Chapter 18 (Part 2)

However, as the Duke's wife, she couldn't tell a stranger that she didn't love the Duke. Still, there was one thing she could say for certain...

"...I loved that time."

The me who liked you so purely back then, when those feelings weren't a sin.

Agnes nodded at Blair's words.

"Memories of happy moments can sometimes become the strength to live an entire life. I hope you make such empowering memories at this year's New Year's Festival too, Madam."

This year's New Year's Festival was something Blair had already experienced once.

'Come to think of it, what happened at this year's New Year's Festival?'

Blair paused as she tried to recall the memories of the past.

Only then did she remember. On the day of the New Year's Festival around this time before her regression, there had been an accident.

* * *

That night, Blair was pacing around her room, touching her lips with her fingertips. It was because of the sudden memory of the New Year's Festival before her regression.

There had been an accident at the New Year's Festival around this time before her regression.

An accident where a monster appeared at the imperial hunting grounds where the heads of each family and their wives had gone to obtain offerings for the gods.

The reason Blair hadn't immediately remembered that incident was because she had caught a cold and couldn't attend the New Year's Festival that day.

All she knew was what she heard from Lina the next morning when her fever broke.

That Herdin, who was there, had slain the monster, and thanks to him there were some injuries but no fatalities. Herdin himself had returned covered in the monster's blood, but was uninjured.

'What should I do...?'

If things flowed exactly the same as in the past, it would pass without major problems, but what if it flowed differently due to her intervention that had already occurred? Conversely, what if things went wrong while trying to prevent it?

Numerous possibilities jumbled Blair's mind. She couldn't tell what the right answer was.

Above all, the reason she hesitated to reveal knowledge of future events was that there was no way to explain how she came to know this fact.

Other than the story that she had regressed.

Would Herdin really believe such an absurd story that she had returned to the past?

'But he believed me about Lina's incident.'

He embraced her and punished the maids without asking or questioning anything.

Then maybe, he might believe her this time too. Even though it was an incomparably more absurd story than Lina's incident.

However, even if he didn't believe it, she had to tell him.

Usually, the outcome is better when you know about an event that will happen and prepare for it, rather than being completely unaware.

By now, Herdin should have returned home.

After much deliberation, Blair went to Herdin's room. But there was no response even after knocking several times.

'Is he already asleep?'

He wasn't one to sleep so early, but it was possible considering tomorrow's schedule.

Just as she was debating whether to return to her room:

"What brings you here at this hour?"

Blair turned towards the voice and met eyes with Herdin, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching her.

He was dressed in a loose nightgown, as if he had just finished bathing.

The moment she met his blue eyes shrouded in darkness, she felt as if she had locked eyes with a predator watching its prey.

"...I have something important to tell you."

Blair's white cheeks were flushed red from the cold wind as she spoke with gravity. Herdin stared at her for a moment before entering the room.

Blair followed him into the bedroom. The warm air inside the heated room thawed her cold body.

Herdin approached the table with large strides, moistened his throat with whiskey, and turned to Blair.

"So, what is it you wanted to say?"

"A monster will appear at the hunting grounds tomorrow. I think it would be good to scout the area before the hunt begins to prevent it in advance."

Herdin frowned at this sudden statement.

"Where did you hear that?"

It was the reaction she had expected.

After hesitating for a moment, Blair cautiously began:

"I... can see the future."

Herdin, who had been staring at Blair as she spouted this nonsense, burst into laughter. He recalled what Luth had said about Blair visiting the guild a few nights ago.

What could be the reason for coming at this late hour to spout such nonsense? What scheme could she be hiding behind that clear face?

The crooked smile that had spread across Herdin's lips disappeared, leaving only a cold gaze.

"You expect me to believe that."

"It may sound like impossible nonsense, but there's no harm in preventing it in advance..."

Blair stopped mid-sentence as she saw him suddenly step close. Her instincts made her back away from his chilling aura.

Herdin grabbed her waist, cutting off her retreat.

"Herd—"

As she tried to push him away in surprise, his lips approached hers. So close that she was afraid to move her lips lest they touch.

Stopping his lips at that distance, Herdin whispered:

"Then, try guessing what I'll do next."

His ice-blue eyes pierced down like daggers.

Search "child" at redcatty [.] com to read ahead up to chap 170.