T Y D O T S F

141

Footsteps echoed through the hallway. The man who had come out to escort me to the castle gate did not open his mouth for a single moment.

I looked around to familiarize myself with the internal structure of the castle. It felt noticeably different from the south.

However, since the South was relatively open, people from other clans would often come and go, but this place seemed to only allow the Artban clan to enter.

The man didn't bother to stop me even though he knew I was getting used to the road.

As if it were useless for you to do that.

"Your Majesty, Miss Irene has arrived."

"Come on in."

Irene...... Sheep?

I looked at the man and he tilted his head.

"Is there a problem?"

"I think the title is wrong."

"I'm sure I called you correctly."

"It's not Miss Irene, it's Irene Astrophel."

When I corrected my address, the man pretended not to hear, kept his mouth shut, and stared straight ahead.

I understand very well how Artban treated me.

I clenched my fist.

The closed door opened with a creak! A familiar face appeared in front of me. I took a breath in surprise and took a step back. Of course, I expected the servant to open the door.

I never thought that DL Artban would open its doors and welcome me.

It seemed like everyone else was surprised too, as small murmurs of surprise could be heard here and there.

In particular, the man next to me was quite surprised and his eyes grew as big as lanterns.

"It was hard to come a long way. Was it inconvenient to get here?"

"We're not close enough to ask that."

"Relationships can change at any time."

The curtain gently curved. I was speechless with absurdity. What kind of kidnapper is this shameless?

"Alvin. Let's make sure Miss Irene is as comfortable as possible."

"......yes?"

"Aren't you the most precious thing in my family?"

The pleasant voice was particularly jarring to my ears. I frowned and looked at him. DL Artban nodded inward and told me to come in. A suffocating silence descended.

I was met with stinging stares from all over the place. The surprised eyes flinched and dropped down, wondering if I was new.

"Clear your eyes. I am not something you can look at."

"......I guess this is how you usually treat people."

Everyone seemed to freeze in fear at his single word.

The atmosphere that froze in an instant naturally became uncomfortable.

"Irene, you are the one who is weak. That is why you came here. For being a useless escort."

"I have no regrets. And it's Irene Astrophel, not Irene Yang."

"Astrophel?"

In response to what I said, he raised his voice as if to ask if I really thought that.