“I’ve always told you, this is where I belong.”
His gentle words only intensified her guilt. Ariella smiled weakly, filled with remorse.
Conversations related to this always ended like this. When Ariella felt sorry, Adam would shake his head. And until the next day of nightmares, they would not mention it again.
However, for some reason, today Adam did not stop there and continued speaking.
“…If I had wished for another position, I would have already seized a good opportunity and left without hesitation. I have more than enough ability for that. But the reason I haven’t is simply that I do not want to. Not because of someone’s interference or oppression.”
Ariella and Amira widened their eyes in surprise. It was very rare for Adam to speak at such length.
“I do not intend to work here for a lifetime. The working conditions in Bedford are not that appealing. However, it is simply not yet time for me to leave.”
“…When will that time be?”
“When you become happy. That is when I wish to leave.”
Adam was not someone who could flatter. If one were to argue that he was stubborn, no one could match him, and he was not good at telling white lies, which sometimes landed him in difficult situations.
For him to say this meant it was sincere. A heavy sincerity that was both grateful and burdensome.
“…Then you should start preparing to leave soon, shouldn’t you? As you can see, I’ve been incredibly happy lately.”
When Ariella smiled and said this, Adam silently gazed at her without answering. His eyes seemed to see right through her.
While her act might have worked on Lizzy, it was of no use against him. Ariella shook her head, feeling utterly defeated.
Both Nobert and Adam. She was immune to such serious people.
“I understand. For your sake, I will quickly and properly become happy.”
“I did not mean to imply that you should force yourself.”
“Yes, I know. I’m always grateful, Sir Adam.”
Ariella also smiled sincerely. Then Adam cleared his throat awkwardly and changed the subject.
“…By the way, I heard there are no outings scheduled for today. But it seems you are preparing to go out; has a new schedule come up?”
“Ah, yes. I was just about to mention it. Today, I need to sneak out of the mansion alone.”
“No! It’s dangerous, Miss! The world is so perilous; how can you go without a guard!”
Amira, who had been listening to the conversation with a smile, raised her voice in disbelief.
Although the capital, Edinburgh, was relatively safe, it was still dangerous for a noble lady to wander around alone. You never knew when or where an incident might occur.
“Don’t worry about that. ‘That person’ will be going with me.”
“Ah.”
However, with just Ariella’s explanation, Amira immediately understood.
If that person, Duke Ashbon, was with her, there was nothing to worry about.
His prowess was so remarkable that most knights regarded him as an idol, and even Amira, as a maid, had heard this several times. Even Adam had said he respected him.
Amira, feeling a bit sorry, unconsciously cast a glance at Adam.
From Ariella’s tone, it didn’t seem like a date, but one could never know when a meeting between a man and a woman might develop into something else.
‘Poor Sir Adam.’
It seemed the tide had already turned in one direction. Although Adam was trying hard to maintain a nonchalant expression, Amira knew how dark his feelings must be inside.
Ariella, completely oblivious to this situation, continued speaking with a serious face.
“I need your help to go without being noticed by others. Can you assist me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Of course! Absolutely!”
Even knowing that things could turn bad for them later, Adam and Amira nodded without a moment’s hesitation.
Seeing them, Ariella naturally began to ponder.
‘How should I repay my people?’
Since both of them wished for her happiness, the priority would be to become as happy as possible.
Even if that meant using someone’s feelings in the process.
***
Blue Turn Square in the heart of Edinburgh was always bustling with people.
The famous monument and theater were just a five-minute walk from the square, and the Hotel Mercedes, a symbol of luxury culture, was right around the corner, so it was only natural that many people, including tourists, gathered there.
Artists who spread out in the square to play instruments or sing easily captured the attention of passersby.
However, today, for some reason, things were not going well. A man standing idly in front of the path to the hotel had drawn people’s attention away.
The man was not dressed in a particularly eye-catching manner. Rather, his plain, colorless clothing and the hat pulled low over his face gave off a dull impression.
