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Chapter 9
Elina’s large pink eyes moved nervously before finally meeting Kaian’s cold blue gaze.
“It’s been a while, Sir Kaian. Have you been well?”
She tried to speak as if nothing had happened—
but her voice trembled slightly.
“Yes. But what brings you here, Lady Elina?”
Just as her cheeks began to heat up, his blunt reply came.
“…Well.”
At first, he seemed surprised—
which gave her hope.
But now, his face was cold again.
She had been repeating what to say in her mind—
but the moment she met those blue eyes, her mind went blank.
Unable to hold his gaze, she lowered her eyes—
when suddenly, a cheerful voice interrupted.
“So you finally found a home to go back to?”
A man with reddish-brown hair rushed over, matching his bright tone.
Derrick casually tried to throw an arm over Kaian’s shoulder—
but when he noticed Elina, his face quickly turned pale.
It seemed he hadn’t noticed her behind Kaian.
Seeing his shocked expression, Elina greeted him kindly.
“Nice to see you, Sir Derrick.”
“I-it’s nice to see you too, Lady Elina…”
She had been surprised by his sudden appearance—
but she couldn’t afford to panic again.
In fact—
this might be a good opportunity.
From what she remembered, Derrick Duncan was known for his friendly and cheerful personality.
Even though she hadn’t spoken to him personally, people often mentioned him at social gatherings.
Of course—
those conversations always turned into praising Kaian’s looks, so she hadn’t paid much attention.
“Sir Derrick, if you don’t mind… would you have some time? I’d like to treat you to a meal as well, as a way of thanking Sir Kaian.”
Derrick’s eyes widened at the unexpected offer—
but especially at the word friend.
“We’re available, Lady Elina. And we’re not friends.”
Kaian cut in firmly before Derrick could respond.
Over the past two weeks, Elina had realized one thing—
No matter what his true feelings were, Kaian was not an easy man.
Even in the past, it must not have been easy to hide his feelings for so long.
He must be very good at hiding things.
Still—
she didn’t mind.
Something too easy wouldn’t be interesting anyway.
“I apologize on his behalf, Lady Elina. This guy—no, my friend—just isn’t very social. We have time.”
Derrick quickly spoke up, smiling.
Kaian frowned.
“This one isn’t quite in his right mind, so please understand, Lady Elina.”
Elina was about to respond to Derrick’s kindness—
but Kaian’s cold words shut her mouth.
Derrick laughed as if it were a joke—
then leaned closer and whispered something to Kaian through clenched teeth.
She couldn’t hear it—
but Kaian’s expression grew even darker.
“Are you very busy, Sir Kaian?”
Thinking she might be rejected again, she asked carefully.
But—
“Not at all.”
An unexpected answer.
“Then… are you both free right now?”
Kaian’s gaze was still sharp—
but slightly less intense than before.
Normally, she should have arranged this properly in advance.
But this was Kaian Ovilion.
He had already accepted sudden things before—so this might work better.
“Yes. That’s fine.”
“I’m fine too!”
Kaian answered calmly—
and Derrick followed with bright energy.
* * *
The most famous luxury restaurant in Felisa—
Royal Bloom—
was even approved by Verdin’s picky taste.
Elina had reserved the entire place a week in advance, just in case.
It was better without unnecessary spectators.
Not just for her—
but Kaian’s appearance always attracted attention wherever he went.
They sat by the window on the second floor, where the spring sunlight poured in.
Outside, the full beauty of Roman’s Road in spring could be seen.
Elina looked across the table—
at Kaian.
What is he thinking?
At first, he tried to give his seat to Derrick—
but Derrick insisted Kaian should sit with Elina instead.
So Kaian reluctantly took the seat.
Looking at his uncomfortable expression—
her confusion only grew.
Before, she understood why he hid his feelings—
because she had been chasing Verdin.
But now—
she had clearly ended things with Verdin.
And Kaian himself had coldly rejected her.
So why was he still acting like he disliked her?
“Since when have you two been close?”
Feeling impatient, Elina asked.
She also wanted to stop Derrick from constantly praising the food.
More importantly—
she realized she barely knew anything about Kaian.
Asking Kaian directly would get her nowhere—
so targeting Derrick was smarter.
“We’re not close.”
“We’ve known each other since we were thirteen. Like I said, he’s not very social. I’m his only friend.”
Kaian answered firmly—
but Derrick spoke casually with a smile.
Just as expected.
Kaian’s face showed clear irritation—
but he stayed silent, as if arguing was pointless.
So that’s his personality.
He seemed to dislike Derrick—
yet stayed close to him.
Maybe—
he was just someone who couldn’t express his feelings honestly.
“I’m jealous. I’m not very social either, so I don’t have any close friends.”
That wasn’t entirely true.
She had no friends because she always followed Verdin—
not because she lacked social skills.
The name Estria alone attracted people.
She just never cared to build relationships.
“Really? You, Lady Elina?”
“Yes. I attend social events, but I don’t have anyone I meet like this.”
Derrick looked shocked—
then sympathetic.
“Then… if it’s alright, how about meeting us like this from time to time?”
“I’d love that. But… I wonder if Sir Kaian would be okay with it…”
She appreciated Derrick’s kindness—
but Kaian showed no interest at all.
In fact—
he looked annoyed just hearing it.
His sharp blue eyes were so intense—
she briefly wondered if she should put down her utensils.
“I’m sorry, but I’m very busy with work, so I don’t think I can make time for that, Lady Elina. I hope you understand.”
His tone was polite—
but left no room for argument.
She expected this—
so she wasn’t shocked.
But still—
it was disappointing.
He really wasn’t an easy man.
But—
Elina Estria wasn’t someone who would give up so easily.
I finally got this chance.
She decided to use her last card.
