Siena Dating Agency - Chapter 87
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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87.
It was certainly an absurd thought.
But connecting things this way, it felt like all the puzzling pieces from before were finally falling into place.
“Hello, Sir Lian. I’m Violet Bringer.”
“….”
“I’ll be working as an employee at the Center starting today. Please take care of me.”
Why Violet had suddenly joined the Willow Counseling Center.
‘Did she… know I was Castillian instead of Lian de Vicelle and deliberately approach me?’
Violet, who claimed to like The Prince, suddenly showing interest in him.
‘Because Violet is ‘The Woman.”
And The Woman knew that Castillian couldn’t feel pain.
When he was young, he didn’t really understand what had happened to him in that cabin…
But now he knew.
‘Violet was also trying to confirm that I can’t feel pain.’
That’s why with the glass shard…
As he thought about it, memories from the past began creeping into his mind.
“Castillian. You learned that you mustn’t object to what Sepia says, didn’t you?”
“….”
“Castillian must obey Sepia. Forever and always.”
The things Sepia had done.
How he had deteriorated day by day.
“….”
His complexion grew increasingly pale.
Roderick, who had been watching Castillian, quickly rolled his eyes.
‘Wh-why is he suddenly acting like this?’
But there was no sign he would explain.
Eventually, Castillian struggled to shake off the past that filled his head.
‘No… let’s not think about it.’
Honestly, this is just delusion.
‘Realistically, it doesn’t make sense for The Woman to be Violet Bringer.’
Sepia was executed.
In Central Square in the Capital City.
And many years had passed since then.
But Violet was only 18 years old.
She was merely the daughter of the Bringer Baronial House.
‘Her age is different, and her appearance is completely different too.’
Therefore, Castillian concluded that his suspicions had led him to imagine something nonsensical.
‘I went too far. What kind of ridiculous…’
There’s no way a woman executed long ago could have returned as a young noble lady.
Eventually, Castillian roughly ran his hands through his hair.
Golden strands scattered, and his mouth finally opened.
“…I want to rest.”
Roderick nodded.
“Yes…, understood. I’ll step out, brother.”
He fumbled as he got up from his seat.
But instead of leaving the room immediately, he lingered around the bed.
Then he approached Castillian again.
“Brother…, please don’t get hurt.”
Roderick pouted his lips as if he was truly upset.
It was an expression rarely seen from someone who was always confident and bold.
‘…He resembles a puppy.’
Castillian, who had been staring at Roderick, patted his head.
Then a smile bloomed on Roderick’s face.
“Hehe.”
He looked similar to a puppy receiving its owner’s touch.
‘Did I show Siena this kind of expression earlier too?’
What did she think?
Castillian stroked the soft red hair while picturing her face.
Completely unaware that Siena had found him adorable.
***
After dropping Lian off at Aizet Baron’s Mansion, I returned to the Center.
Since it was well past six o’clock, there was no one at the Center.
“I’m too late.”
It was too bothersome to turn on the lights.
Using the streetlight filtering in from outside the window as a beacon, I began organizing.
‘I should at least get this done before leaving so it’ll be easier to work tomorrow.’
At first, I gathered papers without any particular thoughts.
But… before long, I felt an eerie sensation.
It felt like I could sense someone’s presence.
“…Is anyone there?”
I mustered courage to ask into the dark background.
Naturally, no answer came back.
‘There’s really no one here, right?’
That must be it.
‘Unless I specifically ask them to, the employees aren’t the type to volunteer for overtime…’
But I don’t know why I’m getting this strange feeling.
“….”
…This won’t do.
‘My heart is beating too fast.’
I decided to finish organizing the documents quickly.
A few minutes later, I hurriedly escaped from the Center.
“Let’s go… let’s go quickly.”
I muttered while locking the door.
‘I-I’m absolutely not doing this because I’m scared.’
It’s for the purpose of getting Home promptly.
I walked briskly with my back turned to the Center as if fleeing.
But that’s when it happened.
Tap.
Someone grabbed my shoulder.
“…Aaaah!!”
I reflexively screamed.
However, my surprise was brief.
Upon seeing the person’s face, my heart that felt like it would burst gradually calmed down.
“Huff, huff… Marquis…?”
The one who had suddenly approached me was Johan.
Johan seemed like he never dreamed I would react this way.
After freezing for a moment, he placed his hand on his chest.
“Center Director…”
It seemed like he was more startled than I was.
“I apologize. In my joy at seeing you, I carelessly grabbed your shoulder, Center Director. You were quite frightened.”
I hurriedly waved my hands in denial.
“Oh, no. I’m naturally very timid… I’m the one who should apologize for screaming.”
But I absolutely couldn’t say ‘I was already scared because the Center was dark.’
‘That would hurt my pride a bit. I’m a grown adult woman.’
Before Johan could ask more questions, I quickly changed the subject.
“But… what brings you here at this hour? I didn’t expect to see you here, Marquis.”
“Ah, I had some business nearby. I ran into you, Center Director, on my way back after finishing my work.”
Johan’s blue eyes that had been looking at me swept over the Center building.
“But why are you coming out so late? I understand the Center closes at 6 o’clock.”
“Oh, today… actually I had some matters to attend to, so I went out in the middle of the day. I just stopped by briefly to organize some documents for tomorrow.”
“I see…”
Johan slowly nodded his head.
Taking a deep breath, he met my eyes again.
“This may be presumptuous of me to say…, but it’s dangerous for a woman to be out alone at this late hour.”
“…”
“I know you’re a diligent person, Center Director, but please consider bringing at least a knight with you when you go out.”
Johan, who was about to add something more, soon closed his mouth.
Just from that, I could tell he was genuinely worried about me.
A smile bloomed on my lips.
‘He really is such a kind person.’
I replied.
“Thank you for your concern. I’ll consider it.”
“…”
“But the Empire itself has such good security. I’ve been going around alone because I never felt the need for protection.”
“…”
“But thank you for saying that.”
While speaking, I could feel the corners of my mouth rising more and more.
Johan looked back and forth between my eyes and the curve of my lips.
Then he asked.
“If it wouldn’t be an inconvenience, would it be alright if I escorted you home?”
“Oh…”
I was going to have to catch a carriage anyway.
‘Johan offering to take me home.’
Feeling embarrassed, I fidgeted with the back of my head.
“Well… I’d be grateful if you would.”
“The carriage is waiting over there.”
Johan pointed to the opposite side of the street.
There stood a carriage bearing the crest of House of Beloster.
I followed him and climbed into the carriage.
“Please sit comfortably.”
Johan took the seat across from me.
‘Usually people take the seat of honor in their own carriage.’
But he had me sit in the seat of honor and took the seat facing opposite to the direction of travel.
‘Really kind and considerate…’
You’re truly a good man, even setting aside any personal feelings.
Then, a thought suddenly struck me.
“At the ball, when I saw Sir Lian, I fell in love with him at first sight.”
…Right.
‘I had to tell Johan that I couldn’t proceed with the request any further.’
With Lian getting seriously injured out of nowhere, I had completely forgotten about it for a moment.
‘This was the most important issue.’
I had just run into Johan.
And I was alone with him in the carriage.
‘…Right.’
Now was the appropriate time to confess the truth.
I cleared my throat and began to speak.
“…Um.”
“Center Director.”
But Johan interrupted me.
When I looked up, his serious face came into view.
“Ah, yes. Please go ahead.”
“Well…”
Johan slowly swallowed and drew out his words.
While rolling his eyes to the side.
Since this was the first time I’d seen him like this, I was a bit puzzled.
‘What is he trying to say to act like that.’
I waited for him patiently.
Then Johan let out a silent sigh.
“…I’m truly sorry, but… I’d like to cancel the request.”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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