If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 65

Chapter 33.2

‘If I don’t embrace even the woman His Highness is fond of… I shouldn’t do that. As the Crown Princess, I must show that level of tolerance… I must!’

She struggled to suppress her vile true feelings, desperately trying to maintain an appearance that wouldn’t displease the Crown Prince. It was truly pathological.

With her head hung low, she muttered under her breath. The sound barely escaped her lips as she pursed them tightly. Then, suddenly, everything came to a halt. The emotions vanished from her face, and she neatly composed her expression in a matter of seconds. As if fixing a malfunctioning circuit, composure returned to the Princess’s face.
[ T/N: Is this a horror novel (；・∀・) ]

Anastasia straightened her posture. She lifted her head and neck and adorned a gentle smile.

At the sight of the unusual change, Ariel inadvertently turned her gaze towards her. Her calm eyes stiffened as they witnessed Anastasia’s transformation. Her complexion, which had been dark just a moment ago, brightened in a moment. It was creepy.

‘…What is this? She seems like a completely different person from just a moment ago.’

Anastasia looked like a broken person in some way.

Despite the fact that the weather was obviously warm outside, Ariel felt a chill. Even the gentle spring breeze prickled the nape of her neck. A garden full of the atmosphere of spring spread out around her, but it didn’t catch her eyes.

Ariel wasn’t in the mood to enjoy the picturesque scenery. She felt like she was moving too slowly.

Devoncia was still in the same posture as before, leaning leisurely against the backrest. His expression was ambiguous, seeming both tired and not. Beside him sat Anastasia, whose face was strangely brightened out of nowhere./span>

Ariel quietly slipped in beside them like a piece of luggage.

It was a drive devoid of any conversation.

The uncomfortable ride continued for about ten minutes, and even that brief time felt suffocatingly long to her. Just when she felt like she was out of breath and nauseated, the vehicle came to a stop. It had reached a road overlooking a lake.

As they got out of the car, she was hit with a rush of colder, more humid air.

A maid who had been waiting led them. The Crown Prince led the way, with Anastasia and Ariel following behind. Even then, no words came out of his mouth.

‘…Where are we going?’

There was no chance to ask questions. Ariel had no choice but to quietly follow where he went. She walked a bit dazedly before turning her head slightly. The clear water sparkled in the sunlight, revealing the bottom. The perimeter of the lake were smooth as if they were painted green. It was so perfectly maintained that it looked like an artificial lake.

As they walked along the path, they came across a beautifully decorated outdoor seating area. A white tent was set up beneath the lush foliage of the lakeside willow trees. It seemed like a place for relaxation, yet there wasn’t a single student around.

Either they were asked to leave the place because the imperial family was coming, or it wasn’t a place for students to begin with.

The opaque canopy blocked the sky and created shadows. To the side, a translucent canopy stretched over the lawn, swaying gently in the slow breeze, and only the front facade facing the lake remained completely open. A rattan sofas and table were arranged as if inviting one to admire the scenery.

Glimpses of familiar faces could be seen there.

Ariel had a feeling that the upcoming encounter wouldn’t be comfortable at all.

The maid, who was carefully following beside the Crown Prince, broke into an occasional stride and lifted the canopy. As they entered beneath the canopy, an unfriendly voice greeted them.

“You’re late. I told you not to go to places like the auditorium. It’s not important, so just send an aide.”

It was Lexius. As he spoke with his eyes closed without even looking towards the entrance, he was sprawled out on a long sofa, using his white school blazer as a cushion.

Devoncia’s reaction was nonchalant as if it were a common occurrence.

“To bring someone over.”

“If you mean your fiancée…”

Lexius glanced towards the entrance with half-open eyes. His narrow, folded golden eyes widened as he caught sight of someone.

“…Ariel?”

“Greetings, Your Highness the Grand Duke.”

Ariel, who had been quietly standing behind, bowed her head.

Lexius’s expression initially showed surprise, but then his brows furrowed as if he were dissatisfied. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but he closed his mouth and remained silent. Next to him, Racine was sitting in a single seat, gazing at the lake with an expressionless face. He showed no interest in this direction. His indifferent face seemed fitting for someone who wouldn’t care about anything.

“What about Skylar?”

Devoncia asked, looking around under the canopy. It seemed like he wasn’t asking because he really didn’t know, as a meaningful smile was painted on his face.

“He came by for a moment and then left again.”

Lexius gave a rough answer. Although he didn’t have a very friendly tone, Devoncia smiled warmly.

“For what?”

“How would I know that?”

“He went looking for someone.”

Ariel was startled by Devoncia’s casual speculation. She had an ominous hunch.

‘It can’t be… He wouldn’t be looking for me, would he?’

If there was any business, he could simply summon her. As a member of an imperial family, there was no reason for him to personally seek her out. It would be going beyond the bounds of courtesy to come forward himself.

Lexius asked back with a puzzled look as if he shared the same thoughts.

“Who would he be looking for? Did he go to meet my father or His Majesty?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then, he could just sit down and call for them. Why bother going around in person? It’s a hassle.”

“I know. He could just call for them.”

Devoncia smiled softly. However, there was a subtle hint of ridicule in his tone, which made Ariel uneasy. She felt uncomfortable because she felt like she knew whom he was laughing at.

What was once just a hunch and speculation now turned into a certainty.

‘…Could he really have come to find me? Skylar?’

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