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chapter 33
Unlike just a moment ago when everyone had been holding their breath, now the sound of inhaling filled the room. And one could see the light creeping into the eyes of the nobles.
“So that’s why I exchanged it—to give it to my younger sibling. The mine I was supposed to inherit,”
“Oh, no… if it’s a mine from the Grey family—”
“I wanted to gift it to Marquis Gas!”
“Oh my, oh my. So it wasn’t Lady Light but Marquis Gas. We misunderstood. An apology to mend a previously strained relationship… that seems reasonable enough.”
Even though it was a whispered remark, Herace turned his head toward the direction it came from.
“Ah, it’s a misunderstanding, but maybe not a complete one? If it weren’t for Philena, I wouldn’t have even made this decision.”
I could understand how Herace had managed to gain the floor. He had told the count that he would gift the land decided for exchange to Whistler.
Since it was Count Blic’s party, it wasn’t a matter anyone could just raise their hand to celebrate. Herace didn’t have the kind of influence or clout that Whistler did.
‘Count Blic could have easily refused. But Herace probably also revealed that he was exchanging it for the Grey family’s “mine.”’
One of the few mines owned by the Grey family! Filled with rare, valuable jewels! Even without my own voice, if Herace mentioned it, the advantage visible to Count Blic was obvious.
He could showcase his property to many people at once while maintaining decorum.
‘Most importantly, even Whistler can’t stop speaking now.’
Because the host of this party was Count Blic, not Whistler.
At the edge of my satisfied vision, I noticed Whistler craning his neck. His hand, shaking as if with excitement, had now curled into a slanted fist.
“After thinking carefully about what Philena said, I realized it wasn’t a waste. Preparing your birthday gift was enjoyable.”
Just as Whistler assumed a posture ready to get angry, Herace read the movement and quickly raised his voice, spreading his arms.
“Happy birthday, little brother. Even though we didn’t exactly reconcile last time, I’m so glad we had a long conversation to clear up some misunderstandings. Unlike me, our sibling has a kind heart, a broad mind, almost angelic, and ultimately understood me.”
Herace reached out toward my direction. His gaze, however, was still fixed on Whistler.
“Once again, thank you. If it weren’t for our previous conversation, I wouldn’t have been able to say this.”
Say this… confession already? My mind went blank as Herace’s red eyes locked onto me.
It was the moment we had discussed before entering the ballroom.
A sudden surprise. An unexpected situation, blurring judgment and reaction.
“I love you, Philena. There’s never been anyone like you in my life. I’ve never felt this way before. Will you go out with me?”
Herace walked toward me with long, deliberate strides. The closer he got, the more intently I stared at his face.
I needed a signal.
Wouldn’t progressing to a relationship be too fast for the scenario? And I’m not even used to physical contact yet—wouldn’t it be more rational to delay just a little?
There were countless things to consider, but if it were Herace’s judgment, I wanted to follow it. He had never disappointed me before. It was just a difference in values—everything he did was ultimately for me.
“…I said before that I could become anything for you. That hasn’t changed. I can be whoever you love. So, Philena, let’s date.”
Herace tilted his head slightly while carrying a sweet confession.
Was he telling me to refuse? That we weren’t at that point yet?
‘If it’s Herace, who always sees through ordinary things…!’
While I hesitated, I advanced confidently. Having deciphered the complicated signal, I acted without hesitation.
“Am I still not enough? Or do you need more time? Ah—”
“No.”
Herace grabbed my hand. The warmth from his hand calmed my racing heart. My judgment, vocabulary, and clarity returned together.
I smiled slightly and spoke with a strong tone.
“Herace, I think I love you too. No— I do love you.”
My smile beamed brightly, revealing my upper teeth like Herace’s, conveying my sincerity.
“Let’s date.”
In the novels I had read, romance only began near the very end. The same applied in this world. People here were generally conservative.
It couldn’t be helped. The social scene was like a workplace. It was natural to hide a workplace romance until the very end—until marriage.
And Herace always suggested breaking clichés.
Not bad. I had also learned that while following the general rules of the story, it was fine to twist clichés while at his side.
“Does that mean today is our Day One?”
“…Huh?”
Herace’s slow response made me shout more energetically than anyone else.
“Let’s say it’s Day One!”
Tomorrow’s front-page news would be ours too. I noticed Whistler, who could barely move his mouth after Herace’s speech.
It was a refreshingly satisfying night in every way.
As the situation wrapped up, Herace and I left the ballroom, quietly receiving congratulations. People were impressed not only by our relationship news but also by the Grey family’s sibling bond.
By now, Herace had become the older brother willing to sacrifice his own wealth for Whistler. Everyone seemed to believe he had changed because of love—for me, Philena Light.
‘…This must be how extras feel!’
I could understand how the heroines in novels felt. The protagonist role that once seemed annoying no longer felt so bad.
“But… why are you so quiet?”
“….”
Had he not heard me, or was he pretending not to hear? Herace got into the carriage beside me, looking expressionless.
After a long silence, he slowly spoke.
“Our girlfriend, no, Philena. Lady Philena.”
“Wasn’t it perfect? Today, I was amazed by our teamwork. You set the stage, and I concluded with influence and impact.”
“Well…”
Hearing me speak with sparkling eyes, Herace brushed his lips with his hand. He moved his lips several times.
“Philena, you didn’t see me shake my head, huh?”
“No, I did. But seeing you shake your head didn’t delay the situation as instructed. My scenario always follows a cliché without twists, so wasn’t that a signal to change the approach?”
Satisfied with my reasoning, Herace’s previously rigid lips relaxed. He let out a breath filled with a smile, as if he couldn’t help it.
“Just shaking your head, and you even thought that far?”
“Yes, I tried. Even though my response is developing exponentially fast, it’s still far from Herace’s level. That’s why I tried to read the signal as best as I could.”
“Exponential… what now?”
Herace’s defensive posture instantly changed. He took my hand and stroked it between his thumb and index finger.
“Our Philena really did try hard, huh.”
“Actually, a new goal has come up today. As partners in this contract, I want to add a new clause to our agreement.”
“Hmm, what kind of new clause comes up so suddenly?”
I took a deep breath and straightened my back to present my proposal. This wasn’t a hasty decision at the party. Since Herace wisely led most of the scenario, this was something I had been considering for weeks to ensure a fair judgment.
