TWFLLYM Ch 40

Black and White (2)

Reality rushed back. Roserikta whipped her head around and glared at Clobellina. The attempt failed to intimidate; her face burned red as a ripe apple, and her eyes remained dazed.

[Roserikta] "Clobell. Why are you...... being so loud? It is rude to His Highness."

[Clobell] "Rude? Please. Does he even care about me? His love is light as a feather. It already drifted away."

[Roserikta] "Clobell. Stop being mean."

[Clobell] "Good grief, I'm just stating the obvious. Just kiss him. He is clearly desperate, and you aren't exactly hating it."

[Roserikta] "Clobell!"

She grabbed the tip of her tail.

[Clobell] "Ouch! That hurts! You're the mean one!"

[Roserikta] "Be quiet and behave."

[Clobell] "Hmph. Fine, but put a snack in my mouth first. This is a business transaction."

[Roserikta] "Why are you so difficult today?"

She ground her teeth, whispering so only the cat could hear. She couldn't say more with Kalart watching.

Clobellina huffed in response. Kalart let out a soft chuckle.

[Roserikta] "Your Highness......"

She looked at him with a trace of resentment.

[Kalart] "Ah, apologies. I didn't mean to laugh, but it was funny."

[Roserikta] "I was disciplining her, Your Highness."

It doesn't feel like a scolding if you laugh.

[Kalart] "I know. But seeing you...... no, seeing you bicker with a cat is just......"

His shoulders shook again.

[Kalart] "Adorable."

[Roserikta] "What?"

[Kalart] "The way you act. It's very adorable."

Adorable? That's something else entirely.

She could understand his lust. She understood when he looked at her as if he wanted to devour her. That was desire.

But "adorable"? That was a word for Clobell. It was the word for when a pet caused trouble or grew fat, yet remained loved. It wasn't a word he should use for her.

Clobellina rubbed against her skirt.

[Clobell] "Where exactly is she adorable? I'm clearly the cute one here. No human is cuter than a cat."

She ignored the cat. She didn't know how to respond.

[Roserikta] "But...... don't I look...... ugly to you?"

[Kalart] "I can't simplify it like that."

His smile faded, replaced by gravity.

He had once felt only disgust for living things. But Roserikta was different. She wasn't suddenly beautiful, but she provoked no repulsion. Instead, she felt fascinating, fresh, and warm—like an afternoon nap. She stirred a fierce impulse in his heart.

She would never understand what she meant to him.

[Kalart] "You don't look beautiful. But you are adorable."

[Roserikta] "Your Highness, perhaps you don't understand the meaning of that word?"

[Kalart] "Perhaps I didn't before."

He nodded.

[Kalart] "But watching you do something so illogical with such gravity. It makes my heart feel soft as cream. I can't help but laugh. 'Adorable' is the closest word I have."

She bit her tongue in surprise. He knew exactly what it meant.

[Kalart] "Your expression tells me I'm right. Am I?"

[Roserikta] "Yes, that is correct."

[Kalart] "Biting your tongue is adorable too. I didn't think you'd do such a thing."

He stared at her lips.

The air grew heavy. Roserikta struggled to remain calm.

This man was dangerous. He kept pushing, kept blurring the lines. Was it the potion? Or desire? Or something genuine?

She gave up on finding the answer. She would only understand him once the curse broke.

[Clobell] "Ugh, I'm done with this."

Clobellina shook her head and returned to her seat.

Thump!

The carriage jolted and tilted sharply. The horses shrieked. Kalart lunged, pulling Roserikta into his arms before she struck the wall.

[Clobell] "Meow! This is unfair! Am I invisible?"

Clobellina tumbled to the floor, but Kalart ignored her. He checked Roserikta for injuries.

[Kalart] "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

[Roserikta] "I'm fine, Your Highness. But the cats......"

[Kalart] "They look fine. But you? Are you entirely unharmed?"

[Roserikta] "I'm fine. But why did this happen?"

The carriage stopped. A knight opened the door.

[Knight] "Your Highness! Are you alright?"

[Kalart] "We are fine. What happened?"

[Knight] "The wheel collapsed, Sire."

It was impossible. Imperial carriages underwent strict daily maintenance.

[Kalart] "How did this happen?"

The guard swallowed hard. The Prince looked terrifying. He was furious because Roserikta could have been injured.

[Knight] "Apologies, Sire. I don't know. We checked everything before departure. Captain Eaton inspected it personally."

If Eaton checked it, there was no negligence. It happened during the journey.

[Kalart] "Replace the driver. His eyes must be failing him."

[Knight] "But Sire...... the carriage can't reach the capital without repairs."

[Kalart] "And?"

[Knight] "Count Gibero's castle is two hours away. We should head there to switch carriages or perform repairs."

It was Eaton's recommendation. Kalart agreed. The group detoured to the Gibero estate.

---

The welcome was grand.

[Count] "Welcome, Your Highness. This is an unprecedented honor for the House of Gibero. May the gods bless your every step."

The Count knelt, and the servants followed.

It reminded Kalart of Kirien Castle. Too similar. It felt suspicious, as they had arrived without warning.

[Kalart] "Thank you for the welcome. Forgive my lack of etiquette."

[Count] "Of course, Sire."

The Count gestured toward the gates.

[Count] "Please, enter. We will do our best to make you comfortable while we repair the carriage."

[Kalart] "I appreciate it. I hope we won't intrude for long."

[Count] "We shall keep that in mind, Sire."

The Count bowed.

If the chamberlain from Kirien were here, he would be confused. The Count had changed. His eyes were cloudier. His hair, once thick and black, was now a faded gray. He looked much older and thinner. His luxurious clothes hung loosely on his frame.

Only Kalart had seen him before, but his distorted vision prevented him from noticing the change.

[Count] "This way, please."

The Count waited until everyone entered—almost as if ensuring no one stayed outside.

Creeeak—Boom!

The heavy gates slammed shut behind them. Inside sat a massive hall with three towers and four floors. It was grand but cold.

The furniture and curtains were black. Even the gold and silver accents couldn't brighten the space. Black marble statues stood along the walls, looking so lifelike they were haunting. Thick velvet curtains blocked the sunlight, making it impossible to tell the time.

[Clobell] "Rosie. I'm scared. This house is weird."

She clung to Roserikta's skirt.

[Clobell] "Hold me. I'm too scared to walk."

Me too. This feels wrong.

As she picked up the cat, someone stepped onto the grand staircase.

[Countess] "Welcome."

The voice was hauntingly seductive.

[Countess] "We finally meet...... Prince Kalart."

The Countess had arrived.