Now You’re Obsessed - Chapter 23

“…I’ll check after the ball.”

“If that’s what you say, Miss.”

The maid didn’t push further and helped her into the carriage.

When Ariel arrived at the academy’s ballroom, she sensed a peculiar atmosphere.

‘Hmm?’

The usual excitement and brightness of the November Ball were absent. It wasn’t completely gone, but the atmosphere was more chaotic and restless.

“So, the next monster subjugation team…”

“Do they know the reason?”

Those who liked to gossip were gathered in groups, looking serious. Even those who were usually busy with socializing seemed to be having serious conversations.

“It seems no one knows yet.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

As Ariel was about to pass through the chaotic atmosphere, she caught an intriguing conversation.

“They even made the vow of prohibition.”

“Is that true?”

‘A vow of prohibition?’

That meant someone who had served as a holy knight, priest, or saintess vowed never to use holy power again. Hearing that, Ariel immediately understood why people were having such serious conversations.

‘It’s not a common occurrence.’

It usually happened to those who were excommunicated or left the Holy Kingdom for another country. Depending on the reason for the vow, it could be a very disgraceful matter. It was also a rare scandal in the Holy Kingdom.

‘What could it be?’

Did someone commit an act worthy of excommunication?

Ariel was vaguely curious but continued to look for Caelo. Even though the talk about the vow was intriguing, meeting him was more important at the moment. If she missed him now, she might only see him again in the new year when she went to Veloto.

‘I must speak to him before then.’

She could hear about the scandal involving the vow later. Just then, Caelo, who wasn’t far away, approached her with a bright smile. He had been all smiles since she told him she was going to Veloto.

“Ariel!”

“Caelo.”

As he approached, he noticed her attire and winked. Coincidentally, he was also wearing a white tailcoat. Ariel shrugged, noticing this. Caelo, being playful, extended his hand.

“Well, seeing you like this, it looks like you’re my partner.”

“That’s right. I’m following the Republic of Veloto’s tradition, right?”

“Yes. The last decoration is white. You’ve really studied hard.”

“I didn’t particularly follow the tradition. I’ve just been wearing white for a while, and it’s comfortable.”

“Still, I’m glad, Ariel. That you’re seriously considering going to Veloto.”

Caelo, looking proud, escorted Ariel. Then, with a serious expression, he whispered.

“By the way, did you hear? Apparently, the one who made the vow of prohibition is…”

“Can we talk about that later?”

“Hmm?”

“I have something more important to discuss.”

“Something more important than this?”

Caelo’s expression momentarily turned curious but quickly shifted to one of delight, as if he was pleased to hear what Ariel had to say.

“Alright, shall we go somewhere quiet to talk?”

It wasn’t an overly serious matter, but Ariel thought it would be better to discuss it in a calmer place rather than in the current chaotic atmosphere. She nodded.

Just as she and Caelo were about to leave the hall, a small commotion seemed to arise in a corner of the ballroom, but it wasn’t immediately important.

“What do you want to talk about?”

As they stepped into the garden bathed in soft moonlight, Caelo looked at her with eager eyes. Ariel hesitated, pursing her lips slightly, and only spoke when Caelo’s gaze fell to her lips, swallowing hard.

“Well, Caelo, about the marriage.”

“Oh.”

“The person you arranged for me to meet.”

“Don’t worry about it, Ariel. They don’t expect anything…”

“That’s not it.”

Ariel took a deep breath as if she had made up her mind and answered.

“I want to call it off.”

“…What?”

“I think it’s polite to say it before the marriage talks progress… before it’s too late. I thought it would be better to say it as soon as possible.”

“That’s…”

Caelo stammered as though he was broken. Seeing Ariel’s apologetic look, he continued.

“Why, Ariel?”

“Hmm?”

“They really don’t mind. They know your situation and why you’re coming to Veloto…”

“That’s why I think it’s better to stop here.”

“Ariel, are you reconsidering your plan to come to Veloto…”

“Oh! That’s not it. I’m definitely going to Veloto.”

Seeing Caelo’s face darken, Ariel waved her hand.

“You’ve put in so much effort, and I’ve studied so hard.”

“Then why the marriage…”

Caelo hesitated for a moment, rubbing his chin. His fingers revealed a subtle anxiety.

“Why don’t you want to get married, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Hmm…”

Ariel’s face darkened slightly but soon returned to normal. She smiled brightly as if to dispel the darkness.

“The marriage was to make it easier to settle in Veloto, right?”

“That’s part of it.”

“But getting married just to take a shortcut seems too hasty. I want to achieve it with my own strength.”

“……”

“Father also opposes it. He’s fine with me giving up Lionel, but he doesn’t want a sudden marriage.”

“I see.”

Caelo nodded quietly at Ariel’s words. The confusion on his face seemed to dissipate with her explanation.

“I see, that’s a reason true to you.”

“I’m sorry, Caelo. You went through the trouble of introducing me. I feel terrible for the person too.”

“It’s okay, I understand.”

“Will they understand too?”

“Of course. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Caelo reassured Ariel several times.

“You’re right. If that’s the reason, it’s better to say it before the marriage talks progress. You did well, Ariel.”

“Really?”

“I’ll explain it well to them. Don’t worry about anything.”

Ariel felt relieved by Caelo’s response but also guilty. There was a bigger reason she wanted to avoid marriage.

Despite her busy schedule, lying down at night made her think of those times.

‘It’s tight…’

‘Ah, uh, ah! Lionel!’

‘Ha, damn it.’

Lionel, with his sacred and beautiful appearance, muttering harsh words and burying his head in her shoulder, leaving marks all over her body.

And her body, which trembled and cl*maxed multiple times at his hands and mouth, her mind burning with pleasure.

Whenever she tried to push those lascivious images out of her head, she heard his whisper again.

‘Focus.’

‘Ah!’

That word pulled her back to that moment. Trembling at his every twist, dripping with fluids, and reaching climax with his overwhelming presence inside her. She couldn’t forget Lionel’s intense gaze as he watched her.

‘What should I do?’

Lying there, flustered, she felt herself getting wet. It was as if her insides remembered the sensation of being pounded and throbbed.

Eventually, she would end up in the bathroom, washing off the wetness with a sense of self-loathing. This happened not just once or twice but for several days, making her feel like some lustful demon had possessed her. She even considered going to a chapel, despite never being devout.

Then, like a brand, his words echoed in her mind.

‘…You thought of giving this body to another man.’

‘Remember, Ariel.’

‘I’ll engrave it on you.’

Those words seemed almost like a curse, making it hard for Ariel to forget the nights with Lionel. Welcoming a husband in this state would be disrespectful to him.

‘On the first night… I might compare.’

Even though Lionel was her only experience, she knew it wasn’t something easily matched. Honestly, his size alone made any technique redundant.

Moreover, she had seen Lionel’s ecstatic expression while holding her. It felt almost like being embraced by an angel statue in front of a temple rather than a human. Lionel was that beautiful in those moments.

‘If this continues…’

Meeting the nobleman she was supposed to marry, she would instinctively compare his face and then scrutinize his lower body. No matter how much she tried to resist, it would be instinctual. It would be too cruel to the man who knew she had been chasing Lionel for a long time.

‘Unless by some miracle, he’s as beautiful as Lionel.’

Such luck wouldn’t come to Ariel. Besides, someone that beautiful would likely already be engaged, like Lionel, who was in talks with Lady Rivella.

Remembering that fact made her heart ache again. Ariel forced a bright smile and gave another reason.

“I’ll try to get the appointment on my own merit.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Getting citizenship through marriage would make it easier, but your support has given me confidence.”

“……”

“After all, it’s you, Caelo, who acknowledged me. I know how high your standards are.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie. It was Caelo, of all people, who recognized her talent and ability.