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Chapter – 19
I had Rochester as my biggest obstacle. But luckily, I also had a great helper. Thanks to Jane, I was able to dress up nicely and wait for Relize. According to Jane’s network, nothing much was known about Relize’s private life.
And apparently that’s why women liked him even more.
They said he had an air of mystery. Among the noble ladies in the capital, he was considered one of the top eligible bachelors. Of course, the credibility drops drastically once you realize Rochester is also on that list.
Ha… and I’m going on a date with a man like that.
I couldn’t help but hum to myself. When Relize came to pick me up, my voice unconsciously went up a pitch. I smiled brightly at him.
“Ah, Sir Relize!”
“…Reina. We made a promise yesterday, didn’t we? Please call me by my name today. My name is Heison.”
Heison. I repeated it in my head. I’d heard it yesterday too, but even his name suited my taste. And he had clearly dressed up for me — also exactly to my taste.
From head to toe, he looked like he was singing, “I’m a pretty decent man, aren’t I?”
Just looking at him made laughter slip out of me.
“Yes, Heison. I’ll do that.”
“Ah, I like that. I’ve been looking forward to this moment all day.”
Even the way he talked was lovely. What am I going to do with him? It almost felt like the previous two ruined dates existed only so this one could shine.
“I’ve been… looking forward to this too.”
I murmured something straight out of some cliché romance novel. I mean, how could such little things make my heart flutter like this? I was going crazy. It felt like a giant green light had just turned on above us.
Heison held out his hand to me, and I shyly took it. Wow — even his hand was firm. It somehow radiated masculinity. Heison asked:
“Where should we go for dinner tonight?”
“Actually, I got a recommendation. How about going there?”
“Sounds good.”
“It’s a restaurant on Pellet 32nd Street. Apparently it’s the most popular place these days.”
I’d originally planned to save it to go with Selena, but here I was using it on him. It was one of Jane’s suggestions — everyone who went there apparently gave it a big thumbs-up.
Heison laughed pleasantly.
“I think I’ve heard of it. My colleagues mentioned going there on dates.”
“So the dinner place is decided. Shall we head out?”
I didn’t want to dawdle. What if Rochester came back suddenly? If that guy found out I was going out for dinner, he’d absolutely make a scene. He’d nitpick the entire meal, too. I’d end up only seeing Heison’s flaws — the whole date ruined. Ugh, no thanks.
As soon as Heison and I boarded the carriage, it departed.
“Honestly, every time I saw Lord Regifield today, my heart was pounding.”
Mine was pounding right now — in case Rochester suddenly appeared from somewhere.
“I think I know what you mean.”
“…Haa. Actually, I think I understand Lord Regifield’s heart a little, too.”
How would you know the heart not even I understand?
Right now, my biggest wish is to get that idiot married off. Heison smiled gently and said:
“…Since Reina is so pretty, if I were an older brother, I’d be nervous too.”
How could he talk so sweetly?
Thank you so much for seeing our family’s lunatic in such a kind light.
“Thank you for saying that. My brother may be over the top sometimes, but he really cares about me. I was weak when I was little, so he worried a lot… Still, if he ever bothers you, tell me. I’ll scold him.”
“With that fist?”
He looked at my tiny fist and laughed.
He clearly doesn’t know how strong small peppers can be.
And Rochester doesn’t actually get scolded with fists — I scold him with words.
“Yes. Promise you’ll tell me?”
“I promise.”
The mood was great from the very beginning. As we chatted, the carriage ride didn’t feel long at all. I just had a really good feeling. Unlike before, when everything had felt wrong from the start.
I might actually be getting a boyfriend soon!
＊ ＊ ＊
Reina and Heison entered the restaurant.
The restaurant had been in that same location for years, but only recently had it become popular.
Naturally, there were longtime regulars as well. One of those regulars was sitting in his usual seat that day, eating as always.
Cezar stared stiffly at Reina and Heison.
“…Your Highness. So, for that reason… Your Highness?”
The man who had been talking waved his hand in front of Cezar’s face. Whatever Cezar had just seen had completely stunned him.
The man turned to see what Cezar was looking at.
“My goodness. Isn’t that Sir Relize and Lady Regifield? That’s a fresh combination. By the way, I heard Lady Regifield stopped bothering Your Highness lately. Congratulations.”
…Was that really something to congratulate?
Cezar clenched his teeth.
“…….”
“Do you think they’re seeing each other? Maybe Lady Regifield found a new man and gave up on Your Highness.”
“That’s impossible.”
Cezar’s voice sounded like cracking ice. The man flinched. In Cezar’s cold gaze, there was a sharp edge of anger.
“That’s impossible.”
As far as Cezar knew, Heison and Reina had only met for the first time yesterday. It had been about three years since Heison left his territory and joined the knights in the capital. During the time Heison had been active in society, Reina had chased only after Cezar. There was almost no way the two could have crossed paths.
So yesterday must have been their first time — when Heison escorted the young ladies home. Today was probably their first date.
But what did that have to do with him?
Cezar tried his best to ignore Reina, but it was impossible. It felt like he was being forced to acknowledge that feelings once gone never return. That should have been comforting — and yet, instead, his insides twisted.
“They must have only just met. They’re still getting to know each other. And there’s no guarantee today’s date will lead to another one.”
“Well, that’s true, but—”
Crack.
A dangerous sound echoed. The aide glanced at the table. The corner Cezar had been gripping was crushed, crumbs breaking off. The aide swallowed nervously.
“Is… there a problem, Your Highness?”
“…No. Continue talking.”
He said that, but Cezar’s gaze remained fixed on Reina and Heison.
From that day on—
No, from the entire time Reina had said she loved him—
Reina had never once looked at Cezar with that expression. Her face had always been worn-out from crying, or filled with anger and sorrow. She had always looked so unhappy.
Cezar had been certain, even then. Whatever she felt wasn’t love — just a lingering obsession that would one day fade. Love couldn’t possibly destroy someone like that.
And now, Reina was shining brighter than anyone.
As if bewitched, Cezar watched only her. He saw no one else in the restaurant — only Reina, sparkling more than anyone there.
