<h4>Chapter 48.2</h4>


    ude heard rustling by theke and thought it might be Canillian. He moved slowly and carefully to see who was there.


    There was a horse tied to a tree and a figure bent over the water washing his face. It was Ian. ude cursed under his breath.


    Ian wiped the water from his chin and scoffed, “I knew it was you from the sound of your horse.”


    “What are you doing here?” asked ude.


    “I came to see Canillian, but he is in ss. This is a good ce to rest. How about you?”


    ude found himself annoyed when Canillian’s name crossed Ian’s lips and he understood why. Instead of answering, he asked, “Why did youe to the Empire, Prince?”


    Ian bristled at such a cold question. “To…achieve some things.”


    “And have you been sessful?”


    “Of course!”


    The glint in Ian’s eye annoyed ude.


    “There are assassins in the neutral territory. Did you know that? Perhaps this is Geore’s way of breaking a truce?”


    “Assassins?” Ian shook his head and looked sad. “Did the Duke get hurt?”


    “Yes,” ude replied pointedly.


    “I am sorry to hear that. Did you catch the culprit?”


    Yes, but hemitted suicide.”


    “Why do you suspect Geore?”


    “No citizen of the Empire went to the north,” replied ude.


    Ian’s face was neutral but he nodded in agreement. “I feel sorry for you, but there is no reason for Geore to send an assassin.”


    “If they don’t stop, there will be war,” warned ude.


    “There won’t be any war,” Ian assured. “Geore and Kayan are about to be allies through marriage. My marriage.”


    ude scoffed. Marriage? Allies? ude had not heard any rumors about a marriage cementing the rtionship between Geore and Kayan. What nonsense!


    Ian continued, “Young Duke, you’re not curious at all? You didn’t even ask with whom. Aren’t you interested? Or are you simply interested in… that child?”


    Ian didn’t even have to mention the child’s name. ude couldn’t refute him. Wade had said it was love.


    ude was confused. He wasn’t sure in what way he wanted Canillian. ude caught himself. He looked at Ian and asked, “Who is it? Who is the person?”


    Ianughed disdainfully and said, “It’s a secret. I learned only recently that I have something important to hide.”


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    I knew he was a waste of time, ude thought. He looked at Ian who was lying back with his eyes closed. ude left without saying goodbye and spurred his horse to break into a run, hoping to clear his aching head.


    When ss let out, the students streamed towards their living quarters. ude searched the crowd, but Cannilian was not among them.


    Where is he? I must see that child.


    ***


    “Canillian, I am sorry, but I hope you will not attend the party.”


    Lia looked at the Marchioness, whose sudden arrival had turned the entire house upside down. Although Lia had already finished getting dressed for Kieran’s engagement party, she nodded in assent. “Yes, I won’t then.”


    “Thank you,” said the Marchioness, noting that the house is tiny and cramped.


    Lia saw the Marchioness to her carriage and then removed her jacket mechanically. Pepe took the jacket from her, looking angry.


    “I can’t believe it! After we worked so hard to get you made up!”


    “I’m sure there was a reason. I’m actually relieved. I’ve been tired recently,” replied Lia.


    “You really think ma’am is doing this for yourfort? It’s definitely that she didn’t want you getting all the attention. Why is she like this?”


    “Pepe, be careful. You shouldn’t say things like that.”


    Even after Lia’s warning, Pepeined and stomped her feet.


    Lia pretended not to be disappointed, but, in fact, she was. The one thing she wanted was to see how amazing Kieran would look at this event.


    Lia got changed intofortable clothing, took the books she had to return, and headed to the library.


    With gs waving and citizens dressed up, it seemed that the city itself was in a celebratory mood thanks to the princess’s engagement!


    As Lia departed in her carriage, she stared at the people who were lined up to receive food provided by the Pce.


    Her carriage rolled through a quiet park and arrived at the royal library. As she left the carriage, young beggars gathered around her, stretching out their hands. Lia quickly handed out coins to them and then ran into the library.


    “It’s been a while, sir.”


    “I’ve been busy. Are my books overdue?”


    “Do not concern yourself. You borrow the most books from the library.”


    After returning her books and selecting new ones, Lia sat on afortable sofa in a quiet, sunny spot. She weed all that the library offered—the joyful coolness, thefort, and the scent of vintage books.


    Thank goodness she didn’t attend the engagement party! She would have felt uneasy there, like walking on a thorny path. The library was so much better! She snuggled in the sofa while hugging a book and closed her eyes. She was too tired to read, but not tired enough to fall asleep. Instead she enjoyed the sounds and scents of people in the library.


    Lia stretched sleepily and opened her eyes. ude, wearing a white uniform, was sitting across from her with his legs crossed and a smile ying on his lips.


    “Here you are.”