“I’m going to infuse my energy into you now. The goal is to find the divine power within your body and make you feel that power.”

Felix explained the upcoming process in a calm voice. It wasn’t exactly soothing despite his affectionate tone.

Ibelia’s gaze shook uneasily. However, she forcibly steadied her heart and nodded.

The blue energy that had been only at Felix’s fingertips began to spread into Ibelia’s body. Even though she had experienced this once before, her body trembled at the unfamiliar sight. With each surge of anxiety, she silently repeated Felix’s assurance that she wouldn’t be harmed.

Ibelia tightly closed her eyes and exhaled the breath held in her mouth. Even though the unease hadn’t completely dissipated, she made an effort to feel Felix’s power.

It was not an easy task. Despite her best efforts to concentrate, she couldn’t easily sense the divine power Felix mentioned. Yet, one hopeful fact remained – a faintly pleasant energy seemed to be flowing within her.

After some time had passed with Felix holding her wrist, Ibelia slowly opened her previously clenched eyes. When she did, Felix’s complexion appeared much improved compared to before.

“It’s truly astonishing, no matter how many times I experience it.”

Felix murmured appreciatively as he released Ibelia’s wrist.

“Having such an extraordinary ability, how could you not have known until now?”

“…Did you amplify and return my strength this time as well?”

Ibelia asked with a hesitant voice. Felix immediately nodded.

“You still don’t feel the power within you?”

“…No. But I did sense a pleasant energy flowing inside me. It might be the energy you infused, but it’s a sensation I’ve never felt before.”

Ibelia responded, her expression somewhat defeated. Despite Felix’s disappointed look, there was nothing she could do. She couldn’t claim to have felt the strength to meet his expectations.

“Still, it’s a relief that you felt something. Maybe what you just sensed is the energy I infused. But remember, that’s also your divine power. I hope you remember that feeling well.”

Felix spoke as if comforting her, and Ibelia reluctantly nodded.

Though not a significant result, Felix’s expression, no doubt, would be today’s achievement.

With that thought, Ibelia exhaled the breath she had been holding.

Back in the guest room, Relia, who had returned as the marquise, finished the prepared dinner and lay down on the bed.

“Sigh.”
The soft blanket wrapped around her, and she finally released the breath she had been holding so tightly, letting it escape with a rough exhale. It was a sensation of relief as her body, which had been tense with anxiety, finally began to loosen up a bit.

It had been an incredibly long day, almost terrifyingly so. A day that felt dreadful enough to stretch endlessly.

Relia tightly closed her eyes. In the pitch-black darkness, almost involuntarily, the face of Riurian was projected.

Normally, recalling his face should have brought forth a blossoming smile, but today, there was no laughter, and even her heart felt uncomfortable. It was all due to the continuously uneasy appearance of Riurian, who had been uncomfortable for a long time.

“[Your Highness, I should have visited and spoken to you earlier, but circumstances didn’t allow it until now.]”

“[…….]”

“[I sincerely apologize for disturbing your feelings with my rash words. I won’t make the same mistake again.]”

The words given to Riurian were words that could only be said after letting go of all the pride she had been holding onto.

The meaning of those words was nothing less than a pledge to not act recklessly towards Ibelia again.

It was a statement she neither wanted to say nor hear. It was a statement she would never want to say, even if she were to die. However, driven by a desperate desire not to be rejected by him, she reluctantly uttered those words.

If Duke Dwayne had decided to abandon her, she had to somehow grasp Riurian’s heart. Even if it meant eliciting his sympathy, it didn’t matter.

It was more dreadful to be ridiculed by those who had looked up to her all these years than to receive sympathy from him.

Even if Riurian’s heart was no longer the same as before, if she could keep him by her side, she could at least maintain her dignity.

Reversing his feelings was something that could be accomplished slowly by buying time in this way.

Even though she didn’t know exactly what cunning trick Ibelia had used, Riurian would surely look at her again. It had always been Riurian, the one she had cherished in her heart for a lifetime. Because they had naturally taken each other for granted for so long, there might be a brief period of weariness. Now was precisely that time.

Relia thought so and took a deep breath. However, despite her efforts, Riurian’s voice echoed incessantly in her ears.

“[…I’m relieved that Young Ae still thinks that way.]”

“[I hope you won’t forget today’s determination, as Young Ae suggested.]”