Chapter 66
Aniella let out a sigh. Paiki beamed, then jumped into the carriage and offered his hand to her.
“You said admitting it was enough, so what else is there now?”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m just taking you home.”
“You did that last time too, and then went somewhere else.”
“This time, as long as you don’t fall asleep, it’ll be fine.”
Well, that was true. But wouldn’t he kidnap her even if she was wide awake?
When Aniella stared at him blankly, Paiki let out a sigh.
“I swear on His Majesty. I will take you home quietly.”
Although uneasy, Aniella trusted the oath made by the Emperor’s loyal subject and got into the carriage. A brief silence fell between the two sitting opposite each other.
“Since the Viscount isn’t home, you don’t necessarily have to go home, right?”
“I knew you’d say that. You swore on His Majesty; is that even allowed?”
Aniella shot Paiki a sidelong glance. He shrugged and moved to sit beside her. He put his arm on the carriage wall, turned his body, and looked at her.
“We’ve confirmed each other’s feelings; it’s a shame to part like this, isn’t it?”
It was an incredibly brazen attempt at seduction. Aniella thought it was ridiculous, but she hated the part of herself that was tempted by it.
“Please release my sister, Claudie.”
“I let her go long ago, while you were busy getting ready. She’s probably home by now.”
Paiki said, tracing Aniella’s neckline with his finger. He could see her pupils moving back and forth as she pondered.
A little more, and she’ll give in. He was racking his brains for what to say to lure her in when Aniella lifted her chin slightly, as if having made a decision.
“I’m just going to get the shoes I left behind.”
Paiki found her flimsy excuse endearing and laughed. But he couldn’t laugh so carefreely at her next words.
“They were a gift from Marius.”
“Why did Marius give you shoes?”
“Because he and I share a special relationship.”
Marius hadn’t particularly intended to give her the shoes. He was a man who, though not usually like that, became extremely timid when it came to love. So much so that he couldn’t give a gift to Holly directly and tried to gauge her feelings through her younger sister.
“So, it’s not just a magician and assistant relationship, but a special one? I didn’t know that. In what way is it special?”
“Hmm, well.”
Aniella knew the fact perfectly well but pretended not to and spoke suggestively. It seemed like just yesterday she was trembling with fear in this carriage, but now she had reached the point of teasing him. For some reason, it felt good.
***
Aniella sat on a towel spread on the beach, watching the sunset.
‘Did you know, Your Grace? I heard in some places, the sunset is purple. Isn’t that amazing?’
Last night, when she mentioned it, he had scolded her, saying to forget that and focus. Although he seemed not to be listening properly, he remembered everything and was now using magic to show her—such a thorough man.
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