Chapter 72 …

“Are you really not going to tell me what’s going on?”

It had already been an hour since they boarded the carriage.

He hadn’t said a single word, only staring out the window.

“Ha… seriously, what is it…?”

It was suffocating.

If they’d argued, he could just say they argued.
If something happened, he could just say something happened.

So why was he being this frustrating?

“Fine. Then I won’t talk either.”

Elena crossed her arms and turned to look out the window.

Her lips jutted out, clearly expressing her displeasure.

“…….”

It felt like a competition to see who could stay silent longer.

At this rate, even the birds outside were talking more than they were.

Why did those chirping little things feel especially annoying today?

“I was looking forward to it…”

Elena muttered quietly, so softly that no one could hear.

She’d traveled plenty before.

From remote places no one visited to famous tourist destinations.

You could even say traveling had been her everyday life.

But this time was different.

“I guess because it was you…”

Maybe it was because she wasn’t with Aiden.

Or maybe it was just fun to do something new with him, leaving the Grand Duke’s estate behind.

She’d wanted to see the sea, catch fish, eat delicious food together.

“Haa…”

Elena sighed and glanced at him.

He was still staring out the window with a blank expression, like a statue.

It felt like riding in a carriage with a plaster figure that couldn’t speak.

Just as the awkward silence dragged on, he finally opened his mouth.

“How long were you planning to hide it?”

“…Hide what?”

Elena’s eyes widened as she looked at him.

What was she supposed to have hidden?

Honestly, even when he asked questions, he never did it properly.

“What do you mean, hide—”

“Aiden.”

Was this what it felt like to be caught in a trap?

A sharp jolt shot through her body, leaving her unable to move.

It was like a lock had been fastened around her throat—she couldn’t even sigh.

Her mind went completely blank.

On that white page, his name—three black characters—bled through.

“W-What…?”

Did Noah realize Aiden was Aiden?

How?
How on earth?

Did he overhear them earlier?

No—if Aiden had been in his right mind, there was no way he’d slip up.

Elena tried hard to keep her expression calm.

Her mouth was so dry she couldn’t even swallow.

“…….”

He slowly turned his head and met her gaze.

His eyes were colder than ever, freezing her entire body.

Her throat burned with dryness, cold sweat trickling down her spine.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

A faint breath escaped his nose, and a venomous smile tugged at his lips.

A bitter laugh clung to his trembling mouth.

Elena fumbled over her words, completely at a loss.

“Th-That is… I mean…”

“…….”

“I-I didn’t… I didn’t do it on purpose…”

For the first time, his expression shifted slightly.

His unfocused eyes looked distant, as if lost in thought.

“How… did you know…?”

“I heard you. Your voice, calling for Aiden.”

His voice rang in her ears, heavy—like pressing the far-left key of a piano.

It was deep, dark, like a bottomless abyss.

“When you were on the brink of death. You were crying in Noah’s arms.”

Was he talking about the birthday banquet?

Had she called Aiden’s name without realizing it?

How stupid.

“Ah…”

Memories surged back like dawn-tossed waves.

‘Aiden…’

‘It’s okay. Calm down.’

‘What if Karus dies? What if he dies, Aiden…?’

She’d completely lost herself, unable to separate public duty from private emotion.

“I—I really didn’t mean to…”

“…….”

“I didn’t know either! I didn’t know Aiden was a prince! I just… I just thought I had to hide it…! So I—!”

Decarus only tilted his head slightly, watching her.

She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes.

Mechanical excuses spilled endlessly from her mouth.

“I’m sorry…”

Elena bowed her head deeply.

There was no clever excuse that could save this situation.

Anything she said would only make him angrier.

“I’m sorry, Karus…”

The carriage filled with a long, heavy silence.

She couldn’t even breathe properly until they reached the Grand Duke’s estate.

He spoke only to give instructions to the attendants.

He didn’t even look at her—didn’t touch her once.

“Miss, did something happen? How could things turn like this in less than a day…?”

Jane whispered into her ear while sneaking a glance at Decarus.

Judging by the atmosphere, everyone was too busy watching his mood.

“Yeah… something came up.”

“What on earth happened that His Grace is so—”

Jane lifted the luggage carefully, her face pale.

“No, no. It’s nothing. Let’s go inside.”

Elena’s mind was filled with nothing but worry and guilt.

As she walked, she couldn’t tell whether she was stepping on clouds or cold stone.

What should she even say to him?

Her brain felt like it was running a relay race nonstop.

“Please get some rest.”

“Yeah. Thank you.”

Jane organized the luggage and left the room.

Left alone on the bed, anxiety crept in.

Elena bit her lip and stared out the window.

The sky had already turned pitch black, stars scattered densely across it.

Creeeak—

Without a knock, the door slowly opened.

The sound sent a chill down her spine.

Slow footsteps echoed as dress shoes entered the room.

Then the wardrobe opened, followed by the soft rustle of fabric.

Elena slightly turned her head to look at him.

The moment their eyes met, she jumped up in a panic.

“I—I’ll go wash up first!”

She shot toward the bathroom like a rocket.

Feeling foolish, self-loathing washed over her.

“Haa…”

The bathtub was filled with warm water.

Steam rose in messy swirls, just like her thoughts.

Elena undressed and sank into the bath.

“It’s better to tell the truth…”

In situations like this, lies were nothing but poison.

The right thing was to confess and ask for forgiveness.

But sober, she couldn’t find the courage to speak.

“…That’s it!”

Something flashed through her mind.

Elena hurriedly washed and jumped out.

After getting dressed, she crept toward the basement like a thief.

It was so dark she almost hit her head.

“Here it is…!”

[Wine Cellar]

Moonlight brightly illuminated the sign on the door.

Filled with joy, Elena carefully pushed it open.

The cavern-like interior was even darker than outside.

“So that’s why I prepared this.”

She struck a match and lit a lantern.

With the light on, the massive cellar spread out before her like a stone grotto.

“Wow…”

No time to admire it.

She had to find wine before he finished bathing.

“The strongest one. Strong enough to kill you if you drink it…”

After searching for a while, Elena grabbed the heaviest-looking bottle.

The label bore the Scullers family crest and a bold production year.

There was no alcohol percentage listed, so she had no idea which was strongest.

“Let’s just take the one that looks the most expensive.”

Determined, she grabbed two bottles and headed back upstairs.

She hurried up the stairs like a squirrel, nearly tripping.

Creeeak—

“Haa… he’s not back yet.”

Thankfully, the room was empty.

She’d been gone less than ten minutes.

Elena moved around the bed to the tea table.

“But there are no wine glasses.”

With no choice, she set out two teacups instead.

Wine in teacups—it was kind of ridiculous.

She lit candles, brightening the table and the window.

Soft yellow light gently warmed the atmosphere.

“Now all I have to do is wait.”

Satisfied with her setup, a smile spread across her lips.

But the thought of facing him and telling the truth made her hair stand on end.

“It’s fine, it’s fine… Just think good thoughts. Only good thoughts.”

Elena closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

She wasn’t even confessing love—so why was her heart pounding this hard?

Really, people shouldn’t live while committing sins.

Creeeak—

“Karus?”

She looked toward the door.

There he stood, wearing a black robe, hair still wet.

He frowned slightly at the unfamiliar atmosphere.

“Come here.”

Elena walked straight over and grabbed his arm.

Thankfully, he followed without protest.

His solid arm resting on her shoulder felt heavy.

“Sit.”

She dragged out the chair and plopped his massive body down.

Then she sat across from him.

“There were no wine glasses, so I used teacups…”

She poured the wine with an awkward smile.

Sneaking glances at his face, she checked his expression.

He still looked upset.

“Well… I have something to say.”

With a now-or-never mindset, Elena downed the wine in one shot.

Her throat burned—she must’ve picked the right one.

“I’m sorry!!!”

She squeezed her eyes shut and shouted.

She could already imagine his reaction.

Stone-faced. No response at all!

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to deceive you! I met him for the first time on the wedding day! I didn’t know either! I’m a victim too!”

“…Huh.”

She cracked her eyes open at the quiet sigh.

But something was wrong.

His expression had gone beyond stone-faced—it looked awful.

“I’m really sorry!!!”

Was he even angrier now?

He gulped down the wine, then coughed, brows knitting together.

“You—what on earth…!”

Wait. Something’s strange.

The world flipped upside down.

Her body felt limp like a worm, stars dancing before her eyes.

His face tilted like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

“Elena!”

Thud—

Decarus barely caught her as she collapsed sideways.

The teacup overturned, wine dripping onto the floor.

“Haa…”

With a stunned expression, he sighed deeply and lifted her, gently laying her on the bed.

“What were you even thinking…”

Looking at the bottle, it wasn’t wine—it was brandy.

And not just any brandy, but the highest-proof one his family owned.

Of course she’d collapse after drinking it in one gulp.

“How much more are you planning to scare me?”

He carefully brushed her long hair aside, fingers gentle, like touching finely woven silk.

“I’m not angry at you.”

He clenched his fist so tightly the skin tore.

Even drawing blood, he felt no pain.

“I’m angry at myself.”

“…….”

“I disgust myself.”

A worthless fool who couldn’t even protect his own parents.

After vowing never to repeat that mistake—

He’d nearly lost something precious again.

“I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

He wouldn’t repeat past regrets.

Even if the blade of death pressed against his throat.

“I will protect you.”