She definitely didn’t stop him from continuing because she was afraid he’d say something weird again…
As always, the Duke’s carriage moved smoothly without the slightest bump.
Lizelle looked out the carriage window at the evening sky that had now grown dark.
They were traveling to Lizelle’s house in Chase’s carriage.
Raphel, who was awake when they left the clinic, was still under the influence of the sedative and fell asleep with his head on Lizelle’s thigh as soon as he got into the carriage.
At first, Lizelle planned to return home alone, but she couldn’t stop worrying about Raphel. Moreover, given the possibility of another attack, she decided to travel with Chase for safety.
“Today’s attack was targeting you and Raphelion, wasn’t it?”
Lizelle already knew the answer but pretended not to and asked Chase.
As expected, his response was no different from what she expected.
“Most likely.”
“Do you think it’s related to the carriage accident?”
“It seems so. If today’s seizure was caused by a spider, then it’s likely connected to the people involved in the carriage accident.”
“A spider?”
“There was a spider on the ground just before Raphel had his seizure. Also, the assassins had a spider symbol on their wrists.”
A spider…
This was new information.
The physician suggested that Raphel’s seizure was more likely caused by psychological trauma than by a physical health issue.
If that was the case, the spider might have triggered something traumatic from his lost memories.
Lizelle felt a pang of regret.
If she had finished the original novel, she would have known who the culprit was.
Even if she didn’t know their identity, she might have been able to provide at least a hint about the culprit.
But up to the point she’d read, the story hadn’t revealed who attacked Raphel or why they wanted to kill him.
Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do to help right now because she simply didn’t know anything.
“I’ve sent knights to the Baron’s estate.”
Chase said cautiously after glancing at the sleeping Raphel.
The attackers today had clearly targeted him and Raphel.
However, since Lizelle was present, she could also become a target in the future.
The fact that she might face danger simply because she was connected to him weighed heavily on Chase.
“Yes, it’s always better to be cautious.”
Lizelle nodded.
Though the assassins’ primary targets were the duke and Raphel, it was wise to prepare for any scenario.
There was even a chance they might take her hostage to threaten the House of Halos.
“I’m sorry for putting you in danger because of me.”
“No, it’s not your fault or Raphel’s. The ones at fault are those who attacked?”
Chase, who had been bowing his head like a repenting sinner, raised his head.
It had been a life-threatening situation.
While her words were true, anyone in her position might have blamed him out of fear.
But once again, she showed concern for others first.
That selflessness of hers was so endearing that Chase smiled softly.
She was always teaching him something—always inspiring him.
From head to toe, there was nothing about her he didn’t love.
“The only way to keep you from being in any more danger is to get married quickly.”
He thought to himself that he should speed up the marriage.
Once she became a member of the House of Halos, he would be able to protect her.
Within the walls of the duke’s estate, there was no place untouched by the knights’ eyes and feet.
There would be no repeat of today’s incident.
He was already thinking about how to keep her safe in his arms.
Meanwhile, unlike Chase, who was smiling contentedly, Lizelle tilted her head as if she didn’t understand what he was saying.
‘Huh?’
Wouldn’t breaking ties with Halos be the best way to keep her safe?
Lizelle wanted to ask, but his expression was so serious that she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
“So, what will you do about the birthday banquet in a few days?”
She brought up a new topic to change the subject.
“Though the situation isn’t ideal, it’s probably best to attend.”
“Oh, are you close with the count?”
“Not particularly. But attending the banquet might help identify the mastermind behind this attack. Even if not, it could provide clues about someone connected to them.”
“Ah…”
Lizelle nodded in agreement.
Given the financial resources required to hire assassins, it was highly likely that the mastermind was a noble.
As Chase said, the upcoming birthday banquet could be an opportunity to find either the mastermind or someone affiliated with them.
“If you’re uncomfortable attending a public event after what happened, you don’t have to come with.”
He would understand if she didn’t want to go.
Even though she seemed fine on the surface, today’s events must have shaken her.
It was natural to feel uneasy about attending a public event where threats could arise at any time.
“No, I’ll go. Didn’t you say you’d formally introduce our relationship?”
Our…
Chase’s face turned red.
If there’s one thing he never tired of hearing, it’s the way she refers to herself and him as one.
Because the word ‘our’ meant they shared a deep and inseparable relationship.
When he thought about getting closer to this girl who always seemed distant, his whole body heated as if he had a fever.
“We’re already here.”
Lizelle, looking out the window, noticed the familiar landscape of the baron’s estate coming into view. She glanced at the sleeping Raphel on her lap.
As the carriage came to a gentle stop, Raphel rubbed his eyes and stretched.
“Lizelle…?”
“Yes, Raphel.”
Unlike their last goodbye, Lizelle hugged him tightly, patting his back gently.
His pale complexion and cold body from earlier had returned to normal warmth and color.
“We have to say goodbye for now.”
“Already?”
This time, Raphel seemed to understand it was only a temporary parting. Unlike before, he nodded quietly.
“We’ll see each other again soon. And before long, we’ll be together like before. Okay?”
“Yeah! I believe you! Raphel believes in Lizelle!”
Raphel’s face lit up with a bright smile, showing no trace of the earlier pain.
“If you feel even a little bit sick, you must tell your uncle right away. If he’s not around, tell anyone nearby. Understand?”
“Okay, okay!”
“Good boy.”
Lizelle gently stroked his soft hair.
It felt warm to the touch.
As if the icy feel from before had been nothing but a bad dream.
“Miss.”
Chase called from outside. He’d already opened the opposite door and circled around to open hers himself.
“See you again!”
“Yes, it’s a promise.”
Lizelle and Raphel hooked their pinkies together to seal their promise.
Then, Raphel slowly let go of her.
He was reassured by her expression and actions that this parting wasn’t permanent.
With some reluctance, Lizelle stepped out of the carriage.
“I will pick you up on the day of the banquet.”
“All right. Oh, and Duke, here.”
Lizelle handed him a poison detector.
“What is this?”
“A poison detector. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but after today’s attack, I thought it might be useful. It’s a good idea to check the food beforehand.”
Originally, she planned to bring it to the duke’s estate after their marriage.
In the original story, threats against Raphel didn’t begin until much later.
But the attack today came sooner than expected. And it happened right in the shopping district near the duke’s estate.
Now, they couldn’t afford to let their guard down for even a moment.
They didn’t know when, where, or what kind of threat might be lurking.
Even if Chase suspected her, she had to move first.
“Did you go out today just to buy this?”
He was curious about what she purchased but refrained from asking.
He respected her privacy.
It was a poison detector
This was completely unexpected.
“Yes. I thought it couldn’t hurt to be cautious. Though I didn’t expect to need it so soon.”
“Did you anticipate today’s events?”
Chase’s eyes gleamed with a strange light.
Until now, he thought Lizelle’s calm demeanor toward the attack was out of consideration for him.
But the moment she handed him the poison detector, it occurred to him that perhaps Lizelle had been anticipating the attack.
Was it truly a coincidence that she purchased a poison detector on the very day of the attack?
The timing was too perfect to be a coincidence.
