🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter – 01
“Good, looks fine.”
Radius carefully checked his appearance.
His luxurious watch and cufflinks matched in gemstone color, and his suit was the latest fashion — a subtle gray pinstripe design.
This was the day his mother was introducing her new boyfriend to him.
After years of seeing her fall for handsome men who were otherwise trash as human beings, Radius had made her promise that she’d introduce anyone new before things got serious.
“At least this time she’s willing to introduce him first. That’s something.”
His mother, having served a long career as a naval commander — and being from the prestigious and wealthy Lorvaker family — seemed to judge men purely by their looks.
“Still, this time I didn’t choose him just for his face. You know how I’ve been limping since I got injured in the last battle? Every time my shoelaces come undone at a restaurant, he politely asks to tie them for me. Isn’t he sweet?”
If you went by her description alone, there couldn’t be a more gentlemanly man alive.
But Radius had learned better. Even a lunatic who’d once demanded her townhouse in the capital had sounded like a saint when described by his mother.
That was why Radius found it hard to trust her taste — or the sincerity of the men she met.
So, today, he had dressed with extra care.
He intended to make a clear statement about the difference in their social standing.
He would flaunt the full dignity of a nobleman in front of whatever lowborn pretty face was trying to charm his mother.
He had even booked the VIP section of the most expensive restaurant in the capital.
“Mother said the man’s a restaurant manager. If he’s got any sense, he’ll realize the gap between us. A manager, not even the owner — honestly.”
Radius resisted the urge to shake his head.
“Hmm.”
He cleared his throat, checked his cologne, and made sure everything was perfect.
On the drive there in his latest-model car, he reminded himself over and over:
“Even if he reeks of being a conman, I can’t be rude. That could backfire.”
No matter how handsome the guy was, there was no way he could outshine Radius — refined, elegant, and born into nobility.
Radius took after his father, his mother’s first and only husband, the one man whose looks had actually met her standards.
His face, his features — all were a mirror of his father’s. His eyes, a unique mix of blue and green, glimmered like gemstones.
His hair, golden like his mother’s, made him look like the princes from children’s fairy tales.
And beyond looks, Radius was heir to the Lorvaker earldom — raised and educated as a model noble.
No con artist after his mother’s wealth could ever fool him.
“Hello. I’m Peto Martinez.”
His mother’s new suitor was, at first glance, the most ordinary man Radius had ever seen her with.
“Good lord. He’s not even particularly handsome?”
That alone set him apart from the others. He seemed closer to her age, with a mild, innocent face.
“Hello. I’m Radius Lorvaker. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Radius smiled politely as he shook Peto’s hand.
“Not tall. His clothes… decent fabric, but outdated style and a bit worn. If this is the real deal, then I’ll eat my hat. If she gets fooled by this guy, she’ll lose everything.”
He was already thinking of how he’d talk his mother out of seeing him again after dinner — how to say, “He’s a fraud, Mother!” in the most natural but firm way.
Then Peto spoke again.
“Uh, Ms. Talasa said she was bringing her son, so I… brought my daughter. She really wanted to come.”
“Wait — he’s already calling her by her first name?”
Radius glanced at his mother, Talasa. She smiled gently and looked away.
“She said they weren’t even dating yet! And now she’s letting him call her by name? And bringing his daughter to a first introduction? What is this, a family playdate? Trying to show off his family values?”
Suppressing irritation, Radius looked back — and froze.
Behind Peto stood a young woman with long, curly blonde hair and striking blue eyes. She bowed slightly.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Wilhelmina Martinez.”
Radius’s eyes went wide.
That voice. That name. That face.
No way.
“Wilhelmina Martinez?”
She smiled politely, puzzled by his reaction.
“Yes, my name is Wilhelmina Martinez.”
“Wilhelmina Martinez — the one who played the witch in the musical The Little Mermaid three years ago?”
Wilhelmina covered her mouth, blushing slightly.
“It wasn’t that big of a deal, but yes, I did play the witch two years ago.”
“The same Wilhelmina Martinez who sang dressed as a prince at Paula Smith’s birthday party?”
At that party, Radius had been absolutely captivated by her.
“Ah, yes… I only performed at a few birthday events, but—”
“And last year, you played the Empress Dowager in The Thorn at My Fingertip — that role made you quite popular!”
That was when Radius had completely fallen for her performance.
“Oh, I only had a supporting role, so it wasn’t that popular…”
“This year, you had your first leading role in The Duke of Kusakov, and the entire run was sold out! You even held a fan meeting at the Seaside pub afterward.”
“Uh, that was… it wasn’t really a fan meeting — just a few guests, really…”
Wilhelmina hid her face in embarrassment.
“No, you had plenty of fans — you only invited a few with special tickets. I was there. You even signed my handkerchief.”
“Eh?”
Radius reached into his breast pocket and carefully unfolded a handkerchief.
“At the time, I was so nervous I couldn’t even speak properly. But you smiled and said, ‘Shall I sign it for you? What’s your name?’”
On the handkerchief, in elegant cursive, was her nickname Mina — followed by “To my dear Radi.”
“Oh, right… that was you.”
“I’m a huge fan of yours.”
There was no doubt — carrying around a signed handkerchief everywhere screamed devoted fan.
“Th-thank you,” Wilhelmina stammered, cheeks pink.
“No, thank you. Your performances gave me comfort, strength — even hope during difficult times.”
By now, Radius was completely lost in the moment, his heart pounding, the rest of the room fading away.
“I… I see.”
Wilhelmina clasped her hands and looked aside, her face bright red.
“I wanted to tell you that at the fan event, but I was too nervous. I even wrote out a little speech and practiced in case I ever met you again. I just didn’t think it’d happen so soon.”
“I really appreciate your kindness and support,” she said softly.
Radius felt like his heart might burst. He wanted to keep talking, but he had run out of prepared lines.
“Radi!”
His mother’s sharp voice snapped him back to reality.
“Huh? Mother?”
He blinked. He’d been so focused on Wilhelmina that he’d completely forgotten his mother was right there.
“Did you forget why we’re here? Sit down, please.”
“Oh…”
Talasa frowned and took her seat.
And only then did Radius realize — he’d been standing the whole time, talking animatedly, while everyone else was already seated.
