Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 106 - Would You Mind Leaving Me Out of Your Love Affair?

Why hadn’t she realized it before?

Iora sat with the thought, letting it echo in her mind.

Sure, the situation had been a mess before the regression. But had she really been that oblivious?

‘Oh, wow. How could I have missed something this obvious?’

The conversation was painfully formulaic, right down to the cheerful spin and giggle. It was like watching an actor recite lines they’d rehearsed dozens of times. Iora even felt a chill. If she didn’t know that The Saint’s Flower’s Arcanda, like her, was someone who had possessed the original, maybe she could’ve let it slide.

But—

‘You’re not the original Arcanda, are you? So then… ha.’

That could only mean one thing: Arcanda knew the future. She was following a script, repeating lines she’d memorized.

Iora decided to test it. This time, she wouldn’t act like she used to — no hesitation, no visible hurt, and no shrinking back. She’d do the opposite.

There was no need to show hostility just yet. She could bide her time.

‘I’ve done years of part-time work. My body’s been tempered by the worst customers imaginable.’

She just wasn’t going to let it play out like last time.

“Hello, Arcanda.”

“…”

Just as she thought. The moment she smiled and extended her hand, a flicker crossed Arcanda’s face — an unmistakable ‘this isn’t how it’s supposed to go’ expression. That’s right. It wouldn’t go her way now. Not anymore.

It was no different from an actor suddenly being hit with an unscripted line by their co-star.

‘So to you, all of this was just a game. My death, my sacrifice, my grief…’

The thought made her stomach turn. That girl, smiling as she watched a world move according to plan. That same girl, who knew exactly what kind of future lay ahead, and yet had never once offered Iora the barest shred of sympathy. The sheer selfishness of it made her skin crawl. She had even lashed out, demanding Iora stay in her villain’s role for fear her own future might change.

Arcanda must’ve decided it was time to return to the original script.

Her golden eyes sparkled as her lips parted in a perfect smile. But now that Iora knew what lay beneath, it wasn’t pretty at all. It was just a mask.

“Iora, did I startle you by being too loud? Or did I upset you by coming in suddenly?”

Oh, wow. Look at her go.

Iora bit down on her tongue hard enough to draw tears. It hurt like hell, but it was better than laughing. That question — so carefully innocent, so pity-tinged and sweet — was a trap. If she stayed quiet or took too long to answer, she’d be cast as the villain without even trying.

“Sorry, sorry! I’m usually close with Ovid, so I didn’t think anyone would be here. It seemed too early for guests.”

Just like now. Iora felt she had a rough idea of how this conversation would go.

What once made her break out in cold sweat and want to run away was now starting to feel oddly entertaining.

She recalled Arcanda’s past self, whispering cruelly, and the misery of how she had to die in the end. She had thought about revenge before, but hadn’t yet known how.

‘Now I get it.’

Iora smiled even wider, cutting off Arcanda’s next words.

‘Not letting things go the way you want.’

That was what she had to do.

Still smiling, Iora whipped her gaze toward the awkwardly standing, utterly forgettable male lead.

“Your Highness, Ovid.”

“…?”

Ignoring Arcanda’s stunned expression, she made a face that said, I’m so sorry, this is so awkward.

Ovid’s shocked reaction didn’t escape her notice, but Iora wanted to tell him, What’s the surprise? Your girlfriend is ten times worse than me.

“I truly apologize. But… may I ask if this is really how things are done in the palace? I must admit, I’m a bit taken aback.”

“Oh, my lady, I’m sorry. Arcanda has been like a longtime friend to me, so she apparently has unrestricted access to the palace. It seems a mistake was made.”

“It’s not really something Your Highness needs to apologize for, but hmm…”

Then the male lead earnestly defended the female lead’s innocent mistake. He even made excuses for her, just like when he had once defended her in front of that debutante dress. And many times after that, again and again.

“But since Arcanda isn’t my friend, I don’t think I need to deal with this situation. Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

“Well, yes, that’s true.”

“That’s good. I happen to have an appointment later, so if your business is done, may I take my leave first? Though my father is only a marquis, I was quite taken aback when I suddenly received your invitation.”

Her words were spoken kindly and carefully, but so quickly that the two standing before her seemed unable to fully catch the sarcasm behind, like: You suddenly called me here, and I’m really displeased. and That person who butted in — is she your friend or mine?

Iora quickly stood up, lifting the hem of her skirt slightly as she bowed.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

“Ah, Iora?”

“My lady.”

For now, for the sake of my sanity, let’s never meet again.

Iora smiled kindly but moved quickly, opening the door before either of them could react. She glanced back at the two with a bitter feeling and slammed the door shut with a loud bang. Damn them both.