Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 243

‘Still feels unfair. Someone else had to live on the run for a year because of this…’

Macy felt a slight unease as she recounted her morning encounter with Eren to Dia.

“That’s good news.”

Dia said, pouring tea.

‘Did she hear about it from Anna on the way here?’

Her calm reaction showed no hint of surprise.

“But nothing’s decided yet. There are still some doubts…”

“What? Did the Duke say something strange after I left?”

Anna, who was smiling across from her, suddenly widened her eyes.

“Not exactly… but I get a weird feeling. Can we really trust him? He might change his mind later… Eren doesn’t seem to gain much from just doing the Name treatment.”

“Why not? The Duke’s health will improve too. Not as much as yours, maybe, but he’s been through a lot.”

Anna shared rumors overheard from the villa’s servants.

“They say he hasn’t slept well at the Lettern mansion and almost collapsed once. If the maids noticed that in such a short time, he must usually be in bad shape.”

“Almost collapsed…?”

Though he looked unwell, Macy was surprised to hear it was that serious. He always seemed so strong.

“Well, if he gave up that obsessive possessiveness, he must have been really sick.”

When Macy was in severe pain from the Name curse, she often thought she’d do anything if it meant ending the suffering.

She was beginning to understand his suspicious behavior and decisions.

“Well, it’s great news anyway! Now there’s only health and perfect freedom left!”

“Haha, is that so?”

“Yes! How about renting a two-story house outside Lettern village and living together? Dia can join us too!”

“Wait, Anna. But I haven’t decided yet…”

Knock, knock.

“Who could that be…?”

Eren didn’t knock when entering Macy’s room.

No one else who might enter Macy’s room was outside, so Macy tilted her head in confusion.

“Maybe it’s not this place?”

“Anna said to ask the maids to guide us to the ‘annex where Maria is,’ so it should be right.”

“This place feels abandoned. It’s so quiet inside.”

Voices of two men came from beyond the door. Macy recognized them immediately and glanced at Anna.

“Haha… The kids said they missed you so much. When they heard you decided to live again with the Name treatment, they kept asking for the address…”

Anna smiled sheepishly in response. Macy sighed as Dia opened the door.

“Oh? Who… Macy! You really got better!”

“Where? Really here?”

“Hils. Kieran. Long time no see. But I’m not fully healed yet, uh.”

They both rushed over, and Macy, confused, hugged them and froze.

“You’re going to be fine now! We worried so much after you left.”

“Glad you’re alive! Really glad!”

Tears welled up in Macy’s eyes as she was held by her friends. She thought she’d given up on life, but maybe not.

Their warmth was comforting enough to chase away the bitter cold of winter.

“Sorry for worrying you all… sob.”

“You keep crying like that? Even after a year, you’re still a crybaby, huh?”

Kieran teased, and they spent a long, happy time catching up.

“But why did Duke Krygen suddenly change?”

“He was very sick. Must’ve realized something while suffering.”

They too were suspicious of Eren’s sudden change. Kieran, crunching on an apple, said firmly:

“People don’t change easily. Macy, don’t trust him too much, okay? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the Name treatment.”

“Got it. But seeing your faces makes me so happy. How long are you staying here?”

Seeing her friends after so long lifted Macy’s spirits. She wanted to stay and talk more.

“Can we stay a little longer?”

“Even if you tell us to leave, we’ll stay at least a week. There are lots of rooms here, right? We can use any. It’s all Duke Krygen’s villa anyway, and I heard the Duke is totally smitten with Macy now.”

“Hahaha! That’s right! The Duke’s totally head over heels for her now. Use any room! Why don’t you live here too?”

“Maybe?”