Chapter 25: 24

Chapter 24

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Jaymus didn’t seem comfortable disclosing any more information than that. It was clear that certain aspects of the letter he’d sent had been removed or omitted.

“We need to bring Rodeo back.”

“But what about Catherine? Is she alright?”

“She’ll be staying in Philadelphia territory to recover for now.”

With a troubled expression, the countess nodded along. She was so glad to hear Catherine was okay….but poison? If the Crown Prince hadn’t taken Catherine to the Philadelphia territories, then…..

Then Catherine would’ve died without them ever knowing the truth.

Knowing that chilled her to the core.

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It was like a dream.

Diana felt like she was walking on clouds. The night market was filled with so many amazing things to see and do. Things that Diana had forgotten about, and knowing them once more rejuvenated her.

After staying trapped indoors for so long, this was Diana’s first outing. The outdoors were shining more brightly than Diana remembered. People were smiling happily, the sound of jubilant music, and the fireworks colorfully etching across the sky.

All of them, things that Diana had forgotten after her memory was tainted by misery.

Diana stared blankly up at the sky.

“Ian?”

“What is it?”

“Will I be able to see the sky again next year?”

“…….I’ll let you see it,” Iandrus answered with a dazed expression.

Diana was busy marveling at everything around her, but she was the only thing in Iandrus’ eyes.  Out of every colorful thing here, she was by far the brightest and most brilliant. Her wide eyes and beautifully splayed blonde hair made her stand out more than anything else. But on his own pale face, framed with black hair and studded with crimson eyes, was a look of deep regret.

He made Diana cry.

But he wanted to make Diana smile.

Those two conflicting feelings shook Iandrus to his core.

They became his foundation. For him, Diana was like delicate glass. But like a beautiful piece of glass, she was thin and could break at any moment.

“Yes. I will hold you to that.”

Iandrus smiled hearing Diana’s agreement. This felt like one more step he was taking to be closer to her. Unlike the man he became in the future, this version of Iandrus would put everything he had into his relationship with Diana.

“……What kind of person do you like?”

Diana blinked at the sudden question. Her small face, once only looking up at the sky, finally turned towards Iandrus.

It was a question that had never been asked of her before. What kind of person did she like? Iandrus never said anything like that in the past. He would only ever look at her, dead in the eyes. There were thousands of emotions locked away in those eyes of his, but never once did he say anything of sort to her.

Would it have been better to be honest?

Would it have been better if she had struggled and fought hard back then?

Diana smiled bitterly just thinking about it.

Meanwhile, Iandrus wasn’t sure what Diana was thinking so deeply about, but he held his breath, noticing how silent she was. At this point, all he wanted to do was meet the future version of himself that put Diana through all of this and give him a swift punch to the jaw.

He wanted to go in on himself, yelling at him for being so damn pathetic—asking him why he had to live his life like that. And if he still wouldn’t come to his senses, then he’d just keep kicking him until his head finally went on straight. But all Iandrus could do was imagine it, letting out a sigh as he did. 

Whenever he thought about the terrible things ‘he’ did, he felt extremely embittered, especially since he himself had never done those things.

But what he hated most was that he couldn’t completely guarantee that he was beyond breaking apart entirely should the same situation come to him. Iandrus knew himself well.

These past fifteen years of his life, he was being raised for nothing. The queen didn’t give him any education in this regard because the position of king was something that was always meant to go to Jaymus. Iandrus wouldn’t know the first thing about ruling a kingdom. After living his entire life in the shadow of his brother, how lost and confused his future self must’ve felt suddenly being thrown into the sunlight.

Such an idiot.

Diana’s hatred towards him was understandable.

But just as Iandrus was about to sink to the bottom of his thoughts, Diana spoke.

“……An honest person. I like it when people speak to me with complete honesty, Ian,” Diana said as if she were muttering. “No one was ever honest with me.”

And it wasn’t just Iandrus.

Philadelphia also hid everything from her. They didn’t want her to know the sacrifice they were making for her sake. Because of that, Diana wasn’t aware of the tragedy that was about to befall them until it was too late.

So Diana couldn’t do anything, even as Philadelphia was dying. All because she was completely in the dark about everything. Guinness told her it wasn’t his fault, but was that true? Ignorance could also be considered a sin. Now, Diana wanted to know everything in this life.

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That way, she wouldn’t miss anything.

“I want you to be honest with me without hiding anything,” Diana said with sincerity in her voice. Iandrus’ eyes fogged up.

“An honest person. No matter what?”

“Yes. No matter what,” Diana answered calmly.

But truthfully, Diana at this time didn’t realize what kind of impact her words would have. Because this Iandrus truly would become an honest person at every moment he could.

Even in moments when it wasn’t necessary.

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“Is that them?” A young man with sharp eyes asked, pointing his finger.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I told you not to call me that. Speak to me comfortably. Comfortably, I said. If I end up getting caught because of you, are you planning on taking responsibility for everything?”

“……Cerian.”

“Good. Isn’t it more comfortable like that?” The young man spoke with a sly voice.

The young lad named Cerian looked off in the distance, paying close attention to a young lady and a young man freely spending their time in the night market. A pale young lady wearing a black dress, partnered with a young man of similar attire, standing shoulder to shoulder as they explored the market.

At first glance, he could clearly see how impatient the young man was, chasing after the young lady and trying to get her attention by talking a lot. Cerian narrowed his eyes with a sly smile.

He could tell what kind of dynamic their relationship was just by looking at them. The majority of the feelings shared between the two were leaning heavily on the side of the young man. Cerian wasn’t sure what was going on, but if that was the case, it would make it easier for him to dig deeper.

If that was the case, wouldn’t it be best to attack the uneasy party first?

“Cerian. You have to be careful. If you were to get caught here….!”

“I know, I’ll die. But isn’t going back the same as dying, anyway?” Cerian said, far too casually.

“But how will you approach them? Any ideas?”

“Well……”

Cerian took a look around the night market. Then, his gaze stopped at one location. It was none other than a supply booth. More specifically, one that sold brushes, drawing paper, and paints.

“When you talk to someone for the first time, isn’t it normal to discuss your hobbies? That’s the easiest approach. And lucky for me, I have a hobby I can use.”

“Cerian!”

But before his aide could stop him, Cerian took a long stride forward. Reaching the booth, he bought everything he would need to appear as any ordinary street painter. He’d been learning how to draw since he was young, so he was fairly confident in his abilities.

Along the streets of the night market, amateur painters were lining the road, calling out to people passing by, drawing pictures for them, and then being paid for their work. Cerian looked out among them, crossing his arms. As the shopkeep packed his purchases, he looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“What are you looking at?” The shopkeep asked.

“I was looking for a subject to paint. It’s my first time painting here, so I want whoever they are to be perfect.”

“Aha…! There are plenty of people coming and going in Philadelphia. I heard that the noble folk even dress down so they can go out and enjoy the festival among the common folk. There’s so many different kinds of people so I’m sure you’ll find someone you like.”

“I hope so. Although, I think I’ve already found someone who’s caught my eye.”

Leaving behind his nervous aide, who glanced at him in anxiety, Cerian took another strong step out into the crowds—the supplies in his arm rattling as he did.

“Ahem.” Cerian cleared his throat, making an innocent comment.

It wasn’t difficult for him to put on a little act. Cerian carefully called out to the two. Fortunately, there was nothing strange about him doing this. This was how the sellers of the market pawned off their wares—calling out to those who passed to do business.

“Hey……” Cerian bowed his head shyly.

“What do you want?” The young man being called out to Cerian cut back coldly.

“Oh, hello. I’m learning to paint these days. I bought a few new supplies to start a new business after coming here.”

He held out the supplies in his arms as he said this.

“And?”

“Well, if you don’t mind, I’d like to paint a picture of you two. I saw the both of you looking around and I thought you looked the best together. Could you give me this opportunity?”

With a flourish, he gestured to the both of them—a young man and a young lady.

Iandrus and Diana looked at each other. Diana didn’t seem to care much either way, but Iandrus seemed intrigued. He liked the idea that they were being seen as an item, and it was nice that he got to hear the words ‘the best together’.

So Iandrus decided to say something.

“Diana.”

“Hm?”

“Let’s do it.”

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