It was something he did without realizing.

Though he had planned to meet Erin today, he never intended to drag her away so forcefully. But after encountering Ditrion, he momentarily lost his composure.

“Lady Erin… are you alright?”

Ferdin felt pathetic for asking a question he should have asked much earlier.

He worried that he had embarrassed himself in front of her, not considering how startled she must have been.

Had Erin heard those insulting words from Ditrion?

She must have heard them. Sword Masters were known for their keen hearing. However, in response to his question, Erin spoke with genuine indifference.

“If you’re referring to His Highness Ditrion, I truly don’t mind at all.”

“…”

“And… you don’t need to protect me when there are many people around. The Princess would be concerned as well.”

“You needn’t worry about that.”

“Pardon?”

“The Princess and I are nothing to each other.”

Erin tried to understand Ferdin’s words. Nothing between him and Princess Asili?

Suddenly, she remembered how the Princess had repeatedly told her not to worry about her relationship with Ferdin.

“The Princess and I are not in love. It was merely a contractual relationship. Even that has ended now.”

“…”

“So… if that was what bothered you, there’s no need to break off our engagement.”

He had wanted to say this since they were in the werewolf territory.

Ferdin sincerely did not want to end their engagement. He knew it was selfish, but he couldn’t help it. Even knowing what humiliation she might face by staying at his side… he couldn’t give up his desire.

“So please take back your words about breaking our engagement.”

At Ferdin’s words, Erin felt her heart begin to race.

‘He and the Princess are nothing to each other?’

She saw Ferdin’s clear eyes looking at her. Erin felt her heart swell as she looked at him. Whenever she saw him, her heart would beat faster, and she would feel like crying. Sometimes she even wanted to act spoiled.

‘I… want to stay with you too.’

Erin swallowed the words she couldn’t bring herself to say. Even if Ferdin and the Princess were nothing to each other, there would be no place for her in his future.

‘Don’t be greedy. You decided to be content with this much.’

But she couldn’t completely erase the surge of emotion his words caused. After all, she had loved him… since the distant past.

“I… I can’t do that.”

Ferdin didn’t know how cruel a person she could be. That’s why he could be so kind. The person by Ferdin’s side should be bright and gentle.

Erin thought it would be best if that person resembled him. Therefore, she could never stand by Ferdin’s side. Erin could be satisfied just knowing he was happy.

“Lady Erin, I know you’re hiding something from me. I have secrets too. As you can see, things between Ditrion and me are at their worst. He despises me.”

“…”

“I don’t understand why you’re hiding the fact that you’re a Sword Master. You must have your reasons. Reasons I dare not presume to understand…”

“I…”

“But one thing I know for certain is that you are kinder than anyone.”

Erin’s eyes trembled. Small tears fell from them.

Ferdin reached out and wiped away her tears. His touch was tender.

“I don’t believe you committed the evil deeds rumored about you. So… if it’s not presumptuous, I’d like to help clear your name.”

“Do you think… I’m not a bad person?”

“I’ve never thought that for a moment.”

His words were so gentle that Erin almost told him everything.

That he was right. That she hadn’t done anything wrong. Unconsciously, Erin grabbed Ferdin’s hand. He looked surprised, then his face reddened.

After a moment’s hesitation, she answered softly. “Yes. Do as you wish.”

Ferdin’s face brightened at her answer. But Erin was thinking something else while looking at him.

It would take Ferdin a long time to uncover the truth behind everything. Besides, this had happened exactly the same way in the past.

Even if she tried to stop him, the same events would likely unfold again.

In the past, Ferdin had tried just like now to prove her innocence. But he ultimately failed to discover the truth.

The person behind the Marchioness, the one who spread rumors that Erin was a villainess. Who could it be?

Erin covered Ferdin’s hand with her own. Tears flowed endlessly from her eyes. She could feel Ferdin looking at her with a helpless expression.

“What could be the reason, Lady Erin?”

“…”

“When I look at you… strangely, my heart aches. I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve forgotten something important.”

Ferdin’s words seemed like questions he was asking himself. With a confused face, he slowly caressed Erin’s cheek. She looked at him with wide eyes.

Seeing her like this, Ferdin felt an inexplicable resonance spreading in his chest.

‘Why does it feel so sad?’

Ferdin was confused. It was an emotion he couldn’t possibly understand right now.

* * *

“Your Highness Ditrion.”

Ditrion pressed down on the hand of Roham, who was kneeling before him. Despite grimacing at Ditrion’s action, Roham dared not raise his head.

“I don’t understand, Lord Roham. You’re a high-ranking knight, but what exactly are you good at?”

“Kuh… ugh. I apologize, Your Highness.”

“What use is a knight who can’t even deliver a single letter properly?”

The other knights guarding Ditrion showed no surprise at the scene.

Acting like this was a regular occurrence, they instead surveyed the surroundings to ensure no one witnessed Ditrion’s behavior.

What he was doing was clearly abnormal. Even though he was the First Prince of the Empire and Roham’s lord, it was inappropriate treatment for a high-ranking knight.

Ditrion’s behavior toward Roham resembled someone dealing with a slave rather than a knight.

“Lord Roham, I’m truly disappointed.”

After saying this, Ditrion tapped Roham’s cheek with his finger. Roham stared at Ditrion, terrified.

“Things that become useless must be disposed of.”

Ditrion’s expression was terribly emotionless as he spoke.

Apart from the knight before him being incredibly stupid, the reason for Ditrion’s visit also contributed to his foul mood. Officially, he had come here for “rewarding Ferdin for his great achievements.”

And in two weeks, a small banquet would be held at the academy to bestow this reward.

‘Corelia should arrive around then too.’

Thinking of Corelia, Ditrion continued his thoughts about Erin.

He wondered if Erin would remain the same after seeing Corelia. Would she beg for help with her eyes when the three of them were together, like she used to when Corelia dragged her away?

Or would she look at him with completely different eyes, like today?

“P-please spare me, Your Highness!”

“Spare you?”

Ditrion tilted his head as he spoke.

“Then you must prove your usefulness, Lord Roham.”

Even while punishing Roham, he kept picturing one person’s face. Erin’s green eyes looking at him wouldn’t leave his mind. Ditrion became uncomfortable with the feeling that his thoughts were beyond his control.

His eyes gleamed ominously as he looked down at Roham.

It wouldn’t be bad to use this trash to deal with her. Ditrion wanted to see Erin’s expressionless face turn tearful again, like before.

Ditrion spoke to Roham. “Do you want to live, Lord Roham? I’ll tell you how.”

* * *

Erin was with Ferdin. She could see him holding her hand, smiling happily.

His strong arm held her waist. He looked both familiar and unfamiliar with that gentle smile.

‘This is strange.’

Erin was staring blankly at Ferdin. As his face gradually drew closer, she looked at him with wide eyes. But she didn’t avoid him.

He gazed at her lovingly and kissed her forehead.

“…”

She could see him saying something to her.

‘This must be a dream.’

Tears flowed from Erin’s eyes. But she knew these weren’t tears of sadness, but of overwhelming happiness. After all, her dream self wasn’t wearing the sad expression she always had in the past, but a smile.