Hiding the Fact That We Are Dating From the Amnesiac Villain - Chapter 24

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 24
“Freena, what on earth was that investigation about? Why were you suddenly dragged away like that?”
“You idiots! What are you doing standing around like fools! Stop pestering tired Freena with your questions and scatter this instant!”
At the Head Chef’s sharp rebuke, the Workers grumbled and dispersed to their stations.
Yet one remained.
A single Worker stood beside Freena, frantically scribbling something into a notebook.
“You there! Why haven’t you left yet!”
“…You told me to write down the names of those who ran off earlier so they’d skip meals, so I was just finishing the list…”
“Get out of here now!”
The Worker finally departed with a sullen pout.
“Ahem, are you alright, Freena?”
“…I’m fine. Nothing happened in the Investigation Room. I was simply asked a few routine questions since I happened to be carrying wine in the Banquet Hall.”
“Good. If you’re struggling with anything, tell me anytime.”
The Head Chef replied gruffly and left his post.
No one asked Freena what had transpired in the Investigation Room. They simply worried for her.
As the morning wore on, I headed to the Storage to retrieve some missing ingredients.
It was just as I was returning to Daisy Hall.
“Miss Freena Crowell, is that correct?”
Someone approached me.
“The Grand Duke requests your presence.”
* * *
This was the Imperial Palace Garden.
Flowers brimming with sunlight bloomed all around as if breathing.
‘Why on earth is Declin summoning me again?’
Wasn’t the matter with Count Seiton settled? I suppressed the creeping dread and followed Declin’s subordinate.
Yes, even the formidable Declin couldn’t kill me in a place like this…
When I arrived at where Declin stood.
Whoosh—
He was blowing on a dandelion seedhead.
White fluff clung to his fingertips, and his lips parted with deliberate slowness.
…What is he doing?
I stared blankly at the pristine seeds scattering into the air, until my gaze collided directly with his half-lidded crimson eyes.
The seeds still drifted slowly through the air, and a faint smile played at Declin’s lips.
“Miss Freena.”
His voice was soft as spring, yet I felt an inexplicable chill run through me.
“It’s been a while since we’ve met again.”
He summoned me himself, yet he spoke as though this were a chance encounter.
When Declin gestured, his subordinate swiftly vanished. I watched his retreating figure in bewilderment.
Somehow, the situation from a few days ago flashed before me like déjà vu…
“Shall we go then?”
…You’re going for a walk?
“The weather is beautiful today, so it’s perfect for a stroll.”
A walk?
Unlike Freena, who harbored suspicions about his true intentions, Declin appeared remarkably at ease.
‘Fine. I’ll go along with whatever Declin suggests.’
Besides, I was hardly in a position to refuse.
More importantly, I had my own reasons for needing to get closer to Declin.
And so, almost without realizing it, I found myself taking a walk with Declin.
“Have you been well, Miss Freena?”
Suddenly?
“After I sent you away so urgently from the Investigation Room last time, I’ve been concerned about you ever since.”
A few familiar Workers carrying boxes came into view. Their faces went pale with shock when they spotted me.
I could almost make out what they were saying.
‘Wait, wait—is that Freena?! Who’s that handsome man next to Freena?!’
‘He looks like a Noble!’
Their entire bodies screamed the question. I deliberately pretended not to notice them.
“The weather really is lovely today, isn’t it?”
“Y-yes, it is…”
“Which do you prefer, Miss Freena—sunny days or rainy days?”
Why on earth would he ask such a question? I couldn’t fathom his intention at all.
“I prefer sunny days…”
“Ah, right. Though there’s also the option of snowy days. Still, sunny days?”
Just let it go already!
Even as I thought this…
“Yes. I prefer warm days.”
I answered dutifully nonetheless.
After receiving my response, Declin didn’t speak immediately. Instead, a beat later, his gaze bore into my profile with relentless intensity.
The moment I became aware of that chilling weight, the corners of Declin’s mouth curved into an elegant smile once more.
“…Your Excellency.”
I turned to face Declin directly.
“Is there something you need from me?”
I couldn’t understand why he had suddenly sought me out.
“Did I perhaps make a mistake regarding the Banquet Hall again…?”
“Don’t worry. I won’t be asking you any further questions about that matter.”
Then?
Why did he come looking for me first?
“Miss Freena Crowell, you haven’t registered with the Sacred Registry.”
My mind went blank for a moment.
“That’s illegal, you know.”
Is he serious?
‘…Just for that, he called me in?’
I blinked in disbelief.
What would happen if it came to light that I hadn’t registered my divine power?
Answer: I’d simply have to pay a fine.
‘My hard-earned money….’
It was unfortunate, but unavoidable in this situation. At least it wasn’t an exorbitant sum.
“I-I’ve been so busy with work that I’m ignorant about such matters, sir.”
I wasn’t sure why Declin was digging into this, but I decided to explain myself first.
“Is that so? Then you should go register today.”
“Pardon?”
“I happen to have time available. Shall we go together to have your divine power verified, Miss Freena?”
…What?
My expression froze.
In truth, there was a specific reason I hadn’t registered my divine power.
All bloodlines of Orbannon are born with divine power, so they don’t need separate registration.
‘If I’m examined, they’ll discover I’m Orbannon’s illegitimate child.’
They would certainly detect the special divine essence that flows only through Orbannon blood.
“….”
Before Declin’s languid smile, I simply froze in place.
* * *
My mind went completely blank.
If I underwent divine verification, it would be over.
Sixteen.
The memory of the day I left the Noble House was vivid. It had been winter, with a blizzard raging.
“You are no longer a member of this House. Live quietly, like a dead mouse.”
The cold gaze of the Family Head as he looked down upon me.
“Don’t you dare speak our name carelessly anywhere. The moment you tarnish it even slightly, I will personally cut off your breath.”
Even the voice of my sibling who despised me.
Still so vivid.
On the day I left through the gates of the Noble House, I made a resolve.
After all, it was the name of Orbannon that I had grown sick of carrying my entire life.
Why did those fools arrogantly assume I would develop lingering attachments to the Orbannon name?
I left the House with bitter mockery in my heart.
I promised to live quietly as they demanded.
So I lived without using my divine power much at all.
Except on rare occasions when I needed quick money while raising my younger siblings.
“Is there something you’re hiding, Miss Freena?”
Pulled back from my distant memories, I met the gaze of Declin, who was pressing me for answers.
“…H-Hiding something, Your Excellency?”
“Then why do you look so flustered?”
He wore a smile, yet his crimson eyes remained fixed upon me with unwavering intensity.
Why had he suddenly become so obsessed with verifying my sanctity?
‘…Could it be that he’s noticed something?’

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————