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Carl smiled awkwardly and shook his head. “This isn’t something I can give you just because I want to. This ring is enchanted.”
“I know that it can’t be easily removed. But there’s got to be a way, right?”
Dana knew she must look suspicious for saying that. But she no longer particularly needed Carl’s trust.
You are already caught in the trap.
Until now, Dana had been cautious to avoid making him suspicious, but she no longer needed to be as careful as before. He was already ensnared. Dana thought Carl would be surprised, shocked even, by her suggestion that was so unlike his usually timid niece.
“I can give you my finger, Dana.” Carl was as gentle as ever. “But the ring might be difficult.”
Suddenly, all her tension dissipated. Carl rejected her in the most exemplary, uninteresting way possible.
“To remove the ring, we’d have to perform a magical ritual under the supervision of Duke Windsor, and that’s not something I can decide on my own.”
“I’m sorry, Dana.”
Don’t make me laugh. Since when have you cared about rules like that?
“You don’t have to feel sorry for me.”
He must feel confident because he believes he can get my inheritance in two months, which is why he’s spouting such nonsense. Just like that night when he conspired with his wife, Sandra, planning to shorten her life!
Anger surged within her.
“I’m the one who should apologize. Unless it’s something as valuable as that ring, it’s hard for me to lend you such a large amount of money.”
“Of course. I understand. I’ve taken on too much.”
Carl slumped his shoulders sullenly, but Dana felt no pity for him. On the contrary, she felt disgusted.
He’s pretending to be weak on purpose.Trying to gain her sympathy, he put on an act again, lying, and deceiving her again. How long does this man intend to keep deceiving her? Even at the moment, he would kill her in two months, would he still have that gentle face?
“But, Dana…”
Just as she was doing her best to suppress her anger, Carl asked cautiously.
“How is Ignis?”
“Is Ignis bothering you?”
That question brought Dana back to her senses.
Ignis. Come to think of it, she once said to Carl that she liked Ignis and wanted to run away with him.
“Remember what I told you before.” Carl’s expression was serious. “Even if he’s lost his memory, Ignis is dangerous.”
“Don’t let your heart be easily taken by him again, like before. Understand?”
He said the same thing back then. That he was worried she might have run away with Ignis out of love…
“Yes, Uncle. I will.”
But instead of letting it go, Carl stared at her as if to pierce through her and demanded,
“Can you promise that?”
“Yes, I promise.”
Even after saying that, Carl’s expression didn’t ease.
“I’m worried.”
“You’re too naive, Dana. If you give your heart to Ignis again… I might get angry.”
It was the first time he had said such a thing.
“Please trust me, Uncle.”
At that moment, Dana mustered all her strength to create a loving gaze towards him.
“You know, Uncle, that my promise to you is more important than anything else.”
Even to her own ears, her voice sounded sweet.
“Alright.”
Finally, Carl’s lips softened as if they had been touched by a spring breeze. He believed her. Completely, perfectly.
“I’m sorry, Dana. I’ve been too fussy, haven’t I? I was just so worried about you.”
“Don’t say that. I’m actually grateful.” Dana smiled gently.
Dana truly meant her words. She was truly grateful to Carl. Because he had just given her an excellent option. An excellent option for someone who could both achieve her goal and utterly crush his spirit.
After that, Dana felt a rising euphoria as if drunk on fragrant wine. Her steps felt lighter than ever.
“Lord Ignis.”
Dana arrived at Ignis’s bedroom.
“Lord Ignis, are you inside?”
Knock, knock. She knocked on the door, but there was no response. So, after a brief hesitation, she swung the door open.
Then she found herself face to face with Ignis, who was in the middle of taking off his shirt. He quickly crossed his arms over his broad chest and shouted.
“Are you crazy?!”
“Ah… I’m sorry.”
“How dare you barge into a man’s room!”
It was surprisingly amusing for Ignis to react like that.
Dana blushed and apologized. “I’m sorry, Lord Ignis. I’ll be more careful next time.”
“Ah… damn it…”
The amusing part was that Ignis’s face was also flushed. He hurriedly put on his shirt and snapped at her. “What do you want!”
“I have something to discuss with you.”
“What business could you have with me! I’m busy!”
“Is something wrong?”
Now that she looked, Ignis was packing a suitcase. Dana tilted her head. “Where are you going?”
A sudden worry gripped her. Come to think of it, she had heard that Ignis hadn’t yet signed the papers nullifying his disownment. Which meant he wasn’t yet fully part of the Windsor family. Could he be planning to leave? It was her responsibility to ensure he adjusted.
“Lord Ignis, you’re not planning on going far, are you?”
When she asked anxiously, Ignis’s gaze wavered. He quickly avoided her eyes and muttered, “I’m going to Limt.”
Limt was a small town outside the capital, about half a day’s carriage ride away.
“Why are you going there?”
“To meet Viscount Laves.”
“So hurry up and leave. I’m busy packing.”
Who is Viscount Laves? Ah, no way…
“Are you going to meet your biological parents, Lord Ignis?”
Ignis turned his back on her, avoiding the question. He neither confirmed nor denied it, responding coldly instead. “It’s none of your business. Get out.”
I see.Dana immediately understood. Ignis seemed to be trying to regain his lost memories.
Good. At least he’s not leaving for good.Of course, it would be troublesome if he regained his memory—but it was good for her that he was going to Limt.
Looks like he’ll be staying out tonight.It was actually quite convenient. There were too many obstacles in this mansion.
“I’ll go with you.”
“You’ve lost your memory. It will be difficult to do this alone. Let me accompany you.”
“With you? No way. Absolutely not.” He looked as if just the thought of it suffocated him.
“Think it over, Lord Ignis.”
But Dana couldn’t miss this opportunity. She absolutely had no intention of letting it slip away.
“Lord Ignis, you were only recently cleared of your charges. Someone might still mistake you for a wanted criminal. Don’t you think you need someone to vouch for your identity?”
Ignis’s eyebrows furrowed. He seemed unwilling to admit it, but her words appeared to have convinced him.
“Let’s go together. Okay?”
After a moment of conflict, he sighed deeply and conceded. “Then I’ll drive the carriage.”
“I’ll drive the carriage.”
“Why? We have a coachman…”
“Shut up. If you don’t like it, you’re not coming. No, you can’t come.”
His stubbornness made no sense, but Dana nodded.
“Whatever makes you comfortable, Lord Ignis.”
Only then did Ignis, somewhat relieved, begin packing again.
Dana calmly observed him. The more she thought about it…This really isn’t a bad idea.
Though there was some rebellion against Carl mixed in, but objectively, Ignis was a good option. For one thing, Ignis was a man who had already had close physical contact with her in Windsor. Moreover, they were still legally unrelated, so there was no issue. Most importantly, Dana didn’t dislike Ignis as he was now. Surprisingly, she genuinely felt that way.
But what if Ignis rejects me?It was possible, given Ignis’s current state. If he said no, there was nothing she could do. She’d have to consider other alternatives then…
“What?” At that moment, Ignis asked stiffly. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Do I have something dirty on me?”
Why would he say that?
But Ignis didn’t seem to believe her as he walked over to a full-length mirror and checked himself.
“Lord Ignis, you don’t have anything on you.”
Ignis then turned sharply towards her and snapped. “Then why are you staring at me like that?”
“Damn it, do I look that hideous to you?”
Not at all. In fact, she thought he looked incredibly handsome… Why was he suddenly being so self-deprecating?
“It’s not like that, Lord Ignis. I didn’t think that at all.”
But Ignis didn’t seem convinced. He pursed his lips tightly, his face stern, as he continued packing.
Why is he acting like this?It seemed like he was uncomfortable with her gaze.Maybe I should just stop looking at him.
Dana glanced down at her pocket watch. It was still only eleven in the morning, still early.
I need to return by the morning of the day after tomorrow, before the second holy trial begins.If she didn’t resolve this within that time, her engagement would be still intact. And the path back to her original world would become even more distant. Who knows, she might even be killed by Carl and lose her fortune in the meantime.
There was only one way left now. Since it was impossible for Rumie to finish the naval battle and return overnight.