Episode 36

Igon knew he could kill without a weapon.

However, on a day as joyful as this, he had no desire to stain his hands with blood.

Even if Igon didn’t kill him, the foolishness of Count Durant would ensure that Grohl’s demise would come sooner rather than later.

A count who couldn’t even devise a proper plan and resorted to a one-on-one confrontation—what would he think when he saw both Igon and Grohl alive?

Naturally, he would assume Grohl had sided with Igon.

Such a convenient and simplistic mindset.

The real challenges came from the late Duke or the Empress.

“Hey! What are you doing over there?”

Someone had called for the guards.

They arrived just at the right moment.

Igon looked up at the moon and slipped out the opposite end of the alley.

However, in his leisure, he lost track of Evelyn.

Realizing this, the rationality that had never left him before now slipped from his control.

He might have even shouted her name loudly, an action he normally wouldn’t have taken.

There were several women with brown hair tied up, but none of them were Evelyn.

He could tell from just the back of their heads and their demeanor if it was her.

He would recognize her just by her walk.

He wandered through stalls and people, weaving in and out.

Passing through an alley, he felt a familiar presence nearby.

As he turned his head, delicate, white fingers wrapped around his arm.

“Igon.”

He looked down at the sound of the voice calling him and saw large, round hazel eyes.

His heart skipped a beat.

Indescribable emotions washed over him.

“I’m here.”

Seeing her awkward smile, as if to reassure him, Igon pulled Evelyn into a hug.

She struggled briefly in surprise but soon settled down.

“Were you very scared?”

Her concerned voice, and her small hand slowly patting his broad back, calmed him.

Igon took a deep breath and gently released her from his embrace.

He then checked her over for any injuries.

“I went to look for you, but I guess we missed each other.”

“Yes.”

Though he had been very worried, he did not blame Evelyn.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, looking up at him with sincere eyes. “I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

Igon shook his head.

“It’s not your fault. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

Evelyn smiled, the tension easing from her features.

“Shall we go back to the festival?”

Igon nodded, offering his arm.

“Let’s go.”

They walked back to the bustling festival together, Igon keeping a close watch on their surroundings, his earlier tension slowly dissipating.

As they rejoined the festivities, the vibrant colors, lively music, and cheerful laughter seemed to take on a new light, reminding Igon of the importance of protecting the things he held dear.

Evelyn, sensing his change in mood, gently squeezed his arm. “Thank you, Igon. For always looking out for me.”

Igon smiled down at her, a rare softness in his eyes.

“Always.”

He smiled instead.

Evelyn watched him carefully, worried he might be upset.

She seemed like she had something to say, her lips parting slightly, but then she pressed them shut again.

Her eyes, filled with many words, briefly showed a hint of sadness before it disappeared.

“Shall we go watch the dance?”

She said this and pressed her lips together as if to punctuate the sentence.

It was clear she was changing the subject.

“I heard that after the play, there will be dancing there.”

She likely had something else she wanted to say but chose not to.

Igon knew this too but didn’t press her.

Instead of asking, he simply replied, “Let’s do that,” and smiled.

They walked towards the area where the play had been performed.

On the way, they bought drinks and sipped them.

What they thought was just a cool beverage turned out to be mixed with alcohol.

Evelyn, who usually didn’t enjoy alcohol, drank a few sips to quench her thirst before the taste hit her, causing her to wrinkle her nose.

“This has alcohol in it.”

“It does.”

Igon, finding her reaction cute, pulled her into an embrace and laughed.

The small stage where the play had been performed was now being cleared, with musicians setting up in its place.

There seemed to be quite a few people gathered around, but no one was dancing yet.

The musicians tuned their instruments, playing a short section as if to synchronize.

Eyes turned towards them, and young men and women began to slowly gather in the center.

Soon, the music started.

It was lively, fitting for the festival’s joyous atmosphere.

The alcohol Evelyn had just drunk had made her a bit warm, and she fanned herself, watching with a happy expression.

“Look at those two. They must be really awkward around each other. They won’t even make eye contact.”

She whispered, pointing at a couple.

“Do you want to dance?”

“No.”

Her eyes remained fixed on the scene as she answered firmly.

Igon had asked because she was watching so intently, but her response was clear.

Evelyn shook her head.

“You know how bad I am at dancing.”

At best, she was average.

She had practiced as if her feet were on fire, but never quite got used to the changing steps of the music.

“I think it will be different here.”

Igon extended his hand.

Evelyn’s face showed signs of indecision.

“Take my hand.”

Though she hesitated, it wasn’t because she really disliked the idea; she slowly raised her arm.

Her hand, hovering uncertainly, was quickly caught by Igon and firmly held in his grip.

“Don’t worry,” he said gently. “Just follow my lead.”

Evelyn took a deep breath and nodded, allowing him to guide her to the dance floor.

The music swelled, and they joined the other couples, moving to the lively rhythm.

Evelyn, at first stiff and awkward, gradually began to relax, finding her footing with Igon’s reassuring presence.

Laughter and smiles surrounded them, and for a moment, all the worries and fears melted away in the warmth of the festival lights.

Igon’s eyes never left hers, his steady gaze giving her confidence.

As they danced, Evelyn couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, she was starting to get the hang of it.

“Eve, Eve… What are you always so worried about?”

Igon whispered with a playful smile.

Evelyn thought life was very unfair.

Even in dancing, Igon was skilled, leading Evelyn gracefully in time with the music.

They began to dance in circles, and despite the quick, erratic steps of the fast-paced music, Igon had no trouble leading her.

Perhaps it was because her partner was so good that what had once seemed difficult now felt manageable.

Her tense expression gradually brightened.

Under the moonlight, her face glowed brightly.

Her hazel hair, tied up, swirled around like a tail with each spin.

Though she stepped on Igon’s foot a couple of times, she didn’t let it dampen her spirits.

Feeling endearing as she whispered apologies, Igon even playfully extended his foot, inviting her to step on it.

Since leaving the Duke’s residence, Evelyn had changed significantly.

For the better.

Her expressions were brighter, her voice a bit louder, and the constant anxiety and timidity had softened into a gentle ease.

Her once gloomy and passive demeanor had also shifted.

Igon didn’t mind Evelyn’s changes at all.

Thinking about these changes, a sudden impulse arose within him.

He was not one for frivolous words or empty promises, but it didn’t take long for him to voice his impulsive thought.

“Shall we run away?”

“What?”

Evelyn asked, startled by his murmur, though they were so close she couldn’t have misheard.

* * *

I thought I had misheard.

“Shall we run away?” he said.

“What?”

There was no reply to my question.

He just smiled that enigmatic smile, stretching the corners of his mouth.

But that smile only confirmed that I hadn’t misheard.

I tried to figure out why he would say something like this but found no answers, so I asked again.

“Why?”

“Because you love this kind of life.”

It was a straightforward answer, but it only made me want to ask more questions.

I looked into his pale eyes.

I still couldn’t discern his true thoughts or intentions.

Yet, it felt as if I could hear what he was trying to say.

Shall we run away?

Live as people who are neither dukes nor ladies, brothers nor sisters, nor the Rodri family.

Live as nobodies.

That was what he was asking.

What if I said, ‘Let’s do it’?

What if we shed our heavy names and fled from the world we knew, living a life where one day the flowing river, another day the passing breeze, would become our names?

Living a simple and boring life.

The thought alone made me feel good.

But unfortunately, I knew how such an escape would end.

It wasn’t just because of the original storyline.

Even apart from all that, Igon himself would never endure such a life.

For him, life was about pushing boundaries and exploring the limits.

He thrived on the challenges and the stark, intense experiences that came with his noble responsibilities.

A person like him could never enjoy a life of idleness and insignificance.

Moreover, he carried too many responsibilities and was too deeply committed to simply abandon them.

It pained me to see him entertain an impossible fantasy.

Why did he…

Why did I…

Tears welled up as I realized that the wish he spoke of could never come true.

My vision blurred, and a tear fell.

Igon raised his hand to wipe it away gently.

In the past, I was only afraid, but now I could see so much more.

“Why are you crying?”

“The song is sad,” I lied, shaking my head.

As time passed, the lively music had gradually slowed.

It was fitting, given the romantic atmosphere under the moonlight.

“Shall I make them stop playing?”

His eyes sparkled with a mischievous idea.

“No,” I replied quickly.

I turned my head to him, noticing his intense gaze toward the musicians.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but absolutely not.”

Igon laughed.

He took my hand and spun me around.

My body twirled in a circle.

The sounds of music and laughter blended together.

The humid, warm breeze blew.

The heat made Igon’s scent more pronounced.

As he moved, a subtle lavender scent mixed with the salty sea air.

I looked up at the sky.

The bright, full moon cast its luminous light.

It was so beautiful.

The world was beautiful, but my heart was in turmoil.

‘Rustle.’

The wind folded my skirt, and the letter in my pocket made a sound.

‘Could I change it?’

The thought alone felt overwhelming.

Igon’s hand tightened around mine as he sensed my unease.

“Everything alright?” he asked softly, concern etched on his face.

I took a deep breath and nodded, trying to push away the doubts and fears.

For now, I wanted to savor this moment, however fleeting it might be.

The music, the moonlight, and the gentle rhythm of our dance were all that mattered.

I would deal with the uncertainties of the future when they came.

For now, I was content to be here with Igon, even if only for a little while longer.