52

Dante stared at me with an icy expression, and I felt my mouth go dry.

Honestly, it was terrifying. I wanted to immediately apologize, kneel down, and somehow appease Dante, matching his mood. I wanted to resolve the situation right away.

However, ‘I can’t yield on this matter.’ Even for me, confronting Dante like this was a significant risk. Yet, even in an adventure, there were boundaries. I judged that I couldn’t let go of Lucien’s exclusive rights.

Lucien was essential for my escape from this boarding school. Taking away Lucien’s exclusive rights here was not an option. He was indispensable, and if I completely ruined Dante’s mood here, my life might be in immediate danger.

“Have I not properly fulfilled my duties as the estate manager recently?”

I asked once again in a somewhat subdued voice.

“That’s…”

Dante narrowed his eyes for a moment. It would be difficult for him to say ‘no.’ Since I became Elze, I had done my best. I did everything to not appear displeasing to Dante, considering Lucien’s importance in my escape.

“I tried my best to be helpful to you, but it seems like you don’t need my assistance.”

Dante just gazed at me with an inscrutable look. He couldn’t easily say ‘no.’ Since I took over Elze, I had genuinely done my best.

‘I can do this,’ I thought to myself. I deliberately took a deep breath, presenting an exaggerated expression of sorrow, as if overwhelmed by intense grief.

“I really want to be of help to you, but it seems like you don’t need my assistance, and that hurts a lot.”

Dante, with an unreadable gaze, just continued to look at me. He didn’t give any response.

I bit my lower lip lightly and murmured softly, “If I were to lose even my role as the estate manager… I’m afraid I’ll become entirely useless to the Marquis.”

“…”

“I’m afraid of that.”

However, at that moment, Dante unexpectedly spoke up.

“Sorry.”

“…”

I felt a bit dazed. It was the first time I had heard an apology from Dante.

“I didn’t know you were so anxious.”

His fiery red eyes that had been glaring softened gently. Dante spoke as if consoling me, “Why would I replace you to that extent? You’re doing an excellent job managing the students.”

“If that’s the case…”

I looked up at Dante with wet eyes. “Can I understand that you have no objection to me managing the special students in the future?”

“…”

Dante hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Yes.”

Perhaps my gaze brightened considerably. Dante, who had been scrutinizing my expression, smiled slightly, scrunching his eyes.

“As the estate manager, you naturally have jurisdiction over the special students.”

I clenched my fist on my knee tightly. ‘Good.’ Since he said that, Dante would probably not interfere much even if I managed Lucien for a while. Of course, I needed to make sure I stayed out of Dante’s sight.

Dante changed the subject at that moment. “Oh, right. I have something to tell you.”

“Yes, please tell me.”

I straightened my posture.

“I’ll be absent for a while.”

Dante spoke somewhat reluctantly. “Even though I’ve only been absent for a few weeks, the rats have been running wild in the meantime.”

Indeed, it would be challenging for Liam to supervise everything alone. In fact, the fact that Liam had endured without complaint until now was quite remarkable. During Dante’s absence, Liam had managed the entire Dark Territory, even overseeing the boarding school.

However, Dante’s organization fundamentally maintained its strength through Dante’s intense charisma. Liam, who was closer to an administrator, would have a hard time managing the rough members as neatly.

Just as Dante spoke with some unease, he casually added, “By the way, there’s something I want to say to you.”

“Of course, we’ll definitely go to the Diorunse Club together, so don’t worry unnecessarily.”

TN: I don’t remember the club name. Sorry

Well, to be honest, I really don’t want to go, but…

“Yes, I’m really looking forward to it.”

I smiled first.

Then, I delicately began to cater to Dante’s mood.

“It’s great. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the Marquis.”

At that, Dante stared at me with a piercing gaze and teased, “Are you giving off a bit of a disappointed vibe?”

It was a habit of his to throw in a jab.

“You know, when you return to the front lines, we won’t be able to see each other as often as now.”

He was truly meticulous.

Internally sighing, I lowered my eyes slightly.

“…Of course, I feel disappointed.”

For a moment, Dante seemed a bit surprised.

I kept my gaze fixed on my knees and calmly continued, “But I dislike the idea of you not being able to do what you need to do because of my hurt feelings.”

“…”

“So, work comfortably, but when you’re with me…”

I slightly raised my eyes and gave him a teasing smile.

“Please focus solely on me.”

Dante stared at me with eyes full of charm.

“Ha, my dear.”

He let out a short laugh.

After taking a long drag from his cigarette and exhaling, he casually crushed the remaining stub in the ashtray next to the bench.

Then he reached out and pulled my waist towards him.

In an instant, the distance became so close that our noses touched.

Staring deeply into my eyes, Dante whispered softly, “It seems like you’ve made up your mind to drive me crazy. Is that right?”

At the same time, Dante engulfed my lips.

I was swept away by the surging pleasure and couldn’t gather my senses.

“Hmm.”

I shuddered as if I was cold.

The scent of bitter tobacco emanated from Dante’s lips.

I suddenly thought that this flirtation with Dante was somewhat akin to a single cigarette.

A harmful accessory that ruins people.

Leaving behind only a momentary pleasure, burning away entirely.

In the end, only ashes remain, emitting a bitter scent…

Such trivial flirting thoughts crossed my mind.