Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Toy Store Sweep
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A toy store catering to high-ranking nobles naturally showcased dolls adorned with real jewels and miniature carriages crafted with the same precision as actual ones.
The teddy bear draped in fine silk, stuffed plumply with cotton, had such a cute design that it tempted even me.
I never imagined I'd be splurging money for the second time in my life—after that time with Darsi—at a toy store of all places.
My initial leisurely demeanor didn't last long. I realized it would take quite a while to sweep up every toy inside.
Which also meant I'd have to endure people's stares for just as long.
I sipped the tea the clerk had brought me and fell deep into thought.
...But how am I supposed to transport all this?
Calming my mind and body with well-steeped chamomile tea, I faced the most pressing issue.
Storage at the mansion's warehouse would be fine, but taking it to the mage village discreetly by carriage would be impossible.
Fortunately, solving the problem was easy.
Darsi's right here.
Just because we're together doesn't mean I can't use his abilities.
If Darsi helps me out, I can even brag about it to the mages later.
I'd decided to make full use of Darsi's talents.
After all, he might end up as the teacher for the mages who'll contract with me later.
Darsi's guilt isn't misplaced.
But just as the mages fought him to survive, for Darsi, combat was a struggle for survival too.
The shop was left empty, as if a typhoon had swept through. I stepped outside in a satisfied mood.
As I opened the door, I felt far more gazes upon me than before.
Not a few wore envious expressions as they whispered among themselves.
They're probably pondering just how deep my connection with Darsi runs.
Rumors already swirl that we're lovers, and now here I am, shopping for children's toys.
Of course, I had a reason prepared for that too.
I'd donate some of today's purchases to the capital's orphanage. It was a two-birds-with-one-stone opportunity to do good while avoiding scrutiny.
Those who don't know the exact quantity I bought would assume every toy went to the orphanage.
Sure, no matter how I act, the suspicious ones will stay suspicious.
My eyes met those of the whispering crowd. They flinched and suddenly fanned themselves as if it were sweltering.
Whatever.
I flashed a brilliant smile and hurried into the carriage to escape the people rushing over to talk to me.
Once inside and the door locked, I let out a sigh of relief.
To think I could smile my way through it so calmly—my nerves have really toughened up.
Before we leave, I should host a tea party.
I need to leave a good impression on my future guests, and clear up those rumors about Darsi too.
I'll have to discuss exactly how with him.
Honestly, I'm fine with things as they are... but he might not be.
We're not lovers yet, after all.
I stroked the back of my hand where his lips had touched. The warmth I'd felt was still vivid.
Even in the midst of such a hectic day, thoughts of Darsi crossed my mind.
I wonder if he thinks of me too.
I hope so.
I wanted him to recall our moment of skinship with the same feelings stirring in his heart.
After Marso left, the crowd in front of the toy store erupted into loud chatter.
Ever since rumors spread that things were completely over between Ryan and Marso—and that she'd gifted him a magic crystal—the open jealousy toward her had been dying down.
"She must be close with Prince Darsi, the one we saw back then..."
"She abandoned Sir Ryan. Tsk tsk, people need to have some loyalty."
"Saving Lady Resuan was just a coincidence, then."
"Coming to buy toys... no way..."
Those openly gossiping were nobles aligned with Ryan. They'd received instructions from him.
It was an organized move, part of Ryan's strategy to isolate Marso once more.
The ultimate goal: exploit Marso's feelings for him to bring Darsi down.
Armed with Ryan's plea and a grave mission, they raised their voices.
"Amusing nonsense."
But it didn't last long.
After Marso's carriage departed, Darsi appeared and neatly cut them off.
"P-Prince..."
"Guess you didn't expect the subject of your gossip to show up. Has word of the ruckus I caused at the palace not spread yet?"
No one was unaware of the palace gates he'd smashed.
"It's not just objects I can destroy."
At Darsi's words, their faces drained of color. It didn't sound like an idle threat.
Those not on Ryan's side quickly got ahead of it.
"I didn't say anything like that, Your Highness."
"Me neither."
"Ah, I know who said it. I don't touch the innocent."
Darsi nodded at their words. Those who'd slipped the madman's net breathed a sigh of relief. And at the same time, they were surprised by how unexpectedly honest the madman seemed.
He doesn't touch the innocent.
Better live sin-free from now on... Darsi's sudden appearance inspired mass repentance.
Darsi took a step forward. The nobles clutched their necks, trembling.
"P-Prince. I was just preparing for any possible situa—"
"Tell Ryan to find another way. This one's a bust."
Darsi's lips twisted as he watched their struggles with interest.
"I don't care what you say about me... but not others. At least as a prince, I have to uphold some honor, right?"
The crowd fell silent.
Maybe this madman isn't so bad. More fit to be emperor than Ryan—
"Arghhh!"
A noble mid-thought felt something graze his ear. Darsi spun the gun in his hand without blinking.
"Ah, oops. Meant to lodge it in your temple."
"...W-What's this?"
People gathered around the noble screaming in pain. But Darsi didn't answer.
Whatever he'd shown them, it was clear it could take their lives.
The crowd called for their knights and backed away from Darsi. The madman rumors weren't for nothing.
Darsi crouched before the noble clutching his ear and sobbing, meeting his eyes.
His gleaming gaze was like that of a grim reaper ready to claim a soul.
"Spread these rumors one more time, and I'll stuff this in your mouth."
Darsi smiled. An angelic grin at odds with his reaper-like actions.
The minor commotion ended there. In the end, Ryan's petty scheme failed.
When Emperor Kies heard about it later, he flew into a rage and confined Darsi to quarters.
But it only fanned the flames of Darsi's notoriety.
Letisia mulled over Marso's parting words.
"My true self."
Her life had been saved thanks to Prince Ryan. She'd believed her faith in him would last a lifetime, no matter what he did.
Until Marso completely shook her.
During her time as a maid, the Marso she'd encountered was utterly unlike Ryan's descriptions.
She could hardly believe it was the same person.
At first, she thought it was a facade.
But the more time they spent together, the more she realized every action from Marso was sincere.
Ryan didn't believe it. He even warned Letisia not to be deceived.
Letisia trusted Ryan. While serving Marso, she felt some pity for her, but never believed she'd changed to her core.
Not until the day Marso looked at her with eyes full of betrayal.
Watching the expectations of someone who'd trusted her shatter into pieces plunged her mood to the depths.
Because she knew all too well that Marso had always been sincere with her.
It was cowardly of me.
She was ashamed of herself.
After dismissing Tiset, Letisia greeted Ryan.
"You're here."
She hadn't bothered reporting Marso's visit.
It wasn't a big deal anyway.
Making excuses to herself, Letisia listened to Ryan again.
"Leti, there's something you need to do."
"...What is it?"
She couldn't abandon Ryan.
He was the lord who'd shielded her despite the humiliation before Darsi.
"Be my point of contact from now on."
"Contact with whom?"
As a merchant guild leader acting as Ryan's right hand, she'd handled many things.
"Marquis Epekle."
"Don't you frequent the Epekle house often?"
It was odd. With all the time he spent there because of Resuan, she couldn't guess what he'd need her for.
"No, this is separate from Resuan. Poor phrasing on my part. It's better if she doesn't know."
Another matter someone else shouldn't know.
Lost in thought, Letisia murmured with a skeptical expression.
"...Is it really the right thing to do?"
Ryan's brow furrowed faintly.
"Are you doubting me?"
"No."
Letisia cut her words short.
But the seed of doubt Marso had planted had already sprouted.
What is he planning this time?
Once again, her lord was about to disappoint her.
Letisia had to choose.
Between loyalty and justice.
Raiding the toy store was just the beginning.
Dresses, books, daily necessities... Over the next ten days, I swept through every major shop in the capital.
They'd probably say I'd reverted to my old ways after such a shopping spree, but I'd built up the mental fortitude for mental victories by now.
That's just sour grapes from people jealous of my wealth.
How thrilling is it to pick anything without checking the price tag?
Plenty happened while preparing to meet the mages.
First, gifts arrived from the Epekle Marquis House.
A thank-you for saving Resuan last time.
Along with that, rumors began circulating that Emperor Kies's combat prowess actually came from Darsi.
Kaisen, a Darsi supporter, ran around as a firsthand witness.
His image of being held captive by Darsi was still fresh in my mind, but they seemed to get along well enough.
And finally...
"This crazy bastard must've lost his mind."
Darsi let out a hollow laugh as he read the secret invitation from Ryan.