When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 69

Turn Around and You’re a Stranger (68)

“It was worth the trouble.”

Who knew that deceiving people and living in Hella would be so helpful.

It was fortunate to hear such an unexpected story. I don’t know if he was a human who had been a knight of the Imperial Family, but his mouth was so light that he seemed likely to be silenced soon.

Perhaps, since I turned things upside down, the Emperor might thoroughly screen people.

Adel’s expression looked refreshed, having achieved everything she wanted.

“Oh, what a coincidence.”

I wasn’t planning to meet Caber, but I ran into him just as I was entering the palace.

“Is that so? It seems intentional to me.”

Unlike Adel, Caber frowned, showing his displeasure.

‘What on earth did he talk about with my father?’

Judging from her expression, it seemed the story had concluded as she wished.

“It seems your business is finished, so please return carefully.”

Caber slightly bowed his head and walked past her into the palace.

“Why do you dislike me so much?”

Adel asked, clutching the hem of her dress tightly in her hand. Despite her pride crumbling miserably, she couldn’t give up.

“I don’t dislike you.”

Caber replied indifferently. Frankly, he had no feelings or interest in her. What concerned him was whether she would harm Railey.

“Then… to me too.”

Adel said shyly, as if filled with hope at Caber’s words.

However, what came back was coldness and heart-wrenching words.

“There is no room for you in my heart. I have cherished only one person for a long time, and that alone is more than enough.”

Even giving more wouldn’t be enough for my heart. I always worried and pondered about giving more to Railey, even though I had nothing to give.

And now, you’re asking for a gap in that heart?

The opportunity was the same. Even if I gave you a chance, it would only lead to more unhappiness.

“Meet someone who loves you.”

“Couldn’t you love me?”

“Princess Adel, even if I die, that will never happen.”

Adel’s fists clenched tightly at the strong conviction underlying his resolute words.

Why can he be so certain about my feelings?

I, too, have lived with Caber in my heart. Just like he said, I can’t think of anyone else.

“Then that fullness will have to disappear.”

Adel bit her lip, suppressing the tears welling up in her eyes.

Every word Caber said revealed the state of his heart. It hit me so clearly that I felt jealous and almost went crazy.

Why can’t it be me? What’s so great about that sword?

She strode towards Caber. He was slightly taken aback by the tears in Adel’s eyes.

‘Tears?’

Her tears, tinged with a bit of desperation, finally streamed down her cheeks.

“Even a tiny gap would be enough.”

Princess Adel stood on her tiptoes and kissed Caber’s cheek. He hurriedly pulled away and looked at the princess, who had fallen back powerlessly.

“I hope a crack has formed. That way, I might have a chance.”

She turned around and got into the carriage.

After Adel disappeared, only Caber was left, wiping his cheek with his sleeve.

* * *

“Did you see that?”

“……”

“You saw it, right?!”

Ren shouted towards Railey, sticking to the window and raising his voice.

Railey’s expression, who had been drinking tea, darkened rapidly. At Ren’s fuss, Railey told him to calm down and sat him on a chair.

“That woman is more resilient than I thought.”

“Why is Ren so excited?”

Railey put down her teacup with an unpleasant expression.

“She seemed to know I was here.”

“Really?”

“Our eyes met.”

When Princess Adel kissed Caber’s cheek, her eyes definitely met mine as I was looking down from the window.

“This place isn’t easy to figure out, so how did she know?”

“I find that a bit strange too.”

I was bothered by the fact that she kept recognizing me and instantly finding my location.

“I’m also concerned about her visiting the day before the contract.”

“Is that what’s bothering you? Or is it the kiss from earlier?”

“……”

Railey pressed her lips tightly together.

To be honest, it was both. Although he quickly avoided it, Adel’s lips did touch his cheek.

Railey squeezed her eyes shut as that scene kept replaying in her mind.

‘Don’t be swayed. Tomorrow is an important day.’

Finally, the day to execute the contract and terminate the contract with the Imperial Family. I will be free even though I am a sword, and my position as head of the family will be formally recognized.

“Were those things I asked about taken care of?”

“Yes, the Imperial Family took care of it right away. Here are the documents.”

The butler and maids who were in the Trailla family were all scheduled to be replaced. I’m thinking of getting recommendations, but I plan to meet people in person and decide.

“Leta will be very busy.”

“She seemed to be enjoying it?”

“That’s a relief then.”

I delegated some authority over the Trailla family to Leta. Since I can’t properly focus on it right now, it would be better for Leta to take charge.

“I heard she went out with the maids today to look at interior design and decorations.”

“Leta will take care of it.”

It would be more helpful for her to go out little by little than to stay cooped up in the Imperial Palace.

“I’m worried because she’s too excited.”

Railey gave a faint smile at Ren’s words.

“It seems the crack started here.”

Ren whispered softly, looking at Railey. Perhaps Princess Adel’s plan worked.

* * *

Unable to sleep due to her troubled mind, Railey strolled through the garden.

“Why are you out here in the middle of the night when it’s chilly?”

It seemed Caber was the same, as the two of them ran into each other right in the middle of the garden.

“Why are you out here at this hour, Your Highness?”

Railey bit her lip at the unintentionally blunt tone. From Caber’s perspective, he wouldn’t know what happened with Adel, so acting like this would make her look ridiculous.

“I couldn’t sleep, so I came out for a bit.”

“I see.”

Railey walked forward without looking at Caber. Noticing her somewhat changed attitude, Caber subtly watched Railey’s expression.

“Are you nervous about the contract tomorrow?”

It was finally tomorrow, so it was understandable that she couldn’t sleep. Caber was also unable to sleep, fearing that the sword contract might go wrong.

“The contract will go smoothly.”

Railey honestly didn’t think the contract would go wrong at all. She trusted Ren and herself, but also because her conviction was so strong that she was confident she would overcome it.

She didn’t want to admit that she couldn’t sleep because of what she saw during the day.

‘Why do I feel so bad?’

Ever since seeing that scene, she felt a surge of heat and frustration in her heart. Her chest felt stuffy from the thought that kept leaving her head.

“Then why……”

Caber matched Railey’s pace and draped his jacket over her shoulders.

“……It bothers me.”

Railey stopped abruptly and looked up at Caber.

“I saw it.”

Caber tilted his head at Railey’s words.

What did she see?

His face hardened in an instant as he pondered.

“Don’t tell me, Princess Adel……”

Railey stared intently at his cheek.

‘……’

Her eyes sank deeply, not knowing what she was thinking.

Perhaps it was because of the tension about what would happen tomorrow.

Was she being consumed by a sense of anxiety?

Railey reached out and grabbed Caber’s collar, pulling him towards her.

She just hated the complicated thoughts in her head, but in reality, she was just being dishonest with herself.

“So, I need to make sure it doesn’t bother me.”

“Railey?”

Caber blinked, looking at Railey with his body bent.

He liked her proactive appearance, but he couldn’t help but chuckle at her trembling hand.

He gently wrapped his hand around Railey’s and brought his cheek to her lips.

“Then here too, and here too.”

Caber continued, bringing his lips to the opposite cheek.

Soft and squishy Railey’s lips touched Caber’s cheeks and then fell away.

Caber, seeing Railey with a blush, looked straight at her and raised the corners of his mouth.

“This is yours too, but how about preemptively occupying it?”

With Caber’s playful voice, the two people’s lips lightly touched.

It wasn’t the first time, but Railey still had surprised eyes.

Is this what it means to have your mind go blank?

Railey’s eyes fluttered shut at the sweet kiss that was felt directly on her lips along with the warm body temperature.

Tomorrow, this relationship and my confused heart will be sorted out.

So, shouldn’t I just do as my heart pleases at this moment without thinking?

Caber’s hand wrapped around Railey’s waist.

Not missing the small gap opened between her lips, he invaded Railey’s mouth. The light kiss soon deepened, exhaling hot breaths.