SWWYV CHAPTER 157

Chapter 157

Beatrice would likely suspect Logan of stealing the Rosarphi or order a search for its whereabouts.

If they could catch that trail, it would be possible to prove Beatrice’s guilt.

However, because this was ultimately a matter concerning Sophia’s family, Killian had long deliberated on what to do with these documents.

“These documents. Sophia gave them to me.”

“Lady Sophia?”

“Yes… So it seems the Fraus family might not have known how these would be used.”

Mikhail understood what Killian was trying to convey.

“Lady Sophia will not be harmed in any way.”

Mikhail promised Killian.

“Can I take these with me to review?”

“As long as you don’t show them to anyone else.”

“Of course.”

Following Mikhail’s request, Killian placed the documents in a leather file.

Killian watched as Mikhail gathered the materials.

‘If anyone can safely investigate this further, it’s him.’

Mikhail was the one person who could get closest to uncovering the identity of Logan, making him the most dangerous trap for Beatrice.

Killian felt guilty about using Mikhail in this manner.

“And besides the documents, I’d like to hear your opinion.”

At that moment, Mikhail turned his attention to Killian, while keeping the leather file close.

“My opinion? There’s not much to say.”

“Anyone you suspect or any areas that should be closely examined…”

Killian was entangled with the Black Moon, chasing them and being falsely accused by them. Mikhail believed Killian would have delved deeper into the Black Moon than anyone else.

But Killian evaded the question with a smile.

“I stepped down from the commander’s position because I wasn’t good at that.”

Talking deeply about the Black Moon in front of Mikhail felt like a mistake waiting to happen.

Sometimes, when talking with Mikhail, he tended to be overly honest.

“If it’s difficult to discuss, I won’t press.”

Mikhail knew that Killian wasn’t without thoughts. However, it seemed as if he found it difficult to easily share his opinions with Mikhail.

Mikhail found it somewhat frustrating and a little repulsive that Killian was hiding his true feelings, but he also understood.

‘Every choice His Excellency makes is for Your Highness’ best interest, even if it means keeping secrets from you…’

Sophia had once said this to him, and she was right.

Killian was a cautious person who valued the people around him. If he was keeping silent with such a troubled expression, there had to be a reason.

‘Is he worried about someone getting hurt…?’

After all, even his fiancée Sophia had nearly been harmed because of the Black Moon.

“I’m sorry, brother. For now, I just want to focus on the wedding.”

Killian drew a line, indicating he had no more to say to Mikhail.

And Mikhail was not one to overstep that line.

“Of course. I can’t burden someone who’s about to get married.”

Mikhail smiled gently at Killian.

* * *

Preparations for Killian and Sophia’s wedding were proceeding smoothly. Eager to hold the ceremony as soon as possible, Killian hastened the schedule.

“Sophia.”

It was the day they were going to fit Sophia’s wedding dress.

Killian called out to her, who was sitting in the carriage.

Sophia, who had been staring blankly out the window, snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him.

“Is something troubling you…?”

Killian asked. Lately, Sophia seemed more tired than usual, as if something was weighing on her mind.

“Is it because of the chandelier incident?”

Sophia had changed since the party where the chandelier fell.

Killian worried that the incident might have shocked her deeply.

“No, not at all.”

Sophia shook her head. While she had been startled by the falling chandelier, she had long since forgotten about it.

“Then, is it because Ms. Rubisella Fraus is bothering you again?”

The reason Killian asked this was because Sophia seemed particularly reluctant to return home lately.

Although she was busy with wedding preparations, she always wanted to spend more time with Killian, or if that wasn’t possible, she would make plans to meet with Estelle.

“No. We’re not on good terms, but there’s no major issue.”

Sophia shook her head again.

Although Rubisella still nags about the wedding and belittles Sophia, implying she is taking advantage of the family, there have been no physical altercations for a while.

“Then is there a problem with someone else?”

Killian asked, and Sophia couldn’t immediately respond.

“…There are some issues, but it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry.”

“It’s Ian Fraus, isn’t it?”

Sophia flinched at Killian’s direct hit.

She felt extremely uncomfortable returning to the Count’s manor after the incident with Ian.

Sophia had been busy avoiding Ian, pretending to be asleep in her room, until he left for Ruchtainer.

She even locked her door and kept Jenny close whenever she was home.

Fortunately, Ian didn’t forcefully intrude into her room to impose his feelings on her.

Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable being under the same roof as Ian since that day.

However, she couldn’t tell Killian about it. In fact, she couldn’t tell anyone.

“No, it’s nothing,” Sophia said.

But Killian could see through her lie.

Despite Killian’s intense gaze, Sophia shook her head.

“It’s really nothing. It seems like he’s against the marriage… What difference would it make if Ian were to object?”

Sophia forced a laugh.

“Once we get married, it will be over.”

Yes, once they were married, Ian Fraus would have no choice but to give up.

Besides, he couldn’t publicly announce that he wasn’t a member of the Fraus family, making any union between them nonsensical.

“We really do need to get married quickly,” Killian murmured as he watched Sophia’s awkward smile.

Though she didn’t say it, Killian seemed to understand the reason behind Sophia’s concern.

‘Ian Fraus’s reaction that day was strange.’

At the party, when Killian and Sophia announced their engagement, Ian immediately opposed it. He had no reason or right to object, yet his reaction was unusually sensitive.

‘Even at the last tea party…’

Ian had concocted a reason to drag Sophia away.

‘And he turned a blind eye when Sophia pretended to be part of the Black Moon.’

Ian wasn’t the type to overlook such matters, much less add his lies to cover for someone. Yet, he behaved differently only when it came to Sophia.

Killian’s senses were on high alert.

‘I never thought it possible, but…’

Sophia and Ian were siblings.

Killian didn’t want to believe there was any romantic interest.

But it was clear Ian’s feelings for Sophia were beyond those of ordinary siblings.

And that fact continually grated on Killian’s nerves.

“Then we should hurry and finish our preparations.”

Killian looked out the window as the carriage slowly came to a stop.

It was the same boutique she had first visited with Killian.

* * *

“A wedding! Congratulations!”

The manager and chief designer, Andrey, greeted them with a high-pitched, excited voice.

They had come to the boutique to look at wedding dresses for Sophia.

“It feels like just yesterday that you two first visited our boutique.”

While Andrey fussed over them, the staff brought out refreshments.

Today, they would try on samples to decide on the design, color, fabric, and details that suited Sophia best. This process was much more meticulous and time-consuming than picking out regular dresses.

Though it would be quite tiring for Sophia, Killian was glad to use it as an excuse to spend time with her.

“Please, come this way.”

Unlike their previous visit, where dresses were hung on racks, today each dress was displayed on a mannequin, brought in one by one.

“Not all whites are the same. From luxurious cream white to elegant and sophisticated cool grey white, we will find the colour that best suits the beautiful lady.”

Andrey, the chief designer, enthusiastically explained each dress as if he were choosing his own wedding gown.

Sophia felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of options before her.

Choosing from multiple dresses for everyday wear hadn’t been as daunting, but the thought of selecting a wedding dress made the decision much harder.