The Male Lead’s Sickly Aide is My Type - Chapter 102.1
Chapter 102.1
But that laughter was carefully timed, occurring only when the two men weren’t looking. As Lucas and Archen’s gazes disengaged, Ian looked up at the sky with a dreamy, languid expression.
“Beautiful day. Perfect weather for a picnic with one’s beloved.”
It was a quintessential summer day. The sky was clear and blue, and the sounds of insects and birdsong filled the lush, green forest. Ian inhaled deeply, as if savoring nature to the fullest, then turned to Lucas, a sudden thought seemingly striking him.
“Did you know?”
He meant, did Lucas know about Archen and Carinne’s relationship? Lucas scoffed. As if asking why such a question even needed to be voiced.
“Of course. They’re utterly devoted to each other.”
When Archen turned to him, incredulous, Lucas added leisurely, “Bound by an incredibly strong connection, you might say.”
“You seem remarkably well-informed for someone who just met me today.”
Archen’s voice was laced with icy coldness. Lucas, not to be outdone, retorted.
“I have a keen eye.”
Their gazes locked, a silent battle raging between them. Sparks seemed to fly between their eyes. Ian watched their exchange, a subtle smile playing on his lips. Then, with an air of innocent curiosity, he asked.
“If you don’t mind my asking, how did you and Carinne realize your feelings for each other? I’m quite fond of romantic stories.”
This time, the question was directed at Archen. Archen glanced at Lucas before answering curtly.
“A great deal happened. It’s a bit difficult to discuss here.”
He emphasized the word ‘here,’ implying it was difficult to speak given the present company. The retort was immediate.
“Don’t mind me.”
“I wasn’t. Why would I mind you? You have nothing to do with the Princess.”
Translated from polite formality into Lucas’s understanding, Archen’s words meant, ‘So, is Carinne fond of <i>you</i>?’ Understanding the implication, Lucas trembled with barely suppressed fury.
But he couldn’t argue; Carinne’s lack of interest in him was undeniable.
Seeing Lucas’s reddening face, Ian burst out laughing.
“Oh, what a shame you can’t tell me. It sounds like it would have been entertaining. Both the love story and the witty banter between you two…”
Lucas and Archen glared at each other, then, realizing the strange turn the conversation had taken, broke off their staring contest. To describe their barbed exchanges as ‘witty banter,’ and to laugh while saying it sounded ‘entertaining,’ held a certain chilling undertone.
Exchanging glances, the two men realized who their true opponent was. Archen was the first to redirect his attack.
“It’s no fun with only me speaking. Perhaps you’d like to share a story, Ian?”
His tone was polite, but his words carried a sharp edge.
‘What kind of love have you experienced that allows you to mock us?’
“That’s a good idea. You must have a lover back home, or perhaps a first love?”
Lucas, sensing Archen’s intent, chimed in.
Ian raised both eyebrows, feigning surprise. Despite the sharpness in his eyes, a gentle smile played on his lips.
“Ha, my story wouldn’t be very interesting. I have a betrothed, arranged before I was even born.”
“A marriage of convenience? That’s a classic romance trope. How intriguing.”
“Yes, do tell.”
Ian tried to deflect the returned volley, but the two men relentlessly pressed him. Resigned, Ian made as if to leave.
“It’s truly a shame. I’d love to tell you since you’re so insistent… but I’ve just remembered something I must do. I’ll be sure to tell you next time we meet.”
They all knew there would be no ‘next time.’ As Lucas and Archen rose, Ian said, “It was a pleasure.”
Lucas acknowledged the farewell with a curt nod while Archen offered a dismissive flick of his eyes. Neither displayed even a semblance of courtesy. Though the treatment was humiliating, Ian continued to smile, showing no reaction.
Whether he felt contempt for them or was simply impervious to their disdain was impossible to tell. With that enigmatic smile, he turned to leave, then glanced back.
“I hear you’re a mage. I haven’t seen it myself, but I imagine you’re quite powerful.”
Archen, looking elsewhere, only realized Ian was speaking to him when a hand rested on his shoulder.
A whisper, almost like an incantation, reached Archen’s ear. “Does Carinne know?”
“.…”
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