The Male Lead’s Sickly Aide is My Type - Chapter 95.2
Chapter 95.2
“Did you go inside the barricade?”
“Of course.”
Since the monster attack was recent, it was the main topic of conversation. Carinne carefully embellished her account, ensuring her identity remained hidden. The people listening were captivated by her story.
Then, a noblewoman, her face partially concealed by a fan, whispered.
“Do you know who closed the rift to the other world?”
Word of what she’d said at the meeting had spread to the general public. Carinne stopped talking and waited for the noblewoman to continue, anticipating hearing Archen’s name and imagining her boyfriend gaining recognition.
“It was Princess Carinne.”
“What?”
Carinne was so startled that she forgot to hide her identity and exclaimed loudly.
“Why are you so surprised?”
“….”
Why her, and not Archen? All she’d done was maintain the protective barrier while Archen closed the rift. And even then, she’d only uttered the activation words; it was the shield that did the actual work.
“Well, I suppose it is surprising. What possessed that wastrel to do such a thing?”
“I heard she’s changed her ways recently.”
“It’s probably just a phase. People don’t change easily.”
The noblewomen, oblivious to Carinne’s presence, continued to gossip about her. Normally, she would have ripped off her mask and confronted them.
“I dare you to say that again!”
However, luckily for them, Carinne’s attention was elsewhere.
“Haven’t you heard anything else? I mean, they say the Princess went there alone and closed the rift.”
“Hmm, I think I heard Duke Lucas go with her.”
“And some young lady from the Count’s family, too.”
“Is that all? Just the three of them?”
“That’s all I know.”
Carinne pressed further, but Archen’s name never came up.
People seemed completely unaware that he was the one who closed the rift. Why? She’d clearly stated it at the meeting. The King and all the nobles present had heard her. How could they not know Archen’s name? It meant the nobles hadn’t properly relayed her words.
‘Oh, don’t tell me…’
A disturbingly plausible explanation came to mind.
Had they ignored Archen because he was a commoner? Had his name been conveniently forgotten, allowing her to take the credit? It was the only explanation that made sense. The nobles had treated him as if he were invisible simply because of his different bloodline.
The injustice of the rigid class system infuriated her. She imagined how much he must have suffered, and anger surged within her. What must he be thinking, hearing all this? She glanced at him, and fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, he was dozing, his body swaying slightly with the effects of the alcohol.
“Is the gentleman beside you alright?”
The noblewoman with the fan asked, looking at Archen.
“He seems quite tired…”
“Yes, I think we need to take a break.”
Carinne led him away from the crowd towards the edge of the hall. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his eyes drooping.
“My head is a little dizzy.”
He murmured.
Carinne guided him to a chair and sat him down. As she sat, he rested his head in her lap. The casual intimacy startled her, but the memory of her mask brought a wave of relief.
‘Let him snuggle all he wants. No one knows who I am.’
“Carinne.”
“Yes?”
“You look beautiful today.”
‘Here we go again. He can’t even see my face behind this mask.’
Carinne let his words wash over her, barely registering them.
“Did you hear what people were saying earlier? They think I closed the rift to the other realm. You did all the work, and they’re giving me all the credit.”
“.…”
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
He blinked slowly, his sky-blue eyes seeming to rotate like dials.
0%… 30%… 50%… 100%.
“I don’t mind.”
Finally seeming to grasp her meaning, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
‘He’s so laid-back. I’d be furious, but he’s actually smiling.’
“If you receive the praise in my stead, that is enough for me.”
His tone was even as if he’d anticipated this all along. A wave of sympathy washed over Carinne as she gazed down at him.
“Do you pity me?”
He asked, the smile never leaving his lips. Carinne offered neither confirmation nor denial.
Archen sat up and leaned closer.
“Then grant me my wish.”
“Wish? What wish—wait.”
He reached for her mask, his intention clear: to remove it and kiss her.
Carinne caught his arm, holding it fast.
“No public displays of affection.”
Archen, seemingly deaf to her words, continued to reach for the mask, but Karin held firm. Thwarted, he ran his tongue over his lips, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. His gaze, slightly unfocused from the wine, drifted downwards.
He looked like a puppy denied a walk.
A pang of guilt tugged at her, but she couldn’t relent. Even at the edge of the ballroom, people were still passing by.
If her mask came off, she’d draw unwanted attention. Besides, she’d always disapproved of overly affectionate couples in public, and she certainly didn’t want to become one.
“No public displays of affection…”
Archen mused, his hand on his chin, as if deep in thought. He slowly turned his head back to Carinne. His eyelids were half-closed, giving the impression of drowsiness, but his eyes told a different story. The piercing blue gaze was sharp and intense, as if it could be seen right through her.
“So, if it’s not a public place, it’s alright then.”
His blue eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
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