Chapter 39

Chapter 39

I got goosebumps at the eerily omniscient answer. He was a man of extraordinary character, yes, but this was a lot more than expected.

Also, there was something odd about his appearance right now, like he was slightly out of focus.

Was this marriage going to be okay? When I first proposed, Lennox had looked at me like I was crazy. Compared to that time, the situation and atmosphere were so different, and it was even more difficult to adapt when he embarrassed me like so.

“Olivia, what shall we do?” His eyes glimmered dangerously.

Feeling like a sheep led to slaughter, I answered cautiously, “Just let it slide, Lennox.” I didn’t want to sacrifice the innocent craftsmen in our petty squabble.

“Even though you suffered so much?”

“But my dress will be pretty.”

“If you say so.” Lennox’s eyes instantly softened, a satisfied smile gracing his face.

I shook my head with a sigh. He was far too stubborn for me to handle.

As he had already gotten what he wanted, he began to walk again with me still in his arms.

“Where are we going now?”

“To the dining hall. I told the staff to get ready so that you’ll be able to eat right away.”

I looked at him, mildly surprised.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“Yes, but I’m just wondering how you found out.”

“I’m not such a fool that I wouldn’t know if my wife hasn’t eaten yet.”

“That’s the best thing you’ve said all day.”

It was awkward at first, but being in Lennox’s arms was unexpectedly comfortable. He effortlessly carried me down the stairs. My tired body naturally leaned against him, my head touching a solid chest.

I jolted.

Lennox laughed. “Why? You looked quite comfortable.”

“I’m not,” I snapped back, prompting another laugh from him.

Fortunately, we arrived at the dining hall just in time. The slight tension between us dissipated when I sated my hunger.

“I might have eaten those dresses if you hadn’t come in time,” I joked.

“If I had known it was that bad, I would have hurried more.”

“The food is delicious, so I’ll forgive your tardiness this time.”

“How gracious. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity.”

I burst into laughter.

Lennox looked at me with a serious expression.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Because you look good,” he answered immediately. “It’s nice seeing you laugh.”

My heart pitter-pattered in my chest, excited about the compliment even though my mind knew it was a joke. “Stop teasing.”

“But I’m not.” Lennox put both of his arms on the table, leaning closer. “Do I look like I’m teasing you?”

He really had a talent for asking hard questions.

“A smiling face is better than a crying one, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps.” I knew I would lose if I responded seriously.

“Are you going to avoid me like this?”

I turned my head away as if I hadn’t heard anything, but I could still feel his gaze on me. “Why are you still looking at me?”

Before he could answer, I heard a familiar voice.

[Olivia!] Ash shot like an arrow through the open window, not even bothering to speak into my mind directly. [Olivia! She’s gone!]

Even though Lennox was here…

[Carinne! She’s nowhere to be found!]

I blinked. Blinked again. “What do you mean?”

[Exactly what I said. There’s no trace of her left, it’s like she evaporated. The man named Richard is gone too.]

“But there must have been people inside the mansion.”

[They were all put to sleep. Even Viscount Brienne.]

“All of them?”

[I don’t know how the spell spread throughout the entire area, but it would only have taken two whiffs of it to put an ordinary person to sleep.]

I gulped. “But they’re safe, right?”

[They won’t die. But no one knows where Carinne is.]

My hands clenched under the table.

Also, Ash had mentioned Carinne’s name twice already, which meant that he wasn’t restricted from saying it like I was… and that Lennox heard it.

“You mean Carinne Brienne?”

Ash and I made eye contact. I rubbed my forehead, which was starting to throb.

Oh, right!

Had the restrictions been lifted? I clearly remembered how powerful they were, even though Lennox couldn’t see signs of a spell.

“So, have you two decided on who’s going to answer me?”

[Gah!] Ash screeched. [Don’t do that!]

“The bird is as timid as it looks.”

[Who are you calling timid?]

“Are there any other birds besides you here?” Lennox grinned.

Ash pouted.

“Even if you want to sulk in silence, you have to finish the conversation properly.”

[I wasn’t talking to you,] the bird replied, balking when bright red eyes met his.

“Do you know what makes people angry?”

[I don’t know…!] he made a last-ditch attempt at defiance, but soon lowered his tail.

Lennox put his fingers on the top of Ash’s head, then winked at me. “He’s so cute that I couldn’t help it.”

Couldn’t help what? Look at Ash like a snake did a mouse?

At any rate, it seemed like enough bullying for the day. Lennox stepped back and nodded. “Explain.”

[You think I’m going to reveal information to you?]

“Do you want me to pet you one more time?”

“Lennox.”

“Oh, so will you tell me?”

I stiffened.

[Olivia, I’ll do it.]

“Wait a minute.” I tried mumbling Carinne’s name. It no longer felt like it was stuck in my throat like the last time. “Yes, he was referring to Carinne Brienne.”

The words flowed freely.

“Did you send the bird to observe your sister?”

“That’s right.”

“There must have been a good reason for your actions.”

I nodded slowly.

“Ah, I’d been wondering who the sorcerer was.” His expression became unreadable, and a cool air current began to swirl around him.

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