Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 197

Surprisingly, Shane didn’t say much to Genevieve.

He only made one brief comment.

“The bigger the ambition, the better.”

“It won’t just end with ambition, you know.”

Genevieve didn’t back down either.

“Watching you and His Highness Edwin closely over the years has been quite an education. Thanks to that, I feel like I won’t lose no matter where I go.”

“I don’t recall teaching you anything.”

“Disciples learn their skills by watching over their teacher’s shoulder.”

“I don’t recall having a disciple either.”

“Then let me put it this way: bad things spread easily.”

“……”

Genevieve seemed to have evolved into a stronger version of herself.

For the first time, Shane found himself at a loss for words in front of her. After a moment of silence, he let out a faint scoff, like air escaping.

“If it’s not just talk, you’ll do well.”

“I have to. I know I became the sole candidate because Your Grace placed your faith in me. Even if it was His Highness Edwin’s will, it wouldn’t have been possible without your cooperation.”

Shane didn’t respond. Instead, he began setting up a table in front of Adeline and serving the food.

Feeling slightly anxious, Adeline alternated her gaze between the two of them.

“I’m sure it’s just an excuse to keep me busy and separate me from Lady Adeline…”

Huh?

Wasn’t this supposed to be a serious moment?

“She’s probably not joking,” Lloyd whispered.

Shane likely heard the comment, but he didn’t react, keeping his gaze fixed on Genevieve. With a slightly mocking look, he tilted his chin up and said dismissively,

“If you know, then scram.”

“Even if I’m far away, Lady Adeline and I are connected by heart. No matter how much you try to interfere, our love won’t change.”

“……”

“And even if you’re jealous because Lady Adeline loves me more, it’s pointless.”

Despite her confident declaration, Genevieve quickly fled the room.

Though she had evolved, she was still low-leveled and couldn’t help it.

Shane watched the door Genevieve had exited through for a moment before turning back to Adeline, acting as though nothing had happened.

“Start with some lukewarm water, Adeline.”

Adeline obediently took the glass he handed her.

“Why are you two so antagonistic with each other?”

“This is actually an improvement.”

Lloyd placed a bowl of chicken and potato soup in front of Adeline.

The savory aroma made her appetite resurface, even though she’d thought she wasn’t hungry.

As she enthusiastically picked up a spoon, Lloyd calmly took it from her hand.

Though she thought it was a bit much since she hadn’t even tried to drink the soup straight from the bowl, she didn’t argue.

Her lingering guilt over the fish soup incident kept her from protesting against Lloyd.

Noticing her hesitation, Lloyd clicked his tongue and handed the spoon to Shane.

“That man dislikes all living things near his master.”

Now that she thought about it, that seemed to be true.

Lloyd turned to Shane.

“I’ve hated you since the beginning.”

“Same here. I hate you both.”

Shane admitted it plainly and brought a spoon of lukewarm soup—less than half a spoon’s worth—to Adeline’s mouth.

Adeline voiced her dissatisfaction.

“That’s way too little. Do you want me to just taste it?”

“If you eat too quickly after regaining your appetite, you’ll end up choking or feeling sick after only a few bites.”

“……”

“Open.”

She swallowed the soup in one quick gulp.

Shane waited until he saw her swallow fully before speaking again.

“You like Genevieve and Lloyd too much.”

“They’re adorable.”

Distracted by the delicious taste of the potato soup, Adeline replied instinctively.

“And what about me?”

“You’re not adorable anymore.”

“……”

Why did a man as tall and imposing as Shane look so dissatisfied after hearing that he wasn’t considered adorable anymore?

Adeline, who had already confessed her feelings honestly, tapped Shane’s hand lightly and opened her mouth wide.

I’m hungry. Feed me.

With a sigh, Shane fed her another spoonful of soup. What a petty man.

“What would it take for you to find me as adorable as before?”

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