IDED | Chapter 107

Episode 107

“Honestly, I’ve thought this before, but you do have a way of speaking without reserve.”

“My philosophy is to speak my mind in this tough world.”

“That’s quite a carefree philosophy.”

Ophelia let out a small sigh as if she didn’t want to continue the conversation. However, her fanning pace didn’t slow down, perhaps because she was still feeling awkward.

Serena stared blankly at the fan before adding, “I really meant it when I said it suits you. I’m being sincere, so don’t take it the wrong way.”

“Understood.”

Ophelia, looking somewhat exasperated, folded her fan and placed it on the table.

Just then, the officiant finished their speech, and Lydia began walking down the aisle, holding Marco’s hand. Serena glanced over at Azaid, who gave her a signal.

‘Still searching.’

Lydia, who clearly loved to show off, had invited far too many guests. It seemed that checking every face during the ceremony had proven impossible.

Serena decided to put aside her earlier wish to leave before the reception and remained seated in silence. That’s when Ophelia broke the silence.

“I think I understand now.”

“Understand what?”

“That your straightforward and bold personality might be what caught His Majesty’s attention. I didn’t expect him to have such tastes.”

Her words were laced with thorns, as though she still harbored resentment about the past, but having seen a surprising side of her earlier, Serena didn’t feel offended. She responded shamelessly, “Who knows? It might also be because I have an abundance of charm.”

“Do you not know how to be humble?”

“And what’s so great about being humble?”

“Of course, in high society, compliments that come from others’ mouths are far more effective than self-praise.”

“Is that why you prefer living a life where people gossip about you?”

“If you’re a noble, it’s something you have to endure.”

Ophelia frowned as though Serena’s question was distasteful.

“Well, I don’t know who decided that, but it doesn’t apply to me.”

“…….”

“Didn’t you say earlier that living as you wish would prevent unhappiness? You’re right—it makes sense. At least you wouldn’t be unhappy because of others.”

In her previous life, she had remained silent, shrinking away, and blaming Azaid for everything. But in this life, when she began to speak up first, the situation improved dramatically.

Looking back, she had been waiting for circumstances to change without any intention of changing herself. No wonder she had kept dying.

“So, if you’re envious, you should try it too.”

“I never said I was envious….”

Ophelia was just about to argue when—

“Well, what a coincidence.”

A laid-back male voice came from behind them. The moment Ophelia saw the man who had suddenly appeared, her face hardened as she muttered, “James…”

The ceremony had long ended, and people were moving around to enjoy the reception.

Taking advantage of the moment, James had approached them. But instead of addressing Ophelia, he spoke to Serena first.

“We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

“Yes, well.”

As Serena gave an awkward smile, James added slyly, “I made a big mistake last time. If I had known you were His Majesty’s lover, I wouldn’t have acted that way.”

“Right…”

“Though, I do feel a bit regretful, as if I’ve missed my chance.”

James murmured as if implying that if he had met Serena before Azaid, things might have been different.

‘That would never have happened.’

Serena wanted to say that but held back since he was the heir of Greenwood. Instead, she chose her words carefully.

“It just wasn’t meant to be.”

“I see.”

When James smiled with his eyes, his flirtatious tone almost broke Serena’s professional smile. Just then, Ophelia stepped closer to Serena and confronted James.

“What are you scheming?”

“Oh, you’re here too.”

James acted as if he had just noticed Ophelia. When Ophelia hardened her expression, James began to provoke her intentionally.

“You’ve been stuck in the castle for so long; it looks like you’re finally out for some fresh air. Oh, was your maid the bride?”

“And where exactly have you been, abandoning your duties? Do you have any idea how hard it’s been for me to cover for you?”

Ophelia asked sharply, clearly harboring a lot of pent-up frustration. From the conversation, it seemed James had neglected his responsibilities and disappeared for a while. James shrugged indifferently.

“When a man is out in society, he sometimes needs to step away for a bit.”

“I don’t see how gender factors into this, but as the heir, you need to understand that such irresponsible behavior harms the family.”

“Yes, yes, as if I didn’t know.”

James smirked sarcastically, and Ophelia bit her lower lip.

Serena glanced at the two of them, sensing that James was looking down on Ophelia.

What was even stranger was that Ophelia didn’t call out his rudeness. It seemed as though she was trying to treat him with the respect due to a duke.

‘Even in moments like this, she prioritizes honor over her own feelings. That must be exhausting.’

As Serena observed Ophelia clenching her fists in restraint with some pity, James grabbed Ophelia’s arm.

“There’s something I wanted to ask you anyway.”

“Let go and speak.”

Ophelia struggled to free her arm, but James didn’t let go.

“Just come with me.”

It seemed like he wanted to move elsewhere, perhaps aware of Serena’s presence. His intention to drag her away was evident, so Serena stepped in and blocked his path.

“Step aside, my lady.”

“I’m sorry, but I was speaking with Lady Greenwood first.”

“It’ll only take a moment.”

James replied irritably and tried to push past Serena. But Serena stood her ground, speaking firmly.

“She said she doesn’t want to.”

Serena glared at James, her eyes flicking toward his hand gripping Ophelia’s wrist.

James ran a hand through his hair, then snapped sharply, “You seem to be meddling a lot. Would you kindly stay out of family matters?”

“Please, step back,” Ophelia said, seemingly worried about drawing too much attention. Just as James brushed past Serena to leave—

Shring!

The sound of a sword sliding from its sheath rang out, and James suddenly found a blade at his neck.

“Zed!”

Serena gasped and looked at Azaid, who had drawn his sword. Azaid stepped in front of Serena, shielding her as he glared fiercely at James.

James glanced at the blade near his neck and scoffed, speaking haughtily. “Put that down. How dare a mere knight point a sword at someone like me?”

“Are you alright, my lady?” Azaid asked, his eyes still on James. Serena nodded.

“I’m fine, though my shoulder hurts a little.”

Feigning more pain, Serena clutched her shoulder and whimpered slightly.

“You should apologize,” Azade demanded, staring James down.

“What?”

“The lady said her shoulder hurts, didn’t she?”

Azaid’s insistence left James dumbfounded, and he let out an incredulous cough. Ophelia, sighing in frustration at the sudden confrontation, massaged her temples.

“James, apologize. Now.”

“And why should I…!”

“Do you want to clash with His Majesty?”

Ophelia’s firm tone made James grit his teeth. After a tense pause, he muttered a reluctant “Sorry.” Only then did Azaid lower his sword and sheathe it.

“Damn it.”

James cursed under his breath before grabbing Ophelia and dragging her off somewhere. Watching her being led away, Serena asked, “Shouldn’t Sir Leonard follow her?”

“Why? Are you worried?”

“Yes, that man seems a bit dangerous.”

At Serena’s request, Azaid gestured to Leonard, who discreetly followed after Ophelia. Azaid then turned to Serena and asked in a low voice, “Is your shoulder alright?”

“He did that on purpose,” Serena muttered, almost tattling.

Azaid’s blue eyes gleamed coldly. “I’ll make sure he pays for that.”

“Yes, make sure you do,” Serena replied without hesitation, making Azaid chuckle softly.

“Since the Duke is attending the ceremony, I suppose he’s keeping a low profile,” Azaid said, scanning the surroundings like a dedicated guard.

“So he did come.”

“Yes, and it seems Colin is trying to use the reception as an opportunity to meet the Marquis.”

“Then we can track him and find their hideout.”

“Exactly. Until Lucy and Jack capture Colin, we just need to wait here.”

Azaid, fully embracing his role as a guard knight, surveyed the area again.

“Shall we proceed, my lady?”

It seemed he was enjoying calling her ‘my lady.’ Even though no immediate threats loomed, his vigilance rivaled that of the Imperial Knights.

The funniest part was that he was actually the Emperor of this country.

“Zed, are you enjoying being a bodyguard?” Serena asked with a smile.

“Yes, I am. With you beside me, there’s never a dull moment.”

Though his black hair made him look different, his behavior was undeniably Ajade. Serena whispered under her breath, amused by his shameless demeanor.

“Why not switch careers while you’re at it? You’d make an excellent knight.”

“Should I? Then would you take me as your personal knight?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Then who would run the country?”

“There are plenty of people eager for this position, so I wouldn’t worry about that.”

“You say terrifying things so easily. Now, escort me properly.”

When Serena laughed softly, Azaid replied with a playful, “Yes, my lady,” and skillfully led her to the reception hall.