Chapter 59: Chapter 59

The Knight Commander soon realized that he could no longer express his opinion before obediently bowing his head down.

“How could I dare to look down upon Your Highness’ skill? I will abide by your order.”

As soon as the other knights had left—following the Knight Commander’s command—as well, Vivian immediately turned flustered as she bobbed her head to and fro.

“What’s going on? Didn’t you call them to go on a hunt with you?”

“I have a problem that is much more important than that.”

“But I honestly see no such problem, which is more important than participating in the hunt itself.”

Knox then turned his body towards Vivian, who was still keeping a hold of her firmness. The carriage was quite narrow, but somehow it was enough for him to turn his body to her—face-to-face.

Vivian’s body instinctively flinched to his touch that had probed through her fancy skirt as their knees brushed against each other.

“Did I somehow make you angry?”

No way, of course.

He didn’t even do anything to Alexia. In fact, it appeared no different to them even when they had only met each other after such a long time ever since their busy schedule in regard to this particular event itself. She had never imagined that they would be meeting each other around this time—especially in such a place.

“…No.”

“Then, can’t you at least tell me the reason why you’re being angry at the moment? Whenever I hear your angry voice, it feels like my heart is being ripped to pieces.”

“I—that is…”

“My dear, please let go of that anger of yours.”

Knox’s soft voice eventually reached out to Vivian.

Ah. The memory of that previous night immediately flashed before Vivian’s mind. His gentle yet formal tone, in contrast to his other voice that had been full of love. Both of his tones of voice were—of course—directed towards Vivian, but still, the other party didn’t think it was.

Vivian had already known that it was never Knox’s fault. However, despite being aware that it was in fact, her fault as she deceived him, Vivian still couldn’t conceal her feelings whenever she met him.

She had resented Knox, who couldn’t even recognize her due to the darkness that enveloped the night sky. She was rather happy to meet him under the bright sunshine, but at the same time, she still felt disgruntled towards him.

Why is it now? Why is it that I am Alexia—and not Vivian—right now?

Even though she realized that she could never offer or even receive a proper gaze from him if she wasn’t in this particular guise, Vivian still continued dreaming for a foolish hope.

“It’s fine even if it wasn’t for my sake. At least—when I finally manage to meet you this time, I’d like to hear your sweet voice.”

Vivian couldn’t bring herself to be mad when she saw how he had expressed his feelings honestly. Even though what had transpired during that night had pierced and putrefied her heart, Vivian still reached her hands out before catching a hold onto his.

“Knox.”

“Yes?”

“Will Knox ever forgive me in spite of whatever I were to say?”

“Of course.”

Vivian heaved a sigh when she couldn’t hear even a single shred of worry in his voice.

“How could you say that easily when you don’t even know what kind of words I’d say?”

“Didn’t you also come to me freely despite those countless rumors surrounding me? I’d like to do that for you as well.”

“I…”

Her real intention was not as pure as what Knox had expressed it to be. When she thought back on the fact that she had been forced to approach the Grand Duke in Alexia’s stead, she could no longer part open her lips.

“Is there something that you want to tell me?”

“…No, it’s nothing. Not now, but later—when I feel like it, I will definitely tell you.”

“Okay. I give you my vow to listen to whatever you’ll say during that time.”

The Grand Duke lowered his head after saying those words.

Vivian immediately knew what would happen soon after that. As she closed her eyes, a pair of small lips—accompanied by the warmth of air—began to brush against her.

His lips, which had gently rubbed against her a few times, were now cutting through her lips before plunging deep inside. At the same time, a surge of strength immediately filled up Knox’s hand that was hugging her while feeling the touch of her back.