Only with Your Heart

An Unexpected Development (1)

When she raised her head, her gaze met with a young mans face that seemed as surprised as she was.

It was Baru.

She hadnt seen him since the evening of that feast.

Even at meals, he never saw Chizuru. Either he intentionally shifted the time or had his meals sent him to his room. It was not certain whether Lukrov ordered it behind the scenes or if Baru himself chose to do so, but there was no doubt that he avoided Chizuru anyway.

Chizuru could understand the reason somehow.

Sorry, Chizuru sama.

Baru quickly grabbed her upper arm and prevented Chizuru from falling, but he hurriedly let go. As if he made the mistake of touching a forbidden fruit.

Chizuru sighed and looked up at Baru.

Im sorry about this I was drowsy.

It was also possible that her future husband, Lukrov, was making the young mans stay inconvenient. Although it sounded ridiculous, Chizuru implicitly hinted at such an apology.

Baru seemed to understand the hidden meaning of her apology immediately. He took a step back from Chizuru and showed a sincere smile.

Its not your fault. Dont worry. I just thought you have gone out with the Duke Lukrov this morning, and I thought of going to the dining-room.

Chizuru blushed and smiled shyly.

After all, Lukrov must have told him not to meet Chizuru. Even so, it was cruel to ask a young man like Baru to stay in his own room.

Im sorry. Thats not your fault.

Baru smiled and shook his head.

Im so lucky I wasnt kicked out of the castle. I was even prepared to be hanged at that time.

Ha-hanged?

Anyway, if the Duke knew I was with you, he wouldnt let me live. Are you alone? An escort or a maid?

Baru, with his excellent physique, turned his head while looking around.

There was a possibility that a ninja-like person was watching over Chizuru while she didnt notice. It was not as if she was doing anything suspicious, but she just didnt want to create a meaningless misunderstanding.

Baru must have felt the same thing.

I sent my maid to eat breakfast. Im just going back to my room, so I think its okay for you to head to the dining room

Chizuru turned to the stairs and indicated that she was about to leave.

It is best for both of us to pretend that this coincidence did not happen.

Baru nodded and smiled sadly.

Then, excuse me

It was Barus way of signalling that he was leaving as well.

At first, she felt a faint presence around her, but she wasnt sure if it was real, or if it was her imagination. Then there was a strange light that blinded her for a second, and she was suddenly unable to move.

Mmm..!

Her mouth was blocked, causing Chizuru to let out a muffled voice.

It was at that moment that she realized she was being restrained from behind by an unknown person. She felt a dagger held in his hand. Then, he reached out to hold it next to her throat.

The blade of the dagger, cold as ice, was pressed against her throat.

She had no chance of fighting back. Even if there was, it wasnt a power that Chizuru could compete with.

Dont make a sound. If you raise your voice, Ill kill you I was told that it doesnt matter if I brought you dead or alive.

A horrifying, low voice whispered in Chizurus ear.

Her body stiffened with fear. She felt cold sweat all over her body.

What on earth is this? Who why!