If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 66
Chapter 34.1
Ariel’s mind began to race in confusion.
‘A member of the imperial family is looking for me, but can I just stay here idly? Should I go out and look for him too?’
Regardless of the reason why Skylar was looking for her, Ariel was confused about how to react to the situation of being searched for. At the thought, she wanted to bring out the cell phone hidden in her uniform pocket. Still, she clenched her fist, stopping herself from unconsciously reaching into her pocket.
She stood awkwardly at the entrance, unable to do anything.
“We’ve kept our guests standing for too long.”
Devoncia, who had taken a seat at some point, gestured to Ariel, who was standing in the distance. When she hesitated and glanced around, he smiled.
“Sit wherever you’re comfortable.”
And then he added this.
“Skylar will be here soon.”
The words caught her easily as if he knew exactly what she was worried about. If Skylar was going to appear here soon, there was no reason for her to go looking. Her excuse to avoid him was also gone too.
With no other choice, Ariel stayed. She sat on the edge of the sofa closest to the entrance.
In the meanwhile, Devoncia and Lexius’s eyes followed her, both seemed about to say something but then stopped. They seemed aware that their words might overlap. The two then averted their gazes from Ariel and exchanged a sly smile when their eyes met.
“Thanks for the help in the south.”
Devonsia steered the conversation, changing topics fluidly.
Lexius responded with a skillful manner.
“It’s not something I specifically did to please you.”
“I know. You’re at a level where you’re capable of even basic calculations, so you don’t understand what’s beneficial. I have to understand you.”
“Thank you very much. I should have gouged out the enemy leader’s eyes and presented them to the esteemed Crown Prince for breakfast, but I was oblivious. Wasn’t I?”
Their exchange of words between the two of them was far from polite. They seemed familiar with each other but not necessarily on good terms.
After that, the two continued to talk about various topics. Some subjects sounded important, while others were trivial bickering. While the conversation dragged on, the maids set the table with the meal. The dishes, primarily consisting of compote, eggs, sea bass, and white bread, were placed alongside four types of cutlery. The meal was too heavy for breakfast but lighter than lunch.
Though the dishes prepared as it was nearing noon looked appetizing, no one in the tent seemed particularly interested.
Devoncia and Lexius were still engrossed in their exchange of barbed pleasantries, while Racine remained seated without saying a word. Anastasia also sat quietly, like an ornament.
It wasn’t like we were really socializing, so she was wondering what they were gathering for.
Ariel quietly stared at the plate in front of her, passing the time. Because her position was burdensome, so she didn’t have much of an appetite.
Even though she wanted to strike up a conversation with the others, Devoncia and Lexius were engrossed in a discussion that only they seemed to understand, leaving her no chance to join in. Moreover, their conversation was primarily about political matters, so any intrusion into the conversation would likely earn her a stern look from the Crown Prince’s aide.
‘It’s not what I wanted, but still, this is a rare position and opportunity. I’ll take anything…’
She glanced at the other two, just in case, but their situations weren’t any better. Racine leaned back on the sofa with his eyes closed as if warning her not to talk to him. Anastasia sat with her eyes fixed solely on Devoncia.
Neither of them seemed open to conversation. They wouldn’t welcome talking to her.
‘When Devoncia and Lexius finish their conversation… or at least if the topic lightens up, I’ll take the opportunity to jump in.’
She listened quietly, waiting for an opportunity.
Unfortunately, the conversation between the two continued to deepen into in-depth topics with even the aides involved.
Ariel found herself waiting helplessly.
Bored, she gazed absentmindedly beyond the fluttering canopy.
A figure in a white uniform was walking toward them. His blue irises resembled a frozen sea, while his cold, rational face was etched with irritation. Every time the wind brushed past him, his furrowed brow beneath his blond hair became more evident.
The familiar face radiated a presence akin to an approaching storm.
“…S—”
Ariel unconsciously tried to say his name but hastily stopped herself.
The moment she noticed him, he also noticed her. They were both startled as their eyes met upon discovering each other. Skylar quickened her pace and approached confidently. It was so fast that the aide who was following him lagged far behind. With great momentum, Skylar pushed through the canopy and stood before her.
His arrival brought the conversation to a halt.
The tent fell completely quiet, and all eyes were focused on him. On the other hand, he only had his eyes fixed on Ariel.
“Why are you here?”
The questioning tone and glaring gaze were sharp. His sudden and aggressive demeanor made Ariel shrink her shoulders. She was about to open her mouth to respond, but Devoncia spoke on her behalf.
“I brought her.”
Skylar’s eyes turned back to Devoncia.
“You?”
“Have some manners. You’re being too aggressive.”
“Instead of lecturing me, just answer the question. Why are you taking her around?”
“You’re not going to get anything easy if you act like that. Learn to speak nicely.”
“….”
Skylar’s silent face looked grim. It seemed he was forcibly holding back words of disdain.
It was a familiar expression to Ariel.
Others seemed accustomed to this sight as well. Everyone’s reactions were indifferent, without showing any signs of surprise. Lexius was even eating in the midst of this. He casually picked up a dish that had been ignored until now and brought it to his mouth with a fork. It was a brief glimpse of how little he cared about the situation.
Ariel was the only one paying attention. She intervened before things could escalate further.
“I’ll tell you.”
She stood up and grabbed Skylar’s sleeve. Otherwise, his hand could possibly grab Devoncia by the collar right then and there.
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