Chapter 104
Want to read it all in one go? Check out IYBHH, WTC! here:
Ivan paused midway up the stairs, his steps halting as Ruby came to mind. Despite his repeated instructions to stay in her room, she always seemed to ignore him and venture outside.
“Is she actually staying in her room today?” he wondered.
What if she had gone out again?
“Oh no, I can’t just go out and search for her anymore.”
Suddenly feeling trapped in the estate, he quickly headed for his room, telling himself that if Ruby wasn’t there, he could have Liam fetch her. With all sorts of thoughts running through his mind, he opened the door and immediately spotted her sitting on the window seat in the parlor.
“Ruby.”
At the sound of his voice, she quickly turned her head. With a quick leap from the window seat, she rushed over to him.
He stared at Ruby for a moment as she walked toward him. The sight of her greeting him in his room, as if she had been waiting for his return, was much more endearing than he had expected.
“How did the meeting go, Your Grace?”
Her question quickly wiped the smile from his face, and he stiffened. He had held the meeting, but had come away with nothing. Well, not entirely true. He had learned that his subordinates were even more incompetent than he had imagined.
“We decided to continue the meeting tomorrow.”
“Oh…”
Ruby’s response was subdued, and Ivan, sensing her sudden dejection, pulled her hand toward him gently.
“Honestly, finding out your tribe’s location didn’t even need a meeting. I just wanted to be prepared in case things went south.”
As the leader, Ivan felt an unshakable responsibility to protect her tribe, even if his subordinates weren’t up to the task.
“Right. With the Lion Tribe involved, it makes sense. I understand.”
At Ruby’s words, Ivan’s face turned apologetic. He led her to the sofa, sitting her down first before joining her by her side.
He turned slightly toward her, making eye contact as he spoke.
“I didn’t want to mention anything uncertain, but I’ve already been looking into the location of your tribe.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. Based on the day you mentioned, I had the area nearby investigated. We received reports that the lions were traveling with ten large wagons.”
“That means… my tribe must have been captured.”
“Yes, that’s what I think too. It’s a rather conspicuous procession, so we’re tracking down witnesses. Regardless of the meeting’s outcome, I will keep my promise to you.”
“But if House de Negro finds out, won’t the lions notice… wouldn’t that put you in a difficult position, Duke?”
“You don’t need to worry about that. I didn’t want to bring it up, but since you’re so anxious, I suppose I must.”
Despite the slight amusement in his voice, Ruby remained serious, quietly waiting for him to continue. Her response caused Ivan to speak with more gravity.
“There are those in the Wolf Tribe who don’t live in packs. Some prefer to live alone. That doesn’t mean they abandon our tribe. They just wander off, traveling alone for long periods of time.”
Ruby listened intently, her eyes not blinking as she absorbed the information.
“Because of that, our intelligence network is stronger than you might think. There’s nowhere in the Empire where there aren’t wolves. So, there’s no need for you to worry.”
“But what does that have to do with not getting caught?”
“…Well, the sneaky little rabbit I know would stay quiet enough to wait for me to finish.”
“You’re the one who made this conversation go off-track in the first place.”
“The other tribes know about the Wolf Tribe’s habits, too. They’re used to lone wolves here and there. That means we can find your tribe without suspicion, no matter where you are.”
“Ah…”
Ivan tilted his head slightly. Ruby seemed unusually distant today, and it made him curious.
“Is something wrong?”
His concerned question made Ruby want to speak the truth, but she chose to keep her lips sealed.
Ruby felt a tightness in her chest, not wanting to admit how much she missed her family and clan. She knew that expressing those feelings out loud might break her more than she could handle.
Ivan, noticing her silence, decided to change the subject.
“There’s going to be a banquet later.”
“With the vassals?”
“Yes, that’s what we always do after the conference.”
“Then, I’ll just eat alone in my room, right?”
At her question, Ivan frowned and replied firmly.
“No? You’re coming with me.”
“…Why?”
“Why? Because, obviously, you’re part of this household.”
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.