The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 26.2

Ilya strode towards the outhouse with haste, his chest heavy with worry. As he pushed open the door, he was met with the startled face of Sophie, who appeared as if she had seen a ghost. But her shock was quickly replaced by a somber expression, as she lowered her forehead to the ground.

“Your Highness, you’ve returned…” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

“Where’s Evelyn?” Ilya asked, his voice laced with urgency.

Sophie raised her head slightly, her expression troubled. “Madam is in the tower room,” she said hesitantly.

“Why at this time?” Ilya pressed.

Sophie hesitated before answering, “She’s been there since the Countess of Glenn left during the day. She said she needed to sort out her thoughts.”

Ilya’s gaze turned to the steep staircase. “Is the tower room on the second floor?”

“Yes, my lord. I will guide you…” Sophie offered, but Ilya was already making his way up the steps. As he reached the top of the staircase, he was greeted by Arthas, who, like Sophie, had a startled expression upon seeing Ilya. Arthas quickly composed himself, bowing deeply.

“Your Highness, you’ve come. Please forgive me for not giving prior notice…”

“Is she inside?” Ilya asked, his voice stern.

Arthas nodded, his face contorted as if he were on the verge of tears. “She’s been inside since the Countess of Glenn left. Just now when I looked, she was sitting on the floor. She hasn’t eaten all day and has just been sleeping.”

Ilya pushed past Arthas and grabbed the door handle, pushing it open to reveal the darkness within. Belina, who was guarding Evelyn inside the room, noticed him and silently bowed before leaving at Ilya’s gesture.

As Ilya scanned the room, he saw a small fire burning beside a pile of clothes. He approached slowlyas he saw Evelyn’s head not raised, unsure if she was asleep or not.

Finally, he stood in front of her, looking down at her for a moment before sitting down beside her. As he stared at her, she looked smaller, and Ilya let out a deep sigh. He reached out and pulled her small shoulder, and a faint floral scent hit his nose.

“You told me to come back soon… why are you like this?” he whispered, his breath reaching her shoulder as he felt like he had finally come home.

* * *

Evelyn struggled to open her heavy lids, a rough sensation scratching at her cheek. She could feel someone holding her shoulders. “Belina? Belina, what’s happening?” she muttered groggily, trying to lift her head.

A laughter that sounded like the wind blew in her ears. “Were you two close?” 

Evelyn lifted her head at the familiar voice, but it was dark, and she couldn’t see anything. Still, she could picture him clearly in her mind—a sharp jawline, tightly closed manly lips, a long nose, and sharp eyes that were coldly extended to the side. “Your Highness, when did you come back? Wake up,” she murmured.

The grip on her shoulders tightened, and she snuggled into his arms, kicking weakly. “Why are you here like this?” Ilya’s voice was low, even lower than before.

Evelyn hesitated, her mind foggy. “Just… thinking about the past, this and that,” she finally replied.

Ilya let her go, standing up from his seat. Evelyn heard the sound of wood cracking and let out a small laugh. “Can you stand up?” Ilya asked.

Evelyn tried to get up, but soon sat back down with the sound of her joints creaking. “My legs have cramps,” she said, looking at him with a pitiful expression. “You’re not even a real deer,” Ilya teased, a hint of amusement in his voice.

With a chuckle, Ilya reached out and picked Evelyn up, who hugged his neck tightly, afraid she would fall. They walked through the corridor for a while, and finally arrived at her bedroom. Feeling embarrassed, Evelyn buried her head in his neck. But Ilya didn’t seem to mind, gently putting her down on the couch.

“Are you not hungry?” Ilya asked, his gaze fixed on Evelyn.

“Not really thinking about it,” Evelyn replied, avoiding his intense gaze.

Ilya studied her for a moment before nodding. “I’ll get you something simple to eat,” he said, before calling out to someone outside. “Bring me dinner. With things that are easy to eat. Ah! Bring alcohol, too.”

Soon, the maids brought in a table full of food. Sandwiches, salads, and various fruits filled the table. Evelyn took a bite of her sandwich, which was filled with egg, potatoes, and apple, and was pleasantly surprised by the crisp taste. She ate her apple with a happy expression, as if she had forgotten her previous melancholy.

Ilya took a sip of tea while he chewed his food. After a while, he asked, “Did anything happen while I was away?”

Evelyn looked at him, “Nothing much. I went to the tower and went on a picnic with Belina and the Earl of Asher.”

“Liar,” Ilya said with a sigh as he looked at her. “Do you like drinking?” he asked, picking up the glass on the table. Evelyn’s gaze lingered on the table for a long time. She tilted her head as she looked at a bottle of green liquid, glass, spoon, and sugar cubes.

“The liquor is green, it’s strange,” she said.

With a chuckle, Ilya replied, “It’s a traditional liquor from the North, it’s called Bacardi. Want to try it?”

Evelyn responded excitedly, “Yes! Let’s try it!” Ilya put a spoonful of sugar cubes in the glass and poured the liquor. Evelyn opened her mouth wide, observing the scene.

“I’ve never tasted anything like that before,” she said, taking a sip.

“You married a northerner and you’ve never tried Bacardi before? I’ll have to put you on death sentence,” Ilya joked, a relaxed smile on his face.