TFLMLD 28

Chapter 28

 If a Fire Fox Were Reborn as a Human
2020.12.08

His crimson eyes shone like a jaguar’s, as if piercing right through me. I had never looked at him for this long before…

“Is there something on my face?”

Usually, Macaron might have joked that his handsomeness had rubbed off, but this time… he simply stood there, his earlobes flushed as if they were on fire, unable to say a word. His gaze trembled slightly… he didn’t seem well. Seeing him brought back faint memories of that day.

“Are your eyes hurting again?”

Yes. I knew why Macaron looked dazed. He had fallen for me. But still…

“Can’t you see me?”

“Huh?”

“You said you only see Kai.”

Narcissistic patients usually don’t need anyone’s praise, right? Macaron seemed unwilling to yield, even to his son, striking a pose. By now, I had grown used to him and knew better than anyone how to handle him.

“It suits you well.”

After the formalities, I hurried toward the carriage, but Macaron’s brisk steps followed. Curious, I looked back and saw his expression was flustered.

“Is that… all?”

Of course, I knew exactly what Macaron wanted.

“It’s impressive.”

“My face?”

Somehow, he hadn’t died yet; humans are so consistent. And I… was consistent too.

“My clothes.”

I genuinely wondered how much that stiff uniform with its epaulets would cost. I knew better than anyone how handsome the owner of that outfit was. But considering his condition, it couldn’t be helped. Of course, his expression twisted nicely.

“When the hanger is good, the clothes naturally look great.”

As if to agree, Macaron’s pace quickened as we brushed past him toward the carriage. He first helped Kai and Coral in, then turned toward me. Towering over the carriage, Macaron looked like a model standing still. At first, he couldn’t look at me so directly, but now… my reflection filled his ruby-like eyes. His mouth was set as if angry, and his mesmerizing gaze held a firm resolve. But with each step closer, his stern face gradually softened, replaced by a deep, warm smile. Opening the door, he held out his hand and expertly helped me into the carriage. In that instant, almost teasingly, he brushed my palm lightly with his thumb, his eyes crinkling.

“If a fire fox were reborn as a human, would it be Macaron before me?”

Recently, he had been “choosing to tempt” as a form of venting, as if daring me to endure it. If he could—his gaze said so. Macaron silently watched me for a few seconds through the open door. But even then, this wasn’t the place. Kai and Coral were here too. Of course, the children were too absorbed in their own conversation to notice, but… still, that brief touch felt like an eternity. The cool breeze scattered his black hair, and in his hidden, curved eyes, I shimmered beautifully.

“You look truly… beautiful today.”

He whispered so only I could hear, then nonchalantly climbed into the carriage. That short remark made my heart thump hard. His fragrance brushed my nose, making my heart flutter. Calm down, heart. Now is not the time. I watched Kai and Coral to steady myself.

Then, a large shadow approached. Turning my head, Macaron’s gaze followed mine. But why did his expression change? Macaron’s look toward the newcomer was peculiar. Through the barely open carriage door, silver hair shimmered, and a familiar voice spoke.

“Is there room? May I join you?”

Duke Shufen? His lazy eyes glanced over Macaron to look at me. He seemed to have a lot to say, openly sending his gaze toward me. I flinched without realizing it. The expression on Duke Shufen’s face was nuanced. His aquamarine eyes carried none of the resentment or anger I had expected—or at least, that’s how they appeared to me. When I placed the one-year changer at the door, he should have already noticed I was avoiding him…

“He insists on taking the carriage? Why?”

Ever since I suspected Duke Shufen might be the Luna Guildmaster, I began doubting all his actions. Macaron’s decisive voice echoed on my behalf.

“The Duke’s carriage is prepared separately.”

Macaron looked slightly uncomfortable, while Duke Shufen feigned ignorance with a sly grin.

“You even denied breakfast together. Isn’t that too much?”

That had happened? I hadn’t heard of it. I remembered discussing Duke Shufen with Macaron over breakfast once. He had declined, saying he preferred eating alone. Since then, seeing him eat facing the wall, I thought he simply enjoyed solitude. The two of them had such serious expressions in this tense moment that it was confusing. Macaron’s expression grew more openly menacing than before.

“Is slander the Duke’s hobby?”

By now, I was thoroughly confused. Who was lying? Looking at Duke Shufen’s sly grin, I suspected Macaron, but seeing Macaron’s serious expression, I suspected Shufen…

“Slander? I have witnesses.”

Duke Shufen’s gaze shifted to Kai, and instantly, Macaron glared at Kai with lethal intensity. Macaron flinched slightly—did I imagine it? Kai, caught between their stares, seemed to shrink in embarrassment. The child couldn’t lie well, but he was perceptive. He glanced at Macaron, realizing something. It was clear Macaron had lied.

“……”

Macaron’s face flushed in that peculiar way he always did when lying. Kai’s eyes darted around, then met mine, and he bowed his head, shocked. Why diminish today’s star? People who should be extras were stepping in…

“We’ll be late. Let’s go quickly.”

Duke Shufen indicated to take the prepared carriage. Yet, he politely thanked me and got in. On the opposite side, Macaron’s crimson eyes blazed like fire, staring at me with such resentment it was almost unfair.

“What did I do?”

Still, seeing sulky Macaron wasn’t pleasant.

“Should I make Duke Shufen get out?”

But he was already in. Duke Shufen came to my side without hesitation, while Macaron’s sword clattered down onto the floor.

“Sit there. That’s my luggage compartment.”

Macaron pointed to the seat in front of him.

I thought it better than having Duke Shufen beside me… but Macaron must feel uncomfortable facing him. I had long noticed Macaron subtly keeping an eye on Shufen, but this level of obvious hostility was new. His jaguar-like eyes glinted differently than when he held my hand—deadly enough to kill a person. But Macaron, you’re mistaken.

“Duke Shufen, after all?”

Impossible. Unless there’s a scheme, it makes no sense that Shufen, unaware I’m the contract wife, would approach me out of lust.

“When was that the luggage compartment…”

Muttering, Duke Shufen sat in the seat Macaron indicated, sneaking a faint smile at me. That smile could cause misunderstandings. It didn’t seem habitual; he had never made that expression in front of anyone else. Regardless, it made me slightly uncomfortable. Avoiding him for so long, just facing him felt like committing a sin. Could this be how it feels to face an ex? Duke Shufen’s gaze followed me.

“You look exceptionally beautiful today.”

Was it the changer? Today, Macaron said the same, and now Duke Shufen… This Swan Changer will surely be a hit. But now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. Duke Shufen’s words were unexpected, leaving me unsure how to respond. Should I thank him? Or… Then Macaron’s cavernous voice filled the carriage.

“Not just today.”

“Of course, naturally.”

It was clear Duke Shufen deliberately got in the carriage to tease me. Otherwise, he wouldn’t selectively speak about me while grinning at Macaron. Predictably, Macaron revealed his displeasure without hiding it.

“Shouldn’t your concern today be for Kai, not Lady Calypso?”

“Kai need not worry. The lady has taken great care…”

Duke Shufen repeatedly used me as a shield in his words. To make matters worse, both their gazes were now fixed on me. He didn’t need to provoke Macaron by mentioning me, yet he did.

“You seem to have many grievances with the Duke.”

Macaron’s eyes glinted with lethal intent while his mouth smiled.

“Not at all. You keep avoiding me… so I came this time.”

“……!”

“Must you chase someone who avoids you so pathetically?”

Though Macaron couldn’t win a word against me, in this moment, he seemed an entirely different person. I had worried for nothing; his combat ability was at peak, even excessively so. Pathetic… saying that makes it sound like Duke Shufen was rejected by me. Should I tell Macaron to stop? But Shufen teased me too slyly. And I couldn’t tell Shufen to stop without considering past debts. Duke Shufen met my eyes and suddenly looked mournful. A few moments ago he seemed fine… I was conflicted. Then, his hushed voice whispered into my ear.

“Did I make some mistake?”

“……!”