If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 25
Chapter 13.2
In truth, it was a proposition that she had nothing to lose from, and declining everything could be seen as a sign of disrespect or hostility from the Count’s family towards the Crown Prince.
With her mind set, Ariel folded the letter and returned it to the envelope.
“…For now, let’s give it a try.”
Surprisingly, a sense of relief washed over her once the decision was made.
As she reclined on the sofa and allowed herself to relax, the envelope slipped from her grasp, settling neatly on the adjacent seat.
‘It’s okay to encounter the unknown and deal with it when the time comes.’
Ariel attempted to accept the situation calmly. With a slow blink, she gazed out at the rain, watching as the minute hand of the clock completed its rotation. Just as time passed, the maid who had delivered the letter knocked on her room door once again.
When Ariel opened the door and said she would accept the invitation, the maid bowed her head and uttered.
“I’ll send a car to the Count’s residence in a week.”
And with that, the conversation concluded.
As she waited, uncertain if there would be any further communication from the Crown Prince, nothing else occurred. Because of the continuous rain, she had been confined to her room. The sudden invitation from the Crown Prince and the ensuing branching choice troubled her.
“I hope it won’t be a big issue…”
Despite her worries, they refused to dissipate.
From their initial encounter, Devoncia had already left an unsettling impression, and yesterday’s events only deepened his untrustworthiness.
‘Should I tell Skylar about the invitation?’
It didn’t seem like they were on such intimate terms. Besides, it was simply a magical aptitude test at the imperial palace, so it was possible Skylar was already aware of it.
“Excessive worry is poison.”
Ariel scolded herself in a mumbled whisper, closing her eyes. The pleasant sound of rain resonated in the room, akin to a soothing lullaby. She focused on the sound, allowing herself to be lost in contemplation. The white noise acted as a balm, easing her mind and clearing away her complicated thoughts.
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Knock, knock, knock.
At the sound of the knock, Ariel lifted her closed eyelids. She blinked, still half asleep. Rubbing the corners of her eyes, she moved to the door.
‘Has the maid come? It seems like it’s already lunchtime.’
With that thought in mind, she opened the door. Ariel, who had been carefree, widened her eyes at the unexpected person before her.
“Uh… Your Highness?”
Skyra’s well-defined eyes scrutinized her face intently. Seeing the telltale signs of having just woken up on her sleepy face, he raised an eyebrow.
“You seem quite carefree, as if it’s your own home.”
‘He was like this at my house as well…’
Fortunately, she only kept that thought to herself and didn’t voice it out.
“What brought you here?”
“Why? Can’t I come if I don’t have any business?”
“No…this is your house… It’s the palace, so of course, I’m not in a position to say anything…”
“It seems like you haven’t fully woken up yet. Stop with the formalities and come inside.”
After abruptly ending the conversation, he strode into the room. He entered with confidence as if it were his own room.
‘Well, I suppose it’s only natural for imperials to act that way in the imperial palace.’
Ariel reluctantly acquiesced, albeit with a hint of dissatisfaction. After all, wasn’t the room supposed to be allocated for guests? However, since she wasn’t in a position to argue, she chose to withhold any complaints.
“Bring me the documents I gave you.”
As soon as Skylar sat down on the sofa, he commanded like a master. The reason why she decided to obediently follow his instructions was that it was better not to go against his wishes since she was currently enjoying the benefits and privileges afforded to her within his domain.
When he referred to the documents, he was likely alluding to over ten sheets of paper related to transfer paperwork.
“All of them?”
“No. Just the last page.”
The last page of the documents contained the stamp field for a recommended transfer, which he had specifically entrusted her to safeguard. Making her way towards the table where her belongings were gathered, Ariel retrieved the documents from her bag and carefully removed only the last page before handing it over to him.
His well-manicured fingers, clad in black leather gloves, took the paper from her.
Placing the rest of the documents on the table, he retrieved a compact seal from his pocket. With a deliberate motion, he pressed the seal onto the document, leaving behind a distinct imprint. Ariel’s name on the transfer letter, along with his own name and the imperial eagle emblem symbolizing the royal family, were now intertwined on the page.
“T, thank you, Your Highness.”
Ariel, taken aback by the swift pace of affairs within the palace, promptly conveyed her gratitude to Skylar.
Her words were genuine, as she had intended to repay the favor at some point, and this seemed like an opportune moment.
On the other hand, Skylar briefly glanced at her before diverting his gaze. Without uttering a word, he extended his hand, returning the documents adorned with the seal imprint.
“Keep it safe. There are separate documents that will be sent to the academy as proof, but you may need this to prove your transfer as well.”
“Yes. I’ll keep it safe. Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”
She expressed her gratitude once again as she accepted the documents. However, his gaze as it returned to her seemed somewhat sharp for reasons she couldn’t understand.
“How many times are you going to thank me?”
“I’m truly grateful… that’s why I said it twice.”
“Well, it seems like you’re quite good at giving smart replies. It’s not something to be polite about, making it feel as if there’s an unnecessary distance…”
Skylar’s initial complaint was abruptly cut off as he quickly covered his mouth with his gloved hand, a look of realization dawning on his face.
On the contrary, Ariel, oblivious to the unfolding situation, called out to him in confusion, seeking an explanation.
“Your Highness? Did I make a mistake—”
Her words seemed to startle him, causing him to abruptly rise from his seat and head towards the door. His visible ear, now bright red, betrayed his embarrassment.
“Your business is over, so you can go home on your own.”
With a curt dismissal, he swiftly exited the room as if being pursued. Not a single pleasant word was spoken before his departure. Ariel couldn’t fathom why her innocuous words had seemingly struck a nerve.
She couldn’t understand the situation at all.
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