IOWYC Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Kallion looked down at the profile Layla had prepared for Lloyd.

Lloyd de Silverstel, the second son of the Silverstel family.

He had always been clever and gifted with exceptional abilities since childhood, but he had no interest in becoming the head of the family and lived freely.

Recently, he was forced to take over a trading company, but even that seemed more like a duty than something he wanted. He didn’t show any ambition or greed.

Currently, the eldest son, Frederick de Silverstel, was considered the most likely successor.

But…

As someone with strong innate abilities himself, Kallion could instinctively tell—

Lloyd was hiding a part of his power.

Maybe because he had no interest in becoming the head of the house, but if he were to reveal his true abilities, it would be clear that he could far surpass his eldest brother.

So, why would someone like him be interested in a married woman like Yuliana?

It didn’t make sense.

Unless… he wasn’t actually after Yuliana.

That was the only theory that made everything else fall into place.

***

The Schultz family’s banquet was coming up soon.

This time, it wasn’t hosted by the Valdormers, so we just had to attend, but my maid Kate was still busy.

“It’s such a relief we prepared so many dresses for occasions like this,” Kate said cheerfully as she pushed in a tray full of dresses.

“But it’s hard to choose. They all suit you so well, my lady.”

I smiled gently at her excitement.

“I’m fine with anything, so don’t stress about it.”

But Kate frowned.

“You always say that, but it is fun to choose a dress for you! Why don’t you try on these two at least?”

I chuckled at her enthusiasm.

“Alright, let’s do that.”

Just then, Kate tilted her head and looked at me closely.

“My lady, are you feeling unwell?”

“Hmm?”

“You don’t look so good today.”

After the recent orphanage incident, I’d been constantly busy. From overseeing renovations of the estate to negotiating business about the Bendel pine trees with the Bas trading company…

Though I wasn’t badly hurt during the incident, the mental exhaustion was catching up with me. And I hadn’t rested properly since.

Kate touched my forehead and looked worried.

“You seem to have a bit of a fever. I should call the doctor.”

I shook my head.

“I’m okay. Just bring me some medicine.”

I didn’t want to make a fuss. Understanding this, Kate reluctantly nodded.

“Alright. I’ll be quick.”

I watched her rush off anxiously.

Touching my forehead, I didn’t feel burning hot—just slightly warm.

I figured I’d feel better after resting and taking some medicine.

As I turned to look out the window, Layla, who had been quietly organizing papers, was looking at me with concern.

***

The day of the Schultz banquet arrived.

I felt worse than the day before, but I didn’t tell anyone.

I didn’t want to hear complaints from him, nor did I want to seem weak.

After about an hour in the carriage, I realized my body wasn’t handling things well.

Escorted silently by Kallion, I struggled to stay steady and ignore the pain.

I could feel Layla’s eyes watching me, but I pretended to be completely fine.

I managed to greet the hosts when we arrived and thought I could get through the night.

But in the middle of the banquet, the stuffy air started making me dizzy. My legs trembled.

I tried to stay on my feet, but then I heard Kallion’s concerned voice.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

His voice was surprisingly gentle—but it wasn’t directed at me.

“I’m sorry… I haven’t been feeling well today.”

It was Layla who spoke softly, touching her forehead.

Kallion sounded frustrated.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Did you think I wouldn’t understand?”

“I’m sorry…”

He sighed and checked her complexion.

She looked absolutely fine—bright and healthy.

I glanced at the window beside me.

In the reflection, my face looked pale as a ghost. I was sweating from trying to hide the pain.

I didn’t expect anyone to notice.

In fact, I didn’t want them to.

Especially not Kallion.

In this position, showing weakness meant giving others an opening to strike.

So I gritted my teeth and pretended everything was fine.

Then, Layla suddenly staggered.

Kallion quickly helped her up.

“I’ll ask the Schultz family for a guest room. You should rest.”

His expression was stern, but his words were full of genuine concern.

“But the banquet’s still going on…”

Kallion sighed deeply.

“Your health is more important than any event. Don’t be foolish.”

Though those words were meant for Layla, they strangely stung me.

Was I upset because he only cared about her?

No. I was the one being foolish, pushing myself when I shouldn’t.

I watched Kallion help Layla, not even caring about anyone watching.

I didn’t feel angry anymore.

I just wanted this to end so I could go home.

Then, my head spun again, and one of my legs gave out.

I nearly stumbled, but forced myself to stay upright.

If I collapsed here, I’d become a laughingstock.

A woman treated worse than her secretary—what a pathetic scene.

Then someone suddenly approached and gently took my hand to support me.

“You okay?”

Startled, I looked up.

It was Lloyd.

He looked upset… or maybe concerned, as he gazed at me.

“You looked pale from a distance.”

Why was Lloyd even here at the Schultz family’s banquet?

I avoided his eyes and quickly pulled my hand away.

“I’m fine.”

I didn’t care if Kallion misunderstood, but I didn’t want anyone else whispering rumors.

I still needed to hold onto my title as Valdormer’s wife.

Lloyd looked down at his empty hand, clenching it briefly before letting it go.

Just then, Kallion noticed us.

Seeing Lloyd next to me, his face twisted in displeasure.

He must’ve missed me stumbling earlier.

As Kallion stared at us, Lloyd stepped even closer and gave a crooked smile.

“Looks like your husband has other matters to attend to…”

Then, with perfect manners, he added,

“While your husband’s away, allow me to be your partner tonight.”

Kallion’s face darkened.

I looked at Lloyd, wide-eyed.

He leaned down and whispered into my ear.

“Don’t push me away. I thought long and hard before doing this.”

“…”

Kallion scowled.

“Do you make a habit of hovering around married women?”

He glanced rudely at how close Lloyd stood to me.

“Yuliana’s partner is me—her husband.”

Like a territorial animal, Kallion bristled with tension.

But Lloyd just smiled calmly.

“Oh? My mistake. I thought you’d already changed partners, since you’ve been so attentive to that lady all evening.”