Chapter 88: The Choice is Yours
This time, my partner was Sigren. Since we were dating now, it would be strange to pair up with another man. The atmosphere from our last encounter was nonexistent, as both of us tacitly dismissed what had happened previously. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Sigren kissed the back of my hand lightly.
“You’re pretty today too, Fiona.”
“….”
I looked at him with a subtle gaze.
He tilted his head slightly. “Do you prefer beautiful?”
It wasn’t that I didn’t like compliments; it was just awkward hearing them from him.
“You wore your hair down again today.” Sigren fiddled with my hair with satisfaction, seemingly enjoying removing tangles.
“It’s because of you.”
“Me?”
Glancing at the nape of his neck, I noted that the traces I left behind were already gone. I should bite him much harder next time—and he better get embarrassed about it.
I shook my hair free from his hand, and Sigren’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Ah.”
“I’m fortunate that my maid is still young and naive.” [PR note: she is referring to the hickies he gave her squeeeee!)
Otherwise, I would have died of embarrassment.
Unexpectedly, there was a slight blush on Sigren’s face. Seeing this naive side of him was a bit odd, considering how casually he touched me. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Sigren placed his fingers on the nape of my neck.
Ugh, it tickled.
“I’ll be careful next time.”
“I didn’t realize you were someone who says things they don’t mean.”
I replied with an indifferent look. Until now, I thought I had raised a grumpy little boy, but it turned out he was more like the usual wolf.
“Sorry, I really didn’t know it was so obvious.”
“…”
That frank remark left me speechless for a moment.
Ah, I get it now! It was his first time leaving a kiss mark on a girl—I understand!
I looked up at Sigren’s handsome face. Honestly, I wondered why women in Heilon left him alone with a face like that.
“Please be careful from now on. It’s been so hot lately; I prefer to keep my hair up.”
I took his hand. It wasn’t that I didn’t know what to say; it was more like I had nothing left to say. For some reason, Sigren smirked and nodded as if he was pleased with my words.
“Alright, I’ll be careful in the future.”
“….?”
What the heck? Why was he so happy? Which part of my sentence was that so special?
I entered the hall with a sense of confusion.
***
Like any prestigious family’s event, the Priscilla Mansion’s ballroom was crowded, mostly with nobles. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
But it seemed Livya had sharp eyes. She quickly spotted me in the crowd and approached us as soon as she saw us.
“Your Highness Prince Sigren, Lady Fiona, thank you for accepting my invitation.”
“Thank you for inviting us.”
Sigren also greeted her with a light nod.
Livya was a beautiful woman who could make heads turn, but her face currently bore a somewhat gloomy expression.
“Does Lady Fiona enjoy drinking?”
“Actually, I don’t really enjoy drinking, but… I do like sweet things.”
Livya grinned and gracefully grabbed two glasses from a nearby tray.
“Then this drink should suit your taste.”
She handed the glasses to Sigren and me. The color of the drink was beautiful, and its scent was sweet. Intrigued, I took a sip. Instead of the usual bitter taste of alcohol, this drink had a strong, refreshing flavor. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“It’s delicious.”
“Right?”
I quickly emptied the first glass and grabbed a second one.
“You, drink…”
Sigren looked at me, clearly having something on his mind.
“What?”
Sigren was about to say something but then closed his lips. He quietly put down his glass and switched to another drink, likely non-alcoholic.
“Do you not enjoy drinking, Your Highness?” Livya asked, though Sigren’s eyes remained on me.
“It’s not that,” Sigren replied. “I think it would be better not to drink today. But the sentiment is appreciated, Lady Priscilla.”
It seemed Sigren believed at least one of us should stay sober. Both he and I were light drinkers, unlike Abel, who could handle his alcohol well.
Livya smiled softly, though her expression seemed to hold a hint of amusement. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Oh, right. Could I speak with your partner for a moment, Your Highness?”
Her pretty expression caught the attention of passing men. She clearly knew how to make herself look attractive.
However, Sigren, the person to whom her smile was directed, looked uneasy.
In the end, I quickly replied, “Sure.”
I didn’t think Livya would request this meeting just to chat idly. There had to be an important reason behind it.
Livya smiled and linked her arm with mine. While this intimacy was likely calculated, I didn’t dwell on it. It was difficult to openly reject such a beautiful young lady, and I wasn’t inclined to do so.
I glanced at Sigren, who looked dissatisfied.
Please, try to look less unhappy.
“Your Highness, I’ll be back soon.”
“Come back soon.”
He looked like a dog left at home, whining when its owner went out.
Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt for no apparent reason. Livya chuckled, perhaps sensing a similar sentiment. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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