ILOIML 31

Chapter 31

Walter gave a bitter smile and lowered his head. His laughter echoed sadly in the darkened room. My head hurt. I held my face in both hands, deep in thought. My hands started trembling.

“Let’s think this through together. Considering what he’s done to all of us, it’s not like he’s completely innocent.”

“What do you mean ‘think together’? If we go with what’s in your head, it’ll be the death penalty right away.”

“Are you seriously joking right now?”

I got angry at Walter’s laughter. His expression instantly hardened.

“Just stop talking and go back. Everything falls apart if you stay here.”

I silently looked at Walter who was speaking firmly. His eyes were trembling with uncertainty. There’s no such thing as a justified murder, but wouldn’t they consider the circumstances? I shook my head. That kind of hope didn’t exist in this place.

Especially since the Marquis was close to the Emperor. If it got out that he had been murdered, everything would be over.

‘Come to think of it, it’s really unfair. I almost died for murder before being ripped apart by monsters.’

If the two of us were arrested for the Marquis’s murder, we’d definitely be sentenced to death. The best way to save Walter would be to let the Marchioness take the blame alone.

But Walter didn’t seem like he would ever allow that.

“My lady.”

Amy and Mary, who had just returned from Lewen, entered the bedroom and stopped when they saw Walter. They looked at me, asking what to do.

“Both of you, get ready to leave with the Duchess. I already called the carriage. Pack quickly.”

Amy and Mary looked confused and turned to me. I nodded.

“Do as Walter says.”

I was sorry, but this wasn’t the time to worry about Walter. If I stayed here and got caught, Leon would also be in danger. I was sorry to leave Walter behind, but it was better to escape now and try to help him later.

“Walter, hang in there no matter what. I’ll definitely get you out.”

“And what are you gonna do? Even a passing dog would laugh at that. Stop pretending to be cool and go live happily with that fool.”

I wanted to shout that he wasn’t a fool, that Walter was the fool for saying that, but I bit my lip.

“By the way, how did you know I borrowed money from Elizabeth?”

“I went to clean up after hearing the rumors, but Leon Aster had already taken care of it.”

You… you really are a kind person, aren’t you?

If you can just hold on, I’ll find some way to get you out.

As I was thinking that, I suddenly felt startled.

‘What am I even thinking right now? Why am I so sure that I’ll survive all this?’

Even if the execution doesn’t happen immediately, people rarely come out alive from the prison meant for such serious criminals.

“I’ll find some way.”

My voice wasn’t as confident as before. I couldn’t meet Walter’s eyes.

Walter let out a soft laugh and ruffled my hair roughly again. I frowned. But somehow, his rough hand felt warm.

“I’ll make sure Mother doesn’t suspect anything. Just grab what you can and go.”

Walter stared at me for a moment, then quickly turned and left the bedroom.

“I didn’t even say goodbye.”

I mumbled while looking at the door he’d rushed out of.

“Amy, Mary. Let’s leave right now.”

“My lady, we haven’t finished packing…”

“Let’s just go.”

Amy and Mary followed me out of the room, looking startled.

As soon as we got into the carriage, I told the coachman to leave right away. I looked out the window at the mansion growing smaller in the distance. One bedroom had its lights unusually bright. I thought I saw a shadow at that window, but I turned my head away. Walter’s eyes kept coming to mind, making my heart feel heavy.

‘Why didn’t you just act cold? Why do you keep shaking me like this?’

It was a night when the sounds of wild animals in the forest felt unusually eerie.

* * *

As soon as I arrived in Aster, I ran straight to Leon’s bedroom. His familiar scent calmed me down. In his hand was the letter I had sent through my guard. He looked back and forth between my face and the letter with a shocked expression.

“Ahhh! A ghost!!”

“I almost became one.”

I walked up to him. He placed the letter on the table and stood from the sofa. The moment I stood in front of him, the complicated emotions that had been weighing me down disappeared for just a second.

But the moment I looked away from his unusually red eyes, all those feelings came rushing back. I tried hard to hold them in, but tears burst out.

“Belbel, what’s wrong? Are you crying? Who did this? Was it you?”

Leon pointed at Kalsen, looking angry. Caught off guard, Kalsen just shrugged.

“I’ve been with the young master the whole time.”

“Hug me, please.”

I looked at Leon and asked. He’d been joking with Kalsen just a moment ago, but now he tilted his head and looked at me seriously. The playful look vanished from his face. He slowly stepped closer and hugged me. His warm hand patted my back.

I buried my face in his chest and let all my tears flow. Leon said nothing. He just quietly patted my back and shoulders.

I don’t know how long I cried. Once the tears stopped, I gently pushed him away.

Leon held my shoulders and looked me over with serious eyes.

“What happened?”

He asked slowly in a deep voice, different from usual. It sank deep into my chest.

‘How much should I tell him? If he finds out I was nearly framed for murder… will he stay calm? No—why would Leon get involved in my business?’

My mind was a mess with thoughts spinning endlessly.

“Bella?”

When I didn’t respond and just moved my eyes around, Leon softly called my name. His voice was so gentle that I finally looked into his eyes.

‘No, I can’t tell him. If he finds out the marquis’ family tried to frame me for murder, he might end up hating me too.’

But still, Walter was on my mind.

And Leon wasn’t in a position to help Walter right now. If he tried anything for me, it could ruin everything he’d worked for.

“I couldn’t say goodbye to my father. I guess I got emotional, and that’s why I cried.”

I spoke calmly. Leon looked at me with suspicion, but when I turned away and didn’t say anything more, he stopped asking.

The room was now empty except for us. Silence filled the air.

“But you’re still a wolf, Belbel. You asked me for a hug as soon as you got back. You came early just to see me, didn’t you?”

Leon tried to lighten the mood with his usual playful tone. I nodded weakly.

“Yeah. I’m a wolf. The one who pretends to be Grandma.”

It wasn’t wrong. I was just a stranger wearing Belbel’s skin.

When I didn’t respond cheerfully, Leon seemed flustered.

“No, no. Not a wolf—maybe a fox. Yeah, let’s go with fox.”

“Fox or wolf, it’s the same thing, isn’t it?”

Leon’s face went pale at my words. His reaction was funny.

How long can you keep acting like this for me?

“Since I’m already a wolf…”

“Fox.”

“Right, since I’m already a fox, can I sleep with you tonight?”

“……”

“Is that a no?”

“No, I mean, not that… it’s just, I should wash up or something…”

Why… wash? I just wanted some peace beside him, but now I felt suddenly uncomfortable.

“……It was a joke. I’m really tired, so I’ll go rest now!”

I shook off Leon’s hand and rushed back to my room like I was running away.