VFAI 07

Chapter 07

Are You Perhaps Worried About Me?
2022.07.24.

From the beginning, Adenmir didn’t believe Elodie’s claim that she had fallen for someone.

At first, he thought it was just another trick to get attention, but…

‘Beltran Roque Willentra… She must be out of her mind.’

Did she even realize her own position? Surely she wasn’t seriously thinking of associating with the Second Prince as the daughter of Duke Ferdia.

There was no way Duke Ferdia would just sit back and allow it, and Adenmir couldn’t ignore it either.

There were countless noble sons everywhere—so why did it have to be Beltran?

Second Prince Beltran was infamous for his womanizing.

There were even rumors that among all the debutante ladies, there wasn’t a single one he hadn’t tried to seduce at least once.

And that wasn’t all. Reports frequently surfaced of him wandering drunk through pleasure districts.

In short, Beltran was human trash.

If Elodie wanted to break off their engagement because of Beltran Roque Willentra, then Adenmir could never allow it.

He wasn’t heartless enough to just watch his fiancée walk willingly into a dumpster.

Seeing Elodie smiling as she responded to Beltran from afar, Adenmir hardened his resolve.

‘This engagement must not be broken.’

For Elodie’s sake. And for himself and Duke Ferdia.

He knew Beltran’s filthy character—this was practically saving her from harm.

Yes, that was it.

That was why he refused to break the engagement.

After repeating his reasoning to himself several times, Adenmir finally stepped forward.

Even if it meant everyone at the banquet would witness the tension between the First and Second Princes, pulling Elodie away from that man came first.

“Excuse me, I need to—”

Just as he took a step toward her—

“…!”

Someone beat him to it, stepping between Elodie and Beltran.

Recognizing who it was, Adenmir was genuinely surprised.

It was completely unexpected.

Normally, the Second Prince never even spoke to Elodie, yet now he greeted her with a sly smile.

“I’ve always wanted to have a meaningful conversation with Lady Ferdia. I’m delighted such an opportunity has arisen.”

‘I’m not.’

Contrary to her inner thoughts, Elodie smiled politely and nodded.

“Haha… yes.”

“I’ve heard you enjoy the opera. How about we go together sometime?”

‘Why would I go with someone like you?’

Suppressing her thoughts again, she gave a vague answer.

“Well… I’m not sure.”

“Afterward, we could reserve my favorite restaurant entirely for dinner.”

‘You can eat alone, you jerk.’

She laughed awkwardly again.

She had made her disinterest painfully obvious, but the Second Prince was unbelievably persistent.

Despite her efforts to shut down the conversation, he kept trying to continue.

Meanwhile, Beltran was completely misunderstanding the situation.

‘She said she’d break off her engagement with my brother because she likes me. How entertaining it’ll be when my dear brother and Duke Ferdia find out.’

He never once considered that Elodie might be setting a trap.

What she thought was a fake smile looked to him like shy affection.

He found her behavior quite pleasing.

He had always thought her appearance perfectly matched his tastes.

But because of her reputation and the fact that she was his brother’s fiancée, he had never touched her.

However, if she liked him and acted this meek and shy…

There was no reason not to take her in.

“By the way, my brother is quite inattentive, leaving such a beautiful fiancée alone. Lady, how about granting me the honor of a dance—”

Just then, someone’s voice cut in.

“It seems your conversation has ended.”

A low, languid voice.

A towering figure.

The first thing that stood out was his sharp golden eyes.

Elodie’s eyes widened.

“Father?”

“I have something to discuss with my daughter.”

Duke Ferdia took Elodie’s hand and led her away.

‘Is this a dream?’

She pinched her cheek.

“Ow!”

It hurt. Not a dream.

The Duke brought her to an empty balcony and immediately drew the curtains, blocking prying eyes.

After the bustling hall, the quiet felt surreal.

Looking up at him, she asked,

“Did you have something to say?”

After a long silence, he spoke.

“Stay away from the Second Prince.”

As expected, her interaction with him had displeased the Duke.

“He approached me first. I was just responding politely.”

But his expression didn’t soften.

“He’s known for wandering hands. Avoid being alone with him. Ignore any contact.”

“That won’t happen, so you don’t need to worry—”

She paused.

‘Worry…?’

Carefully, she asked,

“Are you… worried about me?”

“….”

No answer.

She mocked herself for asking—then—

“Yes.”

Her eyes widened.

“You’re worried about me?”

“Yes.”

“About me?”

“…How many times must I answer?”

She was stunned.

The father who had never shown interest now said he was worried.

But reality quickly cooled her expectations.

‘It’s only because I’m half his blood. If he finds out I’m not his real daughter, he’ll abandon me without hesitation.’

Pushing down her rising hope, she spoke again.

“Father, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Speak.”

“It may sound absurd…”

“….”

“Be careful of Sir Arold, your aide.”

Whether he believed her or not was up to him.

But if he suspected even a little, it could change the future.

This was her way of repaying him.

Back in the banquet hall, the attention of countless ladies was fixed on two men—Yansi and Carlotte, the sons of the Ferdia family.

Despite their notorious reputation, their power made them highly desirable.

Carlotte, however, was furious.

“Ha! Doesn’t she need a doctor?!”

“Carl, lower your voice.”

“Seriously! Why is she clinging to the Second Prince?!”

“He’s the one clinging to her.”

Yansi corrected calmly.

Still, Carlotte fumed.

“She’s lost it! We shouldn’t let her roam free!”

Yansi smiled gently.

Then—

The wine glass in his hand slowly disappeared.

Carlotte froze.

Yansi patted his head.

“I used my power without thinking. Carl, stay still. I might do it again.”

A warning disguised as kindness.

“…Yes, brother.”

Carlotte instantly quieted.

Later, as Elodie sipped her drink, her fiancé appeared and extended his hand.

“Will you grant me the honor of a dance?”

“I’m tired.”

“….”

He frowned slightly.

“Take it. I have something to say.”

Not a request—a command.

Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his.

They began to dance, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Lady.”

His voice was close—too close.

“You said you wanted to break off the engagement.”

“Yes.”

Was he agreeing?

Hope flickered—

But he crushed it.

“Unfortunately, that’s difficult.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re quite useful when you want to break it off.”

‘Useful?’

Annoyed, she smiled sweetly—

And stomped on his foot.

Hard.

He frowned down at her.

She met his gaze boldly.

“Oh my. My mistake.”

And smiled brightly.