This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 200

“I must beg your leave now,” Johan said.

“Ah—”

Johan turned his back on Olivier, attempting to leave the room without giving her a chance to stop him. He stepped outside, then paused and called out to Jared.

“Hey. I’ve sorted your luggage for you. If you’re staying at Olivier’s mansion, take it there.”

Jared’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t expected Johan to speak to him.

Then, Olivier called out to Johan again.

“Please wait, Father-in.”

“…Olivier, is there something else?”

“Yes. There is, indeed—you’ve openly stated you dislike Jared. Yet, you took the trouble to sort the luggage of your son, whom you despise, yourself, rather than leaving it to a servant?”

“It’s none of your concern.”

The more they conversed, the more the image Olivier had formed of Johan Daum crumbled.

Initially, Johan Daum was a man who had abandoned his role as a father and cast out his son, a man who shirked responsibility.

But after speaking with him, she realized he was different. There was no loathing in his gaze when he looked at Jared. Olivier sensed that while he undoubtedly felt a degree of awkwardness, he didn’t truly hate him.

Humans, after all, ignore those they truly don’t care about. Yet, Johan didn’t ignore Jared, and despite some apparent discomfort, he engaged in conversation.

*Does he truly hate Jared?*

Olivier found herself questioning Johan’s behavior. At the same time, she thought that if there were circumstances causing the estrangement between father and son, perhaps it could be resolved.

Therefore, Olivier couldn’t let Johan leave just like that.

“But—”

“Olivier, forgive my disrespect. I don’t know what you’re thinking, nor do I wish to, but please do not interfere in family matters as an outsider.”

Johan’s emotionless words were dismissive, but Olivier was equally determined.

“However, I am Jared’s Fiancé. I will be his wife. You cannot call me an outsider.”

“Even so—”

Interrupting Johan’s weary voice, Olivier spoke louder.

“If the man I love with all my heart, Jared, is estranged from his family, I cannot simply stand by and watch!”

Her declaration of love for Jared stunned him, while Karina and Roik, who had been watching with bated breath, exhaled in admiration at her unreserved devotion.

Johan opened his mouth to speak to Olivier, who looked at him with direct eyes. At that moment, loud applause echoed through the room.

“—Who’s there!”

Shielding Karina and Roik behind him, Johan drew his sword. Jared also drew his knife and stood before Olivier.

Both their gazes were fixed on a corner of the room, near the window.

“Wonderful. I have indeed heard your sincere affection. I am sincerely grateful that you love my grandson, Olivier Alway.”

No one knew when he had entered, and no one had noticed him until he clapped.

Jared, filled with regret and anger, raised his voice.

“Why are you here, Wahash!”

“Would you believe me if I said I came to see my dear grandson and his fiancée?”

“Save your fantasies for when you’re asleep.”

Jared threw his knife at Wahash, who smirked, but Wahash easily caught it and threw it back. Jared caught the returning knife, readied himself, and glared at Wahash.

“You Waalthe bastards, how do you always appear so silently, from nowhere!”

“Do you care? Then I’ll tell you. You have the right to inherit my skills.”

“Who’d ask you for lessons? My Master is Almeida alone.”

Jared continued speaking with Wahash, desperately trying to think. How could he get Olivier and Karina to escape this place? No, he needed to get Wahash away. His abilities were unknown, but he surely wasn’t someone to be underestimated. If he could at least drive him out of this room, Olivier and the others would be a little safer.

With that thought, he silently leaped from the floor and closed in on Wahash.

—But.

“Naive. Terribly naive.”

His right arm, holding the knife, and his left arm, about to cast magic, were seized. With his right foot pinned, he couldn’t retreat, and Jared was restrained with absurd ease.

What surprised Jared most was that he hadn’t seen Wahash move at all.

*Our skill gap is too immense!*

He felt like punching himself for thinking he could do anything just a few seconds ago.

Jared bit his lip, regretting his choice. He should have fled with Olivier alone, rather than attacking Wahash.

But it was too late.

Jared’s fate, whether to live or die, would be decided by Wahash’s will.

“Jared!”

“Don’t move!”

He stopped Olivier, who was about to rush towards him recklessly, without looking back. He couldn’t afford to have Wahash do something to her because of an impulsive act.

“There’s no need to rush, Jared. I didn’t come here to harm you or Olivier Alway.”

“Then why are you here? What purpose brought you before me?”

“Jared, you’re misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?”

“Yes, a misunderstanding. My appearance in the Daum family and your arrival here today are coincidences. If I had my way, I wouldn’t have wanted you to know what I intended to do today.”

“So, what are you—”

He was confused, told he wasn’t the one Wahash was interested in.

What reason did Wahash, who had introduced himself as his grandfather, have for appearing here?

“Listen carefully, Jared, my grandson. I have come here to avenge my daughter—to avenge your mother.”