IBFWTV 13

Chapter 13

I walked with Serden’s arm around mine. What kind of place is this?

People were staring at us with surprised faces.

“Oh my… right now….”
“Isn’t that the fool?”
“The shame of Spellman….”

I could hear all their whispers.

Apparently, no one expected me to show up at a public event like this. Their shocked expressions were clear.

Honestly, I hadn’t expected it either, so I understood how they felt.

Still… come on. I can hear everything, you people.

“Everyone keeps looking at Evelyn. Are they looking at her husband? A friend?”
“No. They’re just jealous of Evelyn.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m too handsome.”

Serden smiled smoothly. He didn’t want to talk more.

And really, he was so handsome that I had nothing to say. It was like his personal color was sunlight, absorbing all the light just for himself.

Even from far away, it felt like only Serden was visible. The ash-gray shine in his hair reflected sunlight strangely.

I looked away, worried I’d get hypnotized.

I just nodded and looked around casually. Let’s think positively. When else would I go outside like this?

I might as well enjoy the view.

Serden led me to the front row. It seemed we were attending some event, but why bring me?

Boring.

Watching people whispering among themselves bored me. Serden was also talking with the person who seemed to be hosting the event.

I quietly got up from my seat. Maybe I’ll just look around.

I slowly moved toward the area with fewer people.

The event was outdoors. The weather was nice, flowers were in full bloom, and my mood lifted a little. A bit further away, there was a place for meals.

Wow, money is nice.

Servants moved nonstop, preparing food.

I guess after the event, they’ll eat there?

Fortunately, some people glanced at me but no one spoke.

I waved at them like a child. They quickly lost interest.

I walked a bit more.

“Hoo…”

I only relaxed after reaching a quiet spot.

Ah, really. Since when has Serden been taking me to places like this?

“So frustrating.”

But really, am I sharing a bed with Serden tonight? What kind of suffering is that until bedtime? Damn it.

Thinking of his cold eyes watching my reaction made me shiver.

No one suspects me, but he does. Like a ghost.

I sighed and sat on a rock, muttering about Serden.

I kept thinking about him again. Maybe I spent all day thinking of Serden. But he’s probably not like that.

Serden wandered through my mind and heart like an outlaw.

But today, is Duke Spellman not coming? Or do I just not recognize him?

Many high-ranking nobles were here.

The dazzling people gathered near Serden. Were Spellman’s people not here?

While I looked around, someone appeared.

“You’ll never be a gentleman.”

It was Augustine. But he wasn’t going to the crowd; he was coming toward me.

A maid I hadn’t seen followed him quietly. She kept a distance but was clearly trailing him.

What’s this? A secret meeting?

I swallowed hard and hid behind a tree, crouching.

Fortunately, a large rock allowed me to hide well.

“…Young master.”
“Here’s the promised reward. With this money, you can save your sick mother.”
“Thank you, young master. Thank you so much!”
“…You must also complete your promise. If you break it, your mother dies.”
“I understand.”
“Here it is.”

Not a secret meeting. I thought it was something fun. Tch.

I peeked.

What’s that? That small pouch looks suspicious.

They must be planning something again. Such endless greed. Amazing they can stay so persistent.

My mouth felt dry.

Whatever is inside, it probably won’t help Serden. I stared at the pouch.

“You must put this in… what he will eat. No mistakes. Understand?”
“Yes, young master.”

The pale-faced maid nodded and left the forest first. Augustine checked around and left after a delay.

The darkness that had settled in the forest seemed to lift.

Once I confirmed they were far away, I quietly left too.

“What is this?”

Who is “he”? Serden, maybe?

I held my head. This is crazy. It’s like they are teaching me how to help. Cold sweat ran down.

Seems like Serden’s guardian angel called me here.

“Princess Bi! Where are you, Princess Bi!”

I quickly left the forest when I heard them. Serden narrowed his eyes as I appeared.

“Princess Bi! Where were you!”

The pale servants crowded around me. I shook my head to push them away.

Serden asked:

“What were you doing, Evelyn? I found you.”

“I went for some snacks but got lost… Husband wouldn’t play with me. Roselina said if I went here, Husband would play with me! Liar!”

I whined, feeling unfair.

“Do you know how scary it was! Why did you come now! You forgot me, right!”

“Ah, I see.”

Serden smiled lazily and held my hand. I could feel people staring.

Among them, one gaze felt intense.

Augustine.

Next to him, a sharp-looking middle-aged man sat. He looked like Spellman.

Tch. I can’t pretend not to know.

I waved at Duke Spellman energetically.

“Ah, Dad!”

Spellman frowned slightly but waved back, conscious of the people around.

“Hehe, didn’t expect you to come too, Dad!”

I spoke excitedly. In my memory, Spellman was mostly kind, or rather, indifferent.

No warmth in his smile, light words.

‘Dad! I waited for you today!’
‘Good job, my daughter.’

The dolls given as rewards filled the room. Maybe I thought it was love.

But it was just a hassle, meant to feed me and leave me alone.

While pretending to smile, Serden asked with a strange tone:

“Are you happy to see your dad?”

“Dad buys tasty things. Dad buys dolls! But my legs hurt.”

I sat down with Serden. Those whispering behind us noticed him and fell silent.

“If you can’t speak in front, don’t speak behind us, you guys.”

My head was complicated enough.

I couldn’t guess who Augustine meant by “that person.” I’d have to watch the maid closely.

I remembered her: pale, freckled face, red hair, hair tied up, wearing a maid uniform, green eyes.

Never forget.

When will we eat?

“What is this? I’m hungry.”
“It will be over soon, Evelyn. If you behave today, you can have chocolate before bed.”

Sigh. I hate having to fall for that.

I nodded.

I was curious, but no one here would explain. I glanced at Serden holding my hand. Not him, surely.

I leaned back in the chair, relaxed.

Still, being Evelyn had its perks. I didn’t need to pretend.

No one would think anything strange because I had a child’s mind.

“Haaah.”

I yawned softly and lowered my head.

I felt a bit sleepy. Not mealtime yet, so it’s okay. Someone was climbing the podium to speak. I couldn’t move. I could feel the tension loosening.

I hadn’t spent last night worrying for nothing.