Fakes Don’t Want To Be Real Chapter 18

Chapter 19

 

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The following evening, until the moment she set out for the auction house to steal the necklace, Psychke’s days passed quietly.

She had expected Lenox or Melissa to come after her, given that Lillian had been left in tears, but surprisingly, neither did.

 

“Tch, how irritating.”

 

But there was only one time when she run in Lenox in the corridor on her way to the training grounds. Instead of swinging a nearby vase and demanding why she had made his sister cry, he merely scowled deeply and slammed his shoulder into her as he passed.

Psychke assumed it was because of what their father had said at Lillian’s welcome-back banquet and that he would soon revert to his usual self.

 

‘Still… why did he really change?’

 

She couldn’t understand the duke’s sudden shift. For eighteen long years, she had never once been met with a kind word no matter how hard she tried. So why now after she decided to give up everything?

 

‘Whatever.’

 

It didn’t matter how the duke changed.

No matter what he said or did, her resolve to leave Silkisia would never waver.

Psychke looked at her full-length mirror which reflected herself in plain clothing, with her long silver hair tied back neatly. After fastening a bracelet imbued with appearance-altering magic and carefully checking that the magic pouch holding her robe was completely hidden, she left her room.

At the main gate, she ran into Yzhar.

 

“Where are you going at this hour?”

 

One side of his cheek was slightly swollen, as if he had been struck.

Leaning idly against the wall, he looked very much like someone standing guard.

She was curious who had dared strike Silkisia’s young lord, but she kept it to herself and replied calmly.

 

“I’m going out for a walk.”

“Take an escort.”

“I prefer to be alone.”

“What kind of noble lady goes out without an escort?”

“I don’t believe the punishment you imposed is over yet, Brother. I’m not a noble lady.”

“No. Father has taken you back in.”

 

That, too, was strange.

Until now, the Duke of Silkisia had never interfered, no matter how harsh Yzhar’s punishments were.

When she was young, she had once been thrown outside in winter, wearing only her nightclothes, for spilling food during a meal and he hadn’t even blinked. What, exactly, was changing his course now?

Though puzzled, Psychke revealed nothing, masking herself behind an expressionless face.

 

“I see. Even so, as I said, I prefer to be alone. Having escorts doesn’t mean nothing will happen.”

 

Her gaze drifted into the distance, implying: ‘Those less skilled than I am could hardly protect me.’

She avoided stating it outright, not because it wasn’t true, but because she had no desire to demean the soldiers who had, at least, acknowledged her.

 

Yzhar frowned, “Don’t be arrogant. This was Father’s direct order.”

“Father ordered that I be assigned an escort?”

 

In that instant, Psychke understood that this wasn’t about protection. Someone who knew her swordsmanship better than anyone wouldn’t waste manpower like this.

 

“Yes.”

 

Yzhar gestured toward something off to the side. When she followed his gaze, a familiar face came into view.

 

‘Aiden?’

 

As Psychke froze in surprise, Aiden approached and bowed silently.

 

Yzhar spoke slowly, “That’s why a capable man was chosen. Be grateful to Father.”

“No, I—”

“Father said that those who’ve long resented you might seize the chance created by Lillian’s return. You will not pass through the front gate without an escort. So don’t say you prefer being alone.”

 

Psychke bit down on her lower lip.

How much time had she already wasted arguing with Yzhar?

The auction would begin soon and she couldn’t afford any more delays. She didn’t know why she was being monitored, but leaving the estate came first.

 

“… Understood.”

At least it was someone she knew.

With no other choice, she left alongside Aiden.

The moment they reached a dark alley beyond Yzhar’s line of sight, she stopped and turned to him.

 

“Aiden. I’m sorry, but I have a favor to ask.”

 

Though they had spoken privately before, Aiden was still a Silkisia soldier who prioritized the lord’s orders above all else.

Psychke weighed how she might gain his consent but if necessary, she’s prepared to knock him unconscious.

Before she could act, however, Aiden spoke first.

 

“Please go ahead. I’ll wait here.”

“You know where I’m going?”

“No.”

“Do you know when I’ll return?”

“I don’t.”

“Then why?”

 

The ease with which she obtained what she wanted only heightened her suspicion. He had been kind from the start, but she hadn’t expected him to defy the lord’s orders outright.

Lowering his gaze slightly, Aiden asked an unexpected question.

 

“Do you know my name, Lady Psychke?”

“Aiden…”

“Aiden Hillaise.”

 

Psychke frowned unconsciously. Hillaise was the name of a house known for its blind loyalty to Silkisia.

She had once seen Baron Hillaise visiting the ducal estate to meet her father. His face had left such a vile impression that she couldn’t forget it.

Aiden, inside and out, was nothing like him.

It was hard to believe they were father and son.

Had he taken after his mother? Or was he simply hiding his true nature?

No, before that,

 

‘That man seemed hungry for power. And yet he sent his son to serve as a mere soldier?’

 

No matter how low the title, for a noble to serve as another noble’s private soldier was humiliating in many ways.

If it were a sign of loyalty to Silkisia, there were countless other paths.

Why choose this one?

 

“I’m estranged from my father, for personal reasons.”

 

As if reading the doubt in her eyes, Aiden spoke evenly.

 

“I revealed my family name because I wished to show you everything, and ask that you trust me.”

“Trust… you?”

 

About what? Psychke asked blankly.

 

“The matter I intended to ask of you at the training grounds.”

 

Ah, she had forgotten in the confusion. Her tension sharpened.

 

“What is it?”

“I want you to accompany me to the Temple of Fate.”

 

She waited, expecting more but he said nothing further.

After a long silence, Psychke finally spoke.

 

“And?”

“That’s all. To be honest, there’s something about you I wish to confirm. It won’t put you in danger.”

 

Psychke silently studied his red eyes, calm as a still lake.

Then, faintly, she realized what misunderstanding he might be harboring and opened her mouth to correct it.

Because of her rare, striking silver hair, people who pitied how she was treated had often said similar things.

 

“If you’re suggesting a blood test, it’s pointless. Lillian has already returned, and I was tested when I was adopted into the family. I’m not Father’s biological daughter.”

“That’s not what I’m asking to test.”

 

Aiden denied it firmly.

 

“Even if I explained now, you wouldn’t believe me. I hardly believe it myself, that’s why it’s taken me this long.”

 

Psychke closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again.

Since he clearly had no intention of explaining what he wished to confirm, no matter how long she waited, she asked something else.

 

“Then you’re not on Silkisia’s side?”

“No. I do not share my family’s convictions.”

 

He answered without hesitation, his sincerity in his gaze was unmistakable.

 

“I entered Silkisia in the first place because I wanted to meet you.”

“…!”

“Explaining now would only invite disbelief and take too long, so I’ll tell you properly another time.”

 

He added an apology for taking up her time, then suddenly spoke in a hurried tone.

“I’ll likely be expelled soon. Possibly as early as tomorrow.”

“What? What do you mean—”

“There are reasons. In any case, this may be the last conversation we have in Silkisia.”

“….”

“One week from now, at this same time and place, let’s meet again. If the schedule changes, I’ll inform you. Until then, please be careful.”

 

With that, Aiden gently urged her onward, signaling that she should go.

 

‘Is it really all right to leave like this? Can I trust him?’

 

Unsorted, raw thoughts swirled chaotically in her mind. But hesitating wouldn’t solve anything and the auction mattered more right now.

After a brief nod of agreement, Psychke set off with heavy steps.