[Chapter 173] I Also Lie

It was the worst. To be left alone with Nelucian, who knew everything―well, not everything, but almost everything―even in a strange mansion where Cladwin's people weren't present.

Neris glared defiantly at Nelucian looking at her. For the first time, without hiding her hatred.

"You seem very angry."

Nelucian still smiled.

"Why are you here in a place like this while the house is burning?"

"The fire won't go out faster just because I'm there. It's better to take care of what's important to me."

"You seem clueless. There was not a single sincere word in what I said to my father. I'm a spy, and if it's about the Elendria family, it makes me sick. So if you still think I'm useful, you're mistaken and need to be informed."

"Why are you saying such bitter words? After all, I rescued you from the palace where everything was settled with the king. You'll get scolded by my father. Won't I comfort you?"

"Why would you? Are you crazy?"

Neris snapped. She felt a surge of anger at his tone, as if it was natural for him to have affection for her. If she could, she would reach out and strangle him right now.

Even if she tried, she would just be pushed away.

"Okay, I'll concede this time since you must be very upset. You know me well. I like you a lot and I'm used to Valentine's antics. You can say whatever you want. I'll accept it."

"Why are you talking such nonsense? If I've lost my mind, I might as well go towards death."

"That's the harshest thing you can think of? How cute."

Nelucian chuckled. Neris felt her pride wounded. And truly, she shivered.

"What are you trying to do? I used you. You fell for me and I..."

"Shh."

His finger touched her lips. She quickly pulled away and wiped her lips.

He continued to gaze at her as if she were adorable, as if she were still out of her mind.

"I could tell a lie too. I lie, Neris. So what? How about it? It must have been tough, so go up to the room. Your luggage is there, wash your hands. Let's talk over a meal."

As Nelucian said, all the luggage Neris used at the Elendria Viscount's mansion was there.

She had to admit that her father, who could conclude negotiations with the palace and people in less than half a day, and his son, who interfered with it by involving his own people and even brought all the luggage, had remarkable abilities.

Neris keenly felt that she was in a worse state than when she was in the carriage earlier. She washed her hands and looked in the mirror.

Her face, which had been difficult to be more peaceful than this just a few hours ago, now looked pale. The purple jewel in the sunlight emitted a trembling light like a wave.

"Should I be satisfied like this?"

The Elendria Viscount's mansion would likely be burning properly by now. An incident where a noble mansion in the heart of the palace was attacked would be reported to the Emperor faster and more definitively than a common uproar. The Elendria Viscount had been exposed to a major weakness by the palace, cut off financial resources after losing to the Wells family, making it difficult to recover...

So should she be satisfied here?

Strength returned to Neris's eyes. There was a place to go back to. Not now, not like this. Were there not still other enemies unharmed?

Originally, Nelucian's intentions were not clear. It seemed like he was trying to persuade her for now, but how long would that last? Even Neris herself thought it would be safer for him to quickly kill her.

Smart. Someone knocked on the door without a lock. Neris pretended not to notice.

As expected, the visitor simply opened the door.

"Let's have a meal. I know you're angry with me and our father. But if you don't eat properly, you won't even have the energy to be angry."

Neris snapped irritably at Nelucian's gentle voice without even looking back.

"I don't have a hobby of throwing up while looking at a disgusting face while eating."

"Oh? I think I'm quite handsome. Is your taste like that of a duke's face?"

Her teeth clenched slightly. How dare he mention that name?

"What does it matter to you?"

"Oh? Are you admitting it?"

"That person is remarkable. Handsome, capable, and charming. I know the case."

A ghostly, chilling smile briefly crossed Nelucian's soft and handsome face seen through the mirror. Yet his voice remained gentle.

"That brat always annoyed me. Even if I wanted to kill him, he wouldn't die... I used to think there were no monsters in the world, but watching what he did changed my mind. When I doubted whether you saved that brat, I just wanted to go and kill him regardless of the reason."

"You're quite skilled."

While Nelucian had learned swordsmanship at the academy, his martial arts skills were at a basic level. He always preferred using his mind.

"You know my sword skills? Seems like Neris is more interested in me than I thought."

A smile that didn't seem joyful. Neris turned her gaze away from him coldly, finding the air in the same room repulsive.

Nelucian approached Neris without hesitation and embraced her from behind.

"Let go."

"Neris, I was honestly a bit angry when I found out you lied to me. But Father is going to sell you off. Thinking you'll end up in Kemil's hands suffering, it's not the time for me to be angry."

At those words... she felt even more enraged.

Where was he when she needed him, when she was undergoing terrible torture?

Did he ever reflect on her, who had dedicated her life to him?

He was an indifferent figure who had no interest in those he deemed useless. Yet he pretended to have a heart that could be deeply hurt.

"Let go, you're disgusting."

"You know how to say such things. I prefer you now than when you were pretending to be gentle. You're cute and dignified. You used to look like a young princess to me, but now you seem like a queen."

"Die, Nelucian Elendria."

"Why do you keep saying such mean things? I know why. Am I trying to make you look me in the eye? Will you be angry and speak clearly if I let go? But I'm quite satisfied now. You're in my arms, and there's no other man around."

"No. It's because I dislike you."

"It's so satisfying to see you become so powerless that you resort to methods that may or may not succeed. I'm realizing tastes I didn't know I had. You know, Neris? I really liked you from the first moment I saw you."

"Disgusting brat."

"I asked earlier, but is that the worst word you know? Too cute. I could listen to you say that for the rest of my life."

While saying that, Nelucian eventually let go of Neris. She glared at him, gritting her teeth. Then, looking him straight in the eyes, she said,

"Die."

"Oh, this feeling. It definitely feels uncomfortable. It was like that day at the mansion. Your words were quite convincing."

Since he issued a command that was harmful to the listener without any further persuasion, Nelucian was not affected by mind control. He simply gazed affectionately at Neris's face.

"Surprisingly impulsive, Neris. Wasting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What did you plan if I died here? To go to the Duke? My knights would have captured you and dragged you before my father?"

"If you don't die today, there's tomorrow, and the day after. Wherever you go, it's better than being by your side."

"That's strange. I only have memories of being good to you, yet why do you hate me so much?"

"Because humans are hypocrites."

"Haha! That's a valid point. You even judge people well, aren't you too perfect?"

There were memories of cultivating the ability to judge people to impress Nelucian... However, that was from a past life.

Neris turned away, and Nelucian naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"I've never liked someone like this before. Let's go downstairs and have something to eat. I've arranged for some bread and soup from a famous restaurant."

"I'm not eating."

"You should listen."

Nelucian's swordsmanship may be at a basic level, but he was stronger than Neris. He pulled her up, laughing softly.

"Oh, I didn't mention this. I didn't know Joseph would betray me. Your lies may have had a purpose, but my confidant shouldn't have done that."

"Betrayal?"

"He's the one who told Father that you were with the Duke yesterday. He dared to almost make me lose you and had no choice but to do that for me... talking about tearful things."

In fact, Joseph had done his best for Nelucian. If someone entered the once peaceful household and caused chaos, starting with Neris, that person would be thoroughly investigated.

Neris looked sharply at Nelucian. He received her gaze with pleasure and casually said,

"Sorry. Was I rude to you? I killed that guy. I won't make you uncomfortable in the future."

Joseph had been Nelucian's playmate since before he could walk, born from the Elendria family's servant. His loyalty was unquestionable, and the foundation he laid until Nelucian's current position was immeasurable.

Was it because of this trust that Valentine didn't intervene when Nelucian killed Neris in a past life?

Neris shuddered. Nelucian, who once again looked at her affectionately, had a happy expression.

"If you help a little, Neris, you can rise to a high position. You'll be the only one for me, and I'll cherish you more than anyone else. Let's stay quietly in this house for a few years, okay? You're in danger if you leave now."

Nelucian was out of his mind.

That's what Neris thought. If he were in his right mind, he should have valued Joseph, who had been loyal to him all his life and was quite sociable, more than Neris, who might or might not help him.

The power of the jewel was gone. That was certain.

However, Neris did not understand why he showed such a passionate attitude towards her.

❖ ❖ ❖

Nelucian's hideout wasn't particularly large, but it seemed meticulously arranged. Every door and window leading outside was cleverly obscured by objects, making it impossible for anyone passing through the surrounding thicket and courtyard to spy inside.

There were two bedrooms suitable for nobles to stay in and three storage rooms that also served as bedrooms for the servants. Since they were usually empty, there was no one actually staying there.

However, Nelucian immediately promised to find a skilled chef and maid within 24 hours. Neris declined, saying she didn't need them as she would climb to the roof and fall off to her death if he disappeared.

His response to that was a smile and the words, "It'll be difficult."

Nelucian had more than just the house arranged without his father's knowledge. He had brought along several skilled knights, including Kilsion. It was unclear why he lived like that when his father provided everything he asked for.

And at least one of them was always scheduled to watch over Neris.

Upon hearing that, Neris, who was forcing herself to eat, almost threw the bread at Nelucian.

After the almost choking meal, Nelucian left the house. The knight he left behind, Kilsion, escorted Neris to her bedroom.

Neris stood by the window and watched as Nelucian rode away. When she deemed enough time had passed, she opened the door.

"What's the matter?"

The door was not locked, but the knight Kilsion was guarding the entrance.

Neris met Kilsion's gaze in response to his question. He seemed momentarily startled before slowly meeting her eyes.

Perhaps by now, Neris had heard even the mention that she had already used the jewel box to Nelucian. Neris asked softly,

"If I'm going to live here, I need to know what I should be careful about, right? Can I move around freely inside this house? Probably I can't go outside those iron bars, right? And there's someone watching the courtyard, isn't there? No matter how hard I try, I won't be able to escape anyway."

The knight's eyes briefly lost focus.

"Yes, that's correct."

"Can you tell me how many people are currently watching me in this house?"

"Including myself, there are two people."

"Where are the others?"

"They are on the first floor. We take turns guarding the first and second floors."

"Got it. Thank you."