This was the first time he had met someone so honest with their feelings, so unpretentious.

“There was nothing in my words that particularly praised your highness.”

“But you saw me for who I am.”

Evenel lowered her hand that had been covering her face and spoke firmly. It may have been a trivial statement to him, but for her, it was special.

“There are few people who think like you, your Grace. That’s why I’ve always felt I have to prove myself, either through my skills or some other visible result.”

To her, Feldin’s words were like an unexpected gift. Especially considering that he accepted her despite the exaggerated rumors, even though this was their first face-to-face meeting.

Feldin felt somewhat embarrassed. He had not intended his words to carry such significance.

“I’ve said too much. Anyway, I’m grateful for your kind words.”

At that moment, he briefly worried. He wondered if she naively believed everyone who spoke well of her.

“Perhaps it’s not my place to say this, but there are many in this palace who don’t act as they speak. I could be one of them.”

Evenel immediately understood what he meant. However, by saying this, he inadvertently revealed the kind of person he was.

“I felt it when I spoke with Harlan earlier, but you, Duke Feldin, are… a good person.”

For the first time, the gentle smile vanished from Feldin’s face at Evenel’s words, spoken with conviction and a penetrating gaze.

In contrast, she wore a pleased expression.

“If your Grace had approached me with ill intent, you wouldn’t have said such things.”

“Could that not also be a part of the deception?”

As Feldin said, even that could have been a lie. But she had a definite reason to believe he was different from Harlan.

“You lied earlier, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“The part about you resisting His Majesty. That was a lie, wasn’t it?”
He looked at her with eyes that seemed to ask why she thought so. A newfound interest in the other party had formed in his sky-blue eyes.

“Most people will react similarly to Count Harlan if you decide to spare me instead of killing me. Various rumors will inevitably arise. That you’re sheltering someone from Aodin, for example. Isn’t that why you, Count Feldin, voluntarily made such a statement?”

To draw all arrows toward himself.

Although it wouldn’t significantly harm Shuher, he clearly felt it was better to take the initiative himself.

The more Feldin heard Evenel’s words, the more serious his expression became. How could she reach that conclusion based on just that?

“Why did you think so?”

“Because it’s not in your nature to pass on such matters to others.”

“You seem to know a lot about me.”

“I naturally found out while being here. Whether we clash or ignore each other, I know you’re not the type to make things this complicated.”

Feldin had no reason to hide it, so he nodded. He had spoken that way to Harlan because he believed it was correct to end matters on his own terms.

But to think she would realize that from just a brief conversation.

The more they spoke, the less he understood what kind of person she was. One thing was certain; she was not a naive young woman who knew nothing.

“It’s not entirely a lie. I’ve been in favor of us working together ever since I heard that Lady Evenel had awakened her abilities. Another ability user has appeared, but my thoughts haven’t changed. You’ll be helpful in some way.”

His decision prioritized his territory and Karies over personal feelings. He couldn’t avoid such thoughts as Gaer territory had suffered more damage from monsters than other places.

“Either way, saying that in front of Count Harlan was simply my duty as your subject.”

“That’s why I said you’re a good person.”

He was even somewhat flustered that Evenel gave the same response after all he had said.

“It’s never easy to step up for someone without expecting anything in return. So you’re a good person.”

“A good person, you say…”

He mumbled, following her words. It felt both joyful and embarrassing to be called ‘good’ for such a trivial reason.

Since he was young, most people who approached him wanted something from him, making Evenel’s words hit him exceptionally hard.
“So you must be quite close to His Majesty, openly saying that you were being stubborn.”

Evenel found it surprising that she could even mention being stubborn to Shuher. From the way he spoke so candidly, it seemed they had an exceptionally special relationship.

That Harlan also believed what he said without question was another matter.

“I suppose you could say that.”

Feldin didn’t particularly deny it. After all, there was no one here who didn’t know of him.

“Actually, I was just on my way to meet His Majesty.”

“Ah, I’ve detained you for too long. I’m really grateful for today. I hope we can meet again.”

Evenel had only just met him, but she felt no aversion. Perhaps it was his expression, tone, and even the atmosphere that made him feel warm.

Feldin quietly watched her walk away before moving his feet toward his original destination.