The villainess's daughter is getting an obsession

Chapter 12

I quickly traced the bumpy stone walls.
This is the right alley. So, there must be a gap here somewhere...

"Ah."

Fortunately, I found it without difficulty. When I pushed it with my fingertips, the brick came out slightly like a button. As I grabbed the thick brick and pulled it out, a space like a wooden drawer was attached to the back of the thin brick.

An old, small metal key was inside of it. I quickly took it out, put it in my dress pocket, and then put the brick back in its place. I don't know what the key is for. It may be the key to the treasure chest or maybe a key that opens the door to a certain space. What I want is only to meet the owner of this key.

Before Ian returned, I hurriedly turned back and tried to leave the alley, but I stopped and hardened my expression.

"Do you have anything to say to me?" I asked with my back on that person.à

When I entered the dessert shop, a gaze followed me. I thought it was a passing gaze because I didn't feel it when I came out from there, but it didn't seem like that. There were only two possibilities. If it's not a passing gaze, it would be a gaze from someone who followed me.

Either they know me as Carbella Rudbihi or Blake Ariandel. It was most likely the latter. At this rate, they might have followed me until I arrived home.
I already told Ian that I don't want to make things get bigger and make enemies already. But it looked like I couldn't do that.
As I turned around to check who followed me, that person let out a sigh of relief.

"..."

It was an unexpected but surprisingly familiar figure. That person came one step closer.

"Your hair color has changed."

I turned my head from side to side to make sure if that person was saying those words to me.
I don't know why he's here. Seeing him in plain clothes doesn't seem like he wanted to reveal his identity. At that time, it was dark even though the lights were on, so should I brush him off?

"You must be mistaken because there are many people."

When I said that, he tilted his head and soon denied it.

"That can't be true."

In fact, I didn't even care if he found out about me or not. He doesn't even know my real name anyway. And we'll see each other at the banquet hall sooner or later.

"What?

"I can't have mistaken you."

He was determined about it.

"So?"

As I stepped toward him, I could see his ears turning red.
Why can't he hide his expression?

"You've been watching me for a while, right? I didn't know that stalking was your hobby."

"That's not it."

He blushed and swept his neck. Then I took a step closer to him. We were close enough that I could smell his body scent.

"Then what is it?"

I came close enough to the point that if he lowered his head, he could kiss me. Just as he was about to say something, a dagger was pointed at his neck. At the same time, Valery's expression hardened, and I took a step back.
Ian is back.

Rather than being offended, Valery made a small smile when he saw a dagger near his throat. His hand was already on the handle of the sword.

"Get away from here, Lady."

"Put it down."

I didn't want to die here.
If I don't stop Ian, Valery's escorts will come. I'm sure they have been watching us from somewhere. It felt like they were watching from afar in consideration for me.
Ian listened to me and gently lowered the dagger pointed to Valery's neck. Now that Ian is here, I can't stay any longer.
I passed by Valery, who seemed to have a lot to say. He grabbed my wrist. It seemed like he had more to say, but I gently shook off the hand that held me.