our tea, Kasumi? I

er. My finger was only tracing the brim of the cup before gaz

tart aftertaste played in my mouth. I told that to Madeline with a gentle smil

nder fingers wrapped around the sultry cup. "That

s I felt this gnawing feeling starting to eat me. It s

e, pertaining that Madeline was trying to impose upo

edly pour some laxative tonic at least to satiate this revulsion I felt for him, e

sum

es

you that as long as Thaddeus is the Alpha and Severin is his next heir, you have nothing to worry about your family who sold

t that," I muttered

uncertain if she was annoyed by my words or if she felt sympathetic towa

ing a visit to the southwestern borders to investigate the commotion.

ordeal had come to an end. However, it had

n their direction. I couldn't help but wonder how th

where I spotted numerous cadavers dragged inside the pack. A distinct, me

in as I tilted my head slightly, my gaze fixed upon them w

since this was not the only time I had seen one. As I said to them earlier, I

o cared for the welfare of his territory

ed my nostrils, shuddering my whole be

time his foot surpassed each other, a trail of his magnificence succumbed to the whole area, leaving no traces of hesitation. I wet my

uch a nuisance as she urged me t

I

knowing that his authoritative ambiance could blitz my hear

ed at warp speed when my eyes

ke an eccentric chimpanze

nough that I despised him. "Hope

his foot with his head first. I pursed my lips into a thin line to stop myself from

ing when Thaddeus turned

n the bunches of leaves were blocking me. I supported myself by leaning to the trunk, feeling

mpossible since I was dis

his scent of mint and orange wafted in the air, and at t

spering, mate, feeling so dumb that

omething wr

hin me, causing my hands to clench into tight fists. As Thaddeus deliberately did not avoid his gaze on the tree where I was, a lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed h

n. Let's cle

knees felt like they would melt now. I fled from the scene and returned to the chambe

h

as that the reason why he k

plummeted down to the floor when I realized I was not wearing one. A chilling sensation swept ov

ng on the floor, blaming myself for no

d I could have an interaction that must not be supposed to happen. Tha

y, refraining from any covert visits to the border to observe the unfolding event

's Sev

I got down from the second floor w

arty that would be hel

vered at the sight of Thaddeus, who just got out f

abou

when Thaddeus spoke in a slow yet firm tone. It was enough to fi

through it. How could I feel and maintain my composure under hi

eartedly, "Severin is sick. He sa

⋆

n, Thaddeus. You can go ahea

verin was 'sick,' as he proclaimed. I did not know how it resorted to this discussion

learned that Severin was sick tickled me. I could sense the concer

ng all along. All I knew was after I was dressed up, he decided to tell me that he would not come, making a reason to everyone that he was sick. He looked healthy before pestering me to tell everyone he wouldn't come. I did not know w

ere on the outside. That kind of gaze brought me to a memory of when Father used to have that disturbed expression. However

caress in the first moonlig

t not flow as smoothly as my father's, yet the unspoken lang

de. "Thaddeus...?" It was futile when he was not heeding me. "Thaddeus!" This time, my h

leashing a piercing g

his unexpected outburst. A whirlwind of unease twisted i

ave arrived at our destination," I said calmly and unaffectedly, not wanting to let him know that he had startled

nt, I was greeted by a vibrant scene, with a multitude of students, professors, and distinguished guests adorning themselves in lavish att

he dance floor was a kaleidoscope of twirling figures as couples and friends spun and twirled with contagious joy. Laughter and cheers mingled with the music, creating an

almost forgot to mingle with my fellows. I came to spot Lady Irene

ady Rory said as I scurried to be

ke alterations to our plans and schedules." I smiled wryly, try

la leaned a little

re the only ones here." I let out a deep sigh, my voice tinged with a sense of desolation as if portraying

s

t as me nodded before their eyes spotted Thaddeus, a

" Their voices took on

y Juliette asked, simpering softly. Then she nudged me. "Lady

ise. I simply gulped at such a sight before my heart flipped over when our eyes met. "Um..." The words I was about to utter suddenly ate up when he raised his flute glass a

d teasingly. "I bet you are.

" I chuckled nervous

d about this. Glancing at the bracelet I wore, I took deliberate action, seeking guidan

be veiled, and her mate couldn't detect it. Only the divine priests and div

rying one with me at all times, the sole purpose of which was t

e our mate's presence, despite their

ine priest, which led to a crucial error. Consequently, whenever I relentlessly sought to tame

ould have an interaction that must not be supposed to happen. That was why

you find him attractive, really? He is al

ave a husband. You cannot make me agree with it..." I did not know what came

ion, Lady Kasumi.

mitted, they would tease me. If I did not say anything,

ea came out

exclaimed. "I n

tening away from the assembly hall to fulfill my intended destina

a fuss about Thaddeus. For once, I ju

to my misfortune, I encountered my cousin, Akane, Uncle Hajime's dau

in right here..." she said to her followe

red within me, remembering how they made me a servant for her and her twin brother,

e party, I can easily distinguish my filthy cousin right here." Her laughter resonated with a sinister undertone. "Wel

est to distance yourself from me, Akane. In the end, you never desired the company of someone

stretched to the maximum before she stepped forward. The next I knew

he dance floor while I was in disbel

y Ka

ng me closer to her. "That impudent mouth of yours... Shall I

and

would have wanted her

this moment. I really wante

ough now, L

ive male tone. It was quite different, and I knew that it was not him. I realized that it was

I almost barked a scream from that pain. "Oh, my... I did not mean to."

bow, expressing my genuine sincerity, before excusing myself as the weight of maintaining a facade became overwhelming. The corners of my eyes w