Chapter 44

"Even if you're an escort knight, she knew that we both grew up like a family, but this time Florence crossed the line."

He referred to Iona as family,

"You're the only one who can come in and out of my place without permission."

They often sat across from each other like friends, sharing cigarettes casually,

“Iona, you know well who I cherish more.”

He acted as if she had priority over his fiancee.

Richard became her family, friend, or lover whenever she needed it.

How convenient was a relationship that functioned only through obedience, unlike a real one that required various efforts?

She could be satisfied with just that fake relationship since she only experienced failure otherwise.

However, if she kept complacent like this, she would die without experiencing anything real in her life.

Iona knew from experience that it was more futile than she thought.

“If you say that, Miss Florence will be very upset. She is engaged to Your Highness, after all."

Iona politely pushed away Richard's hand and said.

He seemed a little taken aback by Iona's refusal, but he quickly calmed her down in a friendly manner.

“You are very angry.”

“Of course, it is true that I was angry when Miss Florence used violence, but I also took appropriate measures, so have no more feelings about it. It's a thing of the past, so please don't worry anymore."

"How can I not worry when your cheek is like this?"

Saying that, Richard looked down at Iona's bruised cheek as if he felt sorry for her.

It was a pretty plausible look, but Iona didn't feel like Richard was genuinely angry at what had happened to her.

If he was really worried about her, he would have called her earlier and asked about the situation.

“Tell me, Iona. what do you want...? Call her and make her formally apologize to you? Demanding substantial compensation from Lanzhovs might not be a bad idea either. We could even spread rumors about Florence's bad habits for everyone to know. Otherwise...”

“… …”

“I also have the option of breaking up with her.”

He spoke slowly.

Iona fell into trouble for a moment as she smelled the fragrant tobacco.

What answer did he want from her by putting himself in this situation?

Perhaps Richard was showing off how far he could go to appease his subordinates.

Whatever it was, Iona's answer was decided.

"Then I'd like to take a vacation."

“… …what?"

“I don’t think Miss Florence will be able to be more intrusive with me once I start being active in the social world. These days, I have been taking time out to attend many meetings, but since I have to go along with my work life, there are many things that I regret.”

Iona quickly sold Florence's name to make sure he couldn't refuse.

In fact, it was not a completely wrong statement. The reason Florence could treat Iona so roughly was because she was seen as a subordinate.

If they had met as noble ladies in a social gathering, even Florence wouldn't have dared to raise her hand so easily.

However, Richard did not readily accept Iona's request.

After a moment of thought with a cigar in his mouth, he turned to the bedside table next to Iona.

He opened his mouth, lighting a cigar in the ashtray.

"Good."

Because the tobacco leaves were forcibly crushed, a foul smell spread along with the smoke.

It was an action that made Iona's request to avoid the smell of cigars during work seem meaningless.

He passed Iona and went back to his work desk.

"But there's a condition. Allow me to accompany you once as a partner to a vacancy whenever I want during your vacation."

"Yes?"

At the unexpected condition, Iona looked at Richard with a puzzled face.

Richard pulled a chair and sat down, picking up the papers he had thrown away earlier. Then he pointed out her attitude without even looking at Iona.

“When did you start disagreeing with me?”

“… …”

“If you understand, just leave now.”

Iona, who had been sitting still, soon got up after realizing that refusing the request to be his partner in this situation would be difficult.

After politely saying goodbye, Iona left the room and her shoulders slumped as soon as the door closed.

'Did I just use the social gathering as an excuse?'

Actually, she needed time to take care of other things, so she ended up making unnecessary excuses.

Anyway, since Leroy had a history of doubting the relationship between her and Richard in her past life, she felt the need to explain this in advance.

"Surely he won't be jealous."

Recalling the absurd idea, Iona smiled bitterly.

If anyone were to be jealous in this situation, it wouldn't be Leroy, but her.

As Iona crossed the hallway, Iona remembered Richard's confident words.

'I will convince the Duke myself .'

'Where did his confidence come from?'

Since the beginning of his push for the marriage between Leroy and Iona, Richard had a strong conviction that his plan would be successful.

Considering that Leroy had been contemplating rejecting the proposal, Richard's reaction was somewhat curious.

'Given the circumstances, there is no other option.'

Richard already knew the whereabouts of Leroy's ex-fiancée, Viviana, from then on.

If so, it was necessary for Iona to advance her contact with her ahead of schedule. That way, before Richard touched Viviana, she could use her hand first.

Even if the return of Leroy's ex-fiancée could shake Leroy, she didn't care.

Even so, Iona did not want to see him cry again. Especially if it was tears of grief for a woman he loved who had passed away.

***

"oh… … . Dame Iona. Are you here today?”

Similar to Iona, the woman who got off the carriage greeted her with a stunned expression. It was said that Iona's appearance was very unexpected.

While moving, Iona lightly brushed off her crumpled uniform and asked.

“Yes, do you have any problems?”

“No, Oh no. People who don't have hobbies in the first place often quit. If you keep coming, you will be fine.”

Saying that, the woman hurriedly waved her hand.

When Iona asked why they were so flustered as soon as they saw her, it seemed that the attendance rate of the embroidery meeting was more sluggish than expected.

'Well, embroidery is a hobby that has no reason to go to groups and parties to enjoy it.'

She could complete it alone, and in fact, the result would be better that way.

At the last meeting, Iona had misplaced the needle several times while talking to someone else.

Iona ignored it and headed to the drawing room where the meeting was being held with the woman.

The organizer, Viscountess Schiller, was waiting for the guests with simple snacks and tea.

The Viscountess, who heard her, found her at the door and, "Oh." let out a small exclamation.

“You are here, Lady Claudia. and… … Dame Iona.”

Viscountess Schiller, who mentioned Iona in a somewhat uncomfortable tone, gave an equally awkward smile.

“Dane Iona, did you bring the handkerchief you embroidered the other day?”

“Yes, I hope I can finish it today.”

“Um, fine. Courageous attitude, I will cheer for you.”

Viscountess Schiller shook her head and clapped slowly.

Sitting inside with Claudia, Iona took out a handkerchief and sewing kit and put them on the table.

Since it was already past the appointed time, the empty seats were quickly filled.

A total of eight people attended the meeting, including Iona, all of whom were introduced once at the last meeting.

The last to arrive was Lady Erna of the Countess Disler family.

“Hello, Dame Iona...”

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