The Male Lead’s Sickly Aide is My Type - Chapter 109.2
Chapter 109.2
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At the end of each month, Esmeril held a celebratory banquet, a tradition marking the peaceful passage of another thirty days. Every noble in the capital received an invitation, and Giles was no exception.
Having heard of Carinne’s return, he had high expectations for this particular event.
She must have heard the rumors by now.
He’d heard the princess hadn’t left her residence, likely too proud to acknowledge the gossip. But with the rumors so widespread, she wouldn’t be able to ignore them for long.
Remaining silent would subject her to endless whispers, and denying the rumors would be just as problematic. Any statement would confirm her identity as the wealthy heiress mentioned in the news sheet, further solidifying the rumors.
There was another reason Giles was certain Carinne would approach him. He’d orchestrated her humiliation at the masked ball a few weeks prior, a play mocking her performed at the behest of certain older nobles.
Those who witnessed it whispered that her true nature would soon be revealed, predicting her abandonment by Duke Lucas and ostracization by other nobles. The negative rumors had deterred many potential suitors.
As a princess of marriageable age, this dwindling pool of options must have been alarming. And women, as a species, were obsessed with their reputations.
Carinne would be no different, desperate to salvage her image.
In such a predicament, a romantic liaison with a potential future king must seem incredibly appealing.
In a way, leaking the rumor of their relationship to the news sheet was a favor to Giles. It was clear who benefited most from a supposed romance between a tarnished princess and a high-ranking royal.
Therefore, Giles planned to withhold his affections until Carinne apologized.
She needs to realize her mistake and atone.
He’d suffered considerable damage to his own reputation, especially after the hunting competition incident. The fact that he’d cheated in his own competition had significantly tarnished his image.
He’d managed to smooth things over with apologies and a generous scattering of gold, but whispers still lingered. The memory of that incident fueled his resentment towards Carinne.
He wouldn’t be satisfied until she knelt before him, begging for forgiveness.
Finally, the day of the banquet arrived. Giles entered the hall with a light heart, basking in the attention of the assembled guests.
He strolled towards the center of the room. Carinne hadn’t arrived yet, and clusters of people chatted amongst themselves.
But why was he here?
“Lord Giles.”
The man greeted him warmly. Giles, suspicious of his motives, remained silent. The man continued, a smile playing on his lips.
“I’ve been reading about you in the news sheets. Congratulations on your new relationship.”
He worked for the princess; he should know the rumors were false. Why was he acting so nonchalant?
Giles responded curtly.
“And what business is that of yours?”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m offering my sincere congratulations.”
The man’s calm voice held a hint of amusement, almost a mockery. Annoyed, Giles scoffed and walked away without another word. He didn’t want to endure the man’s presence any longer, and he’d spotted a familiar face in the distance.
“Lord Giles, you’ve arrived.”
People greeted him, praising him as a rising star. His ego swelled. Perhaps he should casually mention his relationship with the princess.
“Did you know? I have a new lover…”
“Of course! We all know. But Lord Giles, how could you?”
The people around him burst into laughter, cutting him off mid-sentence. Confused, Giles frowned. Seeing his expression, they laughed even louder.
“Taking a mistress while you have a devoted fiancée?”
“Indeed! Proposing to one woman and then courting another is unacceptable!”
…A mistress? A proposal?
People patted Giles on the shoulder, each offering a comment.
“You’ve certainly made life more entertaining, Lord Giles.”
“I agree. Please keep it up.”
“So, who is this new woman?”
Finally regaining his composure, Giles blurted out, “The princess!” But no one believed him. They told him to stop joking.
Tell us who you’re really seeing.
But it was the princess! However, no one took him seriously. As Giles insisted, the laughter grew louder.
“I never knew you were so amusing, Lord Giles.”
The mockery stung. Some even adopted serious expressions, saying, “We understand you’re excited, but aren’t you getting a little carried away with this fabricated story?”
How did they know it was fabricated? The truth about the news sheet was supposed to be a secret shared only between him and a select few close to Carinne. Yet, everyone seemed to know.
Of course, the rumors about his engagement and mistress were entirely false.
But that wasn’t what the news sheet was about. He couldn’t understand what had gone wrong, where the miscommunication had occurred. He felt like he was in a dream.
Just as he was about to demand an explanation, a voice rang out.
“Lord Giles, how have you been?”
The click of heels echoed through the hall as Carinne entered.
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