Abella, who had opened her mouth to continue her words that sounded like an excuse, bit her mouth.

Why did she have to explain her decision to Enoch?

Enoch wouldn’t understand Abella anyway.

How would he understand Abella’s feelings of guilt or regret for Arsene when he wasn’t by her side?

Enoch didn’t even know Arsene, the only one who held her hand when no one was by her side.

Abella stared at Enoch with her cool jewel eyes.

“Why do I have to make excuses? You think I made the wrong decision. For example, in regards to business?”

Anyway.....

She had no intention of continuing her engagement with Arsene without hesitation.

She told Arsene that marriage partners who were much better than Abella were waiting in line, and he deserved it.

‘Actually, just by waiting so long..’

Arsene had kept his courtesy to Abella.

Besides, the good man told her that he wanted to see Abella, and he waited.

It was the first time she had ever heard of such a thing after returning to Timur......

Abella bit her lips.

Anyway, this grace period for Arsene and Abella would be enough time to clear up the remnants of the sentiment that remained between them.

There’d be no greed.

She couldn’t have it.

Abella’s magic was a time bomb that could explode at any moment.

Abella felt that she’d be living alone for her entire life.

“Enoch. Tell me. What makes me have to make excuses like this.”

Enoch’s mouth hardened.

“...Nothing. I was just surprised. I thought you would break up and return.”

He thought that she wouldn’t want to hurt the Duke of Sirius due to her foolish personality of not wanting to harm others.

That expectation was wrong, so he became emotional.

Enoch forced his lips up.

“If you stay engaged, we’ll be good. The stock price at Abella’s business will go up further, and I know about the strength of the Duke of Sirius’s influence from Vincent.”

Abella’s suspicions were lifted with Enoch’s words.

“....right. It’s too much.”

“But, would people believe it just by saying it?”

“So, I decided to meet once a week to date. To show others.”

“Date....?”

“Rather than a date, we just meet and eat.”

Abella corrected.

All this until Simon was old enough to protect Amerigo.

After that..

‘You are leaving, Abella.’

To a place where no one knew Abella.

To a place where no one would point fingers at Abella accusing her of being a villain.

There were places where no one could hurt Abella, and these were places she had thought about roughly in her head.

However, it wasn’t Vincent or Timur.

Abella continued her meal, soaked in her thoughts.

She chewed the food mechanically, not knowing what it was that made her mouth so dry.

So she didn’t notice that Enoch didn’t smile at all.

*

The week went by quickly and Abella was in the carriage heading to the Imperial Palace.

In order to become Amerigo’s temporary authority, she had to enter the Imperial Palace and be approved by the emperor. She had applied for an audience, but because there were a lot of people waiting, she was finally headed for an audience.

Yesterday she had her first date with Arsene.

It was just a week after they decided to stay engaged.

“The seafood here is delicious.”

“Really? Then I will have to order what you choose.”

“The B course would be better than what I ordered. Because you don’t like strong spices.”

Even though they only exchanged such small words, her heart was overwhelmed. Arsene still remembered which food Abella liked.

It was pleasant even though they only exchanged public conversations with indifferent eyes.

She missed those moments so much.

Arsene didn’t look so happy.

Abella smiled bitterly and leaned her head against her carriage.

If there’s anything she’s found in the last week..

“Aunt! Simon drew my aunt!”

“Aunt loves Simon the most.”

It was Simon who she was now used to.

Simon chased Abella around.

He was next to Abella when she ate.

He was next to Abella when she read.

He was next to Abella even before going to bed.

Mrs. Amerigo seemed displeased, but that didn’t stop Simon from chasing Abella.