At those unexpected words, I unnecessarily put down the bread I had picked up forcefully and raised my head towards Killian.

He was sitting with his long legs crossed and his hands resting on them, keeping some distance from the dining table.

He had invited someone to a meal, but he himself didn’t seem interested in the food at all.

Well, I guess he didn’t really call me here to eat together.

“What do you mean by a deal?”

As I picked up a nearby napkin and wiped my hands while asking, Killian’s gaze moved to my hands and then up to my face.

The moment our eyes met, I unconsciously frowned. I felt it when I first saw him, but Killian had an aura that could overwhelm others just by making eye contact. Because of that, I instinctively flinched for a moment, but immediately straightened my posture to avoid being intimidated.

“You must have heard that Ivy’s matter was reported to Her Majesty the Empress?”

“Yes. I heard it from the High Priest.”

“You skillfully manipulated that cunning old man. I see you managed to hide your true identity perfectly and cover it up well.”

I calmly retorted.

“You didn’t mention that I was the Grand Saint either, Your Highness.”

When he remained silent, I added one more thing.

“Whatever your intentions may be.”

As I smiled awkwardly with just my eyes, Killian slowly closed and opened his eyes, then leaned his elbow on the armrest and interlaced his fingers. And as if my provocation didn’t matter to him at all, he spoke with a relaxed expression.

“Last time I saw, you seemed quite afraid of going to the temple.”

“…”

“You can’t deny it. I saw it myself.”

He saw accurately. It was my weakness then and still is now. Because if I go to the temple, I won’t be able to meet Edan anymore.

To avoid revealing my true feelings, I met Killian’s gaze directly without avoiding it. He’s not saying this out of concern for me at this point, so what is he plotting?

“Did you call me here to intimidate me?”

“I said I want to make a deal with you.”

Killian spoke slowly and very deliberately, as if he wouldn’t repeat himself.

“If you agree to stop healing Edan, I’ll prevent you from going to the temple.”

I had steeled myself to remain calm and endure whatever he might say. However, upon hearing those words, strength involuntarily entered my fingertips. If he had any sense at all, he should know. He must know what kind of relationship I have with Edan, yet he calls this a deal…

“Isn’t that a condition that’s not bad for you at all?”

Just how arrogant can he be? Such an conceited man. How lightly must he think of me…

I hadn’t expressed any opinion yet, but Killian was very relaxed, as if he was certain of what answer I would give.

“I don’t understand at all why you think I would accept such a deal.”

In response to my answer full of dissatisfaction, Killian smiled leisurely.

“Isn’t your sense of values more precious than the man you like?”

My sense of values. Is he bringing up the original reason why I didn’t want to go to the temple? Of course, I didn’t want to go because I disliked healing through physical contact. But now that’s not the only reason.

“Are you trying to prevent me from healing Edan… no, His Grace because you want him to suffer?”

“That’s right.”

Now you’re not even trying to hide your true intentions, are you?

“Why?”

Though there was only a brief moment of silence, I felt my lips drying up. No matter what answer comes, it would be difficult to accept his reason for wanting Edan to suffer, but for the first time, I prayed.

He’s the brother Edan likes. Killian, who saved Edan’s life in the past. Please, whatever it is, give a humane answer.

But-.

“I want that guy to suffer. As bitterly as the betrayal I experienced.”

His answer made my whole body go cold. What betrayal are you talking about? You’re the one who betrayed Edan by believing Siella’s lies.

“He’s your brother, Your Highness. What do you gain by tormenting His Grace like this?”

It was a question I asked while barely holding back the curses that were about to burst out. In response to my words, Killian sneered with eyes full of disgust.

“Pleasure.”

What?

“Is there a need for a greater reason than that?”

I was so dumbfounded that I lost my words for a moment. I thought this man wasn’t in his right mind, but he exceeded my expectations.

It’s already been a few months ago, but I can still vividly recall it.

The sight of Edan suffering from the side effects of his ability. A man so brave that he would wield his sword and charge towards a giant monster without a moment’s hesitation, writhing in pain unable to come to his senses.

Before meeting me, in the time of the past, he must have endured such pain countless times.

Without the healing power, he would have had to live trapped in the agony of side effects for his entire life, struggling for a long time.

And you say it’s for pleasure?

Killian must know that pain. Even if he had been safely protected as the Crown Prince all his life, all ability users have experienced such pain at least once, and this man must have gone through that pain too.

So, if anything, Killian should understand Edan better than I do. And yet, despite that…

By now, the sunset outside the window had completely faded. On the dining table where the red light of the sun had ceased to flow in, I calmly asked while looking at the silver tableware gleaming in the reflection of the chandelier light.

“Is it because of Princess Siella?”

Even without checking his face, the sudden silence that fell told me that Killian was shaken for the first time. I raised my eyes that had been lowered quietly to gather my thoughts and looked into Killian’s eyes.

“Are you talking about the political marriage with the Eastern Empire? If you know that much, our conversation will be easier.”

“…”

“If you just say you’ll stop healing Edan, I’ll oppose the marriage too.”

Ha. What nonsense is this now?

“For whose sake?”

Killian moved his chin slightly.

“Of course, it’s for your sake, isn’t it? It would be better than watching the man you like marry another woman.”

You’re being ridiculous.

“Isn’t that decision for Your Highness’s sake?”

“What?”

Saying this might make Killian burst into anger. But I have to say it.

“From the rumors I’ve heard, Your Highness was rejected by Princess Siella in the past.”

I deliberately paused and even sneered before throwing out my next words.

“If it’s for such a reason, you’re being cowardly. To misuse your great power for something like this. Is it some kind of revenge for past events?”

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard a cracking sound and my eyes widened. It was because Killian had grasped a glass and shattered it right there.

“Watch your words.”

Red blood trickled down from under Killian’s palm that was gripping the broken glass.

I frowned and looked at it for a moment before meeting Killian’s eyes again. The gaze that had been maintaining composure all along had completely changed.

I did deliberately say things to provoke him, but to become this sensitive at the mere mention of Siella? Do you know that woman lied?

“Your Highness, Princess Siella was ly-”

I stopped mid-sentence. This was a fact that Edan had been hiding. He did tell me, but for whatever reason he was keeping it a secret. Should I carelessly bring up that story?

As I hesitated in my indecision, Killian brushed off the glass shards and opened his mouth.

“Why don’t you continue?”

I clenched my fists tightly and then relaxed them, taking a deep breath.

“I heard that Princess Siella liked Duke Edan, so if you’re doing this because of that…”

“Are you trying to say that’s a lie?”

Huh?

He let out a couple of audible scoffs and then glared at me fiercely, clenching his jaw so hard that his neck turned red.

“Do you think I don’t know that?”

You knew? But Edan thought Killian didn’t know.

“You know and still resent His Grace? Why? Was a woman more important to you than your only brother?”

You can say I’ve lost my fear if you want. But I have to say what needs to be said. At my words laced with rebuke, Killian’s face hardened terrifyingly.

“Because it wasn’t a lie.”

“…Pardon?”

“I saw with my own two eyes Siella coming out of Edan’s room in the middle of the night, half-undressed.”

“That, that’s…”

“Of course, I went into the room and checked Edan’s state too. How do you think it was?”

Killian’s voice, which had been monotonous all along, was now filled with hatred.

My heart, which had calmed down for a moment, started beating rapidly again.

Is this what you meant by betrayal? But if you had observed Edan’s usual behavior, you could have thought that he wouldn’t do such a thing.

“Did you check properly? There’s no way His Grace would have done such a thing…”

“Of course.”

Cutting off my words, Killian glared at me with eyes full of murderous intent, as if he had returned to that moment in the past.

“When I barged in, Siella was crying, and Edan didn’t say a word.”

With my quickening heartbeat, I tightly grasped the hem of my dress with both hands.

That can’t be true. The Edan and Siella I saw were not in that kind of relationship. I squeezed my eyes shut and then opened them, meeting Killian’s gaze.

There was no wavering in Killian’s eyes either. It didn’t seem to be a lie to shake me up.

“Now, are you inclined to accept my deal? Or will you dismiss even what I saw with my own eyes as a lie?”

I released my grip on my skirt and said.

“I refuse your offer. I don’t want it.”

“You certainly dislike a lot of things.”

Killian laughed as if finding it ridiculous.

“I didn’t expect you to refuse, so I’ll give you time.”

“I don’t need it. No matter how much time passes, my answer will be the same.”

“Think again. Don’t make a stupid choice out of unnecessary stubbornness.”

“…What did you say?”

“You seem like a woman blinded by love, unable to see anything else. You should value yourself more. Like your sense of values.”

What are you spouting on your own? You’re the one blinded by love, you XXX! If you weren’t the Crown Prince, I’d beat you to a pulp on a rainy day!

Angered by his cold gaze that looked at me as if I had made the most foolish choice in the world, I stood up from my seat.

“I’ll take my leave.”

I turned around and walked as fast as I could, as if being chased by someone. And just as I grasped the doorknob, Killian added one last thing from behind.

“Think again. Contact me.”

Thud. I quickly closed the door and left the castle, ignoring the calls of the servants.

Coming out to the entrance, the cold wind blowing from the garden made me feel a bit more alive.

Killian’s words kept ringing in my ears, stirring up my thoughts.

There’s no way Edan and Siella would have done such a thing. Edan clearly said he disliked Siella!

I moved my steps towards where Ruben was waiting.

I feel suffocated. I want to get away quickly. I’ll confirm it directly with Edan. I believe in Edan.

I walked hurriedly along the marble path, feeling my own steps were urgent.

Just as the light from behind me spreading from inside the castle became a bit dimmer, a familiar voice called out to me.

“Hello, Lady Latieana.”

I quickly turned to confirm who it was, and was surprised to see an unexpected figure, my eyes widening.

“Lord Hillstain?”