Chapter 93
Euclid watched Isidor with a cold, sharp gaze, like a guard dog protecting its master. Startled, Isidor stumbled back a few steps, and Euclid’s voice came out low and fierce.
“I asked who you are.”
“I-I’m… a friend of Sylaria’s.”
“A friend?”
At Isidor’s flustered reply, the murderous air around Euclid eased slightly. Sylaria seized the chance and spoke quickly.
“This is Baron Isidor Hestue. He runs a newspaper!”
“Ah, the one… who was said to be close with Ellie.”
Euclid, who had been holding Sylaria possessively in his arms, slowly released her. As though he had never been hostile at all, he smiled warmly.
“I heard you and Ellie often exchange letters?”
“Y-Yes, that’s right, Your Highness.”
Isidor swallowed hard before answering, clearly unnerved by Euclid’s imposing presence.
“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Euclid Balthazar, the First Prince.”
“It’s an honor to meet the First Shield of Davoud!”
At Euclid’s introduction, Isidor hurriedly bowed deeply. Speaking quickly, he said,
“Just now, I may have… been disrespectful to Syl— ah, I mean, to Her Ladyship. I only meant to ask after Ellie’s condition out of concern. Please forgive me.”
“Is that so?”
Euclid glanced toward Sylaria as he asked. When she nodded, he smiled faintly.
“Then it’s fine. Just… try not to be overly familiar. She’s my Purifier.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I’ll be counting on you from now on. You’re welcome to visit the First Prince’s Palace whenever you like.”
“…Pardon?”
Isidor blinked, surprised by Euclid’s unexpected hospitality. Euclid gestured toward Cyan, who stood behind him.
“If I’m not around, my aide will verify your identity. You may come anytime if you wish to see Ellie.”
Finishing his words, Euclid gave a small, playful wink. Only then did Isidor realize the consideration behind his words, and his ears flushed red.
“Thank you kindly for your generosity, Your Highness the First Prince.”
“My aide knows Ellie’s condition well. Cyan.”
“Yes. Lady Elenia recently suffered a seizure, but she’s past the critical stage and is now recovering. There’s no need for worry.”
At Euclid’s prompt, Cyan stepped forward and explained. Listening closely, Isidor frowned slightly.
“A seizure? But she hadn’t had one in a long time. Was there… an accident?”
“It was because of the Second Prince.”
Sylaria’s voice was low as she answered. She pressed her lips together and lowered her gaze, and sensing her mood, Isidor nodded quietly.
“I see… I suppose you and your sister are bound by ill fate with him.”
At his words, Sylaria gave a bitter smile. Ill fate, huh. There could be no clearer way to describe her relationship with Arendtert.
“We can talk about the rest another time, Sylaria. I’ll take my leave now. Thank you again for your kindness, Your Highness.”
With a polite bow, Isidor excused himself. As he left, Euclid slipped his arms around Sylaria from behind.
“Why that look? Did something upset you?”
“I just… realized again how true it is, that Aren and I are bound by bad fate.”
“Ah, that.”
Euclid gave a short sound of acknowledgment. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, he murmured,
“But you have more than bad fate. You have a bond too. A very deep one.”
“A bond?”
“With me.”
Euclid said it proudly, and Sylaria, caught off guard, let out a laugh. She had thought he was being serious. It’s so like him.
“You’re not wrong.”
“Right?”
Euclid chuckled quietly, relief softening his face as he saw the shadow lift from hers.
* * *
“You’re here again, Grizelle.”
Lying in bed, Elenia spoke awkwardly when she saw her uninvited guest. Grizelle frowned, her tone half-complaining.
“You wouldn’t come see me, so I came to see you. Honestly, how could you send me off like that and then never visit?”
“I’m sorry. I haven’t been feeling well.”
“Forget it. You being sick is nothing new.”
Grizelle spoke with feigned generosity and took a seat in the single armchair beside the bed. She placed a bag of cookies on the younger girl’s lap and sighed heavily. When she put on a deliberately worried expression for show, Elenia asked cautiously,
“Is something bothering you?”
“I can’t get pregnant.”
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