My Ruin to You - Chapter 263

Valen raised an eyebrow as if asking for an explanation.

“How could I stay still knowing a plague would break out? I couldn’t, even if I’d rather not have known.”

“And so.”

“I didn’t know how far the experiments had progressed, but since that healing center itself was likely a means for experimentation, I thought I should go and do something. Find evidence, destroy it, report it…”

Roseline glanced at him sidelong. Valen, who had knelt on one knee, placed his hands as if to cage her in. Then, the smooth skin of his cheek bulged slightly. It was a habit of his—rubbing the inside of his cheek with his tongue to control his emotions when lost in thought or when his mood soured.

As a brief parting was imminent, she wanted to avoid uncomfortable conversations as much as possible. Yet, this was something they had to address eventually.

“I truly thought you had no memory of your past life, Your Highness. Then I would have been the only one aware of the plague. I believed I had to resolve it.”

Roseline leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. He lifted her into his embrace and sat down on the sofa with her. After wriggling on his lap to find a comfortable position, Roseline rested her head against his firm shoulder.

“And then?”

“It was similar after that. You know, the first time is hard, but the second is easier. I thought I should finish everything before Your Highness tried to threaten me with the plague again. So, I planned to go down during this vacation.”

“And now?”

“Now…”

Roseline trailed off. Now that she was about to speak, she found herself hesitating for some reason. Valen, who usually urged her if she was even slightly slow to answer, waited patiently this time. As if he knew the words pooling in her mouth.

Pitter-patter.

The sound of rain tapping against the window filled the silence. Leaning against his shoulder, Roseline exhaled a thin breath and slowly began to speak.

“I wish Your Highness would end it for me. Then I think my heart would feel much more at ease.”

It would be better for him to perfectly resolve it from his end, rather than risk me bungling things by stepping in clumsily. Moreover, if he took care of it with his own hands, the memories that felt like mere nightmares might fade a little.

“…”

But something felt strange. This man, who usually grew restless and eager to grant her any request, showed no reaction. Roseline lifted her head to look up at him. His expression had hardened. His gaze, fixed on the front window, was quite chilly.

Roseline tilted her head quizzically and shifted as if to get off his lap. Only then did he tighten his hold around her waist and meet her eyes.

“You don’t need to be on your guard.”

“…”

“It seems you’ve only now found a way to handle me, but I’m just not used to it yet. I find myself suspecting whether you’ve sent my soul flying elsewhere while thinking of something else again.”

“When did I ever…”

Just as she was about to retort, “When did I ever do that?” a memory abruptly resurfaced. He seemed to be referring to everything from the County to the underground prison. Roseline closed her parted mouth and rolled her eyes. Does he think he did everything right?

If they were to argue right and wrong, Roseline had plenty to say herself, but digging up matters they’d already agreed to bury would only breed resentment. Her feelings were already a bit hurt, but remembering his long years again blunted the sharp edges of her rising emotions.

“Why are you about to cry?”

Valen tilted his head. Roseline, who had grown sullen, quickly hugged his neck.

“I’m not crying.”

“Your eyes are glistening. Let me see.”

“People often say my eyes are naturally dewy, you know.”

“Who says that.”

The voice of the man, who didn’t know how to let things lie, quickly turned cold.

“There isn’t anyone. I just said it without thinking, so you don’t need to pay it any mind.”

Roseline murmured against his collarbone. When she sniffled, her nose stinging for some reason, a soft laugh finally reached her ears.

“I understood what you meant.”

“May I ask how you understood it?”

“Doesn’t it mean you’ll only marry me if I properly handle the Marquis’s matter?”

Even though it was a statement she had agonized over, his interpretation was quite creative. Roseline lifted her buried head and made a disgruntled expression.

“Perhaps your hearing is poor?”

The corners of his eyes crinkled. Valen, who had let out a low, resonant laugh, couldn’t resist and nipped the tip of Roseline’s round nose. Then, he stood up while still holding her. He didn’t even listen with half an ear to Roseline’s request to be put down; instead, he teased her mischievously, whispering if she was sure it was alright since she’d leak if he put her down. Just then, the fluid pooled inside gushed out, and Roseline meekly slumped in his arms.