Dear Ex-Fiancé, I Hope You Regret Everything - Chapter 21

In the end, the gathering naturally concluded, and even from the retreating backs, the Duke of Lewiston’s voice continued to clamor incessantly.

As for Lady Starelesska, she faced me with a somewhat liberated expression, lightly spreading her skirt. I even sensed a refreshing air in her demeanor.

On the way to the carriage, Fonmi lowered her gaze and asked, “…Lady Iris, why did you suspect poison from just one of my words?”

“When I was speaking with Lady Starelesska, I felt as if I might vanish somehow. Yet, I found it odd that she was somewhat forceful with me, whom she’d just met. Thinking back now, it was the imbalance between her ephemeral appearance and her forceful manner. While everyone has multiple facets, sudden changes usually indicate something hidden. Thank you, Fonmi. I nearly lost a precious friend I’d just made today.”

“…Why did you believe my words?”

“I don’t doubt everything indiscriminately. I think you’re an excellent maid who’s attentive and efficient at your work. You just dislike me.”

“…You’re aware of it, then.”

“My, what a strange thing to say now.”

(She must think I’m quite odd), I supposed.

“But thank you, Fonmi.”

“Reporting any unusual occurrences is part of my job.”

“This is my gratitude for that work.”

Perhaps unaccustomed to praise, she seemed extremely uncomfortable, though her cheeks were red.

Lord Skyford’s hand tightened firmly as he boarded the carriage.

Then I was forcibly pushed inside.

“Wh-what’s come over you!?”

Suddenly, he hugged me tightly. I was startled by the strength in his arms.

“Please, don’t ever pull such a dangerous stunt again. If anything happened to you, I beg you, rely on me from now on.”

“…With all due respect, in an urgent situation, that was the only way…”

“Stubborn.”

He kissed me roughly, his escaping breath hot.

“Al-alright, I understand. I’ll do as you say, my lord, and rely on you from now on.”

“‘My lord’…? Why so formal all of a sudden? Call me by my name.”

“I’ll rely on Lord Skyford.”

“Mmm, good girl.”

He planted a soft kiss on my forehead. His lips felt feverish, and his eyes were drowsy.

“Could it be you’re drunk?”

“No, it’s not that.”

The carriage rattled along, jostling with each movement. With the vibrations, Lord Skyford’s head thumped softly against my shoulder.

“When I came to this country, it was by palanquin, but we do travel by carriage sometimes too.”

“Ah, palanquins are mainly used for travel from the seaside. With carriages, the wheels get stuck in the sand.”

“Lord Skyford?”

His cheek felt hot to the touch.

(Oh no!! He has a fever!)

I immediately loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar. The royal castle wasn’t far. However, given the recent incident with the poisoned drink, it would be better to stop the carriage once as a precaution.

Bell, who has some medical knowledge, checked his pulse and examined the condition of his limbs.

“…I believe it’s likely just a cold. It doesn’t seem immediately critical, so let’s call a doctor as soon as we return to the castle.”

I felt relieved at Bell’s assessment.

The carriage proceeded as quickly as possible while trying not to jostle him. Even so, Lord Skyford furrowed his brows with every bump.

Sweat gradually beaded on his head resting on my lap. I occasionally wiped it away, gently parting his hair.

“…Iris…”

“Yes, I’m right here.”

He intertwined his fingers with mine and brought them to his lips.

“…Dying with my head on your lap would be a worthy end.”

“Don’t say such strange things! We’ll be there soon!!”

“…Don’t shout at a sick man.”

“Ah… I’m sorry…”

“Hehe… Funny. I know I should recover quickly, but I want to stay like this forever.”

My face grew hot in a flush.

The door opened, and with a red face, I followed behind as he was supported by guards walking away. The doctor who greeted us looked at me curiously and asked, “Is this one sick too?” I hurriedly denied it.

“That’s good news, it’s just a cold after all.”

“…I’d like to request your lap as a pillow again.”

“They said you’ll recover in two or three days, so please focus on getting better now!”

“Then, can I ask once I’m healed?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re a tough catch… Ugh, I’m feeling hazy…”

“You’re exhausted, please rest properly.”

“Won’t you stay?”

He grabbed my hand as I tried to leave. His sorrowful eyes seemed to pierce me slowly.

“I slept well with your lap as a pillow.”

“~~~!!! Fine, just this once.”

(I really think he’d sleep better with a proper pillow…)

I thought, but he truly fell fast asleep with his head on my lap.

(…Such long eyelashes)

As if drawn in, I kissed his cheek.