Hopefully, at Your Mercy - Chapter 14

Chapter 8.1

“Me?”

Delinda blinked slowly again.

“Yes, you.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize…”

Delinda averted her gaze from his, fidgeting with her nails, something she did when she was nervous. She could feel Iskan watching as her left thumb rubbed against her right thumbnail.

She grew curious. Why did he suddenly mention my blinking? Was it somehow improper here?

Or was he trying to flirt with me?

She didn’t know about customs here, but back in the real world, people would make unnecessary comments just to keep a conversation going. Something that was considered “making a move.”

But Delinda quickly dismissed that idea. Iskan’s expression was far too cold for that.

Even a sea turtle munching on seaweed would have looked at her with more affection than he did.

Okaaay, so he’s not flirting, then.

Just then, she heard footsteps in the distance. When she turned around, she saw Duke Schultz re-entering the hall.

As Iskan turned to approach the duke, Delinda quickly grabbed hold of his sleeve.

“Your Highness, I’m not a mage. And even though I lied yesterday, I’m not a maid either. As you can see, I am the daughter of House Schultz.”

Delinda decided to tell him the truth. She had a feeling that if she left the situation unresolved, she couldn’t guarantee that her life would be safe from him.

She wanted to dispel Iskan’s suspicions about her. She didn’t know if he’d actually believe her, but that was something to worry about after she at least tried to change things.

I’m not ready to die yet.

“The reason I snuck out dressed as a maid was because I wanted to learn more about spirit stones. No one around me knows anything about them, and I couldn’t exactly ask my father…”

Not to mention, I can’t even read…

“You’re aware of the current state of the House of Duke Schultz, aren’t you, Your Highness? With everything going on, the idea of starting a business involving these mysterious spirit stones was worrying to me. I just couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”

“…”

“That’s why I left the mansion to roam around, and then I happened to stumble upon that incident. It was purely by chance, and I know you’ll find it hard to believe me no matter what I say, but that’s the whole truth.”

Will he believe me?

Will he see that I’m being sincere?

Iskan stayed silent as Delinda stared at him anxiously. He cast a glance at the duke as he approached them, then slowly turned his gaze back to her.

“You’re honest. But honesty is no weapon for a noble.”

“Well, I thought you might appreciate honesty, given your character, Your Highness. After all, whether I live or die doesn’t make much of a difference to you, does it?”

Especially when he didn’t consider what he did was murder, but rather disposing of trash.

Eliminating threats to the imperial family wasn’t considered a crime. Even if she went around telling everyone what she saw, it wouldn’t harm Iskan in any way.

Delinda felt silly for having worried, but she still needed to ensure her safety. Something about the entire situation felt off. She couldn’t figure out why a noble prince would be roaming the back alleys dressed as a commoner.

Isn’t it strange? It seemed too suspicious for it to be just a simple inspection of the streets.

But that was none of her concern. Right now, all that mattered was proving she wasn’t a threat.

“If you’d intended to kill me, you would have done so last night. You had no reason to spare someone that went by the name of ‘Del,’ a mere maid of a noble household.”

“…”

“And… from the way you didn’t seem surprised to see me today, it’s clear you already knew I was here. Perhaps you even had someone follow me…”

Delinda continued speaking, stealing glances at his expression.

“Anyway, you’ve seen that I’m not a person of any particular importance, nor do I have any special reason for being here. So please, don’t kill me. I don’t want to die! I swear I wasn’t spying on you, I really just happened to stumble upon that place by pure coincidence.”

I had no intention of assassinating you or anything like that, unlike the person that was lying dead at Your Highness’ feet. I mean, why would I? With what skill or power?

Delinda spoke honestly, hoping it would appeal to Iskan. He didn’t seem the type to be swayed by manipulative tactics or sly schemes.

Iskan didn’t give her an immediate response. He silently observed Delinda for a moment, then, before the duke reached them, he asked her in a low voice,

“You say that you wish to avoid suspicion?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

Hearing her firm response, Iskan’s lips stretched into a slow smile.