Chapter 41 Take Responsibility (2)

As one of Kyles closest associates, Elvin was a particularly difficult person to argue with. On one hand, I wanted to reprimand him and point out how I could be of no help. On the other hand, I didnt want to risk losing Elvins support at a time like this when I was already in a bad situation with Kyle. Since Elvin had a hand in advising Kyle and managing his affairs, he could easily destroy our marriage contract and leave us both in a worse situation. Knowing what course of action I had to take, I wiped my mouth with my napkin and stood up.

Thats fine. Ill head to the Archdukes office and see what I can do.

I didnt have any other choices, anyway. As I prepared to leave for Kyles office, I turned to Elvin with one parting remark.

By the way, Elvin, why dont you brush up a little more on your manners next time?

I scolded him for skipping the usual courtesies and using his pettiness to immediately commandeer the conversation that Jean and I had been having. Of course, I knew that Elvin was well-versed in polite etiquette and rarely ever made any mistakes. Todays lapse in his manners stemmed from a desire to quickly resolve the situation, so I couldnt blame him too much. I was just thankful that he gave me a chance to scold him.

Im sorry, Your Highness. Ill keep that in mind.

Upon realizing his mistake, he formally greeted me; however, my scolding seemed to have little impact on him because he still smiled at me mockingly.

What an annoying child.

****

Jean and Marina accompanied me as I made my way to Kyles office. I had tried to go alone, but they followed me with all kinds of worries. Though, honestly, knowing that I had their support comforted me.

Before long, we arrived at my destination. I sighed in trepidation at the fact that a certain Archduke was waiting just beyond the door.

Haah

I took a deep breath and then knocked on the door. There was no response.

Whats wrong? Isnt he in? Why is there no answer?

I knocked on the door a few more times, but still to no avail.

Master, Jean cleared his throat as he called out, the Archduchess has come to see you.

Only more silence greeted us.

Uh, did something bad happen to him?

At this point, I figured standing here and calling out to him would continue to be pointless, so I would just have to forcefully enter the room. After warning Jean and Marina to step back, I yanked open the door and burst into his office.

Get out.

From the instant I heard his scathing tone, I knew everything was alright. So, I gestured to Jean and Marina, who were still hovering hesitantly around the doorway, to go before I closed the door behind me.

I dont think I should have done that.

Didnt you hear me say to get out?

Kyle didnt bother to lift his eyes from the document he was reading to greet me.

Well, I would also prefer to leave, but I cant.

Tilting my head to one side, I tried to peer more closely at his shoulder. From first glance, it seemed to be pretty severe since he was bleeding profusely through his shirt. Then, I noticed that there were a variety of medicines and medical supplies laid out on the edge of Kyles desk. I surmised that Jean must have left those behind the last time he was in here in the hopes that Kyle would come around and use them, but he hadnt touched anything.

What a cold-hearted person, allowing Jean to continue worrying like that.

I lowered my head slightly as I approached him.

Archduke, Im sorry about yesterday.

My apology was not at all forced or insincere. I wasnt apologizing for the sake of apologizingI really did mean it. Last night, I had betrayed his trust and trespassed in an area that was important for him to protect.

Even though Ill have to do it again, someday.

More importantly, I also needed to clear up the misunderstanding surrounding my deal with the emperor, or lack thereof, even if my words might not make much of a difference to him. For both our sakes, we couldnt stay like this forever.

My apology must have worked because Kyle finally looked up at me. Now that I had his attention, I didnt want to miss the opportunity to continue explaining myself.

No matter how curious I was, it was a careless thing to do. So, I completely understand that youre upset at me but I hope you know this: I didnt do it because of some deal with the Emperor nor did I do it for Doman.

Doman?

The fact that Kyle only reacted to hearing Domans name puzzled me. Did he have a grudge against him from beforehand or something?

Anyway, I continued, everyone is worried about you, so I hope youll agree to receive treatment

Who is worried about me? Kyle sneered.

His tone was mocking and coarse, as if asking me if I was really trying to say that people believed he was hurt. However, I understood where his skepticism was coming from. Ever since he was afflicted with his curse, the people around him gradually avoided him. Those who remained kept their distance and even disbelieved his words at times. They couldnt believe that the ruthless, cold-hearted Archduke was capable of feeling pain or dying, even if he were to shed blood before their eyes.

People realized it later, I replied

I meant it. After his heart froze over, many regretted not taking him more seriously or paying closer attention to him while he was still alive. Including Riddel.

Are you going to try to control me again with your words? I already told you that I wouldnt be swayed by you anymore.

Im not trying to make him any angrier than he already is.

Seeing as how he was still so hostile, I figured I wasnt going to get anywhere with him. I conceded and took a step back.

Okay, I understand. Ill go back now. However, Im still worried about your shoulder, so please have someone look at it later.

Dont say bullshit No, he paused.

Kyle suddenly looked like he was scheming something and smirked derisively at me.

If you care so much, then I want to be personally treated by you.

Eh? I blinked in surprise. What?

If youre so worried, then you should oversee my care.

What? Sometimesno, often I find it hard to understand what is on your mind. Just heal yourself. What are you trying to get at by asking me to do it? Dont you still hate me after what happened yesterday?

Okay, I sighed. Ill take care of your injury.

I didnt understand where he was going with this, but I didnt reject his suggestion. No matter his reasoning, I figured this was the least I could do to express my gratitude toward him for sparing my life yesterday.

Honestly, I had expected the worst outcome possible.

When I accepted his offer, Kyle frowned and furrowed his brows at me.

Whats wrong, Archduke? Is there a problem?

Only

No, there isnt.

If there wasnt anything wrong, then why did he make such a perplexing expression at me? However, I didnt want to risk us getting off-topic, so I decided not to explore the matter further.

Then, could you move over? I think it will be hard for me to treat your shoulder if you are sitting over there.

Stop staring at me and please get up from your desk.

Kyle glared at me as he rose from his seat and settled himself on the sofa in the middle of the room. I picked up the box of medical supplies that Jean had left and went to his side.

Oh my God. What is this?

As I peeled back the collar of Kyles shirt to get a better look at his injury, the medicine box nearly fell from my hands.