The Problem Is, My Ex-Boyfriend and I Are Both Dating Other People - Chapter 61

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

Chapter 61

Whoosh, crack, thud! Smack!
I executed the Sword Swing Technique that the Knight Order commander had drilled into me hundreds of times, my eyes gleaming. It felt as though all my pent-up stress was dissolving in a single stroke.
The thrill of finally meeting the person responsible after fuming at some faceless corporate malice that had no form!
“Ow, ow, ow, I’m telling you it really hurts!”
“Why should the empire’s citizens know anything about my romantic affairs?!”
“Wait, wait, please!”
Love raised both hands before him in solemn supplication. I tilted my head slightly, curious enough to hear him out.
“Well. Your Excellency. I too find that matter most regrettable.”
“As you should.”
“But there is little to be done.”
Rubbish. I quietly lifted the sword again. I’d never actually swung it before—it had only ever hung on the wall—so I hadn’t known how satisfying the impact would feel. I almost regretted having wondered what sense there was in keeping a sword over a thousand years old in one’s office.
My ancestor was right after all. They must have known that someday I’d find a use for it.
“Ow! Hold on!”
“What now.”
“Well. I suppose it’s time I explained why we’ve become so fixated on the two of you and your romance.”
Love spoke while glancing nervously at the sword, trying desperately to recover some dignity. He seemed intent on reclaiming his composure.
Sorry, but you’re looking pretty pathetic right now.
Still, I was curious. Troublelove was a gossip rag that had grown fat by chewing over and dissecting High Society’s scandals. Gossip poured in constantly, but Troublelove’s sales always peaked during the Social Season. That the publication had nonetheless managed not to incur any major family’s lasting enmity was simple enough.
They touched every noble house lightly and broadly.
One day my affairs would appear, the next day someone else’s, and everyone would indulge it by tactfully looking the other way. Yet there had been a time when Troublelove fixated on a single couple with unusual persistence.
“Go ahead. Speak.”
Me and Richard.
“Well. To be frank, it’s the money, Your Excellency.”
…….
“Our sales double—how could we possibly pass that up?”
…….
“The imperial people love romance. A love story between a duke’s young lady and a trainee knight! You know better than anyone, Your Excellency—High Society is a jungle where romance doesn’t exist. People grow weary of the same stimulating carousel over and over, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, there’s this fresh, pure story, and everyone just thinks, ‘Oh, I hope they work out,’ and ‘Is this real love?’ and they go absolutely mad for it.”
“Love?”
I called his name for the first time, smiling brightly. The sharp-witted journalist knew what that meant. I raised my sword toward where he was trying to escape.
I’d had the wrong idea. First I’d beat him senseless, then I’d demolish Troublelove. That’s what I resolved—when Love suddenly cried out desperately.
“I’m not that foolish!”
Noah stood beside me, looking at him with utter contempt. But Love refused to back down, clenching both his fists.
“Did you truly think I’d come all this way without any countermeasure, knowing you might resort to such methods?”
“What countermeasure?”
“I mentioned that matter about the flowers in Rowan before, didn’t I?”
Let me hear this at least. The tip of the sword was growing heavy, so I set it down with a soft tap against the floor and nodded for him to continue.
“That property has finally come on the market!”
“What?”
“You said yourself there was a real estate business operating on the street where the courtesans gather. The timing worked out perfectly—it came available and we took the listing!”
…….
“I’m wearing myself to the bone in service to you, Your Excellency.”
Noah stepped quietly to my side and took the sword from me. He’d apparently decided I wouldn’t be swinging it anymore.
It was a bit ambiguous, but I let him take it. If I needed it again, I could always take it back and beat him with it. Noah made a point of returning it to the wall before remarking.
“You’re not wrong, but it’s pretty transparent.”
“Oh, if the young viscount of Bella’s Estate says such a thing, I’m wounded.”
“I’m odd. I’m the kind of man who values love over money.”
Noah straightened his shoulders with a swagger. I had no idea what he was showing off, but regardless, he looked insufferably smug.
Love apparently agreed, drifting over to me and whispering.
“Is it really alright for the young viscount of Bella’s Estate to be like that?”
Love flashed Noah a casual smile, then abruptly dropped his expression and whispered to me.
“Someone with a mindset like his becoming the head of the house is perfect for ruining it. Speaking from years of experience, I advise you to replace the young viscount.”
Who are you to say that?
Why is there not a single decent person in my circle? I was wondering about this when Love glanced out the window and broke into a broad smile.
“Ah. They’ve finally arrived!”
“Who?”
I turned my head to follow his gaze and my brow furrowed. Several figures in pitch-black hoods that looked distinctly suspicious were lurking outside someone’s home. At this hour with the sun setting, they were dressed perfectly to be chased away.
But I didn’t ask who they were. There was no need—I recognized one of them.
As if sensing my gaze, the figure lifted their head. Between the hood, blown slightly upward by the wind, black hair spilled free.
A sharp, angular face and piercing red eyes—the moment our gazes locked, I yanked the curtain shut in panic.
“No.”
I turned to Love and ground out the word, and the blasted journalist grinned wide. As if to confirm I’d guessed right.
Grinning? You bastard?

* * *

Richard hadn’t been briefed on Bella’s nocturnal excursion any more than she had. His assigned journalist had simply handed him a Black Robe with profuse apologies—about an hour ago, no less.
Richard accepted it without protest. Not because he understood, but because he had no desire to exchange words with his handler.
And yet.
Richard’s gaze lingered long on Love and Bella as they bickered.
“You said to take every measure to search the estate as quickly as possible!”
“I said to take measures—not to storm in without warning!”
“I had no choice! The property listing came up suddenly—what was I supposed to do?”
“The listing didn’t come up thirty minutes ago!”
Bella’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper as she snarled, and Love’s eyes flickered away. That alone was answer enough.
Richard inserted himself between them, smoothly but firmly catching Bella’s hand just before it reached Love. He clasped her fingers and leaned close, murmuring.
“Don’t be too hard on him, Bella. He was doing his best. And you agreed yourself—we need to confirm the property quickly, since we don’t know when it’ll be listed again.”
Bella’s eyes flashed.
“Are you taking his side right now?”
Richard retreated with quick awareness.
“Of course not. Your hand would hurt mine. Want me to do it instead? We can leave his legs alone since he needs to walk—just break one arm. How’s that sound?”
Love watched Richard pivot his stance with bewilderment. But having achieved his purpose, Richard paid him no further mind.
Only Noah and Asta, trailing a few paces behind, knew the truth.
Both caught on to the fact that Richard had squeezed between Love and Bella simply because he’d minded them standing so close—and they exchanged a knowing glance, smirking in unison.
“It’s so obvious. How does Bella not notice?”
“She’s just not perceptive by nature.”
“Wouldn’t it be hard to work with that little awareness, Noah?”
“It is hard. But you just grit your teeth and bear it.”
Bella shot a glare at the pair of them whispering like cockroaches.
“If you want to keep your ducal rank, shut your mouth, Noah.”
Noah’s hands flew to his lips under that piercing stare. Of course, he immediately dove into Asta’s arms instead.
Bella looked at them both in turn with a weary expression, shook her head, and turned her attention away.
After the brief commotion, they moved as one group across the street.
Five or six figures draped in pitch-black robes—they drew stares wherever they went. Yet none of them seemed to mind or made any effort to hide.
As if they were hoping to be noticed.

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