ILOIML 11

Chapter 11

“You’ve become much more gentle, haven’t you?”

Anyone would become gentle if they got a sword like this.

“The person who took the promissory note was completely covered in a cloak when they came to the bank. Since the Duchess had given instructions not to check the identity of the person bringing her promissory note, we followed that. But it still felt suspicious.

Coincidentally, Her Grace also went out that day.”

“Kalsen, even if the one who took the money was Bella, and even if she uses this sword for her own benefit, isn’t it still okay? I mean, getting a sword like this for just 50 Solas—what a deal. Since money was the only goal, we don’t need to question her motives. Though, it would be interesting to see Bella go crazy later when she finds out how valuable the sword really is.”

Kalsen let out a long sigh and reported on the Marquis of Sweden’s recent movements.

“The Marquis has contacted Her Grace using the communication stone.”

Leon, still staring at the sword, slowly nodded.

Then he suddenly remembered how Bella looked after returning from a private meeting with the Marquis—his anger boiled up. He was sure the Marquis had touched her. How much of Bella’s feelings were real? How long would she continue pretending to be his guardian? Was all of this just a way for her to pass the time, like going shopping?

Leon shook his head hard, wishing all of it could just be sincere.

“She only came here to spy on me,” he reminded himself again—a phrase he always repeated when his feelings for Bella started getting out of control.

“Shall we assign one of the Shadows to watch what the Marquis is reporting to Her Grace?”

(The Shadows were Leon’s personal assassination squad, led by John. Experts in surveillance and killing.)

But Leon felt an odd sense of disgust at the thought of having the Shadows follow Bella around.

“No, don’t overdo it. Bella doesn’t know anything. The reports must be something obvious anyway.”

Kalsen sighed again, clearly displeased with how much Leon had changed when it came to Bella. Sooner or later, she would show her true colors.

“And about Bella suggesting support for the temple—start sending small amounts. It’s not bad to build a good relationship with the temple.”

* * *

“His Grace was sulking all day today and didn’t leave his bedroom.”

“He was sulking?”

“Yes. He said I didn’t bring him red flowers.”

I replied dryly. The Marquis laughed loudly on the other end of the communication stone.

“He’s not a child, really.”

This had become the most annoying part of my daily routine.

I had to exchange fake pleasantries with the Marquis and report things about Leon.

I usually chose to talk about Leon’s most foolish moment of the day—just the kind of thing the Marquis liked.

Today, as usual, he ended the call with a satisfied chuckle.

I wanted to throw the communication stone across the room, but it was expensive. Besides, if I just held out a little longer, I’d be free from the Marquis’s grip.

Leon was now constantly training with the sword, using that as an excuse to avoid seeing me.

At first, I was a bit disappointed—I used to enjoy watching his silly behavior—but I let it go since it was my fault anyway.

I had promised the priests to speak with Leon about supporting the temple and repairs, and to my surprise, Leon actually agreed and started sending donations.

Maybe having the holy sword nearby had sparked some faith in him.

It was shocking, considering that even when he was with the Saintess Cassia, Leon had remained a strict non-believer.

About two weeks later, a headline appeared in the empire’s newspaper: the Saintess had returned.

The whole country was buzzing about her.

‘Cassia and Leon have to join forces to end the era of demon beasts and save the world.’

Of course, that was the obvious future.

Still, I felt sad. Cassia’s return probably meant I would have to leave soon.

But I still had some time left with Leon. It would take a while before Cassia and Leon met again.

Until then, I had to get as close to Leon as possible.

“The only problem is… we still haven’t met.”

I’d been giving Leon time to bond with the sword, but as more days passed, I started to get angry.

How could he ignore such a cute and lovely wife—who even brought him a holy sword?

Okay, I took some money, but still! Was it okay to leave me alone like this?

Would we even get close before the demon beasts showed up?

Feeling bored and lonely because I couldn’t spend time with Leon, I found a new source of fun: shopping.

Now I understood why Bella was so addicted to shopping.

When you’re surrounded by beautiful dresses and dazzling items, it’s easy to forget someone like Leon who left you alone.

Of course, I didn’t forget to charge everything to the Duke’s name.

It was my small revenge and a great pleasure.

My allowance was nowhere near enough to afford everything, anyway.

“Lady Bella seemed a bit strange lately, but now she’s back to normal.”

I could clearly hear the castle staff whispering about me.

It was all Leon’s fault!!

That day, like always, I came back to the castle after shopping—and I ran right into Leon, who was out for a walk in the garden with Kalsen and his aides.

Seeing him walking so peacefully made me furious.

He never had time to walk with me, but he had time to enjoy a relaxing stroll with them?

I turned my head away quickly and walked back into the castle before I exploded with anger.

“Bell?”

Leon called me from behind, but I ignored him and kept walking. His voice got louder, stabbing at my heart like sharp knives. My chest felt tight, my nose stung, and I was about to cry.

“Bell!”

His voice was right behind me as he grabbed my arm.

“Bell-Bell, didn’t you see me?”

He asked playfully. I tried to shake off his hand, but his grip was too strong.

“Let go.”

I looked at him, and the tears I was holding back spilled down my cheeks.

Leon was more shocked than I was.

“Bell-Bell, are you crying?”

He stared at me for a while, then finally asked.

“Of course I’m crying. Do I look like I’m laughing?”

I wiped my tears and shook off his hand again.

“Why are you crying?”

“…Because I couldn’t buy the dress I wanted. It was too expensive.”

I blurted out anything and turned away.

“Bell-Bell, I’ll tell Kalsen to—”

“No need. I already charged it under the Duke’s name.”

“…”

Leon fell silent.

Just as I took a step to walk away, he grabbed me again.

“Bell-Bell, let’s have dinner together.”

“You’re busy, Duke. You should eat with your aides. I’m used to eating alone now.”

I was just hurt, but my words came out all cold and sarcastic.

This wasn’t going to help me get close to Leon—if anything, it would only push him away.

“Bell-Bell, you’re angry, right? Kalsen’s been giving me too much work lately. Tomorrow I’ll tell him—”

“I’m not angry. I’m not that petty.”

But clearly, I was being very petty.

I sighed and hurried inside. I heard Leon following me, so I quickly shut the bedroom door.

“Don’t open this door unless I say so!”

I could hear Leon’s dramatic voice behind the door.

“Bell-Bell, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Waaah.”

I tried to tell myself I didn’t care, but the thought that our relationship might crumble if I didn’t open the door made me nervous.

‘I have to survive too.’

I felt sad relying on Leon so much.

Why did I have to be reborn in such a useless body and go through all this?

I tried to stay calm and think clearly. I couldn’t just throw a tantrum forever.

If he was reaching out to me—even if just pretending—I needed to grab that hand.

I shut my eyes tightly and opened the door.

Leon, who had been fake-crying, looked at me with curious eyes.

Go ahead, enjoy the moment.

“Bell-Bell doesn’t like when the Duke ignores her.”

“What’s ‘ignores’?”

You think this is funny?

“It means you don’t spend time with me.”

“Oh… No, no! It’s all because of Kalsen. Starting tomorrow, I’ll play with you a lot. Okay? Don’t be mad. I feel so sad when you cry.”

“Were you really sad?”

“Yes! Of course.”

“I’m sorry. Then since the Duke cheered me up, I’ll stop being mad.”

“Bell-Bell, I think you only call me ‘Duke’ when you’re upset.”

“Since I’m not upset anymore, I’ll call you Leon again.”

“Hehe, great!”

Leon smiled brightly—and that bright smile made me smile, too.