“────”
The surrounding people murmured and exchanged glances. Having made his point, Silvio extended his hand to Idyllia.
“Let’s go—”
His moon-white eyes seemed softer than usual as they looked at her. Once they left the hall and were alone, Idyllia felt all her tension melt away, and tears began to flow uncontrollably. She wiped her falling tears with one hand as Silvio continued to lead her by the other.
“About what you said earlier—”
He turned to her casually after a while, only to stiffen in shock at what he saw.
“Wh…!?”
Almost reflexively, Silvio pulled Idyllia close and embraced her. It seemed he was startled by the sight of her tear-streaked face.
“It’s bad for my heart, so stop doing that!”
Silvio complained in an unusually flustered tone.
“If you’re going to cry, do it more obviously. I didn’t even notice when you’re so quiet…”
“I… I’m sorry…”
“Don’t surprise me like that. Honestly…!”
Whether he was scolding her or just flustered, his words were unclear, and Idyllia silently made an excuse to herself. To wipe her tears with a handkerchief, she would have to let go of his hand, and she couldn’t bring herself to do that. Grumbling, he wiped her tears with his fingers.
“It’s not your fault. They’re just shameless. After offering you up, to say such things…”
Idyllia shook her head.
“The people of the Leveaux family might be avoiding you because they are wary of the King and my sister.”
“What do you mean?”
“Their behaviour seems unnatural. Perhaps the King and my sister have instructed them never to reconcile or cooperate with you…”
Otherwise, it didn’t make sense that all of them were so steadfast in keeping their distance. Everyone had different ways of dealing with guilt. Surely, she wasn’t the only one who thought things couldn’t stay this way. Silvio listened to her opinion and muttered,
“I see. You have a knack for understanding people’s hearts. You’re probably right.”
He stroked his chin and smiled.
“It’s because you always consider others’ feelings and positions. Although your interpretations tend to be overly optimistic, that’s something I’ve always—”
He started to say something but suddenly stopped, as if catching himself. His gaze, looking down at her, seemed somewhat uncertain, as if he was confused himself. What kind of thoughts had slipped out from his heart?
“────…”
She waited silently, and he eventually shook his head as if swallowing his words.
“It’s something I’ve always admired about you… that’s what I wanted to say.”
The brief statement sounded more like it was directed at himself than at her.
After that, Silvio stopped focusing on the Leveaux family and began openly engaging with other influential nobles, particularly those critical of the King. This strategy proved highly effective. Major figures from the Leveaux family started sending secret envoys. Betraying the ruthless queen who held absolute power and had even killed her own father was difficult. The envoys explained the precarious position of the Leveaux family. The head of the family also sent a letter, stating that the insults directed at Idyllia were not genuine, and they appreciated her dedication to the country.
“No matter their true intentions, they’re now showing some respect to you. That’s progress.”
Silvio said as he let Idyllia read the letter. Surprised by the change in attitude from the head of the family, she remarked,
“It’s thanks to you for defending me.”
“Stop it!”
He interrupted sharply and then added with a furrowed brow,
“…Don’t thank me for something so trivial.”
“But…”
“Let me explain something.”
He sat down on the sofa, clasped his hands on his lap, and stared at them with a troubled expression.
“I paraded you around as my concubine to get a petty revenge on the Leveaux family. But they viewed the treatment you received as a disgrace meant for you personally and didn’t connect it to themselves. They discarded you to protect their own image. My plan failed.”
He then looked up, fixing his moon-white eyes on her.
“I think I made you suffer over a foolish whim… I regret it now.”
His words of empathy warmed Idyllia’s heart.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
As she sat beside him, he immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He kissed her bare shoulder and neck, leading into a passionate embrace. Idyllia quietly surrendered herself to him. She would accept anything he did. Whether he hated her or not, she could not blame him.
(I have no right to do so…)
Even now, she was betraying him.