The Duke, who had been keeping his eyes on Ella and Vylun, saw Count Willan and Vylun arguing while drawing attention from everyone else. Count Willan had just been leading an argument against the old nobles in the noble meeting just a few days ago, but he was showing his true feelings here. It was surprising, and it was also worrying to see Luns actions against him.

Then, when the argument didn’t seem to end soon, the Duke noticed his daughter becoming frustrated between them, so he waved at her to call her in. As Ella found her father calling her, she immediately grabbed the lifeline. She didn’t even look back at Dayson, who bowed, escaped from that area, and headed for the Duke with Vylun’s escort.

“Never act like that to someone no matter who talks to me next time,” ordered Ella.

As Ella was heading to her father after escaping Dayson with the Duke’s help, she warned Vylun to watch out in the future. She couldn’t have such an incident happen again, even if it was just today. He was acting as if he had to quarantine her from every man.

“You wouldn’t have stopped me if you knew how disrespectfully he was watching you, milady. I’m here to protect you from such men.”

Vylun seemed to think that he had done nothing wrong, as he answered confidently. Ella shook her head instead of answering him. She knew how Dayson looked at her. She wondered if he had such a look last time, but today was different.

The eyes he was watching Vylun with were clearly hostile toward his romantic rival. He didn’t look in such a way toward Cladis. Ella glanced at Dayson, who was still looking at her, and turned away. She couldn’t understand what made him change, nor could she understand Vylun, who was standing next to her.

“I thought you were not interested in any women,” said Ella.

“I am not.”

It was a straight answer. The dark blue eyes that were looking ahead as he answered had no hesitation. That answer almost sounded like he wasn’t interested in Ella either.

“But I have gotten interested in you, milady.”

‘Wow, that’s direct.’

Ella looked up in surprise at him, and he looked at her eyes. Ella filled his dark blue eyes as he continued, “I became curious about what you’re up to and what you’re thinking. I want to look at it from your side if I can.”

The genuine feelings felt from his solid voice swayed Ella’s defensive wall. She ?instinctively blurted out some words to push him away, “You know I’ll be engaged soon?”

Although she didn’t want the engagement, it was the best shield she could use. So, she used her engagement with the Crown Prince as her weapon. But Vylun laughed off her final blow.

“You mean the rumored engagement that you’re strongly opposing? Everyone knows within the family.” Vylun even had a relaxed smile as he asked this question back.

‘Bah. It’s not working.’

Ella turned away to sulk, and he laughed softly. After his quiet laughter, she realized she had acted on her feelings again and let out a long sigh. Then, she masked her emotions once again. Although she had flattened out her sulky expression, she couldn’t stop the gloominess in her voice.

“Yes, that engagement. I have been having second thoughts lately.”

“The Duke will be pleased to hear that.”

“I didn’t make up my mind yet, so it’s a secret!” Ella quickly stopped him as he sounded like he would tell the Duke right away. She tried her best to speak calmly, but she couldn’t hide her haste.

Who knew this sword lover would know a lot about how to talk to a woman and deal with one? Ella was about to sigh, blaming herself for lowering her guard when Vylun lowered his head, and his eyes met with hers. Then, he smiled.