If You’re Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 122 - The Snake's Coil

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“Master. You said you wanted vegetables, so I gave them to you.“

“…Ruby said she really wanted it, so I had no choice.”

At his excuse, both Ruby and Liam frowned at the same time. But Ivan shamelessly continued, already pointing at his now-empty plate.

“It’s all gone anyway, so how about letting it slide?”

When Ruby first met him, she never would’ve guessed this man could be so shameless.

“…Like a kid.”

She muttered under her breath, and Ivan curved his lips into a soft smile as he looked at her.

“What was that?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“That’s new.”

He really laughed at the smallest things now. At first, he used to be all stern no matter what she said. That shift was also something she hadn’t expected.

“Oh, Ruby. Like I said earlier, we’ll head out to the nearby village right after breakfast.”

“Haven’t they already finished preparing for winter?”

“They have, but with the season changing soon, it’s worth checking again.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Thanks to someone, I’ve been stuck just wandering around the mansion.”

“If not for that someone, the shadows under Your Grace’s eyes would’ve reached your waist.”

“I won’t deny it.”

After finishing their meal, they returned to the room, where Liam helped Ivan get ready to go out. In the meantime, Ruby sat comfortably on the sofa, munching on fruit as she waited.

Chewing idly, she suddenly spoke without much thought.

“What exactly has changed from before?”

Though he said she’d be attending him, the only real difference was that Ruby was wearing a maid’s outfit. No, she’d worn that even in the beginning. So really, nothing had changed at all.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Ivan, now dressed in his uniform, spoke. Ruby glanced at him briefly before standing. The more she looked, the more she had to admit — he was an impressive male.

But she didn’t show it on her face. More accurately, she had no intention of telling him so.

When they stepped outside the mansion, a carriage awaited them. It was large and elegant, marked with the ducal family’s crest.

“…Come to think of it, this is my first time riding that carriage.”

“What? Really?”

“There was never a reason for me to leave the village in the first place. Back then, whenever we needed something, the older folks went instead of me.”

“So this is your first ride?”

His voice came out unusually sweet, and Ruby found herself glancing up at him.

“Oh, here, wear this. It’ll be colder in the village.”

Ruby stood still as Ivan draped the coat over her shoulders. Honestly, she wasn’t sure anymore who was serving whom.

Just as they were about to board the carriage, Isabelle came hurrying over in small, quick steps.

“Brother, take me with you!”

“…Why?”

“I just need to buy some stationery.”

“I’m going out on business. You can have your own carriage if you need it.“

“…It’s urgent. I promise I won’t get in the way. Please?”

Watching Isabelle, Ruby couldn’t help but think, so it’s not just me she won’t take no for an answer from. Still, weren’t the two of them engaged? Then why did they seem so awkward around each other?

“Me too! Please take me too!”

Even Alex came running up, pleading to come along. But Ivan shook his head firmly.

“This is an inspection. If necessary, you two can go on your own.”

Alex looked a bit down at first, but quickly perked up and replied brightly,

“Then I’ll just play around the mansion! I feel great when I’m here and not sick at all, big brother!”

Having learned about Alex’s situation from the previous day, Ivan gently patted the boy on the crown of his head.

“Alright. Don’t worry and just have fun today. Just like Ruby said yesterday, nothing that tormented you before will be able to lay a finger on you again.”

Having been tormented by spirits himself, Ivan understood better than anyone just how vile that experience was. He turned to Isabelle with a sympathetic look.

“Take good care of Alex. I’d prefer it if he didn’t leave the estate for now.”

“…Yes, I will.”

Isabelle was itching to put some distance between those two, but she couldn’t push any further. After all, the reason she’d chosen to stay at the ducal estate in the first place was because of Alex. She needed to look after her brother so it would make sense for her to stay without drawing suspicion.