# 80
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'As expected...'
It was a cold and sharp response, it almost seemed embarrassed.
While I knew that Ian had not yet realized his feelings for Diana during this period, even considering that, his attitude seemed a bit over the top.
'Diana ran away because of you, you idiot!'
While I was holding back my desire to slap him on the head, I asked him,
“If you weren't that close to that person, what kind of relationship did you have?”
Ian hesitated for a moment before responding after a short pause.
“…We were childhood friends.”
“Don't you want to see him again then?”
Even though I knew they shouldn't meet, the fact that he had no intention of ever seeing her seemed cruel.
Whatever it was, they had spent years together – how could he not miss her?
But Ian just narrowed his eyes as he looked at me.
“I told you, we weren't that close.”
“But you said you two have been friends since childhood...”
Don't you feel any feelings? I groaned inwardly and pursed my lips.
Ian, who had been staring at me, tilted his head.
“Does this bother you?”
"Huh? What's bothering me?"
“You were deep in thought as if something had been on your mind for a while.”
I opened my mouth to respond but hesitated for a moment before responding.
“…I was just asking.”
“I told you before – you're not good at lying.”
seriously?
She looked at Ian, surprised by his frank statement.
On the other hand, he was watching me intently, as if thinking about something, before speaking in a low voice.
"I have no personal feelings towards Diana Lawrence. We are just childhood friends."
His words made me freeze. After a few seconds, I hesitated before asking in a halting voice,
“How…how did you know I was talking about Mrs. Lawrence?”
“Like I said before, I'm not a fool.”
His response was almost dismayed at the obviousness of the answer.
“Ah…”
Now that I thought about it, it was known among some people that Diana had been hovering over Ian before she ran away to the academy after hearing about his marriage.
'I completely forgot about that.'
While it was true that I was worried about Ian and Diana's relationship, it wasn't for the reasons he might think. She spoke more slowly than usual.
"That's not what I meant. I only asked because you two are very close. I thought you might want to take this opportunity to meet her."
I tried to be as honest as possible, but given Ian's piercing gaze, it seemed as if my words had no effect.
'I'm serious, you idiot.'
Although even if he wanted to meet her, I would stop him now.
Ian was silent for a while, and since I didn't have any new topics to bring up, the conversation drifted back into silence.
The sound of the waves crashing onto the shore filled the space between us.
Ian finally spoke after several seconds – maybe even minutes had passed.
“If you're worried, don't be.”
“I'm not worried, it's just...”
I stopped myf from finishing the sentence. After all, there was no way I could reveal to him what I was really thinking about right now.
'That's because you're still immature, and if you meet Diana, things might get out of control. That's why I'm trying to protect sweet little Diana.'
I couldn't exactly say that, could I?
Meanwhile, Ian, who was staring at me thoughtfully, continued speaking slowly.
"Yes, but I'm telling you not to worry. Diana Lawrence and I were only close as childhood friends."
“And now, the person I married is you.”
He spoke in his usual calm voice, then turned his gaze to the ocean. I closed my half-open mouth.
“…Huh?”
His insistence on proving that he had no personal feelings for Diana was assertive, almost exaggerated.
At that moment, I should have either gritted my teeth in frustration at this foolish man, slapped him on the back to wake him up, or decided to raise him properly.
This was the correct response.
'Why then...'
I raised my hand and gently covered my mouth.
'Why don't I feel bad...?'
❖ ❖ ❖
Time passed quickly in the imperial villa. Although I was technically there to accompany and protect the princess, she often went alone with her knight, leaving me behind.
The Emperor and Empress, fulfilling their promise before arriving at the villa, spent the entire week visiting local lords and meeting with the heads of the Southern Merchant Guilds, and were busy with diplomatic affairs.
As a result, Ian and I ended up exactly as I expected on day one: as unemployed stand-in guests.
For me in particular, apart from the occasional time spent with the Princess when she invited me, or the daily dinner with the Emperor and Empress, I had almost nothing to do.
At first, I felt embarrassed and uncomfortable.
On the second day, I started to feel shy.
But by the third day, I had fully adapted to this leisurely pace.
I'd imagine the Emperor was expecting this, but if not, well, too bad for him.
I had nothing to do, so I found myf completely eased into the relaxing rhythm of this picturesque southern resort by the day before we left.
“Ma’am! How about wearing this dress today?”
The moment I returned from dinner, Vivi, whose cheeks were noticeably plump after a week of rest, took out a light blue chiffon dress from my bag.
It seemed like I wasn't the only one enjoying this excellent vacation. Even the staff from the Duke's household were having a good time, freed from their usual chores like cleaning and washing. With no pressing schedule, there was no need for them to rush.
I looked at the dress in Vivi's hands, tilted my head, and said,
“The dress is nice, but I'm not planning on going out again tonight, right? Shouldn't I change into a nightgown?”
Vivi's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Ma'am! What are you talking about? Of course, you have to go out tonight!"
Why...?
“Oh my God, it's the last day of the trip! You haven't been to the nearby night market even once, have you?”
“Ah? Ah.”
I suddenly remembered. The Emperor had mentioned on the first day that the nearby night market was full of interesting sights.
“But I feel warm and full, and honestly I'm not in the mood to go out...”
Vivi sensed my indifference, so she exaggerated her tone.
"I heard there's going to be fireworks tonight! Doesn't that sound like the perfect way to spend your last evening here?"
"fireworks…?"
It sparked my interest.
I wasn't particularly interested in the night market, but the fireworks? This caught my attention.
I looked at the large window that filled one of the walls.
“Maybe I can see them from here from the view I see, but...”
However, it was best to enjoy the fireworks up close. Vivi did not miss the slight shift in my mood and continued to eagerly persuade me.
“Fireworks are famous here! And they're not just regular fireworks, they explode in the shape of a heart!”
She spread her arms wide as she described the scene, and I couldn't help but laugh.
“Why are you so interested in taking me out?”
“Well… when will you have a chance to enjoy a full vacation like this? At home, you're always working unless you go out, right?”
Vivi fidgeted, wringing her hands.
"Is this correct?"
I felt emotional, and a little choked up.
“Since you're pushing me so hard, I guess I should get out, then...”
When she muttered that, Vivi's face lit up.
"Oh! Should I tell Master too?"
I froze.
“Ian…?”
'Things are still awkward between us.'
Ever since that night we spent by the ocean, I'd found Ian strangely uncomfortable.
I was keeping my distance, and now you want us to go to the night market together?
However, Vivi, who was always sharp except for moments like this, was practically jumping with excitement, unaware of my hesitation.
“The sun has just started to set, so if you go out soon, it will be a perfect time! I will go and tell him right away!”
“Wait, no, don't-”
Crack.
Before I could finish, the door had already closed behind her.
My hands fell motionless at my sides.
“…Can’t you at least listen to me first…?”