TPOTLPIM Chapter 9

["Fine, I'll give you time, so heal yourself."]

Teros ran his hand through his hair with a leisurely attitude and flashed a wicked smile.

["Hurry up and heal, so I can slice you once more."]

Hadel clenched his teeth. What a monster of a man.

["Wh-why are you doing this to me!"]

Tears welled up in Hadel's eyes from the sheer injustice of it all.

Teros opened his eyes wide with a bewildered expression and answered.

["Why am I doing this? I always repay my debts to those who harm me. Even those who merely try to harm me are no exception."]

Hadel shot Teros a resentful look. Then Teros let out a knowing chuckle, as if he understood exactly what that gaze meant.

["Ah, my fiancée is an exception. She'll become part of the Jeminick family, so harming family simply won't do."]

Then he made a dismissive gesture with his eyes, signaling for Hadel to leave as if there was nothing more between them.

["Go on now. There should be a carriage waiting outside to take you back to Odik Castle."]

Bewildered by this sudden release, Hadel hurried out of the basement on shaking legs and somehow managed to make it home.

The tale Hadel recounted made Cecilia's blood run cold.

"Huuu, that marquis has lost his mind. Confining an innocent person and slashing them with a blade. Perhaps he was taking out his frustrations over what Asen did on me instead."

Cecilia felt her head spinning dizzily, and at some point she could no longer absorb Hadel's words.

Perhaps what Hadel had said about Teros's cruel nature keeping watch over them due to the love potion's effects was truly accurate.

"Please keep what I've shared with you a secret. I told you because I'm concerned for you, my lady, but if the marquis discovers this, he may very well kill me this time."

"Of course. Thank you for risking danger to tell me this, Lord Hadel. How terrified you must have been."

At Cecilia's words of comfort, Hadel's quavering sigh drifted through the communication device.

"But rest assured, my lady. The marquis definitively stated that you are an exception. The crucial point is that he said family must not be harmed. I believe that becoming the marquis's wife is your path to survival."

Each of Hadel's words felt like a heavy burden, so Cecilia changed the subject.

"By the way, Lord Hadel. Is your hand alright?"

"I healed my hand right away. Healing magic can close wounds but can't completely remove scars. Sniff, there's going to be a scar on my beautiful hand."

Hadel's voice seemed to be choking back tears with injustice. Well, Hadel's hands were beautiful indeed.

Cecilia finished her conversation with Hadel with an uneasy feeling and curled up under her blanket.

She had only known him as an invincible war hero, but Teros was far more terrifying than she had imagined. He had given her such a gentle farewell, only to turn around and attempt to harm Hadel.

At the thought that she had no idea what might befall her if she kept refusing the marriage, Cecilia wrapped her arms around her knees and curled up even tighter.

The next morning. Cecilia, who had only managed to fall asleep near daybreak, arose with a rumpled face.

Just then, Dalein knocked and entered.

"Miss, you must have your breakfast."

"Mmm... Dalein. How did you know I had awakened and come at just the right moment?"

"I've been hovering around your room for quite some time. The marquis earnestly insisted that I not wake you, so I've been waiting for you to rise on your own. The marquis is also waiting for you and hasn't touched his breakfast."

A shadow crossed Cecilia's face at the mention of Teros.

"Mmm... Then I suppose I must go."

Cecilia began moving sluggishly, rising like a turtle slowly extending its head from its shell.

"Oh dear, miss. Do hurry along. The marquis is waiting."

"If he grows weary of waiting, he'll eat without me... The thought of dining with him frightens me."

"Why would you fear him? He may seem somewhat reserved, but he appeared quite gentle toward you, miss."

Cecilia nearly began explaining in detail to Dalein exactly why Teros was so frightening, then bit back her words. Since she couldn't reveal anything about the love potion, discussing what had transpired with Hadel was even more impossible.

She steadied her turbulent emotions and made her way to the dining hall.

As the dining room doors opened, she could see Teros already seated there, waiting.

Thanks to the green trees visible through the window and the sunlight streaming through the leaves, the dining room atmosphere was bright and refreshing.

Teros's expression as he looked at Cecilia and smiled brightly was also cheerful.

He sat at the dining table without having styled his hair, just as it was disheveled from waking up in the morning, which was the opposite feeling from his usual neat and rigid appearance.

'That's why he looks like a different person.'

Cecilia stared blankly at that sight, then suddenly came to her senses and sat down.

"Cecilia, did you sleep well last night?"

Even his greeting voice was clear and bright.

"Yes, thanks to your consideration."

"You look tired though."

"Actually, I tossed and turned a bit because the bed was different. I think I should return to the count's estate right after breakfast."

"Oh dear, I'll make sure you feel more comfortable here in the future."

His words contained an implication that Cecilia would continue to stay at this mansion.

After finishing their meal, the two went out to the garden for a walk.

The garden had various ornamental trees and a wide flower bed blooming with flowers on one side.

Cecilia bent down to look closely at what flowers the owner of this mansion, who seemed like he wouldn't be interested in flowers, had planted.

Behind her, Teros watched with a pleased smile.

"It's a flower bed made following the butler's advice. Seeing that you like it, I'm glad I listened to the butler."

At those words, Cecilia straightened her bent back. Every time he expressed affection, she felt like her body was slowly sinking into an inescapable swamp.

"If you ride a horse for a bit, there's a larger flower garden. I'll show you that place next time too. I'm sure you'll like it."

At his persistent proposals, Cecilia merely smiled without uttering a word. They were suggestions too frightening to decline, yet she lacked the confidence to honor them if she accepted.

On one side of the garden stood a white table and chairs arranged for admiring the scenery, and the two settled there to take tea.

This morning's Teros felt altogether different from before.

Even his expression had changed from yesterday.

If yesterday he had displayed expressions that alternated between scalding and frigid waters, this morning he remained consistently warm throughout. Observing his smile that harmonized with the brilliant summer sunlight, Cecilia felt her defenses beginning to thaw.

'Had Teros ever smiled so readily before? If he had worn such expressions regularly, he surely would have dominated the social circles.'

Moreover, that smile...

'It resembles Lord Dmitri.'

Cecilia found herself staring blankly at Teros's face without realizing it.

Teros, who had been enthusiastically explaining something, noticed Cecilia's gaze and closed his mouth as if flustered. At that, Cecilia suddenly came to her senses.

"Ah, I was staring far too intently, wasn't I? My apologies."

"Not at all. Having you gaze at me with such eyes... brings me joy."

At those words, Cecilia studied Teros for any shift in expression. She anticipated he would display that cold, stiff countenance that clashed with his tender words, as he had during yesterday's dinner, and sought to verify this.

Yet she could not discern his expression.

For Teros had fixed his gaze upon the teacup set before her. Furthermore, was it merely her imagination that his ears appeared to have flushed crimson?

She cocked her head at his rather flustered demeanor.

Just then, Rox came bounding across the garden with his rosy tongue lolling out, racing toward the pair of them.

The one Rox rushed to embrace was Cecilia. Though his front paws, which had been trampling through the garden soil, left dirt upon her gown when he placed them on her knees, Cecilia paid it no mind.

"Rox! Did you miss your big sister?"

Cecilia swept the fur covering his face with her fingers to get a proper look at Rox, who was putting his head forward.

It was a meaningless action, but she ended up being surprised.

Because Rox's eyes, hidden in the fluffy fur, were quite sharp.

It was embarrassing how she had thought he was cute just from his ball-of-fur appearance.

"Oh... Rox, you had reverse charm. Your eyes are so alive."

"He's a sharp fellow. He immediately notices when someone suspicious is moving around."

"Like how he rushed at Lord Hadel yesterday?"

Cecilia brought up Hadel as a topic, thinking this was her chance. She couldn't directly ask Teros about the incident she heard from Hadel yesterday, but by talking about Hadel, she might be able to probe Teros.

Teros opened his mouth with a thoughtful expression.

"The researcher said he brought the antidote with good intentions, but the fact that Rox barked like that means there was something suspicious about him. I also think his words were lies."

"Apart from Rox's barking, do you have other grounds for making such a judgment?"

"The researcher's expression, his eyes, his manner of speech when he explained the antidote to me. I formed my judgment by weighing all of these elements together."

Cecilia wore a perplexed expression, as though questioning whether objective judgment could truly be reached through such means.

"You likely cannot comprehend it. It relies entirely upon my instincts. However, if there is one lesson the battlefield taught me, it is this: when certainty eludes you, it is wise to err on the side of suspicion. Trusting someone might cost you your life, but harboring doubt will not bring you harm."

Finding this reasoning sound, Cecilia nodded in understanding.

'Lord Teros may well have believed the contents of that vial were genuine poison.'

In that light, she could begin to grasp why he had threatened and terrorized Hadel to such a degree. From Hadel's standpoint it might seem unjust, but had he not also attempted to erase Teros's memories?

'But if that suspicion and vengeful spirit is directed at me someday?'

With this thought, Cecilia felt a chill down her spine.

Then Rox began licking Cecilia's cheek as if he had read her worries.

Though he was a creature incapable of speech, it seemed as if she could hear a gentle voice telling her not to fret about anything.

"Now, Rox! Even if you adore your big sister, really. Pouncing on her like this?"

Cecilia grasped Rox's head and gave it a playful shake from side to side.

"I knew Rox would take to Cecilia as well."

Teros was now resting his chin upon one hand, wearing a smile of pure delight.

"I never imagined I would find myself envious of Rox."

Cecilia caught the whispered aside but feigned deafness, busying herself with stroking Rox's coat.

Having drained her teacup, Cecilia hastily boarded the carriage bound for Serin Street alongside Dalein.

The further she traveled from Hasblue, the more her spirit settled with the comfort of returning to ordinary life. That weekend already seemed remote, like some dream from ages past.

After seeing Cecilia off, Teros called the knight captain who was training at the drill ground to his office.

Soon a man with red hair and a nimble build entered with a hearty manner.

"You called for me."

Teros went to the man standing in the center of the office and placed his hand on his shoulder encouragingly.

"Marcel, the knight training is going smoothly, right? I'm going to be busy from now on. I have to prepare for marriage."

Marcel looked dazed for a moment, then asked sourly.

"You're marrying that young lady?"

"Haha, yes. I have to see it through to the end."

Teros answered with amusement, letting out a laugh.

Marcel didn't hide his incredulous expression.

"Are you in your right mind? We still don't know what those young ladies intended by giving you the love potion."

Marcel spoke with a quite proper attitude, but his content was boldly rebuking his lord.

"I know that too. Whether it's the right thing to do, I'll find out once I'm married."

Marcel looked at Teros, who was smiling calmly as if discussing someone else's marriage, with complete bewilderment.

"Since I'm getting married, something good has already happened. I've got a tight grip on Odik's weakness. Especially Hadel Odik - from now on he won't be able to resist doing what I tell him. He tried to poison me yesterday."

"Poison?"

"That's the pretext. What does it matter what he actually tried to do."

That's more like it. Marcel felt relieved inwardly. Hadel, a bookworm, wouldn't have the nerve to kill Teros. He just felt pity for Hadel, who had crossed his savage master.

"Marcel, even though I drank a love potion and I'm not in my right mind, I'm still making sound judgments. I can't trust her completely yet, but Cecilia had no political purpose or impure intentions."

Cecilia? Was he talking about Lady Cecilia? Marcel barely suppressed the urge to pick his ears, wondering if he had misheard.

"How do you know that?"

"When I proposed marriage, she said she didn't want to. If she had intended to approach the Jeminick family or manipulate me, she wouldn't have missed this opportunity."

"Maybe her target wasn't you or the duke's family, but only Lord Dmitri. Didn't you say the wine cup was offered to Lord Dmitri?"

"What scraps could there be from my worthless brother? There's nothing to gain from a guy who just reads documents in the imperial palace. If she had political schemes, even if she had targeted my brother, she should have been more pleased that I got caught instead."

Aren't you underestimating Lord Dmitri? Marcel swallowed the words he wanted to say.

"By the way... then you were rejected by the young lady?"

"I suppose I have to see it that way this time."

Teros brushed off Marcel's words as if they were nothing.

"She protected me from Hadel. It seemed like there was some kind of conversation between the two of them, which was unpleasant, but in the end Cecilia was worried about me."

Teros recalled Cecilia, who had said she didn't want marriage but told him not to drink the antidote. If she had bad intentions, she would have chosen to accept the marriage as an excuse to approach the duke's family, or to make him drink the mysterious medicine.

But she didn't make those choices.

Her behavior melted Teros's frozen heart, which had maintained a thread of suspicion even while courting her.

"Sir, how many people in high society do you call by name so familiarly? But you've only known that young lady for how long, and already you're using pet names, it's quite..."

"Quite?"

"Disgusting."

Teros's eyes shot coldly at Marcel, but Marcel didn't back down.

"Anyway, since you keep doing things you've never done before, don't be so certain that you're making sound judgments."

"I know. But to find out if my judgment is correct, I need to proceed with the marriage."

After drinking the love potion, he couldn't resist his growing affection for Cecilia and had acted on impulse.

Dancing when he didn't usually dance, taking someone else to the lake where he usually went alone - these were actions the usual him wouldn't have taken. Not only that. He, who was skilled at hiding emotions, had even shown tears when she fell in the water, and fumbled like a teenage boy at her words.

He was even frightened by this unfamiliar foolishness of his.

It was the same now. Teros found himself unusually quick to dismiss suspicions about Cecilia. Once he removed his suspicions, the blind longing he had carefully hidden popped out like a peeled fruit.

One thing that bothered him though. If that was the case, if they really had no impure intentions, why did they offer the love potion to Dmitri?

The youngest daughter of the Odik family was famous for continuously causing magic-related accidents despite having no skill. Asen Odik probably purely wanted to test the love potion's efficacy.

Then why was Cecilia involved in that situation? If she had no other intentions, why on earth?

"Why did she do it...?"

Teros muttered to himself, then feeling Marcel's gaze, added.

"If she had no other intentions, why did she offer the love potion to my brother?"

"Well, I don't quite understand that either..."

Marcel swallowed once and watched his lord's expression.

"Could it be that the young lady... was in love with Lord Dmitri?"

Marcel cautiously offered his speculation, but the only response was a scoffing laugh as if it was absurd.

"Could such a foolish thing happen? Making such a mistake simply because she liked someone?"

Teros paid no attention to Marcel's words, to the point where his careful suggestion seemed meaningless. At his attitude of dismissing such a possibility entirely, excluding it from his options, Marcel opened his mouth.

'Well, from the marquis's perspective, it would be an absurd story.'

Unfortunately, Teros still didn't understand the fact that people sometimes make foolish mistakes because of their feelings for someone of the opposite sex.

This clever man was wandering around unable to see the answer right in front of him because he was too clever.