When Pride Fell At My Toes - Chapter 68



Only Krnovel

#68. Rain with Gust
2024.03.08.

Instead of sunlight hidden behind the clouds, raindrops were knocking on the blue umbrella that Alessandro was holding. With his silver hair neatly slicked back and wearing a blue suit, he exuded a cool atmosphere that made you forget the humid weather.

“Emilia. I stopped by just in case, but I didn’t know you’d be home this early.”

Emilia tried not to show her embarrassment as she watched Alessandro greet her with a surprised but happy look. She

remembered that he knew her home address because he had sent her a letter before, but she didn’t expect him to come by so suddenly, so she was a little embarrassed.

‘Is it a characteristic of royalty… … . Why didn’t either man think of sending a letter in advance?’

No, maybe they just didn’t want to. She gave him a quick greeting, took his outstretched hand, and got out of the carriage.

“Your Majesty, may I ask why you are here?”

As soon as she got off, she immediately pulled her hand away and politely folded her hands in front of her, slightly lowering her eyes.

“I’m sorry for the sudden visit. I was so worried that I ended up here without realizing it.”

“If it was an accident at the theater, the injury is fine. I’m receiving treatment.”

“Where did you get hurt? Then did you come home early today because it was hard to do ballet?”

Did she just stop by here to ask how he was doing? Emilia glanced up at him.

Alessandro’s eyes, seen in the bright light, had a mixture of gray and purple. It seemed to be a lighter color than Enrico’s transparent purple eyes, but it seemed like the two colors were mixed together to make it look that way.

“… … Yes. It’s just a little scratch on the glass, so I plan to start again once the skin heals a little.”

Alessandro glanced at her neck and arms as if examining her body. Then, as if he was embarrassed himself, he quickly coughed and avoided her gaze, causing Emilia to question herself.

He was so polite and kind, but the letter he sent to his father was so arrogant and rough that it didn’t seem like the same person.

‘What on earth was the jewel he

asked me to hand over?’ Emilia stared at him quietly and took a step back. He followed her half a step as she took off her umbrella.

“Then, are you stopping by for a moment?”

She said in a subtle way, suggesting that she should go. Then, Alessandro rubbed the back of his neck for no reason and showed signs of hesitation. She waited patiently and quietly, seeing him hesitantly checking her mood.

“… Excuse me, but would it be difficult to have a cup of tea together?”

“There are no cafes around here, and I need to rest. I don’t think I can go far.”

“Then would it be difficult to come inside for a moment? I have something important to tell you. About the rumors about you that are going around right now.”

“… Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but since this is a house where two women live, it’s a bit burdensome to invite a man. Please understand.”

“Duke Michele didn’t come in.”

“Yes?”

I looked down again at the burdensome conversation, then raised my eyes in surprise at his somewhat sharp voice. I saw Alessandro’s face, with his eyebrows lowered and his smile gone.

‘Is it because of my mood? I thought he was angry… … .’

Emilia looked up and bit her lips as if she was in trouble.

“Your Majesty has a fiancée. Even if we just greet each other outside like this, rumors might get blown out of proportion, so I think it would be better to be careful from the beginning.”

“It’s a political engagement.”

What’s a political engagement? Emilia tilted her head slightly.

“I know.”

“If you’re worried that she might misunderstand, then it’s okay.”

“Oh, I’m worried that your fiancée might misunderstand, but I’m talking about everyone. I feel like I’ve been the subject of some unwanted rumors recently.”

“Are you talking about the rumors of an affair with Duke Michele?”

“Yes.”

“But if you’re engaged, doesn’t Duke Michele also end up in the same situation?”

They really aren’t on good terms.

Judging by the way he brings Enrico up at the end of every sentence. And the talk of engagement seemed to be referring to Princess Vivian, but judging by Enrico’s reaction and the rumors, it seemed like she had a higher chance of being with the Second Prince. As if he noticed her thoughts, Alessandro curled the corners of his lips.

“Riccardo will be leaving to study abroad again soon. It means it will be difficult for him to connect with Princess Vivian.”

“But even so, Duke Michele hasn’t gotten engaged yet. If the day comes when Duke Michele gets engaged, I will treat him the same way I treated Your Highness.”

To be honest, since Enrico kept coming to visit her out of the blue, she couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t come, and it was a bit strange to make such a promise to Alessandro, so Emilia said firmly.

The corners of Alessandro’s mouth slowly lowered. For some reason, his eyes seemed to have darkened slightly.

“… … What is your relationship with Duke Michele?”

“No matter what you tell me, I don’t think I have a duty to tell you everything about my personal life.”

“There’s no way someone crazy about art would be in a relationship. I asked because it was interesting. Did you sign a sponsorship contract?”

A bitter smile appeared on his face when he heard the word crazy about art. He remembered how he had been swayed by him and tried to give himself to him a few days ago. The sound of

the rain hitting the umbrella grew louder as the rain became heavier.

“… … I’m sorry.”

His face hardened at her attitude, as if she had nothing to say, simply repeating the same thing. As he muttered softly, asking why he was being so cautious, a carriage with a familiar family crest engraved on it drove up behind him.

Alessandro frowned and turned around when he noticed Emilia’s gaze blankly staring behind him.

“… … Now you’re coming very confidently.”

Alessandro muttered softly. Emilia simply watched the approaching carriage without taking her eyes off it, and watched Enrico get out of the door as the wheels stopped and opened. His appearance, as if he had brought this heavy rain, was so strong that it made her feel the wind for a moment.

“Your Highness, what are you doing here, your fiancée?”

Enrico walked leisurely, holding the black umbrella that Fabio had given him, and raised the corners of his lips. Perhaps because he had just heard about his fiancée from Emilia, Alessandro’s expression had gotten even worse.

“I’m an old acquaintance, and I came here because I was worried about her. What kind of connection does Duke Michele have with Emilia to come here?”

“Why are you asking when you already know everything? You know that I bought this house in the first place.”

Enrico stood right between Emilia and Alessandro and put both hands in his pockets. Alessandro smirked at his relaxed attitude.

“… … Why did you deliberately choose a house in a remote area and then place guards around it? If you were worried about her being exposed to crime, why didn’t you just give her a mansion in a place with lots of people? Isn’t that just your purpose to keep her in a place no one knows about and keep an eye on her? Did Emilia agree to this?”

Guards? Was there such a thing? Emilia stared at Enrico with wide eyes.

“Judging by your expression, I guess you didn’t know. Emilia, this is someone who acts without asking your opinion. How did you get involved? I don’t know the circumstances, but if you need help, I’ll help you.”

Alessandro reached out to Emilia with a worried face. However, before he could get close, Enrico stopped him, and his hand stopped awkwardly.

“I posted some guards in case someone suddenly came by. It’s a house where only two women live, so isn’t it too dangerous to leave it alone? And just because there are a lot of people doesn’t mean it’s safe.”

“… … “I just happened to stop by.”

“You happened to know the address too? That can’t be right.”

Enrico sent Emilia behind him and glared.

“Go back. Your beloved fiancée will be worried.”

“Haha, I never dreamed that the word love would come out of our uncle’s mouth.”

“Oh, even I know words.”

Unlike Enrico’s expression that gently raised the corners of his lips, Alessandro’s face gradually hardened.

“But does my nephew know? Oh- You must be talking about your fiancée, but I asked a pointless question.”

“… … .”

“As you know, I don’t have a fiancée.”

“… … It’s starting to bother me. How long are you going to play with words with me?”

Although he always pretended to be easygoing and kind, Alessandro was originally famous for his lack of patience. Enrico, who knew his personality well, simply stared at Alessandro’s trembling appearance as if enjoying it.

“I’m sorry, but I think your conversation will go on for a long time. Wouldn’t it be better to just move?”

At that moment, Emilia came out from behind Enrico and spoke calmly.

“No matter how quiet this place is, if you two are staying here for so long, I feel uneasy that someone might see you.”

“… … I’m sorry. I think I came too hastily.”

Alessandro, who noticed that Emilia’s eyes had become cold despite his expressionless face, stepped forward first. He placed his right hand on the center of his chest and nodded politely.

“No. Thank you for understanding my circumstances.”

“I will make an appointment next time. But isn’t Prince Michele going?”

“Yes.”

/20240308161250754157_EC98A4EBA78CEC9DB4+EBB09CEB819DEC9790+EB96A8EC96B4ECA1.png alt=””>