It’s Not Night - Chapter 185.2

“…Wait a minute, Dustin. Are you really saying the complete Old Testament is with the Airak family?”

Andra’s voice was filled with surprise, as if she had just heard something unbelievable. Dustin slowly nodded in response, about to explain further, but Hisen was quicker.

With a cheerful tone, Hisen began to explain to Andra.

“Oh, I’ve heard of that. When the first king, Haelph I, married his youngest daughter to Margrave Airak, the Lord’s ancestor, he gifted them several treasures, including the Old Testament. Since it entered the family, it hasn’t been publicly displayed, which has disappointed many.”

“…Yes, I’ve heard something like that.”

Dustin, who had unintentionally let Hisen take over the conversation, nodded with a slightly sour expression.

As he had said, the complete Old Testament, along with many other national treasures and heirlooms, had long been stored away in the Airak family’s vault—something Dustin found rather bothersome.

Andra briefly expressed her admiration for Hisen’s response.

“Lord Haydon, you seem to know everything. I should start calling you a walking encyclopedia!”

“Haha, not at all. I’ve just picked up bits and pieces along the way. I think Lady Avelin is overestimating me. It’s quite the honor, really.”

As Dustin observed Andra and Haydon Hisen chatting in front of him, he was enveloped in a strange feeling. It was an emotion that had subtly made him uncomfortable throughout the meal.

Without realizing it, he clenched his fist under the table.

* * *

Dustin stepped out onto the terrace, looking down at Andra and Hisen, who were still joyfully chatting. It seemed they were getting along well, as they chatted animatedly since returning to the villa.

Of course, Andra was not entirely oblivious to Dustin. She checked on him repeatedly while conversing with Hisen, even asking about his thoughts to help him join the conversation.

However, rather than feeling included, Dustin felt like he was intruding.

He felt like an unnecessary obstacle between them, and thus he had intentionally left the room himself to give them space.

But how was he to manage this lingering discomfort?

Dustin let out a short sigh as he watched Andra, captivated by Hisen’s words, continuously expressing her admiration. Already, his chest felt tight.

He knew the truth. Hisen Haydon was merely a conversational partner for Andra, someone she connected with easily. There was no way she would have any romantic interest in Baron Haydon.

Yet, every time he saw Hisen Haydon, this petty emotion washed over him, one he couldn’t control. If it was jealousy, then yes, it was jealousy; if it was envy, then yes, it was envy.

He truly envied Hisen. No matter how hard he tried, he would never possess the sociability and charm that Hisen Haydon had.

From the beginning, Dustin hadn’t cared much about the man named Hisen Haydon. His only interest lay in how well the Baron could make Andra happy through his conversational skills.

Knowledge was something that could be gained through reading books and studying; it could be filled into one’s mind. However, wit and charm could not be obtained merely through effort. Some level of natural talent was required.

In that regard, Dustin felt his conversational skills were sorely lacking. This was what troubled him.

If Dustin had been as skilled in conversation as Baron Haydon, he would have been the one making Andra laugh at that moment. But instead, Baron Haydon was there, and Dustin was stuck watching from the sidelines. It was utterly disheartening.

Throughout the meal, Dustin found himself reflecting on Andra, who glanced back at him occasionally while enjoying her conversation with Baron Haydon. Although she appeared to be having a good time, her worried looks sent waves of self-loathing through him.

Instead of bringing Andra joy, he felt like he was making her uncomfortable, and how could that not be painful?

In fact, it seemed ridiculous to harbor resentment toward Baron Haydon. After all, Baron Haydon was merely providing Andra with the enjoyment that Dustin could not.

In reality, Dustin should be grateful to the Baron. Yet here he was, showing such emotions from behind the scenes, and it felt utterly shameful.

‘D*mn it.’

Dustin bit the inside of his cheek, unable to shake the feeling that he was trash. Reflexively, he looked for something sharp. He felt an impulse to hurt himself. He had thought he had improved since meeting Andra, but apparently not.

Before long, he realized he had left his dagger in the room, causing him to strike the railing with his fist. His clenched hand trembled with frustration.

“Doesn’t it look like fun?”

At that moment, he sensed someone approaching from behind. Turning around, he saw Stephanie Jewelie.