Episode 157

At first, Lloydin resisted being pushed away, but as I continued to apply pressure, he reluctantly pulled back with a look full of regret.

From two steps away, I gazed up at him quietly before speaking.

“I really do have something I need to ask you, Duke.”

“Are you referring to the divorce papers?”

Before I could even bring it up, Lloydin asked first.

“Yes. I haven’t received the divorce papers back yet.”

“I haven’t signed them.”

“You haven’t signed them?”

“No.”

“Why… I mean…”

I wanted to ask if the Crown Prince hadn’t pressured him to hurry, but I couldn’t get the words out.

As I fumbled, Lloydin once again read my hesitation and spoke first.

“His Highness the Crown Prince has been urging me to move quickly.”

I could sense Lloydin’s expression hardening and turning cold as he mentioned the Crown Prince.

“…Yes, he mentioned that. But why…?”

“Because I didn’t want to.”

“But, Duke…”

“Are you really going to marry the Crown Prince?”

At his question, I suddenly found myself at a loss for words. I simply nodded.

“And if I sign the divorce papers?”

“Yes. Then… it will happen.”

“…I see.”

Lloydin stared off into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.

I stood silently, watching him, waiting for him to speak again.

Eventually, a determined expression settled on his face, and he spoke with firm resolve.

“I will do as you wish. I made a promise.”

His gaze was unwavering, and I could tell he wasn’t saying it lightly.

“But not now.”

“…Duke?”

Not now?

I blinked in confusion, unable to grasp his meaning.

“What do you mean by that?”

“After this expedition is over, I’ll fulfill the promise as agreed.”

“But that would take too long…”

“I’ll return soon enough.”

“…Will you really?”

“Yes. I promise.”

His vow to return safely left me unable to think of anything else.

Because, in truth, that was all I really wanted—no, the only thing I wanted.

For Lloydin to come back unharmed.

If he returned safely, there would be nothing more I could ask for.

But I couldn’t voice those feelings to him now.

I buried my emotions deep within, trying my best to keep a calm expression.

“Alright. Then I’ll wait for that.”

After I responded, I waited for his reply.

Lloydin was staring at me with an unreadable expression.

“Why… are you looking at me like that?”

“…It’s nothing.”

Lloydin smiled faintly, but there was a sense of emptiness in it, and then he fell silent.

“It’s time for me to depart.”

“Oh, I’ve kept you here too long, Duke.”

“No, it’s fine. Just a moment.”

He glanced at me briefly before calling for his horse, Elbird, who had been grazing nearby. The horse I had ridden and Lloydin’s own horse came trotting towards us at the sound of his whistle.

“We’re closer to the Blighton estate from here. I’ll escort you there.”

“No, I can go by myself.”

I waved my hand, declining his offer to escort me.

“I cannot allow you to go alone.”

“I’ll be fine. I can make it if I go slowly.”

“That won’t do.”

Despite my insistence, Lloydin responded firmly. Before I could say anything further, he knelt down on one knee in front of me.

“Step on me and mount the horse.”

“Duke…”

“My lady.”

Unsure of what to do, I hesitated for a moment before reluctantly stepping on his knee and mounting the horse.

As soon as I was settled in the saddle, Lloydin effortlessly climbed up behind me.

He wrapped one arm around my waist, and I could feel the hard armor against my back. My entire body tensed at the contact.

“Elbird, go!”

At his command, Elbird set off at a moderate pace, and the horse I had ridden followed close behind.

We rode together towards the Blighton estate in silence.

Soon, the familiar sight of the estate appeared before us.

As we passed through the gate and arrived in front of the mansion, the butler came out to greet us.

“Duke, my lady!”

Lloydin dismounted first, and I reached out my hand for his help to get down.

But instead of taking my hand, he grabbed me by the waist.

“Duke!”

Startled, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck, and I thought I heard a faint chuckle from him.

He easily lifted me and set me down on the ground, then turned towards the butler.

“William.”

“Yes, Duke. I thought you had already departed?”

“I’ll explain later. Did my lady’s carriage leave?”

“Yes, my lady instructed us to send it back, so we did.”

“Prepare a carriage for her now. She will be returning shortly.”

“Understood.”

The butler moved swiftly at Lloydin’s command. As he left, Lloydin turned back to me.

“Please take the carriage home.”

“Yes, I will. And you, Duke?”

“I’ll leave after seeing you off.”

“No, you should go ahead. I can manage.”

“No, I’ll feel more at ease once you’ve left.”

“Ah, alright.”

I couldn’t argue with his words, especially since he was about to head to the battlefield. The last thing I wanted was to make him uncomfortable.

Soon after, the butler returned with the carriage.

“Duke, the carriage is ready.”

Lloydin and I walked slowly towards it.

“Let’s go,” he said, extending his hand to help me.

“Thank you.”

Though I had so much more I wanted to say, all I could manage was a simple thank you as I took his hand and climbed into the carriage.

Now, only the small carriage door separated us.

Once that door closed…

“Um, Duke…”

“Yes?”

I shouldn’t.

I knew I shouldn’t say anything more, that I shouldn’t deceive him with my words. Yet, I struggled to control my heart.

“It’s just…”

As I hesitated, Lloydin suddenly spoke, catching me off guard.

“I’ll do it.”

“Huh?”

Do what?

I looked at him in confusion, and he smiled warmly, his usual gentle expression.

“I know what you’re trying to say.”

“Oh, I was just…”

“So don’t force yourself. I understand.”

His kind words made me drop my head in shame. I couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eyes.

“…Thank you.”

It was all I could manage to say, just like before.

“My lady.”

“Yes…”

“Please, look at me.”

I slowly lifted my head to meet his gaze, which had been cast downward the entire time.

“That day… I didn’t have the courage to say a proper goodbye.”

That day… the day I returned to the Anaïs estate.

I had woken up alone, unable to see Lloydin before I left, and I had cried so much that day.

The sorrow of knowing I wouldn’t see him again had overwhelmed me, and I had been utterly heartbroken.

Remembering that day made my throat tighten, and I could feel the tears welling up again. I tried to look away, but Lloydin noticed and gently cupped my face.

His warm, large hands cradled my cheeks, and I felt his warmth seep into me.

“When I return, I’ll settle everything. Please wait until then.”

“Settle… everything?”

“Yes. I promise you, once again.”

There was a strange resolve in his voice, and while he spoke with determination, I felt a deep sadness.

Settle everything…

The thought that when he returned, it would truly be the end pierced my heart.

I had been the one to initiate the end, but now, hearing him say it, I felt wounded.

“…Yes, I’ll wait. I’ll leave now.”

I couldn’t bear to show him my expression, so I pulled away from his hand that had been tenderly holding my face.

Then, without looking back, I quickly closed the carriage door and told the driver to depart.

The carriage left the Blighton estate and sped towards the Anaïs manor.

On the way back, I couldn’t hold back my tears, just like that day. I knew how selfish these feelings were, but I couldn’t help it.

At some point, the carriage came to a halt.

We had arrived at the Anaïs estate.

I wiped my tear-stained face and quickly composed myself.

As I stepped out of the carriage, there stood someone I had dearly missed, waiting for me.