1891-chapter-29-1
Ever since that day, I’ve had this constant feeling like someone’s watching me. An unknown gaze lingered for days, but I couldn’t find any trace of it.
Because of this, the unsettling feeling grew, and it even ruined my appetite.
‘Someone is definitely there.’
Once again, I felt the same indiscernible gaze on the back of my head today. I stopped eating and quietly put down my utensils.
“Why are you eating so little? It’s a dish you usually enjoy.”
Edmond asked in an indifferent tone, glancing at me.
“Maybe it’s the heat. I don’t have an appetite.”
“I hear you haven’t been sleeping well lately.”
“Oh, how did you know? We sleep in separate rooms, so it’s hard to feel at ease. If I could sleep next to you, I’d sleep soundly. It’s really a shame.”
I spoke teasingly, pretending it was his fault. Edmond replied casually.
“Missing some sleep now and then isn’t so bad. It’s natural.”
“As if! What’s with the walls between us—married couples don’t need that, jeez!”
I clicked my tongue at his flimsy excuse, making a sour expression. By now, I had given up hoping we’d share a room.
“Oh, by the way, was there a knight training session today?”
Suddenly remembering, I quickly spoke up, hoping for his permission.
“There’s knight training held everyday. If we slack even for a day, the body stiffens.”
“That’s perfect, actually. Since I’m feeling better, I think I’ll visit the training grounds today.”
“For what? It’s too soon to assume you’re fully recovered.”
“I know my body better than anyone. Don’t worry. I’ll be careful. You may act indifferent, but I know you care about me a lot.”
I emphasized my last words. Edmond’s cheeks turned a faint shade of red. It seems as if my plan worked.
“Ahem, it might make the knights uncomfortable.”
“You may not know this, but the knights really like me. The charcoal I brought them last time was a big hit, right? They were so pleased to have a steady supply.”
Edmond scratched his dry throat, avoiding my gaze, seemingly agreeing with me.
“More than that, I’m friendly, pretty, cute, and easygoing, unlike you, who’s stiff and hard to approach. It’s easy for them to talk to me.”
As I spoke, his previously calm brow wrinkled bit by bit. I felt something strange simmering deep within. Edmond, suppressing an unknown emotion, replied calmly.
“So, the Duchess plans to charm the knights? I’d like to hear your reason.”
“I need to become stronger.”
“Stronger? What do you mean?”
“Lately, I feel like someone’s watching me. I first sensed it at the bookstore, but recently, it feels closer… It’s unsettling.”
“That’s unnecessary. You always have maids around, don’t you? Plus, there are enough guards.”
“Even so, this feels different. Remember how I visited the greenhouse a few days ago? Things have been odd since then. I think that’s why I can’t sleep. Something’s definitely there.”
I spoke slowly, frowning.
“When I wake up, there’s something behind the curtains. It’s not just once or twice that I’ve sensed this ominous presence. Do you know how terrifying that is?”
“Even so, I can’t let you into my chamber.”
“That’s not what I’m asking! Really, what do you think of me? Sasha and I have searched countless times but found nothing.”
“Do you have any other guesses?”
Edmond asked in a bored tone.
“No. That’s why I need to learn martial arts. Just in case I’m attacked!”
“You’ve become sensitive since you last fell ill. If necessary, I’ll assign more guards. That’ll be far more efficient.
“Ah, you don’t believe me? See? That look in your eyes says it all! You think I’m making this up.”
“If I didn’t believe you, I wouldn’t suggest more guards.”
“Then why stop me? I want to protect myself.”
Edmond hesitated, then replied in a cold voice.
“I’m stopping you because I’m worried you might hurt someone. Chloe Randolph, you, as you are now, is already threatening enough.”
“Honey…!”
His unreasonable response made me roll my eyes and raise my voice, but by then, Edmond had already distanced himself completely.
***