Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 27.1

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Chapter 27.1

The knights, and even Bashar Kishar himself, objected to venturing outside the manor, especially to the rear gardens. Amidst their protests, Haroon’s gaze remained fixed solely on me.

Casually dismissing the others, he elaborated on the gardens. “The reception room connects to the gardens at the back of the manor. There are plants and animals there that are rare in the Lefkind Empire. Wouldn’t you like to see them?”

“Your Highness!”

“Brother, at least until Pazl is caught, you should remain within the manor….”

Haroon, who had been gazing at the magically constructed exterior wall that formed one side of the reception room, turned to Bashar, his brother who had remained silent until now. “Bashar.”

“….”

“I’m asking Lady Hazel. I don’t care about the opinions of those other fools.” The air instantly chilled under Haroon’s icy gaze and tone, directed at Bashar.

‘I don’t particularly want to go out either.’

The idea of exploring the gardens, despite the others’ objections, didn’t appeal to me. I wasn’t that curious in the first place.

Beside me, Rettie had fidgeted restlessly since Haroon suggested going outside, clearly eager to accompany him. However, her wishes seemed inconsequential, so I ignored her.

Moreover, in the current situation, I couldn’t agree or disagree with Haroon. No matter what I said, the atmosphere wouldn’t improve. I simply observed Bashar and Haroon, alternating my gaze between them. Bashar avoided Haroon’s gaze, his head lowered, but the glimpse I caught of his expression revealed a similar tension.

“Tsk.”

Haroon clicked his tongue and ran a hand through his dark hair, his gesture laced with irritation. “When will Pazl be caught? How long must I remain confined in this stifling space?”

“Brother….”

“The security is so tight I can’t even invite guests as I please! It’s driving me mad!” Bashar flinched at Haroon’s outburst. Ray simply frowned, remaining silent.

Haroon then sneered, a provocative smirk playing on his lips, as he turned to Ray. “If it’s so dangerous even with the Knight Commander by my side, there’s no guarantee of safety even within the manor, is there?”

Ray sighed softly at his words. “Understood, Your Highness. However, if I deem the situation dangerous, I expect you to comply with my instructions immediately.”

“Of course.” Having gotten his way, Haroon’s hand languidly stroked the heads of the beasts prowling around him. It was clear that, thanks to Haroon’s insistence, we were going outside to the manor gardens.

‘A sudden garden tour?’

Judging by the expressions of Ray and Ricardo, they weren’t pleased. They seemed reluctant about this impromptu tour, especially venturing outside to the rear gardens.

Recalling their brief conversation, it seemed the princes had mostly remained within the manor since Pazl’s attempted poisoning. The security had likely tightened even further after Pazl’s escape.

‘Especially since they discovered Pazl has an accomplice, the surveillance must have intensified.’

Even outside, the gardens were swarming with guards. Such heightened vigilance suggested something more.

‘Could there have been another assassination attempt in the meantime?’

That would explain everyone’s objections, except for Haroon’s insistence on going out. It seemed more than simple boredom…. Something felt off.

As Bashar rose to follow Haroon, the prince, who had been humming in anticipation, stopped and stared at his brother. A cold voice emanated from him. “Bashar, you stay here.”

“…Brother?”

“It will be boring for you if you follow.” Bashar opened his mouth, seemingly about to protest, but Haroon cut him off. “Besides, if you’re by my side, I might be in danger too. Pazl is clearly targeting you, after all.”

“….”

Silenced by the blunt words, Bashar closed his mouth. He then replied curtly, “Understood, Brother,” and sat back down.

“And what about Lady Hazel?” Haroon’s voice drew my attention. I forced a smile and replied, “I appreciate your consideration, Your Highness. I would also love to see Kishar’s rare plants firsthand. However….” This was my first opportunity to express my own opinion. Like the other knights, I preferred to avoid unnecessary risks.

“Actually, I have a flower allergy, specific to Kishar. It’s worsened recently, and I wouldn’t want to be a burden. I should have mentioned it earlier….” I trailed off, implying the tense atmosphere had prevented me from speaking up. “Perhaps you could tell me about the Kishar Kingdom instead?”