Chapter 138

She exhaled a heavy sigh.

Even though more investigation was needed, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was no ordinary affair. The uncertainty of what lay ahead deepened the shadow of concern across her face. Moreover, she couldn’t shake the thought that had circled endlessly in her mind.

‘What if, like me…’

There might be another possessor who knows the original story.

Evelyn, who had been reborn into this world, had already altered its course, and with that, portions of the original story had begun to shift. If such a possessor had realized it, there was every chance they would have found her presence intolerable. It would be a relief if this were only wild conjecture, though it was possible that the figure connected to the heresy had targeted her because of this.

The thought, plausible as it seemed, sent a shiver racing over her skin. Unease welled within her, and she clenched her hands so tightly that crescent-shaped marks bloomed where her nails dug in.

“Maybe it’s best to observe the situation for a while.”

She had wished only to preserve a quiet, comfortable life, but it seemed even that modest desire was denied her by the whims of fate.

Is this why being a side character in a tragic story is so exhausting?

Even though she forced herself to appear composed, the crescent marks her nails had left on her palm only deepened.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Inside the carriage bound for the Duke of Rikeran’s estate, a somewhat awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere lingered, prompting Evelyn to sigh inwardly. She turned her gaze to the man seated across from her and chided softly.

“Axion, can you do something about that expression?”

“What expression?”

Although his face betrayed clear displeasure, Axion answered as if it were nothing.

However, having spent so much time with him, there was no way Evelyn wouldn’t notice. Ever since stepping into the carriage with her, he had kept his lips pressed in silence, eyes fixed stubbornly on the passing scenery beyond the window.

‘Should I have just come alone?’

No, that wasn’t it. It had been Axion himself who had insisted on accompanying her in the first place. On the very day she received Khalid’s letter concerning her visit to the ducal residence, her fiancé had happened to be with her.

“Why is the Duke of Rikeran sending you a letter?”
“I was invited to visit the ducal estate. Of course, you—”
“Visiting another man’s residence when you already have a fiancé…?”
“I was going to ask you to come with me even if you hadn’t said anything!”

The more she thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. He had agreed to accompany her himself, so why now did he wear such a sulky expression?!

While Evelyn and Axion were bickering, the carriage had already rolled past the gates of the Duke of Rikeran’s estate.

‘So this is the male lead’s residence.’

True to its title as the heart of the North, the duke’s manor was vast and imposing. However, as though reflecting its master’s character, its grandeur wasn’t ostentatious but steeped in a restrained elegance. Gazing out the window at the estate, Evelyn soon took her fiancé’s hand and stepped out of the carriage.

Waiting servants, already assembled to greet them, bowed with practiced courtesy.

“We welcome Lord Axion Valentino and Lady Evelyn Inevasel.”

“Yes. Is Duke Rikeran inside?”

“The Duke has instructed that the two of you first be received in the drawing room.”

They mentioned Khalid has stepped out for a meeting that was called on short notice.

Evelyn gave a small nod and followed the servants as they led the way. On the path to the drawing room, she couldn’t help but marvel at the stately corridor. While the manor had stood for more than a century, it was so carefully tended that it seemed untouched by time. Every detail reflected the master’s creed of valuing substance over ostentation.

‘As expected of the male lead, his estate is on another level altogether.’

Her lips parted in quiet awe, her green eyes shining with admiration. It was then that Axion, who had been watching her quietly, lowered his head and murmured close to her ear.

“What are you looking at so intently?”

“….!”

Startled back to her senses, she blinked rapidly, and the corner of the man’s lips curved faintly upward.

“You should be focusing on me.”