Chapter 63
‘Ryan might be able to get me a magical tool that can detect changes in an Omega’s pheromones.’
The moment she made up her mind, Marie left the room.
Unaware that this path might lead to the greatest misunderstanding of all.
* * *
“Russell, I’m hurt. How could you treat me this way? You’ve refused all my requests to see you for ten days. My heart’s been aching so much…”
“Lady Arwena.”
“…”
Arwena, who had been hastily voicing her grievances, fell silent. The man before her was elegantly smiling like a painting, yet that smile felt strangely cold and eerie
“I’ve been meaning to point this out for a while now.”
Tilting his head slightly, Russell looked straight at her. Like he was staring directly into her soul.
“I’ve never given you permission to call me by name. The only appropriate title for you to use is ‘His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.’ Understood?”
Arwena’s face twisted. It was as if the once gentle Russell had reverted to his old self. She felt sick.
“Why are you suddenly treating me like this? Did something happen these past few days? Did that woman seduce you with her body or something? How could you do this to me? When you kept allowing my visits, wasn’t it a sign that our relationship was progressing?”
“Who said—”
“I… I thought I had your silent approval! That we were promised a future together! I’m sure all the other nobles in high society believe the same. The rumors are already spreading. Surely Your Highness is aware of them…”
“Rumors mean nothing.”
The man who had been elegantly crossing his legs slowly rose from his seat.
His long arms and legs moved with striking grace. As he approached, Arwena briefly froze, dazed by the physical presence of an Alpha.
Then, with an alluring smile, Russell whispered:
“I could crush you at any moment.”
“Are you angry with me? Why?”
“You’re asking me that? You should already know the answer.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
What the hell? Does he know I drugged that Omega? Is that why he’s been refusing my visits — to punish me?
“Yes. That too. I heard you opened my jewel box without permission. In my palace.”
“Jewel? Oh my, you’re calling that woman a jewel?”
Arwena scoffed.
So it was about that lowborn woman. This Alpha was actually taking her side? Over her, a duke’s daughter? And she’s just some fake noble?
“I simply gave her something that was good for her health. From what I’ve heard, the two of you had an infuriatingly heated night afterward… Hmph. I don’t see why you’re so angry!”
“How unfortunate. I was being generous. I even gave you the chance to confess on your own.”
“…Confess?”
Had that wench miraculously gotten pregnant or something? Is that why he was acting so protective?
True, the d**g she’d used had a side effect that drastically increased the chances of pregnancy. She’d seen the results herself through countless test subjects.
But this was a dominant Alpha. Unless that woman was some kind of top-tier Omega, it shouldn’t have been possible!
Arwena didn’t bother to hide her irritation.
“Don’t do this, Your Highness. If you’re upset that I gave a courtesan some medicine, then fine — I’ll apologize. But it’s not like any serious harm was done. Please… let’s leave it at that. You’ve already hurt my feelings more than enough.”
Russell narrowed his eyes slowly. Then he made a demand she couldn’t possibly accept.
“Is that so? Then perhaps your mood will improve when Duke Dietrich pays me a visit.”
Why that topic again? Arwena ran her hand through her hair in frustration. Her fingernails clicked against one another.
“I’ve already told you, haven’t I? My father is unwell. He’s in no condition to make public appearances…”
“Why? Is he unconscious like my father? That once vigorous duke?”
“……”
Those words sent shivers down her spine.
“How strange. I only wanted to know how my mentor was doing, yet why is the Lady always like this?”
“……!”
“You’re wary of me, aren’t you? Do you have something to hide? I wonder.”
Her heart pounded fiercely, warning her.
What… what did he find out?
Only then did she realize his question was no ordinary one. Russell wasn’t acting this way because of what she’d done to the courtesan.
Why hadn’t she seen it before? Those beautiful violet eyes held nothing but clear hostility.
‘No. It wasn’t always like this.’
That meant he must have learned something within just a few days. Could it be…?
‘What exactly did he find out? Since when has he been suspicious of me?’
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