He might even run straight to the Izan and inform him that she had ulterior motives.
“Say it’s the latter.”
But then, unexpectedly, he spoke again.
“Say that your feelings for the Crown Prince are a lie. That you don’t truly wish to marry him, but have other intentions. Say it like that.”
“…What benefit would that bring to His Grace the Duke?”
Ariella could not understand why he was saying such things with the information she had.
Nobert did not answer. Ariella stared at him in disbelief and confusion.
His red eyes were boiling with anger directed at her once again.
But upon closer inspection, it didn’t seem to be just a simple red. It appeared to be a bit lighter…
“I will keep the secret.”
His deep voice broke her thoughts. Ariella blinked in surprise.
“But I dare to attach a condition.”
“…A condition?”
A condition from Nobert Ashbon, who possessed power, wealth, and even looks. Her heart raced at the thought that it wouldn’t be strange if he asked her to steal the heirloom of the Duke of Abercorn.
Nobert nodded lightly and declared in a whisper.
“Use me.”
What on earth did that mean? She was now too exhausted to be surprised or flustered.
Ariella narrowed her eyes, demanding clarification.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“…If what you’re dealing with is the fake princess and the Crown Prince.”
His expression darkened, particularly when he mentioned Aaron. At that moment, she grasped a clue.
“It won’t be easy alone. So, use me. Don’t refuse my help, and willingly use what I have.”
Now, she felt like she understood his purpose.
Why he had offered help at Count Mccoy’s, why he had asked her to dance at the Marquis of Emily’s ball, and why he had knocked down Fletcher the Duke on her behalf. She finally understood.
‘The enemy of my enemy is my ally, right?’
Just like Lizzy and David had joined forces against a common enemy, Nobert was also saying he wanted to ally with her. To confront their shared enemies, Aaron and Abercorn.
It was not a bad proposal. No, it was not just not bad; it was very enticing.
If she teamed up with Duke Ashbon and borrowed his power and wealth, revenge would become much simpler.
The difference between taking revenge alone and taking revenge with his help was like walking a long thorny path versus a well-paved road.
Even knowing that, Ariella shook her head.
“I can do it alone. As long as His Grace the Duke keeps the secret.”
She did not want to involve anyone else in her revenge. Even if what lay ahead was a thorny path, she could simply pass through it silently.
“…I did not say you couldn’t. I believe you can accomplish it alone.”
What does he know about me? Ariella frowned.
“However, if you do so, situations like the one earlier will inevitably continue to occur. Those insignificant people will dare to betray and insult you, while the Crown Prince and the fake princess will quietly smile, pretending to know nothing. Such a disgusting situation.”
This was something she was aware of as well. If one walks through a thorny path, it is only natural to get pricked by thorns.
There are times when one must endure pain, even when they know it will hurt. She believed that, but Nobert seemed to think differently.
“I don’t want to see such a sight again.”
His voice, breaking each word, carried an undeniable anger.
Veins bulged on his white skin. His gloved hand trembled slightly as he clenched his fist tightly.
Once she solved one problem, a new one arose.
Why did Duke Ashbon say he didn’t want to see such a sight again? And in such a serious tone?
‘What Aaron and Lizzy did earlier was indeed disgusting.’
Yes, it was a sight that made her stomach turn, wishing for the two to get along. Nobert, who disliked both the Crown Prince and the House of Abercorn, must have felt similarly.
“So please, feel free. Use me.”
“…So you will only keep the secret if I do that?”
Nobert nodded firmly, his expression unyielding. Looking at his face, it seemed he had no intention of bending his opinion. If that were the case, discussing it further would only be a waste of time.
“Fine. Then let’s do it that way.”
She reluctantly accepted his proposal. Then, Nobert’s expression seemed to brighten a little. It was such a slight change that it was hard to notice.
“Then let’s head back. If we stay here any longer, it will be troublesome if Catalina catches us. I’m planning to go to the Duke’s residence, but will you return to the dinner party?”
“…I was just about to head home as well.”
Why did this person leave so quickly?
It was puzzling, but upon reflection, it made sense. He probably didn’t know that Aaron had come to this gathering. Now that he knew, he would want to return quickly.
