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Chapter – 12
“I didn’t fall for her or anything. People just say she’s talented, that’s all.”
“She is talented—and since you’ve sponsored her, it’s natural you’d get a bit attached.”
“Well, maybe. I just worry she’ll get tangled up with that Tenere brat. I tried to cut him off, but I didn’t expect he’d cause such a huge scandal.”
At Radius’s reply, Anima’s face twisted slightly.
“Just listening to you talk about Mina, I can already tell.”
“Tell what?”
“You really don’t get it?”
“No, I don’t.”
“There’s this… murky scent of obsession all over you.”
“Ha! What? I’m just trying to build a clean, healthy performing arts culture. What obsession?”
Anima narrowed her eyes and stared at Radius.
“…You haven’t dated anyone for a while, have you?”
It was such an out-of-the-blue question.
“Why do you ask? Between business, my father’s affairs, and all these incidents—when would I even have time to date?”
“Keep the actress as an actress, Radius. If you start dating Mina, it’ll ruin both of you.”
“Dating? What are you talking about? I’ve never even met her outside work! She doesn’t even know I exist.”
Even when he wanted to watch her rehearse, Radius had restrained himself. He wasn’t the type to even write a fan letter.
“I hope Mina never learns you exist.”
“She won’t.”
And Radius meant it.
Anima’s unnecessary worry didn’t concern him at all.
He didn’t like Mina as a woman—he admired her as a good actress, a valuable artistic talent.
Or at least, that’s what he thought…
Then, a call came from Central Capital Hospital.
“What? My mother, what?”
“During the recent naval operation, your mother was shot and has been transferred here to Central General Hospital.”
He felt the blood drain from his body.
No way… She’s not going to die, is she?
While waiting for the surgery to end, his body trembled with fear and dark imaginings.
Fortunately, Thalassa had only been shot in the leg.
Radius thanked God over and over that her life wasn’t in danger.
He’d only ever gone through the motions of religious practice before, as part of high-society ritual—but faced with his mother’s possible death, real prayer poured from his heart.
The surgery went well, but the doctors said rehabilitation would take a long time.
She’d be able to walk, but there might be a limp, or other complications. Still, after fearing for her life, all Radius could feel was relief.
“I really thought I was going to die this time, but I guess I’m tougher than I thought!”
Thalassa said with a laugh.
Radius just stared at her, half exasperated.
“You almost died, do you realize that?”
“Well, I did get shot in the leg, so I’ll probably have to retire for good. But hey, our navy won, didn’t we?”
She winked, looking genuinely cheerful.
“That’s what you’re worried about right now?”
“Of course! Victory is what matters most. Thanks to our navy, the seas of Idalia are safe again today!”
She saluted energetically.
Radius shook his head.
“I know you love your military life, Mother, but after what happened, I really can’t let you go back. Find another hobby. Please. Get a boyfriend or something. Young, handsome—even a con artist, I don’t care.”
“What are you saying, boy? Hahaha!”
Radius honestly thought he’d rather see her get scammed than nearly die again.
“Anyway, what about Kevin? Didn’t he get caught up in some mess or scam recently?”
“Ah…”
Radius gave a bitter smile.
“It wasn’t exactly a scam. Revor cheated on him, apparently—with an actor from Ornamentum. Uncle Ramus had a hard time dealing with the fallout. That actor won’t be setting foot on an Ornamentum stage again.”
“Revor cheated on Kevin Ventura? With another actor? Just how handsome is that guy supposed to be?”
“He’s… not. Not that handsome.”
Radius sounded annoyed. Thalassa laughed until she teared up.
“Well, I can’t say I’m sorry. Kevin deserves a taste of that. Let’s see if he forgives her.”
“Father said he can’t forgive her.”
Thalassa laughed so hard she wiped tears from her eyes.
“You should focus on getting better, Mother.”
Radius’s gentle tone made her nod vigorously.
“I only regret I can’t tell Kevin I’m glad this happened!” she said with a grin.
Maybe it was seeing his mother so badly hurt, but Radius began to think about marriage.
Maybe I should get married. Starting a family early wouldn’t be so bad.
The thought of suddenly losing someone close terrified him. A world without his mother—he couldn’t imagine it.
Sure, there were others—Uncle Ramus, Aunt Sophia, his cousins Lux and Anima. Even his father, Kevin, and his half-sister, Alea.
But was there anyone else who loved him the way his mother did? Who put him first?
So many thoughts came to him.
His parents’ marriage had collapsed because of betrayal. But if he was faithful, maybe his own marriage could be different.
A woman like Mina, who’s devoted to her work—that wouldn’t be so bad.
The image of Mina came to mind, and he laughed softly, shaking his head.
Marriage was about reality, not admiration. He liked Mina as a singer and actress—nothing more.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
He was about to start looking for a suitable match when an invitation arrived—through the director of Ornamentum Theatre.
“Hmm?”
“Miss Martínez insisted that this be delivered to you personally, sir.”
What was this about?
Radius opened the elegant envelope.
Inside, in graceful handwriting, it read:
A small gathering in gratitude to those who have always supported me with warm hearts
● An Evening with Mina Martínez ●
[Location]
Ornamentum Square
Seaside Live Pub
[Date & Time]
Thursday, the last week of November, 8:00 PM
[Note]
Cocktails and finger foods will be served, with background music by Mina Martínez.
I truly hope to see you there.
— Mina Martínez
Radius blinked in disbelief.
Mina was the one reaching out to him?
He reread it carefully.
“The young lady said she wanted to invite a few fans to thank them, especially those who supported her career,” the theatre director explained with a smile.
“She particularly asked me to deliver this invitation to the generous patron who arranged the discreet sponsorship.”
“…The actress doesn’t know who that patron actually is, does she?”
“Of course not. She only wanted to express her gratitude. You could easily send your secretary. Miss Martínez won’t expect you personally.”
That last part actually made Radius want to go even more.
If I go disguised as my own secretary, she’d never know…
He’d heard of sponsors dining privately with actors, but never of an actress inviting several fans for a small talk session.
“Do actors usually do things like this?”
“Not really. I was surprised too. Miss Martínez rented the place out herself, it seems. It’s her first time hosting something like this.”
Radius tried not to get his hopes up.
Which only meant he was very excited.
The date was two weeks after the final performance of Duke Kusakov.
To look the part of a secretary, he deliberately mussed his hair, ordered thick-framed glasses, and had a plain, decoration-free suit tailored to look as modest as possible.
