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Confirming that his hand had let go of the ink bottle, Simon opened his mouth again.

“Then why are you acting this way? Always curious, always worried… In fact, I thought something was off when you asked me to investigate Crown Prince Versus’s and Lady Dahlia’s past a few days ago.”

But the Etienne that Simon had known couldn’t possibly be capable of loving anyone. That’s why Simon hadn’t considered that possibility… Now, it seemed like the only explanation.

“If you’re going to talk nonsense, go and do some work.”

“Tsk, then leave it.”

“And.”

“Yes?”

“About Versus and Dahlia. If you’re going to report, do it until the end.”

Simon chuckled as if he knew everything. In response to his ominous smile, Etienne picked up the ink bottle again, and Simon began his report with a business-like expression.

“There was nothing special. As widely known, Lady Dahlia has been chasing after Crown Prince Versus since she was very young…”

“What? Why?”

“Don’t you know? Even if you weren’t interested… Well, Lady Dahlia… She liked Crown Prince Versus a lot. There are rumors that when Emperor commanded her to marry Your Highness Etienne, she caused a scene, saying she would rather die.”

Etienne had never paid attention to her, so he had no idea.

“So, was it like that throughout our marriage?”

“She always wore dark clothes…  It’s a bit strange to say this, but living with you is like death to me. Doesn’t it look like she wanted to convey that?”

“If you’re going to be like that, then don’t say anything.”

“Hehe.”

“What’s next?”

Etienne urged him to continue.

“Even after she got married, they frequently exchanged letters. Well, it was mostly Lady Dahlia sending them unilaterally. The last letter was two weeks ago.”

It was before Dahlia went to the monastery.

As Etienne listened to the report, he felt a slight relief in his heart. At least since that night when she claimed to have lost her memory, there had been no contact between Versus and Dahlia.

“Alright. I understand.”

“Your Highness Etienne, I really have to ask just in case…”

Simon wrinkled his nose.

“Don’t say it.”

Etienne tried to stop him, but Simon stubbornly continued.

“Doesn’t your heart race, and doesn’t Lady Dahlia constantly linger in your thoughts? Don’t deny it so vehemently. Love isn’t a sin, you know.”

“Do you really think that’s possible? It’s not like you have no brain in that big head of yours, right?”

“Why? People have diverse tastes, you know. Besides, she’s beautiful.”

“What’s so beautiful about her? There’s absolutely no chance of that happening. If anything like that ever occurs, I’ll be your servant for the rest of your life.”

“Then why are you behaving like that? You haven’t been able to sleep properly lately.”

Etienne remained silent. In truth, he was aware that he was being different from his usual self.

The image of Dahlia tangled up and sprawled like a bag of flour, wouldn’t leave his mind, and each time it resurfaced, an indescribable sense of unease would wash over him.

He believed that if he went there, he would find the things she had stolen along with ‘that item.’

It was obvious that he would find the wicked and sinister Dahlia, disposing of those items. This was his chance to retrieve the objects and make sure she paid for her actions.

He didn’t want to see her shameless and inscrutable face ever again. With that thought in mind, he descended into the underground.

However, Dahlia was lying on the floor in a disheveled state.

She looked at him as if seeking salvation, tears streaming down her face. The sight of her eyes rolling back as blood spilled. Even the image of her squeezing out curses with her last strained voice, saying it hurts.

A surge of intense emotion filled his heart.

Though ambiguous, that feeling was close to anger. Why was he getting angry? He couldn’t even understand it himself.

He struggled to control his emotions for several days, trying to be composed. And today, he thought his heart had finally calmed down. But as soon as he saw her, it was as if he had been transported back to that day, and his anger flared up again.

Especially when he saw the wounds on her tormented hands…

“Get out.”

“If you have nothing to say, then leave, as always.”

Simon grumbled as he opened the door. He paused, then turned back to Etienne.

“Or could it be… is it because you despise Dahlia so much? Were you angry because you couldn’t find the item?”

“What? What nonsense are you talking about again?”

Simon’s words struck him like a blow to the head.

‘Why didn’t I think of that? Yes, it’s because I despise that woman.’

The item Dahlia had stolen was crucial. It held the key not only to the safety of Versus but also to his own well-being. And there was a possibility that it could provide clues for revenge as well.

I lost it because of Dahlia. She let it go and acted innocent, claiming to have no memory of it. That’s why I can’t help but despise her.

Etienne also felt a sense of guilt, thinking that if he hadn’t suspected her, she wouldn’t have gotten hurt on the day she was kidnapped.

Somewhere between anger and guilt, Etienne defined his own emotions.

As the pent-up frustration subsided, his restless mind began to calm down.

“Well, there are suspicious aspects, but… you’re still being too harsh on someone who’s sick. If we hadn’t doubted her that day, Lady Dahlia wouldn’t have been hurt either. You truly are cruel, Your Highness Etienne… You show no mercy or tears… It’s scary.”

He picked up the ink bottle again. Simon let out a startled mouse-like sound and quickly fled outside.

Etienne stood still in thought, staring at the firmly closed door, and smiled slightly.

“Yeah, I’ve been too passive. It seems I need to monitor more closely.”

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