The Person I Loved Hated Me - Chapter 28

When Isaac opened the door, he found Rhys, the second son of the Duke Winslet household, standing there.

“Sorry to disturb you so early in the morning.”

No sooner had he spoken than he brushed past Isaac into the room, closing the door behind him with a backward hand. His aristocratic appearance would stand out among commoners, so this was likely why.

“I have messages from my father and from that person.”

Rhys’s words trailed off as soon as he entered the room. Following his gaze, Isaac saw Clara standing there, completely capturing Rhys’s attention.

Rhys’s black eyes widened dramatically as he brought a hand to his mouth, murmuring just loud enough for Isaac to possibly hear, “I can’t believe it!”

“To think she’d be this beautiful. You don’t find many noble ladies who compare.”

Apparently, Clara’s appearance was so stunning that he was utterly amazed.

“As expected of Lord Rhodias… no, wait. Really? Should I clean up after His Highness’s mess.”

“Lord Rhys. Didn’t you come here to deliver a message?”

When Isaac prompted him to get back on track from his strange tangent, Rhys shook his head while making excuses. “Right, sorry. I was up all night.”

Perhaps anxious about the unfamiliar man’s presence, Clara wrapped her arm around Isaac’s. Watching this, Rhys whispered “Adorable” and started veering off in that strange direction again.

“Lord Rhys?”

“Ah, right, right. Sorry, my apologies.”

This time he ran his hand through his bangs, tousling them messily.

“Well then. Isaac, sorry for the delay. We finally confirmed the facts and discussed everything last night. I’ve gained their understanding.”

It seemed confirmation had been obtained from Ortol, and Sebastian had accepted that Isaac and Clara’s father was Lord Rhodias. Furthermore, since it had been communicated to Dian who also understood, Isaac could assume they could continue their current lifestyle.

After all the worrying he’d done last night, Isaac felt profound relief and let out a sigh.

“What were you talking about?”

While still wary of the unfamiliar man, Clara tugged sharply on Isaac’s arm, wanting to understand the situation.

“Well…”

Clara didn’t know about their parentage. As Isaac hesitated over what to say, Rhys threw him a lifeline. “It’s about a top-secret mission.”

“That’s why we can’t explain it to outsiders. Will you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Thank you. So, you’re Clara, right?”

Though he already knew, he asked anyway since this was their first meeting. When Clara introduced herself with “Nice to meet you, I’m Clara,” Rhys also said “Nice to meet you, I’m Rhys.”

“I’m from the Winslet ducal family and acquainted with a certain person. That person seems to have caused you significant trouble, and I’m very sorry.”

“No, it’s not.”

Isaac could feel Clara’s body tense up. He squeezed her small hand to reassure her.

“That person has a very troublesome bad habit of startling and teasing commoner women. We understand what happened last night. And that person was reprimanded by my father and is deeply reflecting on it. So please, I ask you to forgive them.”

“You reprimanded that person?”

“Yes. My father is in a position to do so, and that person has enough sense to reflect on their actions. They promised it won’t happen again. It must have been frightening. But none of it was serious, they just enjoyed observing your surprised reactions. Truly bothersome, isn’t it? Let me apologize on their behalf.”

Rhys bowed deeply. “I’m sorry.”

“Not at all! You, Lord Rhys didn’t do anything. Um… really, truly, it was just teasing?”

“Yes, that’s right. For a grown adult, they’re quite a handful.”

Whether intentional or genuine, Rhys spoke as if describing Dian as a mischievous but likable, good-natured person, telling Clara with a smile, “They were properly scolded, you see.”

“But, um… they said something about my eyes.”

“Tch.”

“Huh?”

It seemed Clara had been remarked upon for her unusual eyes. Rhys clicked his tongue, making Clara tilt her head in confusion.

“Sorry. That person also has a tendency toward delusions. But this concerns their dignity, so I’d appreciate it if you could keep it secret.”

“O-oh, I see. Understood. Um… Isaac, I, yesterday…”

Perhaps thinking her lie had been exposed during the conversation with Rhys, Clara looked up at Isaac timidly.

“It’s fine, I know. I was also at fault last night. I noticed something was wrong but couldn’t do anything. Pretty pathetic for an older brother, huh?”

“Not at all. I’m sorry for lying.”

“So that’s the situation, you two. That person won’t be involved with you again.”

“Thank you.”

When Isaac bowed his head, Clara also straightened her posture and bowed. Clara still seemed somewhat uneasy, perhaps unable to fully accept the sudden resolution, but Rhys’s report was likely true. With this, the worry about a taboo incident occurring was gone. On the contrary, it seemed the Crown Prince had some peculiar bad habits but maybe it wasn’t worth worrying about.

“Also, as an apology for the trouble, it seems you’re being given the mansion you were taken to last night.”

“Eh, that mansion!?”

“It’s in the noble district, so the security is good.”

“I don’t want it! Absolutely not! Unnecessary!”

Clara clenched both fists, repeatedly chanting “Don’t want it!” Rhys laughed out loud, saying “I thought so.”

“I figured you’d say that, so I politely declined on your behalf.”

“Thank you. I’m relieved.”

Clara sighed in relief, patting her chest.

“You’re right. If you’d accepted it, they might have dropped by casually for a visit.”

“That person!? No way!”

“Honest, aren’t you? No, no, it’s fine. It won’t be considered disrespectful. Since everything is entirely that person’s fault, there’s absolutely no way any backlash will fall on you siblings, so rest easy.”

“Haha~ You’re completely disliked! How amusing!” Rhys’s cheerful laughter took a while to subside.