“It’s been this color since I came out of that room.”

I was a little surprised, but that was it.

“It’s a pretty color. Even if you dye it, it doesn’t seem like that color would come out.”

I just chuckled. Giovanni, who I thought would retort, remained silent.

He silently continued to stare at me.

“You look like you’re about to cry.”

I blinked. Somehow, I felt relieved seeing his usual indifferent face.

Instead of saying I was afraid I might die like this, I raised one corner of my mouth.

“It’s disgustingly cold. Please don’t let go.”

“Do you want a hug?”

It was so cold. The chilling cold seemed to penetrate my brain.

“Just a hug.”

So I replied like that. Honestly, Giovanni’s warmth was so tempting. I wanted to make it mine.

“Excuse me.”

Oh.

Suddenly, a sudden warmth spread throughout my body, and I opened my eyes wide.

Giovanni swiftly lifted me and sat me between his legs, then embraced me from behind.

Only belatedly did I realize what he had said.

Was he apologizing?

“Haha. You’re an interesting person……”

Because Giovanni was so tall, I ended up being tightly embraced in his arms.

If my consciousness had returned to normal, I wouldn’t have been able to lift my face out of embarrassment, but now I felt warm as if wrapped around a fireplace.

‘Even in winter, if I have this person, it’ll be warm.’

I chuckled, thinking of such a random thought.

“Can I ask you something?”

I leaned in to listen to his whisper from behind.

“Anything.”

I could guess what his question was.

He probably wanted to know what happened in Arist’s room.

“Why do you need the empire’s sponsorship?”

Oh.

“Why are you curious about that?”

“I became curious about your situation.”

“…….”

“You’re acknowledged enough to manage the Duke’s ceremonies. Yet, you still got slapped. I can’t understand it.”

Only then did I understand the intention behind his question.

Externally, my current state has received the princess’s approval, and I am engaging in friendship with the princess. Also, I am acting as a proxy for the Laurenst Viscount’s family.

To an outsider, it might not seem like I need the power of the empire.

“I have everything I need.”

“…….”

“It’s a fantasy.”

“…….”

“From the first time I met the prince until now, I’ve been trying to survive.”

“Really?”

A light laugh escaped from the subtle nuance.

“Somehow, I’m now displaying benevolence like today.”

“The viscount doesn’t seem to be able to protect you.”

Well, I had just escaped from the mansion, so it was natural to think that way.

There were many things to say. My real position in the viscount’s mansion. How I was accepted into the viscount’s family and registered in the family register.

But instead of such background explanations, I thought about the meaning the viscount had for me.

“……I really liked that bastard.”

“Are you talking about Laurenst Viscount?”

I nodded my head faintly.

“Maybe because I was born a thief, when I see something valuable, I want to have it.”

Warmth. His warm body temperature permeated my body. It felt as if I were intoxicated. I closed my eyes with a slight smile.
“So I lived for the viscount.”

Giovanni didn’t say a word.

Unable to resist the oncoming drowsiness, I gently closed my eyes, and his low voice dug into my ears.

“And now?”

“What?”

“Do you still feel that way?”

“…….'”

“Do you still like him?”

A bitter smile escaped.

“Unless I go crazy.”

“…….'”

“I don’t have the heart to use my feelings for him. I’m busy just trying to survive.”

Leaning against his chest, I bowed my head. I didn’t want to let out the warmth he provided.

“You were a strong woman, from what I saw.”

Like something heard from outside the water, his voice flowed thickly.

A strong woman? Wasn’t that something I heard from Hubert too? Always before being forced into sacrifice.

‘Well, I didn’t want to look pitiful.’

With a bitter smile, I casually replied, “You have discerning eyes.”

“But the more I see, the less I understand. Why pretend to be strong?”

I raised my eyelids slightly.

‘Pretend to be strong?’

In an instant, my head became dizzy.

“I haven’t done that.”

“If so, why don’t you say it?”

“…….'”

“If you’re scared, say you’re scared. If you’re hurt, say you’re hurt.”

“……What difference does it make if I say it or not?”

“Many things change. It’s different from hugging yourself.”

“…….'”

Haah, a sigh brushed my ear.

“Above all, I want to know. I want to help you.”

“…….'”

“Weren’t we in such a relationship?”

The same, unchanged voice as back then.

This is why I felt relieved when he appeared. This is why he seemed trustworthy.

‘I mean, it’s just a cooperative relationship based on necessity, but why does the language sound so affectionate?’

I caught one line well. I did wonder if it wasn’t a bad line.

I tried to smile.

At the moment of lifting the corners of my mouth.

Tears streamed down my cheeks. Quickly shaking my head, I wiped away the tears.

One tear didn’t stop.

Drip.

‘I’m going crazy.’