.

The guest room that I was going to use temporarily was also very comfortable.

“Wait a little bit. I’ll have the servants move your luggage to your bedroom as soon as the construction is finished.”

“It’s great here. I can just stay here.”

It was much better than my own room.

It was a moment when I could feel Kravant’s wealth that he said he didn’t need my dowry.

“You’d like the new room even more.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Not long after, Lennox and I were sitting face to face for tea.

“I want to hear it now.”

The teacup clattered as he placed it on the plate. The sound was probably made on purpose.

His red eyes looked at me.

“What happened at the Brienne mansion.”

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