My Ruin to You - Chapter 161

“I heard I committed a grave discourtesy toward Your Highness last night. I deeply apologize, Your Highness.”

Roseline bowed her head. The only information she had, from Lina’s account, was that Valen had brought her back—she had no way of knowing exactly what happened last night, nor did she want to know. However, the situation, unfolding similarly to a certain day in the past, felt intensely uncomfortable.

“You were quite entertaining when drunk.”

Yes, this is it.

Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Roseline looked at Valen. When their eyes met, his handsome eyes narrowed into a curve. It was the same beautiful smile that had captivated the country-bred young lady in the past.

She admitted it. Then and now, the man was beautiful. Even dressed in a plain white shirt with no adornments, he alone completed the atmosphere. Roseline deliberately watched the sunlight shattering over his broad shoulders before averting her gaze.

Falling for that exceptional appearance once was enough. No matter how remarkable or great the man before me is, I have no further interest. The only important thing is to conduct myself properly to ensure these coincidences, evoking a sense of déjà vu as if it were fate, do not repeat.

“I deeply apologize.”

Thus, Roseline chose a straightforward apology. She set aside tedious excuses and did not mumble or trail off. Worried that showing dislike might stir unnecessary interest, she kept her head deeply bowed and her gaze humbly lowered, as if solely relying on the mercy of the esteemed figure. Her flowing hair concealed her face.

“Deeply apologize.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Specify the subject of your apology. Make it clear.”

“Everything that happened last night was my negligence. I deeply apologize, Your Highness.”

“But I’m asking. From where to where does your apology extend?”

“For all the trouble I caused Your Highness. If you forgive me, I will take care to ensure such an unfortunate incident does not happen again, as it did in the past.”

Valen tilted his head. As if trying to discern Roseline’s expression hidden behind her obediently bowed hair.

His blue-gray eyes, sweeping over the faint shadows of his features, slowly lowered and lingered on Roseline’s hands.

“Young Lady.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you think I seated you there just to hear you say ‘I deeply apologize’?”

“…….”

“I want to hear how much of last night you remember. Not to recite memorized words.”

Roseline bit her lip and clenched her fists tightly. As the knuckles on her hands, demurely placed on her knees, protruded sharply, Valen’s mouth curved sideways. He leisurely adjusted his relaxed posture and crossed his legs.

“Your lover must be quite patient. A lover who, when drunk, doesn’t even know who they are and flirts with any man.”

“I apologize. Though I remember nothing due to excessive drinking, as I said, it was entirely my negligence.”

“You remember nothing at all.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“No.”

“What a pity. I’d like to tell you.”

“…….”

“Last night, you behaved quite insolently toward me.”

Isn’t that right?

Valen added, as if seeking agreement from Merrick standing behind him. Merrick, who had briefly glanced at Roseline—seemingly calm and unmoved—replied, “That is correct, Your Highness.” So that’s why he brought Merrick in—to serve as a witness to my disgrace from last night. What an unnecessarily meticulous man.

One, two, three. Again, one, two, three.

Roseline continuously counted numbers in her mind to soothe her emotions. Because the moment his words ended, a fragment of last night’s severed memory vaguely surfaced. The image of herself rubbing her face against his hand as if acting coy.

I wanted to bite my tongue. At least it was fortunate that I didn’t slap him while bringing up my past life—though that memory wasn’t exactly pleasant either.

Well, why did you act familiar with a drunk person in the first place?

Honestly, Valen’s presence in Elgran itself was strange. The procession of carriages, compared to horses, inevitably lacked mobility, and there was no reason for someone of his stature to travel alongside the manifestors. So, I naturally assumed he would move separately. I’d even heard as much. But why did he have to appear precisely when I wasn’t in my right mind? It was enough to make me want to scream and jump in frustration.

“But since the young lady doesn’t wish it, what can I do?”