Bitter Frost

5. The Bet

I flinched when i saw Allard glaring at me, as if i did something wrong. Even though i already said what i needed to say. Allard lowered his gaze and looked away, he looked outside from the window. Staying quiet for a long time. As if sensing the awkward and depressing atmosphere we had in the living room, Ichiro barged in. A worried expression plastered on his face, seeing him made my chest less happy. I looked at Ichiro as my lips curved up, forming a smile. Seeing me, Ichiro's face was decorated with a loving and refreshing smile.

Seeing this little interaction me and Ichiro had, Allard glared daggers at Ichiro who still had his smile plastered on his face. But his eyes clearly showed pure hatred. As the pair stared at each other, I could clearly see a line of electricity between the two. I quickly straightened my back and cleared my throat, grabbing both of their attention. The corners of my lips raised as a smile decorated my face.

"Ichiro, do you need anything?"

I asked him softly, Ichiro looked at me. Before shaking his head.

"No, i just so happen to hear something so i rushed over here in a hurry. I hope i'm not interrupting something important between you two, because Duke Night requested for you two to join him and his wife for tea in the rose garden."

"Father requested for us? Oh alright then. Your Majesty, we'll talk about this later if that's okay for you."

I looked at Elias again, he made a noise before stand up and leaving the room we're in. Since we did a tour earlier, he knows where the rose garden is. When i was sure he was gone, i gave a sigh of relief while i slumped back on the couch.

Ichiro eyed me worriedly, his emerald eyes showing clear signs of worry. He was hesitant to do something at first before patting my shoulder, i raised my head up at him and i was greeted by a gentle smile.

My sadness has been cured by the male lead's charm, i can now die happily. Good bye world it was nice living here for at least two months? While i was thinking about various ways of executing myself in the fanciest way as possible, Ichiro called out for me; making me snap out of my train if thought.

"Eh?"

"Are you okay, Lady Iris? I made sure to conceal my presence when i left the room. I heard everything..is it true..?"

"H-huh?"

Conceal his presence? What kind of magical bull shit is that? They were suppose to learn that when all the capture targets are together! Tch. Everything is so different from the game! First it was my overly kind parents, then Ichiro being my guard, the early engagement, AND iris and the prince communicating secretly without anyone knowing for a significant amount of time!

Thinking about this makes me peanut size brain hurt..Now back to my lovely Ichiro, my eyes widened as i tried to gather words to answer him. I managed to pull a smile on a my face just to make me less suspicious though i'm already guilty in his eyes probably.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, ehehe.."

"I heard everything Malady.."

I coughed, covering my mouth with the black fan i brought earlier.

"Well isn't that funny? All i'll say is, i'll tell you this. Don't bring this topic up in front of me or other people. This is not a request but a command, Ichiro."

I looked up at him with cold eyes, Ichiro's warm smile didn't waver under my cold gaze. Yet the emotion in his eyes change, ha. Good, it got into him. Sighing, i stood up and walked out of the room. Leaving Ichiro standing there, alone.

After that messy situation, i went towards the rose garden where my parents were and so as that snobby prince. Rolling eyes, i walked over them. Doing a curtsey before sitting on the chair.