SDA 16

Chapter : 16

I quickly found a coffee shop and skimmed the menu.
The shop owner spoke to me.
“Young lady, what would you like?”
“Um… One iced Americano, please.”
“That will be 20 gold.”
I wondered, Is there iced Americano in a fantasy game?
These kinds of settings are probably created by the platform.
It was a setup tailored for Koreans, who can’t give up iced coffee even in winter.
But the issue wasn’t that there was iced Americano.
What’s wrong is that coffee costs 20 gold—this is a scam.
Thanks to the rich male leads, the cost of living was ridiculously high.
Anyway, while waiting for my coffee, I stood still, receiving hot stares…
People were whispering.
“Isn’t that the head of the Willow Counseling Center? Why is she carrying a hawk…”
“Yeah, she’s walking around with a hawk bigger than herself.”
“But that hawk looks so strangely unique. It’s not a raven, and I’ve never seen such a black hawk before.”
I hate being the center of attention, but I had unwittingly become a spectacle.
Ugh, this is embarrassing. Because of the extroverted hawk, what is happening?
Eventually, I felt my face heat up, almost as if it were burning.
I need to get to the center quickly.
Finally, I received my coffee and left the shop.
“An empty carriage…”
I planned to catch a carriage that went around the capital to get to the center.
But… will the drivers allow me and the hawk to ride?
I wasn’t sure if there were carriages that allowed animals on board.
That’s when…
“Center Director.”
My drowsy mind became instantly clear.
That soft and gentle voice…!
Before I even saw his face, I realized it was Johan standing behind me.
Calm down, calm down.
I decided to turn around while trying my best to act graceful, as though in a shampoo commercial.
I turned my head with a pure and delicate expression.
“Ah… Marquis Veloster.”
“What a coincidence. Are you on your way to work?”
Johan responded with a completely unfazed expression.
Fail.
My attempt to imitate a shampoo commercial didn’t work on Johan, who liked Violet.
Whatever happened, the dimple at the corner of his mouth still made me feel honored.
His well-formed features and solid physique were nothing to complain about either.
Once again, his looks made me not want him to get together with Violet.
I hid my thoughts and replied,
“Yes, I was on my way to work.”
“Is that coffee you’re holding?”
“Yes, iced Americano. I thought I might fall asleep at the center if I didn’t drink it.”
“Ah… I hope it’s not because of me that you’re tired…”
Johan’s silver eyebrows slowly rose, his voice trailing off.
Damn, that’s true…
Because of his request, the work that was already piling up got even worse, and both the staff and I were struggling.
…But how could I agree when you speak with such a wistful look on your face?
I quickly shook my head.
“No, it’s not because of you, Marquis. You don’t need to apologize.”
Johan stared at me for a moment.
From the occasional movement of his eyes, I could tell what he was thinking.
He’s probably wondering if there’s any way he can help me.
Johan is such a good and kind person.
My prediction was correct.
“Center Director, if it’s okay with you, I can take you to the center.”
What an angel!
Johan, you’re going to be chosen by the gods and ascend to the heavens at this rate.
I answered, after a slight delay,
“Well… it would be rude, but please.”
“Rude? I’m sorry that this is all I can do for you.”
Soon enough, a carriage with the Veloster family crest appeared.
“Please, get in.”
Johan extended his hand to me.
My favorite escort.
What a surprise, from the morning!
I’m so glad I stopped by the city to buy coffee.
My clueless heart started racing.
I just hoped Johan didn’t hear the chaotic beating.
“By the way…”
Johan added.
His gaze shifted to my right shoulder.
…Oh, right.
I had a black hawk with me.
I awkwardly smiled, rolling my eyes.
“Um… Is it possible to ride with the hawk?”
That’s when I realized Johan had no fear of animals.

Since getting into the carriage, my mind had been foggy.
It was because Johan Veloster, the young and rich, tall and handsome marquis sitting across from me, was just so incredibly good-looking.
Wow, Johan…
I knew you were good-looking, but facing you like this, it’s really quite serious.
How can you shine so brightly even in the morning?
I have swollen, uneven eyelids, and you’re perfect.
While the carriage wheels rolled, I was mentally fan-girling.
Johan broke the silence.
“I’m not sure how to thank you, Center Director.”
“…”
“I’m just so grateful, but my words aren’t coming out well.”
He spoke gently, but quickly dropped his gaze in embarrassment.
I clenched my fist secretly.
This is so annoying.
How can you be so handsome, cute, and kind? How am I supposed to stop developing feelings for you…
Johan’s blue eyes aimlessly roamed the ground.
Suddenly, words spilled out of my mouth without thinking.
“…I’ll do my best from now on.”
Then Johan looked up at me.
More words spilled out.
“I was secretly pleased when I successfully helped you and Violet meet for the first time.”
“…”
“I want to feel that again. I’ll work hard until you both become a perfect couple.”
Damn.
I don’t want to see you and Violet get together!
But seeing Johan’s innocent expression, I ended up saying something contrary to my inner thoughts.
I didn’t want to disappoint my favorite.
My mouth can’t stop…
I bit my lip, cursing my useless mouth.
Johan, oblivious to my inner turmoil, smiled sweetly.
“Thank you. You’re really a wonderful person, Center Director.”
I, with my conflicted feelings, couldn’t respond to his words.
A moment of silence passed.
What should I say now?
I fidgeted with the edge of my clothes and petted the hawk beside me.
Then Johan spoke again.
“Do you know that there will be a ball at the palace in a few days?”
I shifted my gaze from the hawk’s smooth beak to Johan.
“Ah… yes, I heard about it. Will you be attending, Marquis?”
“Yes, I will.”
I originally hadn’t planned on going to the ball.
It was a place where all sorts of nobles gathered from across the empire, laughing and acting fake.
I get sick from having to smile awkwardly in front of people I’m not close to.
But since Johan would be attending…
I would have to change my plan.
Plus, Violet will be there too.
Although she would be attending to meet the crown prince.
But, thinking about it differently, this was an opportunity.
If I keep creating “accidental” meetings, Violet might start feeling suspicious.
So using the ball seems like a good idea.
I continued speaking.
“Well… I found out while doing research on Violet, and it seems she’ll also be attending the ball.”
“Ah… really?”
When Violet’s name came up, Johan’s eyes instantly brightened.
“So we should target the ball. It’s a place where we can meet Violet without pretending it’s an accident.”
“That’s true.”
“…”
“But… I’m not sure if I’ll catch the attention of Lady Bringer at that ball.”
I tilted my head.
“Eh? What do you mean by that?”
“There will be many distinguished nobles at the ball, won’t there?”
“…”
“How can I stand out in a place with so many impressive people?”
Johan dropped his shoulders, as though to prove his words were sincere.
Johan, are you crazy?
What nonsense are you spouting this morning?
Even if you just breathe, you’d be noticed.
I was getting mad at Johan, who didn’t even know himself.
Maybe that’s why.
Another sentence spilled from my lips.
“I’ll take responsibility, Marquis.”