Chapter 14 - Why Do You Care (1)

Chapter 14 – Why Do You Care (1)

Bethelgius said as he reached out to Goyo’s hand, reconnecting their hands which had split apart moments ago. Since it was already at the end of the song, Goyo implicitly followed his lead and placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Did you put me on stage just to play a word game with me?”

“Then, what do you think is the reason I chose you?”

“Marquis.”

She twirled her body in tandem with music and moved according to the dance steps. Her moves made the hem of her gown to spread around for some seconds before gracefully falling around her legs. She then took a step back, once again placing her hand on his shoulders, and looked straight into his intense gray eyes with her own dark-colored ones.

“I know more than you think.”

“You are?”

“And.”

At that moment, the sound of the violin stopped, closing this part of the dance when her alluring red lips were about to speak. As soon as the orchestra’s music stopped, a light applause filled the space and the dancers politely bowed to their partners.

It was over… Goyo thought as she let out a sigh. And no one, not even she herself, knew whether the sigh she let out was done in relief or regret.

“The dance is over.”

“Wait…”

Although she knew it was discourteous of her, Goyo still turned away and left Bethelgius behind without answering his question. However, the marquis only shrugged as he watched the sight of her back disappearing into the crowd with an unnoticeable smile.

“You ran away.”

****

Goyo opened the door to the terrace and took a deep breath. Behind her, another music had begun playing, so people were flocking to the dance floor, making the place almost empty of occupants. It was a heaven-sent timing for her.

“Huh.”

She felt it was better for her to clear her head with cold air before coming back in. So, she leaned by the door and touched her forehead.

And she carefully considered everything that had been happening ever since she awoke in her younger body. She had been too focused on tidying her problem with Terio Alte as fast as possible that she didn’t think much about anything else.

At first, she didn’t get serious because she was still confused whether it was a dream or something else. However, right now, she had to reconsider everything. Especially since everything was still as vivid as reality even after some time had passed.

After all, if this was a dream, it wouldn’t last for this long. And if this was hell, Goyo wouldn’t have been able to break up with Terio.

However, considering everything that had happened up until now, there was a rising credibility that the unbelievable assumption she had was in fact correct. As such, she had no choice but to believe it. She had returned to the past.

In that case, her thought turned back to her predicament now.

What would the marquis be thinking?

She had only spoken a few words towards Bethelgius when she was dancing with him. It was not something that brought any benefits to him, unlike when he asked for a qualification for knight’s entrance exam for one of the count’s sons. So, why did he ask for a dance with her and drew people’s attention? Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to him if he asked for that knight’s entrance exam?

However, soon she closed her eyes and stopped delving into it. It might just be a whim of the marquis, she concluded and straightened her body.

Alright, let’s go back.

Not only was it impossible to know the marquis’ intentions, but it was also irrelevant for her. So, there was no need to think too much.

If Bethelgius didn’t propose to her, some situations would turn out differently than she had thought. However, the end results were still the same.

The marquis’ decision to exterminate the Rubiet Family would remain unchanged.

Whether it was for personal reasons or political one, she was sure that Bethelgius would exterminate Rubiet Household around one year from now.

And since there was only one end waiting for her at the end of the road, Goyo didn’t care about the process. So, with mixed feelings, Goyo decided to leave everything up to fate. Anyway, she thought that even if she left the situation alone, it would still lead to her end. And she would finally achieve her aim. Peace.

With her feelings and mind settled, she was determined to return back to the mansion. However, at that time, the door to the terrace opened again. But since she was going to leave, she didn’t care about whoever was coming out, so Goyo just tidied her clothes without identifying the person.

Yet she froze when she heard a familiar voice speaking to her.

“Are you all right, Goyo?”

“… Terio.”

“You seem to have a headache.”

Terio Alte looked at Goyo with concerned eyes, but Goyo felt nothing in the face of that concern. All she felt was deep weariness that came from the depth of her soul when she looked at him.

And her fatigued body, which had been slightly alleviated right now, felt heavy again. Her tired eyes flickered a couple of times before she replied without a shred of hesitation.

“No, it’s nothing.”

“Why did Marquis Bethelgius ask you for a dance? What were you talking about with him that made your expression like this?”

“It wasn’t a big deal. You didn’t have to mind it.”

“You can’t be like this if that was just a light conversation.”

Why do you care? Goyo derisively thought to herself, but held herself back from her desire to say that. Instead, she chose to divert the conversation away.

“Why are you here? What about Melissa?”

“What about Melissa? It was the Duke of Rubiet who escorted her here. And right now, I’m your partner.”

“I didn’t know that your partner would be more valuable to you than your fiance.”

“Don’t talk like that, Goyo.”

What in the world is he talking about? He acted as if he was not the one who made this relationship difficult…