The Obsessive Male Lead Is Jealous Of My Doll - Chapter 65

Chapter 33.1

Thanks to Leah’s divine powers, Karentina was up and about in no time. Even though her physical condition was somewhat weakened from being confined to her room, her overall health was relatively good.

She started thinking about the upcoming New Year’s festival, which was just around the corner.

Driiip.

She watched absentmindedly as Zion gracefully poured the milk tea.

“Master, is something on your mind?”

“Oh, just a few things.”

Karentina gave a slight smile as she lightly lifted her teacup.

“Since the people from the magic stone mine are soon returning to the territory, I’m wondering what I can do to make them happy.”

She let out a small sigh.

Rebuilding the northern region in such a short time was extremely difficult, and it wasn’t something someone like her, still new to this world, could manage alone. Her goal was to restore the northern territory, which her Uncle Maurice had left in disarray before Damion returned from the subjugation, so the people there could live with dignity.

‘I know it’s impossible to make everyone happy… but I still want to help as much as I can.’

Karentina took a sip of the sweet milk tea, tailored perfectly to her taste, and slowly began to ponder.

‘I wonder how Eddie is doing.’

Suddenly, the image of the gaunt Eddie she had first met at the temple came to mind.

She couldn’t help but feel worried. Even if those who had been working like slaves in the mines returned to their families, could they truly find happiness?

‘Right, the first goal is to ensure the people of the north can live healthy lives.’

To achieve that, basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter had to be secured. While clothing and housing weren’t pressing issues in the wealthy north, food remained the biggest concern.

‘The imperial consort has likely already intervened in other regions. Maybe I should explore options in a neighboring kingdom…’

Her head began to ache as she struggled to come up with a viable solution.

“Master, try this! Velda made a special raspberry cream. I think it’ll go perfectly with the scones.”

“Raspberry…”

The sight of the light pink cream on the dessert plate suddenly reminded her of a character from the original story—a valuable ally to Ignis. This person had firmly supported him, standing by his side and becoming a thorn in the eyes of both Duke Horton and Imperial Consort Christina.

“Ah! Why didn’t I think of that?”

If it were this person, they could certainly help not only Ignis but also the north.

Karentina sprang to her feet.

“Master, where are you going?”

“I’m just going to see Ignis for a bit!”

Zion tilted his head, looking a bit puzzled, when Karentina mentioned she was going to see Ignis first.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

She had confidently come to meet Ignis, but now that she was standing outside his door, she found herself hesitating. Instead of knocking, she ended up wandering the hallway aimlessly.

‘They said he carried me all the way to the castle after I collapsed in the forest.’

Since she hadn’t yet had the chance to thank him, the thought of suddenly appearing at his door made her hesitate.

“Will he think it’s strange that I just showed up out of nowhere?”

As she let out a small sigh, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

“What are you talking about?”

“Kyaaak!”

Karentina screamed, pressing herself against the wall as she squeezed her eyes shut. Slowly, she opened them and turned her stiff neck to look up.

‘No… Why did he have to come so silently?’

Ignis was standing there, looking down at her with his usual indifferent gaze.

“G-Good afternoon, Your Highness.”

The distance between them closed as Ignis took a step forward. Karentina had to tilt her head up to meet his gaze, as he was at least a head taller than most.

“What brings you here?”

“I’m here to talk to you about something.”

“To me? How unexpected.”

His red eyes, which revealed little emotion, briefly glanced over her face.

“Come in.”

As he opened the door and stepped inside, Karentina took a deep breath and followed him.

The room he stayed in had a spacious balcony, unlike Stella’s. The deep red curtains, a symbol of the imperial family, added a sophisticated and elegant touch. The gold-accented table, the plush sofa, and the other finely crafted furnishings seemed to suit him perfectly, almost as if they had been chosen specifically with him in mind.

Even though this was a castle in the north, it felt as though a piece of the crown prince’s palace had been transported here.

Ignis sat down first, and Karentina carefully took a seat across from him, leaving a bit of space between them.

“Would you like some tea?”

“I just had some before coming, so I’m fine. But if Your Highness would like some, shall I call Zion?”

His face was strangely crumpled.

“I’m not really in the mood either.”

With those words, silence blanketed the room once again.

Ignis stretched out his long legs, resting his chin on one hand as he lightly tapped his cheek with his fingers. The sunlight streaming through the window cast him in a warm glow, almost like a spotlight, accentuating his features in a way that made him look like a meticulously crafted work of art.

‘How can a person be that handsome?’

Every time she saw him, Karentina couldn’t help but marvel. For a moment, she found herself lost in a trance, staring at him. Shaking her head, she quickly pulled herself back to reality.

“I actually have a favor to ask, Your Highness.”

“A favor?”

Ignis stopped tapping his cheek, his red eyes locking onto her with an intense gaze.

“Please come with me to the western region!”

“Hah.”

He let out a disbelieving scoff, looking at her as if she had completely lost her mind.

“Lady, did you perhaps hit your head when you collapsed back then?”

‘Ugh, that rude mouth of his.’

Clenching her teeth inwardly, Karentina replied calmly.