The Young Master I Carefully Raised Became Obsessive
Ch. 108

Chapter 108

“I’ll go with this one,” I said.

The servants looked startled. One of them, who seemed the most experienced, cautiously approached me. “Your Highness, are you truly referring to that pearl necklace?”

“Why?”

“It just feels like you made the decision too hastily.”

I had to make the decision fast and return my focus to the magical drug in my wrist. Besides, the dress I saw earlier would pair best with the pearl necklace, so there was really nothing more to consider.

“I have something more urgent to take care of.”

Derol jumped onto my lap, squeaking and looking up at me.

The servants, sensing the atmosphere, lowered their heads. “Then we’ll prepare it as you wish.”

I waited until all the servants left before grasping my wrist again. I glanced at my hand and noticed it trembling slightly. I had been getting a headache for a while. It seemed my mana was depleting.

I quickly rummaged through a drawer. Soon enough, my hand brushed against the necklace Ardion had gifted me.

After Serina took it from me, I had hidden it here, afraid carrying it around might get it taken away again.

I placed the necklace around my neck. Immediately, I could feel my mana stabilize, and a refreshing energy surged through my body. Perhaps because Ardion’s mana was condensed within it, even a few seconds of contact made it feel like mana was flooding back into me.

I let out a small sigh and looked at my hand again. It wasn’t shaking anymore.

As I flexed my fingers… 

“Master, how do you think Serina is doing right now?” Derol tilted his head at me.

Come to think of it, I had been so focused on extracting the drug that I hadn’t properly checked on Serina. I placed the necklace back in the drawer.

“Let’s go now, Derol. The ball is tonight, and the coronation is tomorrow. I should at least talk to her.”

“But… is it okay to talk to her? Serina’s still technically on Rowell’s side, isn’t she?”

“She’s probably changed her mind by now. A few days ago, I had a dream where Rowell tried to kill Serina, and she wasn’t exactly loyal to him either. Plus, I need to ask her about the drug.”

Derol nodded and climbed onto my hand. I tucked him into my pocket and opened the door. But as soon as I did, I saw someone standing there. I looked up and locked eyes with Ardion.

“Laila.”

“Ardion? What are you doing here?” I glanced at the clock. He should’ve been in the conference hall at this hour.

“I missed you.” He wrapped his arms around my waist.

Derol let out a squeak and leapt to the floor.

Surprised, I took a step back. “Ardion, is something wrong?”

“No.” His gaze was intense, unsettling.

My heart thumped uneasily, yet Ardion only pulled me closer with a smile.

When I gave him a puzzled look, he almost held me in an embrace and whispered in my ear, “Laila, we’re all set to stab Rowell in the back.”

His low voice reverberated through me. I slowly looked up to find Ardion gently cupping my cheek. His touch was warm.

“And you’re going to the ball with me. I’m not letting you go alone.”

I had assumed I’d be going alone, so his words brought me a strange sense of relief. I nodded.

Ardion gently took my hand. “Also, Rowell will be at the ball.”

“Rowell?”

Ardion nodded. “Traditionally, the palace holds a ball the day before the coronation, but it seems he decided to be clever this time.”

“Why?“

“It hasn’t even been a month since the emperor passed away. A coronation and a celebratory ball already? If noble carriages are lined up outside the palace, the people’s resentment will boil over.”

I recalled the apologetic look Duchess Heverun had given me.

“Because of that, a lot of nobles will be attending this ball. The duchess might say she’s holding the event reluctantly, but she’ll gain even more prestige in society from it.”

In the end, the duchess wasn’t losing anything. Still, it was fortunate. Even if she had drawn Rowell’s ire for helping us, things were turning in our favor.

But my expression quickly stiffened. “Are you sure it’s okay to make a move at an event like that?”

I suddenly felt sorry for Duchess Heverun. Ardion chuckled and kissed my cheek. I looked up and saw him watching me with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“She might actually be pleased. Since the ball’s being held there, the rumors will naturally center around that location.”

I slowly nodded.

Ardion gently stroked my cheek, then suddenly asked, “By the way, where were you headed?”

“To talk to Serina.”

“About what?”

“To let her know we’re taking a shot at Rowell tomorrow.”

“Laila, Serina is still—”

“You never know. Sure, I can't leave the palace right now, but Serina gave me her mana to extract the drug. She deserves to know.”

“…”

“And I have some questions about the drug too.”

“So you’re going now?” His voice sounded irritated.

I nodded, and his face hardened. “Why?”

“I always feel like I’m one step too late.”

“What do you mean?”

Ardion raised his arm, and suddenly, radiant mana swirled around us. I just stared blankly. When I looked up again, his brows were slightly furrowed.

“Laila, can’t you see my condition?”

“Ardion, don’t overdo it. I know now when you’re putting on a show.”

I tried to step past him, but he blocked my way. I frowned. “Ardion.”

“Then at least give me a kiss so the trip wasn’t for nothing.” He leaned his head onto my shoulder, his breath tickling my skin.

I leaned back slightly and kissed his cheek. “Happy now? Then I’ll—”

Before I could finish, his lips found mine. I gasped and grabbed his shoulders.

He pushed me against the wall. “Laila, I want to spend the whole day with you.”

He bit my lip and wouldn’t let go. Only after a few exchanged breaths did he slowly pull away. “Don’t you?”

I let out a breath and replied, “There’s still work to do. The drug’s still in my wrist.”

“Then once it’s all gone, will you finally look at me?” He gave a slight smile as he traced the edge of my lips.

I said softly, “I’m looking at you now.”

“You’re going to Serina, not looking at me.”

“Ardion, that’s—”

Before I could finish, he stepped even closer, pressing our bodies together. I could feel how solid he was. I struggled and finally pushed against his shoulders. “Ardion, I really have to go.”

He stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Although he said nothing, the air around him felt heavy.

“Can’t I ever be your first priority?” His low voice rang in my ear.

I couldn’t understand why he would say that now. “There’s a proper order to things. I need to talk to Serina about the drug.”

“You can do it in the evening.”

“There’s no reason to wait. Better to finish things quickly.”

Ardion finally stepped back, his face stiff. I glanced at him, then turned away. Even as I shut the door behind me, my mood wasn’t great. I stood there for a moment until Derol came squeaking at me.

“Derol!”

Seeing Derol cheered me up a little. He scurried over to me. “Master, I think now is a good time to go.”

I nodded and headed to Serina’s room.

❋ ❋ ❋

Serina stood by the window, gazing out at the distant view. When I entered, she slowly turned around.

“How are you feeling?” I had visited her once after what happened with Rowell, but I still wondered about her condition.

“I’m fine.” She sat down at the table. Seeing me still standing, she gestured to the chair across from her. “Sit. You came because you have something to say, right?”

I slowly sat across from her. Her eyes looked different than before. Back then, they were filled with killing intent, but now she seemed softer, more composed.

I looked at her for a moment before speaking. “I’m planning to strike at Rowell.”

She nodded without surprise, then suddenly asked, “Do you need my help?”

“No. I just thought it was right to let you know in advance.”

“You must trust me quite a bit.”

“I promised, didn’t I? That I wouldn’t kill you. You didn’t take my hand though.”

The memory of that awkward moment made me glance down at Derol. He squeaked and peeked out from my pocket. He didn’t seem scared of people anymore.

“What about… the drug?” Serina’s gaze was serious.

“I haven’t removed it yet.”

“It won’t be easy. I can’t remove it even with my own mana.”

Maybe I did have a knack for using mana. That silly thought flitted through my mind. Then the dream I had came to me. Rowell had acted like he could see me. It made me feel uneasy.

“If I get rid of the drug, I won’t have dreams like that anymore, right?”

“No. Once it’s removed, the link is completely severed.”

“Then what happens to Rowell if I remove the drug?”

“He’ll likely continue suffering from heart problems. People without mana tend to experience side effects from magical drugs.”

That was the best news I’d heard in a while.

T/N: The lost baby and Ardion were Laila’s least priorities… great!