“If you want.”

“Thank you. Thank you for forgiving me and taking care of my family.”

“But there will be no second forgiveness.”

As if to warn, Christine’s eyes became fierce.

Thinking about what he did to Adel, no, considering the deathly struggle he went through for days, avoiding her because he was deceived by that bastard’s lies… killing him on the spot wouldn’t be satisfying enough.

“Yes, my lord! Thank you, thank you!”

Vanessa also cautiously approached.

“Thank you, my lord. I hope there is a day when I can repay this favor.”

“It was just a deal. Testifying about Adel is enough.”

Looking at Adel, who was approaching from a distance, Vanessa smiled faintly.

“At first, I thought someone was like that. That relaxed and happy face is a first. Will I be able to live with such an expression someday?”

“I hope so.”

“I’ll wish for your happiness too.”

The two people withdrew under Zimmer’s guidance.

(This is a time separator.)

“Chris…….”

Adel, who had been quietly watching the situation, approached. Dressed again in her dress and coat, she returned the cape that Christine had draped over her.

“I’m fine.”

“No. It’s cold.”

While saying so, she meticulously fastened the front. At times like this, she seemed not like a lover but like a protector. Christine didn’t mind this feeling either. Sometimes she missed the days when she was under her protection.

“I’m sorry. I had to reveal the terrible thing you experienced in Oswaldga. It must have been a memory you didn’t want to recall.”

“There was no other way to clear my grievance.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you for believing in me. And for saving me…….”

Looking up at him, her green eyes welled up, and Adel hugged his waist tightly and buried her face in him.

She had repeated countless times that she didn’t care about rumors of being a wicked woman, that it was okay.

But she had been hurt and pained countless times when people whispered. To protect herself, she always had to find a place to hide behind an indifferent expression. That’s how she had lived, pretending to be fine.

Now that her innocence was proven, all the sorrow of that time came rushing back. Numerous emotions flowed uncontrollably with her tears.

She began to sob and cry without realizing it.

He silently held her, comforting her back. That was more comforting than any other consolation.

“I’m glad. Really.”

Christine whispered as if talking to herself.

Because the person she could lean on and cry was him.

Because he could comfort those tears, and she wouldn’t be in pain anymore.

Yes, it seems he had wanted this all along.

To have you entirely as mine like this.

A little time passed like that.

Adel lifted her head from Christine’s embrace.

“But, you know, thinking about it, it’s not all good.”

With tearstained eyes, she playfully scrunched up her nose. Perhaps she was a little embarrassed.

“What do you mean?”
Shedding the image of a villainess is good, but it means I can’t do anything bad anymore.

“What?”

It was good when I was being pointed at as a villainess because I didn’t have to care about my image. It’s a bit disappointing.

“Huh, increasingly.”

Adel sighed slyly, looking at Christine who was bewildered.

“Having a fiancé who is too capable is also a bit tiring.”

“Yeah. If the fiancé is capable, it’s really tiring.”

At his soft and secretive voice, Adel’s eyes widened.

His cunning expression was like that of a beast with delicious prey in front of it. She knew well what that meant.

Gulp.

“Whwhy do your eyes look so scary?”

Adel stepped back stealthily.

He came closer and reached out to wrap his arm around Adel’s waist. She was trapped in his embrace in an instant, as if being sucked in.

“I want to show you how capable your fiancé is.”

His voice, whispering lasciviously in her ear.

Unknowingly, Adel swallowed her dry saliva. Whether it was from fear or some expectation, even she was confused.

“I know enough, so I’ll refuse. You must be very tired today, why don’t you go and rest?”

“Being in the same bed with you is resting. I’ll show you my abilities too.”

“You’re crazy. There are a lot of people around, don’t say that…!”

Adel looked around, embarrassed, but,

“I don’t care.”

He lifted Adel up suddenly. Holding her, he walked across the stadium and through the crowd in the stands.

People clustered like clouds quickly stepped aside, making way for him. Some even whistled and cheered, while others jeered in envy. Of course, most of the nobles just muttered and clicked their tongues.

But it was clear that they were all envious of this young couple.

Adel, embarrassed, buried her face in his chest and held his neck tightly. Then, the stares of others didn’t matter. Because he felt like a safe fortress. With him, nothing seemed to be able to harm her.

But Christine’s steps stopped abruptly.

Stone had approached them.

Adel quickly got down from Christine’s embrace and blocked Stone’s path. She didn’t want to leave the matter with Stone to him alone. Of course, she was able to muster the courage because Christine was by her side, supporting her.

But Stone’s purpose seemed to be not her this time.

“The match today was enjoyable, Count.”

He spoke politely to Christine. His blue eyes were sharp as metal.

“I’m glad you thought so.”

Christine responded, his eyes as sharp as the blade of a knife.

“I look forward to future fights.”

Christine chuckled as if amused.

“Just back off gracefully, Viscount. I’m the type to be satisfied only after crushing a reckless opponent.”

Stone also lifted his head and laughed heartily.

“I really like prey that wriggles alive. It’s been a while since I found hunting prey to my liking, so my blood is boiling hot now. In that sense, Count, you’re very much to my taste.”

The two men looked at each other and laughed.