Chapter 162

“It’s nothing much. My brother-in-law just had a few questions abou—”

“We’ll be heading out first, brother.”

Huh? Did he just deliberately interrupt Brother’s words?

At Axion’s polite farewell, Viaton let out a short sigh and nodded.

“Alright. You two have a safe trip.”

As Evelyn stepped out of the drawing room, she leaned closer to her brother and whispered.

“What was that about? What are you two hiding?”

“I can’t tell you, little sister.”  

Her brow furrowed. The way he openly avoided her gaze made her small doubts grow into full suspicion.  

Something’s definitely fishy here, isn’t it?

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

“You’re really not going to tell me?”

Evelyn shot Axion a sulky glare as she stepped down from the carriage, his hand steadying hers. She had hoped that a barrage of questions might wear him down, but his defenses were impenetrable.  

The man let out a quiet chuckle, tightening his grip on her hand.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”  

He always had a way of saying the most cryptic things, offering nothing of substance while leaving her even more curious.

See? This is exactly why it’s suspicious.

Whether he knew he was getting on his fiancée’s nerves or not, Axion matched his pace to hers. 

Before long, they arrived at the palace’s artificial lake, where the exchange gathering was being held. Dozens of nobles mingled beneath the soft glow of lanterns reflected in the water.

‘There must be Platinum-rank nobles here too, right?’

Evelyn thought, recalling the incident in Serpene and steadying her breath to calm her nerves.

Just then, Axion turned toward someone in the crowd, a perfectly polite yet unmistakably insincere smile curving his lips.

“It’s been a while.”

The ones approaching them were none other than Chloe and her lover, Joshua.

“My, Lord Valentino, you’ve grown even more distinguished since we last met.”

“I’ve someone I wish to impress.”

Watching the two exchange pleasantries with impeccable decorum, Evelyn couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh. Her gaze then shifted to the man accompanying her friend.

“A pleasure to see you, Count Ashford.”

“A pleasure to see you, Lady Inevasel.”  

The Ashford family, renowned for maintaining strict political neutrality, held considerable influence among the central nobility. The decisions of House Ashford were, in effect, the will of the entire neutral faction. For that reason, the Crown Prince was eager to remain on good terms with Count Ashford, who was practically their leader.

‘He must still harbor doubts about the Second Prince’s death.’

Since Erden had never recovered his half-brother’s body, he had been steadily trying to solidify his own power base.

While Evelyn was lost in thought, Axion raised one eyebrow slightly.  

“I’m jealous. You only seem to look at other men.”

Although a playful smile curved his lips, there was a sincerity in those crimson eyes that left her momentarily speechless.

What on earth is he saying right now?

She stared at him, utterly baffled, unable to hide her expression. But what unsettled her even more was the realization that his teasing no longer felt unpleasant.

Did I eat something strange today?

Her face grew serious as she immediately began mentally retracing everything she had eaten that morning.

Honeyed figs and white bread, that was all I’ve eaten…

While Evelyn stood frozen in place, Chloe let out a soft, knowing laugh. Then, tactfully, she turned to her lover in a hushed voice.

“Josh, didn’t you say you had something to discuss with the young lord?”

Catching on immediately, Joshua gave a small nod and promptly addressed Axion.

“I was hoping to hear your thoughts on a certain business matter, if you’d spare me a moment.”

At those words, Axion’s gaze flicked toward his fiancée, lingering as if reluctant to leave her side. It seemed he was still somewhat concerned about her.  

Not wanting to get in the way, Evelyn spoke as if it were nothing. 

“Go ahead, Axion.”  

“I was hoping you’d stop me, just once.”

At her fiancé’s nonsensical remark, she let out a short laugh. Then, moments later, Chloe slipped her arm through Evelyn’s and spoke in her usual bright, breezy tone.

“The ladies need some time to ourselves, so would you gentlemen mind giving us a moment?” 

With that, she deftly dismissed both men before turning back with a mischievous grin.

“Now then, out with it, Evelyn.”

“Out with what?”

“Don’t play dumb. When did the two of you get that close?”