I Was Happy to Be Dumped by My Fiancé, But Something Seems Off - Episode 23

A reply from Inanna arrived immediately. From Argent, who received the glowing messenger pigeon on his arm, came words of approval: a gathering had been arranged that would bring together both the Annaloro and Moldio families along with the royal family, and furthermore, the king’s enchantment had been lifted. Tying the tranquilizer to the glowing messenger pigeon, he sent it flying back to Inanna. The postscript from Inanna said, “If you want to attend, come back.” When asked what to do, Bertina wore a solemn expression.

“If what we heard from that pharmacist earlier is true, if Father has changed because he was under a long-term enchantment, I don’t think we should force him back to normal. If returning him to normal would only leave him a wreck, then perhaps it would be better for Father to just forget and be happy as he is.”

“I don’t really understand human emotions well, but isn’t it important what the Duke truly feels in his heart?”

“Father does?”

“Yes. If the Duke left something behind during a moment when his rationality remained, that would be helpful.”

Suddenly, Bertina remembered: her father, Crow, often wrote in a diary. She had overheard him mention during a meal once that it was a habit from his childhood, writing down the day’s events before sleeping at night.

Of course, Bertina couldn’t participate in that conversation. During meals at the Annaloro household when Clarissa wasn’t present, only her parents and brother spoke. Bertina would just eat silently. Occasionally, a sarcastic remark would fly her way as if they’d just remembered she existed. When she tried eating in her room, she was scolded repeatedly for not joining in family time. She often wanted to retort, “What are you people, who treat me like I’m invisible, even talking about?”

If she could get her hands on her father’s diary, there might be clues. Sensing Bertina’s gaze, Argent nodded, but before that, they stopped again at the café they had entered right after arriving in town.

Seated at a table inside, Bertina was left with the words, “Wait here until I get back,” as Argent departed. When the same waiter gave her a puzzled look, she smiled wryly and asked for a recommended dessert for when she felt a little hungry.

“In that case, how about a raspberry pie? It just came out of the oven.”

“Oh, that sounds delicious! I’ll have it. With hot milk, please.”

“Understood.”

The waiter finished writing the order on the check and headed to the back of the shop. While waiting, Bertina rested her cheek on her hand and gazed absently around the café.

The strange unease in her chest still hadn’t faded.

• 〇●〇●〇

Teleportation magic wasn’t something only Inanna could use; most powerful demons could handle it. Argent used teleportation to return to the Annaloro ducal estate and made himself invisible to avoid being seen. This way, he could move around freely.

Just to be safe, he headed to check if Bertina’s room had been ransacked. Confirming no one was around, he carefully opened the door. No one was inside the room either.

“It hasn’t been ransacked, has it?”

After scanning the room, he felt relieved, but only for a moment. The door to the walk-in closet where he slept was slightly ajar. He always made sure to close it when leaving, so this was unnatural. Peeking cautiously through the gap, he nearly gasped aloud in surprise. There’s a saying among humans: love is blind. What did she, Clarissa see in him to say she liked him, to desire him, as she lay on his bedding?

Clarissa, who must have entered without permission, seemed to be lying down, taking advantage of the fact that no one was around. Witnessing this, Argent was utterly exasperated.

“Argent, why don’t you give up on Bertina and choose me instead…?”

“I wouldn’t work you to the bone or treat you like a pet.”

“Big sister Bertina is loved by the Crown Prince, so she won’t need you anymore. Give yourself to me.”

An idea for a prank came to mind, and he quietly approached Clarissa as she lay there.