Chapter 225


Iona hesitated, unable to open her mouth so easily.


She wasn’t sure if she should say aloud what she suspected.


If she told him that the person who had just entered the building was someone they both knew—how would he react?


But in truth, this hesitation was meaningless.


From the very beginning, keeping secrets had never been an option.


The one they needed to be most wary of had followed them—not just to the Ida Viscounty but all the way to the North.


They could no longer conceal his movements, nor should they.


Taking a deep breath, Iona finally spoke.


“……It looks like it’s the Crown Prince and his entourage.”


“What?”


Leroy’s brows furrowed.


Caught off guard by the unexpected presence, he remained speechless for a moment.


He never imagined he’d run into the Crown Prince in a place like this. Neither had Iona.


Letting out a quiet sigh, Iona continued.


“I’ve seen the man accompanying the coachman a few times before. He’s one of the secret operatives the Crown Prince employs.”


“What could be his reason for coming all the way here?”


“……That, I don’t know.”


Avoiding Leroy’s gaze, Iona turned her eyes toward the window.


She had a vague idea of why Richard had come to the Viscounty and the North.


And more than anything, she wished that her suspicions were nothing more than baseless paranoia.


Diverting the conversation, Iona murmured,


“But one thing’s clear—this place is connected to the Empress.”


“Are we going in right now?”


“……It would be better to withdraw for today. We can’t afford to risk running into the Crown Prince.”


With that, Iona rose from her seat and gestured for the shop owner to bring the bill.


Originally, they had planned to wait until business hours and then enter under the guise of a potential trading partner. But it seemed today wasn’t the right day.


Just as Iona had noticed Richard’s presence through a small clue, there was a chance that he might also sense hers.


If the Crown Prince saw Iona here, he would undoubtedly start questioning their purpose in the North.


“It might be best to plant one of our people here instead. They must hire laborers for moving goods on a regular basis.”


Iona’s expression carried a trace of regret.


Leroy nodded and stood up without protest, following her lead.


He had always encouraged Iona to rely on others more, so for him, this was a proposal with no downsides.


Previously, she had insisted on being present herself after nearly missing an important piece of evidence when she briefly switched shifts with a subordinate. That was why he had no choice but to silently watch as she overworked herself.


In reality, if Iona hadn’t been here, they wouldn’t have realized the Crown Prince had arrived. So it wasn’t as though her insistence had been entirely baseless.


Still, Leroy was relieved that she had chosen to step back to a safer position on her own.


Though, the fact that Richard’s appearance had been the catalyst for that decision left an unpleasant feeling lingering in his chest.


Not knowing why Richard was here, or how long he intended to stay, was equally unsettling.


‘As long as he doesn’t shamelessly show his face in front of us again, it’ll be fine.’


Unfortunately, Leroy’s wish did not come true.


****


In hindsight, returning to Count Nigel’s estate the moment they identified Richard’s presence had been the right decision.


Not long after Iona and Leroy arrived home, a visitor came knocking—one who had come specifically to see them.


Iona blinked blankly at the maid who had come to inform them of their guest.


Dazed, she asked for confirmation.


“……Who did you say came to visit?”


“His Highness the Crown Prince,” the maid answered politely, repeating their esteemed guest’s title.


For a moment, Iona was at a loss for words. Slowly, she turned to look at Leroy, standing behind her.


Leroy didn’t look particularly pleased either. However, likely out of consideration for the Count’s household staff, he kept his displeasure well concealed.


Iona turned back to the maid.


“How did he even end up here?”


“He was visiting the nearby area and learned that the Duke and Duchess were staying here, so he decided to stop by. As a result, the Count is now preparing a grand luncheon. You can look forward to it.”


With an overly friendly smile, the maid relayed the unwelcome news that they would now be dining with Richard.


Both Count Nigel and the maid clearly assumed that the Duke and Duchess would naturally be attending.


Well, of course.


For the Crown Prince, who rarely left the capital, to personally travel all the way to the North—


There was no excuse she could use—neither carriage sickness nor poor health could get her out of this situation.


“We’ll head to the dining hall once you’re ready.”


“I’ll send someone to fetch you when the time comes.”


With a polite bow, the maid exited the room.


Iona stared at the space where the maid had disappeared before letting out a deep sigh.


As she approached the bed and pulled the bell cord, she muttered under her breath,


“I have no idea what he’s thinking.”


She had just returned from an all-nighter, hoping to finally get some rest. But with an unexpected guest barging in, her plans were completely ruined.


What could Richard possibly be thinking, coming to find them like this?


Back in the Ida Viscounty, he had shown no intention of meeting her openly. Had something changed his mind in the meantime?


‘Well, it’s not like the situation around us has remained completely unchanged.’


While she and Leroy had traveled to the North, an “incident” had occurred in the Ida Viscounty —an accident that had been orchestrated by the Crown Prince and tacitly permitted by Iona herself.


Before the weapons that the Empress was trying to transport could reach Bardem, the storage warehouse where they were kept had gone up in a massive explosion.


Officially, the cause was attributed to a dust explosion ignited by a cigarette ember. But in reality, Richard had deliberately caused the accident.


‘Viviana is making a mess of the investigation under the pretense of incompetence, so the Empress must be tearing her hair out over this.’


Could it be that, with the Empress distracted elsewhere, Richard now had more freedom to move?


At the thought, Iona couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.


So the very first thing Richard wanted to do after breaking free from the Empress’ watchful eye… was to come find her?


Even to her, it seemed like an incredibly insignificant goal.


But her smile didn’t last long.


Because she knew full well that Richard had misunderstood the reason she left the capital.


He believed that she and Leroy had come to the Grand Duchy because of the Empress’ schemes.


“……Maybe I shouldn’t go.”


It was an uncharacteristically weak remark.


Leroy slowly approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle embrace.


“Are you feeling uneasy?”


“A little.”


Iona traced her fingers over his arm, which rested against her waist, before letting out a bitter chuckle.


She knew better than anyone that her complaint was meaningless.


The maids had already been called in to help her prepare.


She was simply venting before she had to do something she didn’t want to do.


Richard had become an uncomfortable presence for her—both politically and personally.


Ever since she began suspecting that she might be Princess Teresa’s child, Richard had occupied her thoughts more than she cared to admit.


She had analyzed his every action toward her, wondering what lay beneath his gestures.


For instance, did he call her “noona” because he already knew the truth about her identity?


If so, why had he deceived Leroy with that ridiculous lie about them being lovers?


Did he truly desire her as a woman?


Or perhaps, despite knowing the truth, he had never dared to touch her because of it.


“If you really don’t want to go, there are plenty of excuses you can use. Don’t feel pressured.”


Leroy’s gentle voice washed over her.


Iona remained silent for a moment before shaking her head firmly.


Even if she managed to avoid this meeting, she couldn’t avoid Richard forever.


Especially not if he had come all the way here for her.


She had never been the type to take detours around problems—she always faced them head-on.


This time would be no different.


And so, dressed more impeccably than ever, Iona arrived at the luncheon with Leroy by her side.


Richard was already seated when they entered.


As soon as he saw her, he smiled—an effortless, picturesque smile.


“It’s been a while.”

-- End Of The Chapter --

 

[ TN: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the release: https://www.patreon.com/YourNoona

 

Join our Discord server for regular updates and have fun with other community members: https://discord.com/invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]

Support Us on Patreon

Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the release.

Join Now

Join Our Discord

Be part of our amazing community!

Join Now

Comments

Cover
Chapter 1
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 2
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 3
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 4
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 5
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 6
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 7
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 8
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 9
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 10
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 11
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 12
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 13
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 14
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 15
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 16
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 17
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 18
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 19
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 20
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 21
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 22
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 23
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 24
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 25
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 26
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 27
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 28
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 29
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 30
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 31
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 32
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 33
2 years ago
Cover
Chapter 34
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 35
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 36
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 37
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 38
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 39
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 40
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 41
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 42
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 43
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 44
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 45
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 46
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 47
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 48
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 49
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 50
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 51
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 52
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 53
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 54
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 55
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 56
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 57
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 58
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 59
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 60
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 61
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 62
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 63
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 64
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 65
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 66
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 67
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 68
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 69
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 70
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 71
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 72
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 73
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 74
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 75
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 76
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 77
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 78
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 79
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 80
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 81
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 82
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 83
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 84
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 85
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 86
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 87
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 88
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 89
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 90
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 91
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 92
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 93
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 94
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 95
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 96
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 97
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 98
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 99
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 100
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 101
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 102
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 103
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 104
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 105
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 106
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 107
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 108
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 109
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 110
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 111
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 112
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 113
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 114
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 115
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 116
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 117
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 118
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 119
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 120
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 121
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 122
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 123
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 124
1 year ago
Cover
Chapter 125
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 126
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 127
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 128
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 129
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 130
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 131
11 months ago
Cover
Chapter 132
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 133
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 134
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 135
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 136
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 137
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 138
10 months ago
Cover
Chapter 139
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 140
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 141
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 142
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 143
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 144
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 145
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 146
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 147
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 148
9 months ago
Cover
Chapter 149
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 150
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 151
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 152
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 153
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 154
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 155
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 156
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 157
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 158
8 months ago
Cover
Chapter 159
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 160
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 161
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 162
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 163
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 164
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 165
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 166
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 167
7 months ago
Cover
Chapter 168
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 169
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 170
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 171
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 172
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 173
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 174
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 175
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 177
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 178
6 months ago
Cover
Chapter 178
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 179
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 180
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 181
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 182
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 183
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 184
5 months ago
Cover
Chapter 185
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 186
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 187
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 188
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 189
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 190
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 191
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 192
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 193
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 194
4 months ago
Cover
Chapter 195
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 196
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 197
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 198
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 199
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 200
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 201
3 months ago
Cover
Chapter 202
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 203
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 204
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 205
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 206
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 207
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 208
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 209
2 months ago
Cover
Chapter 210
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 211
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 212
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 213
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 214
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 215
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 216
1 month ago
Cover
Chapter 217
4 weeks ago
Cover
Chapter 218
3 weeks ago
Cover
Chapter 219
3 weeks ago
Cover
Chapter 220
2 weeks ago
Cover
Chapter 221
2 weeks ago
Cover
Chapter 222
1 week ago
Cover
Chapter 223
1 week ago
Cover
Chapter 224
6 days ago
Cover
Chapter 225
2 days ago

Typography

Theme

Default
Night
Onyx
Dusk
Sepia
Silver
Frost

Font

Line Height

1.5

Font Size

16

Paragraph Margin

0

Alignment

Text Indent