CHAPTER FIVE
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It was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for me, so it wouldn’t hurt to be fancy. At least, those were the words I had engraved into my head as I mulled over the design for my dress.
A sudden knock on my door jerked me from my thoughts, however, and I turned to the clock. Earlier than expected, huh…
My guest was reputed to be a diligent person, but I hadn’t expected them to be four hours early. I was fortunate that I had gotten ready to meet Madam Perez before the appointed time. If not, I would have been caught in my pajamas. I hastily opened the door to my room.
"Oh, Dad!” I exclaimed.
"Did you sleep well?” he asked.
"O-Of course!”
Taking a peek inside my room, he said, "There’s something I would like to discuss. Can I come in?”
"Please do!”
We had always conversed in the dining hall or drawing room until now. This was the first time Dad had properly come to my room. Suppressing my excitement, I walked over to a chair and sat down.
He focused on me. "I heard about what happened with Elios.”
I studied his expression. Although his eyes were as cold as usual, I wasn’t afraid of receiving criticism from him.
"Yes, I have,” I answered. "Dad, do you remember the question you had asked me while I was reading the Theory of Fief Management?”
"Of course,” he nodded. "I had asked you about the three most important elements of an estate.”
He still remembered. I smiled. "Yes. I still think the same way, and that’s why I put the people first when I made my decision.”
Dad gazed at me for a split second.
"Well done,” he praised.
I couldn’t help but beam. I was elated! Perhaps this was what true happiness was. In the past, I used to think I would be content with my life once I was wealthy enough, but little did I know that I was an arrogant fool to think in such a way. What mattered were the people around me. I wanted to spend my days with those I cherished.
I smiled, recalling familiar faces. However, Bea soon came to mind, and I immediately deflated. According to the current progression of events, there was a chance that she would drink poison a couple of months after my coming-of-age ceremony…
Until now, I had been busy thinking of ways to avoid my death flag, and in the process, I had decided on living alone for the rest of my life. Now, however, I wanted to protect myself and those around me instead of just running away. The original novel didn’t mention the culprit’s identity, but I decided to find out on my own.
"Jubel.”
I brought the smile back to my face.
My father called me by my nickname and it didn’t sound awkward at all.
"Yes, Dad?”
"Don’t worry about the expenses for your coming-of-age ceremony. I want you to purchase whatever’s needed for the experience you want.”
Assuming he was exaggerating, I responded playfully. "Quit joking, Dad! We might go bankrupt if I did that.”
However, he remained stern. "We have enough assets—no, more than enough. You won’t be able to spend all of it even if you spent your entire life trying. So, please use them to your heart’s content.”
Was this true? I knew my family was rich, but were we that wealthy? Maybe this was how it felt like to wake up one day as the heir of an affluent family. It was true that I wasn’t forced to live a frugal life until now, but now that I was permitted to spend freely, I was beyond excited.
However, although an enormous amount of money now sat before me… did it matter? I made plenty of money until now working with Ian. Moreover, he constantly sent me accessories, and they were luxurious enough for me.
Nevertheless, I didn’t want to disappoint Dad by making it seem like I wasn’t interested, so I answered with exhilaration.
"Thank you, Daddy!”
"Yes, from now on—”
Bang!
Suddenly, Dad’s words were cut short by a loud thump on my door.
I frowned.
Who could it be?
I was about to get up, but Dad stopped me.
"I will get the door,” he said.
"Thank you.”
Once the door creaked open, and I heard a familiar voice. "Master?”
I quickly turned my head, realizing it was Max.
"Oh, Max!” I exclaimed, approaching him. "What brings you here—”
Once again, Dad reached out and stopped me. Shaking his head and sending Max a death glare, my father snarled. "I’m sure I had already told you to be responsible before,” he accused.
"I’m aware. There’s a reason why I am here!” Max hissed back.
I listened to their exchange for a moment then frowned.
Something was strange.
"Whatever the circumstances are, you must take the responsibility for your position if you want to spend time with my—”
"Wait a minute!” I cried. I had no choice but to interrupt my father. "You two. I want to know what happened behind my back!”
At my scolding, the two men froze in place.
Nothing seemed to have gone wrong, Max noted once he arrived at the Floyen mansion. When he entered the estate, he was greeted by Derrick. The butler hastily bowed and approached him, but Max simply strode up the staircase to where Jubelian would be. There, he crashed into another person: Merilyn.
"Oh! It’s nice to see you here again,” she said. "Unfortunately, Lady Jubelian is busy at the moment—”
The crown prince ignored the maid, too. The only thing on his mind was his lover. He was sure that nothing would have happened. However, since his worrisome thoughts were slowly eating him away, he had to check for his own sanity. Anxious, he unknowingly banged on her door. He swallowed nervously as he waited for an answer, but once the door creaked open…
"Master?”
He had expected to be rewarded with her lovely appearance at last, so his mood turned foul once he encountered Regis. What was the duke doing in her room? Ignoring him, he peeked into the room through the crack and saw Jubelian in the back. Realizing she was safe, he let out a sigh of relief. Now, the only problem he had to face was the obstacle standing between them. Max glared at his master with a murderous gaze.
Regis didn’t flinch, returning Max’s death glare with one of his own.
"I’m sure I had already told you to be responsible before.”
Upon hearing his master’s icy tone, Max realized he had no intention of letting him in. He wanted to force his master to leave but he couldn’t dare to act violently in front of Jubelian. So, he decided to play the pitiful victim.
"I’m aware. There’s a reason why I am here!” he said.
Unfortunately, however, Regis had already read his thoughts.
That bastard, he seethed silently. How dare he play the victim after sleeping with my daughter in the same bed?!