The Obsessive Male Lead Is Jealous Of My Doll - Chapter 76

Chapter 38.2

“Is the dog no longer in the palace?”

“That’s right.”

“Oh…”

“It was beheaded in front of me for the crime of standing in the imperial consort’s path.”

“…Yes?”

Karentina’s eyes flew open in disbelief. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, making it hard to catch her breath.

“It was my fault. I forgot how much it loved people and ended up opening the door when the imperial consort came.”

The way he spoke so indifferently only made her chest ache.

“It wasn’t your fault, Your Highness. You were only a child at the time.”

Even though she wanted to comfort him somehow, the faintly bitter smile on his lips left her at a loss for words. For some reason, Ignis seemed very small and lonely today.

For a fleeting moment, she felt the urge to embrace him.

‘I must be losing my mind.’

She shook her head inwardly to dismiss the thought.

“Age doesn’t matter when it comes to the title of crown prince. Especially not for someone like me, who could die at any time.”

He placed the sleepy, yawning puppy beside Norman, his voice cold as he continued.

“You once said we were comrades fighting for the same cause, didn’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“I don’t want to add more things to protect. From now on, only associate with me when I’m in the North.”

“…!”

“When we return to the capital, pretend we don’t know each other. Act like we have no ties whatsoever. I’ll do the same. And above all, stay away from me when the imperial consort is around. Consider this advice from a friend of your brother.”

With those cold words, Ignis turned away and strode out of the room.

His words were undeniably as cold as ice…

And yet, she couldn’t shake the strange feeling that it was almost as if he was worried about her.

Watching Ignis dwell on his painful past, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. A sharp ache pricked her chest, like the sting of a paper cut.

‘There’s no way I can act like a stranger now. I’m already too deeply involved with the imperial consort. Even if it wasn’t my choice, if Ignis ever discovers that I created dolls to hurt him, he’ll surely despise me.’

A wave of unease washed over Karentina as she turned her gaze toward the window. The sitting room was eerily quiet, with only the relentless pounding of the rain breaking the silence.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

Karentina’s room was on the third floor, while Ignis’s room was on the second. Thankfully, being on different floors meant their chances of running into each other were slim.

Even though they had reached the West instantly through a teleportation circle, the two-hour carriage ride that followed had been uncomfortable and exhausting. She begrudgingly admitted that she had overestimated her own stamina.

“Yawn.”

Karentina stretched and yawned, lazily rolling across the bed after her long nap. The sky had darkened earlier than usual, thanks to the rain that had been falling for hours. The downpour showed no sign of letting up, hammering fiercely against the window.

She glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time for dinner.

Lost in thought, she watched the heavy rain for a moment before slowly rising to her feet.

‘I never expected to spend the night here.’

Since the stay was unexpected, she hadn’t brought a spare dress, which left her in a bit of a predicament. Deciding she could at least freshen up, she made her way to the bathroom.

Knock, knock.

A soft knock sounded at the door before Madam Sharon entered, accompanied by a maid. Karentina, who had been absentmindedly staring at the door, suddenly widened her eyes in surprise.

“Did you have a good rest, Lady?”

“Thanks to you, I did.”

“Dinner will be ready soon, so I came by to help you get ready, even if just a little.”

“But I didn’t bring a spare dress with me.”

“That won’t be a problem.”

At her clap, a group of maids entered, arms full of dresses. Noticing Karentina’s shocked expression, the madam’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

“I’ll take care of your dressing and preparations today.”

Madam Sharon personally helped her get dressed.

“Thank you for letting me borrow a dress.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. I only feel sorry that the dress is a bit outdated.”

“I don’t think so at all.”

The light lavender dress was simple, without elaborate lace or jewels. However, its soft fabric and slightly raised hem made it easy to move in, making it incredibly comfortable to wear.

After carefully brushing and braiding Karentina’s hair, Madam Sharon couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty.

“Oh my, you look so beautiful.”

The maids standing nearby, their faces slightly flushed, couldn’t take their eyes off her. Feeling self-conscious, Karentina blushed as warmth spread across her cheeks.

“I originally made this for my daughter to wear when she returned from the academy, but it seems like it found its true owner instead. Though for you, my lady, it must seem like a rather simple dress.”

“It’s comfortable and truly beautiful.”

Unlike most noble young ladies, who were often spoiled and arrogant, Madam Sharon found her modest nature truly endearing. She couldn’t help but think how wonderful it would be if someone as beautiful and kind-hearted as Karentina became empress.

Thinking of how perfectly the two looked together, a warm smile spread across the old lady’s lips.

‘She’s taking care of me just like a mother would. When I get back to the castle, I’ll have to send her a beautiful dress as a thank-you for letting me stay at the estate.’

Karentina, entirely oblivious to Madam Sharon’s thoughts, made a quiet, resolute decision in her mind.

Having finished the preparations, Madam Sharon removed her hands from Karentina’s hair.