My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place

Chapter 50: The End of Being Temporary Lovers

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“In any case, please lift your head. It was my fault for drinking the wine and I’m more than grateful for your help.”

Elias usually looked composed, but this time his face was washed over with anxiety.

Is it because he felt guilty for keeping it from me or was he afraid of being denounced for his actions?

Either way, Nora felt that that expression didn’t suit Elias’ countenance very well. She was certainly subjected to grave danger, however, since it was a royal command, it was practically impossible for Elias to disobey.

He might have been directly involved in endangering her, but it was also an undeniable fact that he had helped her in many ways. She couldn’t bring herself to be angry at him at all.

“…Why did you prepare the antidote in Lady Andrea’s room?”

It was probably different from what I had thought.

Elias had a surprised expression for a moment but he immediately resumed his usual calm and collected look.

“If you get poisoned, time is of utmost essence. I wanted a safe room as near as possible. With the poisonous stuff that Duke Lindell might use, a single dose of antidote wouldn’t be enough. I also needed tools for weighing and mixing, but it’s too conspicuous to have a room prepared for me, who’s only a marquis’ son. So they let me use Andrea’s room which was near the venue for the ball.”

“And His Majesty knew about it, didn’t he?”

“Of course.”

“Another man other than the king entering the queen candidate’s room, I suppose it is imperative to ask for permission.”

Thorvard might have allowed it, but that also meant that Andrea gave her permission as well. It was quite unthinkable that a nobility, much less a potential queen, would allow an unmarried man to enter her room.

“It’s rather unusual, yes, but it was His Majesty’s order to have an antidote prepared, and Lady Andrea and I have long been acquainted with each other.”

Long been acquainted with each other…

The nature of their relationship would determine Nora’s future. She wasn’t sure if she really wanted to know, but she had to so she could move on. After making up her mind, she mustered up the courage to ask.

“How did you know each other?”

“Well, we’re what you would call poison pals.”

“…Poison?”

He answered immediately, but she didn’t quite understand what he meant. He didn’t seem to be deceiving her, which puzzled her more.

“Lady Andrea has long been in love with His Majesty. She’s learning about all sorts of poison from me for his sake. I suppose she’s more like my apprentice.”

“Huh?”

I still don’t understand. I don’t get why a marquis’ son would want to learn about poisons of all things, nor does it make sense that Andrea would want to learn from him.

Seeing Nora’s growing confusion, Elias chuckled.

“I was the one who stopped Thor from drinking the poisoned wine from the then-Duke Lindell’s son. Marquis Melnes was the host of the evening party at that time… Since then, Thor had a favorable impression of me, and I became good friends with Lady Andrea as we shared the same passion for poisons. She had brought half of the ingredients for the antidote, which was a lifesaver since I didn’t bring a lot with me.”

“Is that what His Majesty was referring to when he said he once almost got poisoned?”

“Yeah. I doubt Duke Lindell remembers me though.”

So, even then, Elias already had a penchant for taste testing poison. How surprising, but there’s one more thing that concerns me.

“When you said ‘bring’… you mean to the royal castle? Have you been coming to the royal castle often lately?”

“Well, yeah, I’ve been coming to meet and report to Thor, so I often brought antidotes with me. Why do you ask?”

As I thought. Everyone had seen them.

Now that it was time to address the issue, Nora felt rather anxious to ask.

“…I had heard that Marquis Callum’s son frequently goes to the royal castle, where he meets with his secret lover.”

“What? Another timely rumor, huh.”

Contrary to Nora’s expectation, Elias dismissed it nonchalantly.

“So it’s not true?”

“Of course not. I only have a temporary lover, not a secret one.”

“Oh…”

Nora had slept in the very same room where Andrea prepared antidotes.

…So, was Elias only confirming where the antidotes were delivered and whatnot?

As she was mulling over it, Elias sat next to Nora.

“Did you believe the rumor?”

“H-Half of it.”

Seeing her answer fast and honestly, Elias let out a loud sigh.

“I’ve been telling you all this time how much I love you. But you still don’t believe me. I don’t know how else can I convey it to you.”

“Even so… Um, I’m sorry.”

I can’t seem to put my thoughts together. How frustrating.

“Then what is the problem? Can you tell me?” He looked into Nora’s eyes.

“Fa—”

“Fa?”

“Face… Your face is good.”

Elias furrowed his brows, trying to figure out what to say.

“…Is that a compliment? Or is it a problem?”

“Both. I got cornered by a flurry of young ladies who liked you, and they told me about all sorts of stuff. They were the ones who told me about your secret lover… To sum it all up, I’m not suitable for you.”

“Mm… Meddlesome strangers. Do you know who they were?”

It’s so good to see him smile, but that smile scares me too. I probably shouldn’t say that out loud.

“I-I don’t know.”

“Well, I’m sure I’ll find out.”

Find out? He sounds scary. Will those young ladies be safe?

“What else?”

“Huh? Oh, um, and we’re of a different status.”

“My family knows and approves of you. Don’t mind the outsiders.”

“Mm?” But the outsiders are on to me, how can I not mind?

It’s probably wise not to tell him that, or he might erupt in anger or something.

“What else?”

“Well, I’m not pretty, just a poor baron’s daughter, nor do I have any outstanding qualities.”

“That’s not true. You’re very attractive.”

“Huh?”

There must be something wrong with his eyes. But it’s probably better not to dwell on this matter further.

“And what else?”

“Well, um…”

“Nora, aren’t you trying too hard to deprecate yourself? I think you’re missing what’s important.”

“And what is that?”

Elias stared at Nora with a serious look on his face.

“What do you think of me?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s been a while since we started being temporary lovers. What do you want to do from now on?”

This must be the ultimatum.

Nora took a slow deep breath and turned to face Elias.

“I want to stop being your temporary lover.”