Chapter 10
Blair let out a low sigh. Iana felt like grimacing herself, but she mustered her patience and put on a lovely smile.
“Welcome, Lord Mel.”
“…Welcome.”
Iana smiled shyly and greeted her fiancƩ. Mel approached with a grin.
“Oh! My brother-in-law is here today too. I was sorry we haven’t seen each other much.”
Mel smiled and put his arm around Blair’s shoulder. Blair made an openly displeased face and stepped back.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave as I have some business to attend to. Please rest well, Lord Mel Ibex.”
Blair hurriedly said his goodbyes and left. He looked somewhat unwell.
“Why is my brother-in-law always so busy?”
Mel tilted his head, looking puzzled. Iana wanted to tell him the reason but held back.
“He must be busy with the academy. Shall we head to the reception room, Lord Mel?”
“Oh, certainly! Anywhere is fine as long as I’m with my little bunny rabbit.”
He gave Iana a light kiss on the forehead. Iana resolved then and there that she would definitely break off the engagement.
“There are people watching, so maybe a little…”
Iana smiled and pushed Mel away. But Mel wrapped one arm around her slender waist.
“We’ll be married soon enough anyway.”
Mel grinned slyly. To think she had once admired this man. Iana resented her past self.
“Let’s move to another room first. I’ve prepared some fine tea.”
Iana headed toward the reception room as if fleeing. Even after arriving, Mel’s persistent advances didn’t stop.
“The guest room is empty, isn’t it? I’d like to spend the night here today.”
“Oh dear, what a shame. I’ve sent all the guest room bed linens out for laundering.”
“Is that so? I suppose your bed linens are being laundered as well?”
He said this with a wink. Iana swallowed her rising anger along with her tea.
“Is the tea to your liking?”
Mel pushed his teacup aside and spoke in a tender voice.
“Because there’s something even better than tea. I think I should bring out the gift I brought for you.”
“A gift?”
Mel snapped his fingers, and a servant brought in a wine bottle wrapped in silk.
House Ibex owned vast vineyards and was famous for its winemaking. Even their family crest was a bunch of grapes.
“This wine is made from grapes harvested the year you were born. The taste and aroma are top grade. Just like you…”
Ah, if only I could smash that head with a wine bottle.
As Iana gritted her teeth, a servant poured the wine into an empty glass. The dark red liquid swirled and filled the glass. Mel took a sip and exclaimed in admiration.
“Ah, this aroma and flavor…! I can see fairies dancing by a pond full of flowers.”
He spoke as if in ecstasy. Iana suspected the wine might be laced with opium.
“Every word you speak is like poetry, Lord Mel.”
Iana used to be utterly charmed by Mel’s words, which were thick with oil and sugar. She felt pathetic remembering her past self, fooled by his handsome face.
“This is truly a wine of exceptional quality. Do try some yourself. You’ll see the fairies’ banquet.”
Although a glass had been placed before Iana, she didn’t touch it. She put on an apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry, but wine doesn’t agree with me.”
“Still? You’ll get used to it once you drink more. Come on, try it.”
“I wouldn’t want to show you an unbecoming side of myself…”
Whenever Iana drank wine, she broke out in hives all over her body. Her physician had told her she was allergic to grapes and to never drink wine. In the past, she had forced herself to drink wine Mel gave her as a gift and ended up seriously ill.
‘He saw me in that state, yet still gives me wine every time…’
“Once you marry into House Ibex, you’ll have to drink wine like water. Is it still too soon for my little bunny rabbit?”
He winked playfully. Iana tried not to scowl.
“Ahaha.”
“It may be too soon for you, but it’s a fine gift for my father-in-law or Sir Lloyd. I’ve brought a whole barrel of wine, so there will be plenty to go around.”
According to other family members, even their worst enemy’s wine would be welcome if it came from House Ibex. It would be a great gift for Wilhelm and Lloyd, who both loved alcohol.
“They will both be delighted. Thank you.”
Iana said nothing more and just sipped her black tea. The servant refilled Mel’s empty glass.
Meanwhile, Mel seemed to remember something he had forgotten and spoke to Iana.
“Ah, yes. Iana, would you like to come to our forest in a few days?”
“The forest…?”
Iana blinked. It was the same as her previous lifeāMel coming over and pestering herābut something had changed.
‘I didn’t receive such an invitation in my past life, did I?’
While Iana was surprised by this small change, Mel continued speaking casually.
“Yes. We’ll go for a ride together. I’d prefer it to be just the two of us, but…”
“There will be other guests?”
“Yes. Glen of House Rosell will likely be joining us.”
At the name Rosell, Iana’s eyes lit up. Glen Rosell was the eldest son of House Rosell.
When Iana didn’t answer easily, Mel pursed his lips.
“You don’t like others intruding, do you? I’d rather be alone with you too. In that case, I’ll decline Sir Glen’s company…”
“Ah, no!”
Iana said urgently. She didn’t know why the future had changed, but it wasn’t a bad opportunity. She smiled as if she was very pleased.
“I would love to. Let’s meet, the three of us. For sure.”
House Ibex owned vast lands. Not only vineyards, but also large forests and mountains.
The forest visible outside the carriage window now also belonged to Ibex. The forest, transitioning from spring into summer, shimmered in vivid green.
On her way to the meeting place, Iana repeatedly imagined what might be in store for her.
Soldiers from House Rosell surrounding her as soon as she arrived. Mel dragging her off to some gloomy villa. Or perhaps both happening simultaneously.
But she hadn’t anticipated this. Getting out of the carriage, Iana looked astonished.
“Lord Erez…?”
Mel and Erez had already arrived at the forest entrance. Erez bowed politely.
“Ah, Lady Iana. It’s been a long time.”
His teal eyes were brimming with affection. Iana stammered.
“Um… I heard that Lord Glen was coming today…”
“My brother was unwell, so I came in his stead.”
After saying this, Erez covertly glanced at Iana.
“Does my presence… make you uncomfortable?”
“Ah, no! Not at all…”
Iana hurriedly denied it. Erez smiled, relieved. Mel, who had been standing to the side, stepped between them.
“It’s a shame Sir Glen is unwell. He was boasting about acquiring a fine horse.”
Mel spoke in an exaggerated, actor-like tone. Erez nodded and replied, feigning disappointment.
“My brother was very sorry as well. Perhaps we can arrange another time.”
The two men exchanged smiling conversation. Just then, the sound of horses neighing came from nearby.
Turning around, they saw servants from House Ibex and House Rosell each leading horses.
The horse Mel held by the reins had a reddish mane. It was well cared for, its coat gleaming.
Erez’s white horse was equally elegant. It had been groomed so meticulously that not a single blemish marked its white coat.
It was a horse that truly deserved the word “beautiful.” Iana unconsciously reached out and placed her hand on Erez’s horse. She carefully stroked its face, and the white horse rubbed its head against Iana’s.
“What a beautiful white horse. I’ve always wanted one like this.”
“Iana, I didn’t know you were interested in horses.”
“Whenever I get the chance, I’d like to have my own horse.”
“A lady wanting a horse… My little bunny rabbit certainly has unique tastes.”
Mel said this as if surprised, then pulled Iana gently toward him. He whispered in her ear.
“Then after we’re married, I shall give you a horse. Of course, I will always ride with you.”
Mel’s voice was oily. He lifted Iana up and set her on his horse. He spoke to Erez.
“Sir Erez. Since we have a lady with us today, let’s take a slow ride.”
“Yes, that would be good.”
While the two men talked, the knights and guards from each house also mounted their horses. When the servants tried to follow, Mel addressed the guards.
“We’ll go for the ride ourselves. You all wait here.”
At that, one of the unfamiliar guards stepped forward. Judging by the grape emblem on his armor, he seemed to belong to House Ibex.
“Lord Mel. There was a report about a week ago of someone hearing wolf howls. Going alone might be dangerous.”
“Wolves?”
At that, Mel hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Iana’s expression. He replied calmly.
“There’s no way wolves would appear, but even if they did, I can handle them. Hunting is a hobby of mine.”
The guards could say nothing in the face of Mel’s resolute tone. Iana wasn’t pleased with this situation. Not only because of the wolves, but also because she would have to be separated from Diapel.
What if Erez suddenly revealed his true colors and tried to harm her? Iana would be completely defenseless.
“We’re going just by ourselves? What if wolves really show up…”
Iana trailed off, looking frightened. Seeing her expression, Mel smiled broadly.
“Iana, my little bunny rabbit. You look adorable even when scared.”
Mel traced a finger down Iana’s cheek. Wherever his finger passed, goosebumps rose.
“Don’t worry, my little bunny rabbit. No matter what ferocious beast appears, I will protect you with my life.”
Mel smiled contentedly, apparently pleased with his own words.
Iana had been considering throwing a tantrum to cancel the ride, but instead, she gave Diapel a discreet glance.
Whether he caught her meaning or not, Diapel nodded silently. Meanwhile, Mel put his arm around Iana’s shoulder.
“I said I’d protect you. Don’t you trust me?”
Now that Mel had spoken so strongly, Ianaāplaying the role of the “innocent, obedient, charming noble young lady”ācould only smile.
“Of course not. I trust you completely, Lord Mel.”
Pleased with her answer, Mel grinned. Soon, Iana and her party entered the forest.
Sunlight filtering through the leaves sparkled like jewels. As the horses gradually quickened their pace, the breeze brushing past her cheeks felt refreshing.
“The forest is just as beautiful as they say.”
Erez said as he drew near. His silver hair fluttered in the wind.
“We put a lot of effort into it. The view near the cliff is even more magnificent.”
While Mel spoke proudly, Iana kept glancing back. Was Diapel following properly? She sensed no sign of him.
“You must be getting bored just looking at the forest. Shall we go up higher?”
“Sounds good.”
Mel shook the reins vigorously, and the horse began to pick up speed. After a stretch of similar scenery, Mel stopped his horse.
One tree caught Iana’s eye. Not only because of its size, but because the branches of two trees touched and intertwined as one. Mel and Erez stopped beneath that tree.
“An entwined marriage tree.”
Erez said admiringly. Iana looked up at the branches stretching high into the sky.
“Thanks to this tree, it’s said that House Ibex enjoys good marital harmony. Just as two trees become one body, so too is a harmonious marriage.”
Mel said with a sly grin. He pressed close to Iana.
“We’ll become like that tree too, won’t we, Iana?”
Thinking that she would burn that tree later, Iana simply smiled instead of answering.
“If we go up higher now, we’ll reach a cliff. The view from there is quite…”
“Kyaaaah!”
Mel’s words were cut off by a woman’s sharp scream. It wasn’t Iana’s. The scream came from deeper inside the forest.
Everyone stopped their horses at the sound. When the scream ceased, the surroundings fell as quiet as a tomb.
