I Abandoned the Male Lead Who Cheated with the Villainess - Chapter 67

Being beheaded seems too peaceful, doesn’t it? But Ivonne is kind, so she might want to send them off peacefully. It’s cruel, really. I wish she’d use that kindness on me alone.

“Your Highness.”

But Ivonne kept her promise, so now it’s my turn to keep mine. Yes, I must obey. That’s what Ivonne wants. And I want it too. I’d lie down like a dog, belly up, just to be adored by her.

I long to be touched again by those slender, warm hands. I want those lovely hands, down to their nails, to tickle me. Ah, Ivonne. Keep controlling me. Without you handling me, I’m worthless. If this is how it’s going to be, I might as well go back to…

“Your Highness!”

In the moment when dangerous thoughts spiraled endlessly, Johann’s frantic call snapped Herix back to reality. The violet eyes, which seemed about to drift away from this world, barely found their way back.

“Your Highness, your hand… again.”

Rising from his seat, Johann had already grasped Herix, who was unknowingly clutching his own throat.

“…Ah.”

Finally, the choked breath was relieved. The grip had been so tight that red fingerprints remained on the thick neck.

“…I’ll get some water.”

Though the violet eyes remained cloudy, Herix let go of his neck under Johann’s guidance. Relieved, Johann headed to the kitchen, a bit away from the living room.

After fetching cold water from a magic device used to keep food cool, Johann wiped the sweat beading on his forehead and murmured.

“At least it’s not as bad as before. He’s not scratching wildly.”

Herix, who had an extraordinarily troubled childhood, had one terrible habit: in moments of anxiety or fear, he would frantically scratch his neck, inflicting harm upon himself. Without the existence of magic, or if he had not been a member of the imperial family required to appear before everyone, his neck would have been covered in scars.

Perhaps that’s why Herix could hardly stand feeling constricted around his neck. Just look at how he showed up at his twentieth birthday celebration with his shirt half unbuttoned.

Johann observed the water being poured into the transparent glass, tilting his head in thought inside.

‘It’s said that animals that were treated harshly, being tied by the neck, often exhibit such behavior.’

But who dares to leash and abuse the Crown Prince, who was called a war devil, by the neck? Johann had been by Herix’s side like limbs for 8 years since he was twelve, yet Herix remained an enigma to him.

“It might be best for you to calm down a bit.”

Offering the cold water, Johann glanced at Herix’s neck. The marks were shaped like a butterfly spreading its wings but would disappear before Ivonne’s return.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

At that moment, Ivonne was sitting on a cafe terrace bustling with people, alongside Larissa.

Then, as the wind blew, a flier fluttered by, announcing a search for ‘a brown-haired, brown-eyed man who attended the Crown Prince’s birthday party.’

‘Should’ve chosen the time and place for your urges.’

It seems someone had reported that man. Tsk tsk, shaking her head inside and losing interest, Ivonne took a sip of her lukewarm rooibos tea and spoke.

“Following Larissa’s advice seems wise. Truly, there’s a difference in someone who has worked in public service for nearly 20 years.”

“Hahaha, you must use everything at your disposal to survive. The world says honesty and diligence are the highest virtues, but sadly, those two alone aren’t enough to live by in this world.”

“Hmm, right. Sometimes that leads me to despair.”

Recently, Ivonne had consulted Larissa about feeling overwhelmed by the position of ‘Southern Magic Tower Master’ personally bestowed by the Emperor. Because she wanted to enjoy her lifestyle.

Luckily, Larissa understood Ivonne after she confessed, “If I had magic powers comparable to those of an ancient wizard, I’d have hidden them to avoid causing a stir.”

Of course, Larissa pried into why the Crown Prince was so unusually gentle with Ivonne.

Anyway, the conclusion the two women reached was this,

“It’s difficult to win against an ex-fiance or his cheating partner with ‘Ivonne’ alone.”

It’s about Blitzen and Celestia. Since they’re in a crowded place, they’re speaking in roundabout ways.

“So, staying as the ‘Southern Magic Tower Master’ isn’t a bad idea until you’ve thoroughly avenged yourself on those people. In other countries, maybe not, but here in the Sortenic Empire, having money doesn’t solve everything.”

“Yes, it’s really a country biased towards nobility.”

Ivonne laughed bitterly and cynically. Just a moment ago, Larissa had given her some very wise advice.

It was to temporarily assume the role of the Southern Magic Tower Master. By securing such a solid status, she could set an example for the nobles Blitzen and Celestia. And while holding the title of the Southern Magic Tower Master, she should prepare to move or seek asylum in a country where one can be treated well without being a noble.

“But Larissa, what should I do when it’s time to let go of the name of Southern Magic Tower Master? It’s not a position you can just abandon after taking what you want from it.”

“Hmm, but Ivonne, you have a hill to lean on.”

“A hill to lean on?”