At the time the ball was disrupted by sudden commotion, Lynn was alone by the lakeside in the garden.
‘What’s going on?’
He felt a vibration. It was an unusual shock and reverberation, which could only come from the power of Gracia.
Lynn recognized the source of the vibration at once and looked over the garden with eyes filled with anxiety.
There’s no way Eura or Clavis would do such a stupid thing as using their powers in other places aside from the battlefield, especially not the Imperial Palace.
That leaves only one person.
‘Is it that fool’s doing?’
That bloke, the Northern Duke’s younger brother, Rubid Plenus.
Lynn was skeptical and worried, but he was pretty certain. Should I head there and check the situation? But he was not willing to take a step. Because Rena might come while he was away.
Lynn endured his anxiety and waited for Rena. He waited, and waited, and waited without certainty that she would come.
Then his waiting bore results.
“You’re also here today.”
Lynn raised his head at the soft voice.
“Good evening, Mr. Lynn.”
Like the moon appearing from behind the clouds, Rena walked through the bushes. Today, she was wearing a shirt and pants, not pajamas. She didn’t have time to change clothes, so she took off her uniform robe and came out just like this, however, Lynn was not aware of these things.
“Were you waiting for me?”
When Rena asked the quiet Lynn in a playful manner, he reluctantly nodded in response.
“That’s right.”
“Eh, really?”
“I was waiting for you. …Lady.”
“Lady?”
Calling her ‘lady’ means there are other people present.
“Is there anyone else around here?”
So Rena deliberately looked around the dark garden. Then she smirked and muttered.
“I don’t think there’s anyone around.”
“I heard you’re a guest from the South.”
“So, that’s why you called me ‘lady’?”
“I think we should say our farewells.”
Rena’s eyes widened at the meaningful words.
It felt weird. Rena smirked at his effort to keep his distance, while Lynn said quietly.
“I won’t be going out for a night stroll from now on. Let’s pretend that you have never met me here.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I don’t hide it on purpose.”
“I know, you’re a good person.”
Rena was startled and made an excuse, but in turn she was embarrassed by his answer.
Lynn averted his eyes with remorse and continued.
“My position is different from that…”
“What’s different?”
“My position…”
Lynn hesitated and muttered helplessly.
“Makes me have to act like a prick to you.”
Rena’s eyes widened at the unexpected harsh expression.
It was a face that wanted an explanation, but Lynn didn’t bother to elaborate. As long as Rena stays with the Southern Duke, soon she would see what kind of prick he is anyway.
“I don’t get along well with the other dukes. They don’t get along very well with each other, but it’s even worse with me.”
Lynn is not a pure Gracia. He was not even a citizen of the Empire, let alone an aristocrat. He was a mongrel from the colonies that the Empire considered bugs.
He became the master of the eastern region through a strange fate, but he is still branded as an outsider. Therefore, he rarely maintains his dignity and barks like a dog in front of everyone.
“I don’t think he would call you for no reason at this time of year. The Southern Duke is a strategist.”
Lynn recalled Rena’s skills and said.
“We are enemies.”
Lynn’s voice was quiet, like a wounded child’s.
.
.
.
The emperor issued a decree to the dukes a few months ago.
To celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Empire, they are planning to expand the territory of the Empire, so select and bring the bravest knights along.
Since the emperor’s orders are absolute, the dukes, even the Southern Duke, who just finished the war, prepared for conquest.
However, no one ever thought that the East, South, and North would work together amicably. The emperor was one who forced sacrifices, demanding for the impossible to be done.
It was not yet known what would unfold, but Lynn thought that the North and the South would probably use him as they needed. He must be willing to step over them if he was going to survive.
Now that he found out that Rena was a guest from the South, Lynn couldn’t treat Rena like before.
“… Mr. Lynn, were you waiting for me to talk about this?”
Rena, who was quietly pondering about Lynn’s words, asked softly. Lynn nodded in silence.
He should not get close to either the daughter of the Northern Marquis or the Southern Duke’s special guest. It wouldn’t be good to walk amicably with her in the open yard where they might have to trap each other.
As Lynn drew the line, Rena frowned but soon smiled. Then she muttered something unexpected.
“No way, Mr. Lynn. Acting like this is just bullying me.”
Lynn doubted his ears. As he blinked in surprise, Rena crossed her arms and muttered.
“Is this the characteristic of the men in the Imperial Palace? The Northern Prince was also quite savvy. Are you two friends?”
“Absolutely not.”
“So why would you?”
“What do you mean why…”
Lynn strongly denied the statement, and Rena quickly countered him. Thanks to that, Lynn’s eyes looked pitiful.
Rena noticed and smiled broadly. Not because she was happy, but only to hide her fatigue.
Rena was very tired right now, she was just not showing it.
She had dressed up all day preparing for the ball, but when she arrived at the ball, she still needed to spend her energy trying to get rid of Rubid. She was almost exhausted thanks to this, but she still got out in a hurry, because she thought that Lynn might be waiting.
Then as soon as she saw his face, he said something like this.
“Mr. Lynn is right. I’m here as a representative of the southern region. But that’s not necessarily a reason to be enemies Mr. Lynn. I don’t even want to.”
“It’s not something that can be avoided.”
“And why is that?”
When Rena asked what was too obvious, Lynn sighed.
Rena asked again.
“Then why did you help us when we first met? I had clearly identified myself as the daughter of the Northern Marquis.”
“That’s different.”
“It’s no different.”
Rena flatly denied it.
“It’s the same. It was better to ignore me back then, just like now, instead, you helped me.”
Rena was persistent and felt desperate somehow.
Lynn was perplexed because of this. If Rena calmly thought about her position, she should agree with him because she’s a smart person. But Rena said that she’d never let him go, which Lynn couldn’t comprehend.
“It will hurt you too.”
“I’ll take care of that myself.”
“The Southerners might suspect you.”
“That is also something that I’ll have to figure out myself.”
“Do you really need to take such a risk?”
“What risk? I like Mr. Lynn.”
Lynn’s eyes widened at the sudden confession.
When Lynn stared at her stupidly, Rena returned his gaze with an innocent one, making Lynn sighed again and relaxed his tense mind.
“It’s too dangerous. You’ll regret it.”
“So, you still want to talk about this after waiting for me for so long?”
Rena asked in frustration, and Lynn nodded reluctantly.
“If you really want to be rid of me, don’t be so demure.”
Rena smiled as she spoke these words. Lynn became somewhat embarrassed by her deep smile.
But Rena couldn’t help but laugh. According to public opinion, the southern region’s Lignan Aetherner is the youngest, most ambitious, and most ruthless duke of all time. However, the young man in front of her was far from ambitious or impolite.
A person like that wouldn’t wait only to say goodbye to a girl he’d only seen a few times.
But to wait properly and explain kindly like this, made Rena laugh for a long time because it was both strange and embarrassing.
“I see.”
Then she answered, pretending she couldn’t win.
“Do you find talking face-to-face with someone who might stab you embarrassing?”
“When you say it like that…”
“No need to deny it, I understand.
Rena whispered sadly. Then she changed her tone and said before Lynn had the time to make excuses.
“Then just consider this as a compensation.”
“A compensation?”
“Don’t you remember? Mr. Lynn, you still owe me something.”
At Rena’s cheerful question, Lynn blinked and remembered.
His debt. The altar that Rena had taken from the gangsters in a city outside the capital.
Rena was going to give the altar to Lynn as a token of her gratitude, but Lynn said he couldn’t take it just like that and that he would pay her back in any way.
“I will only accept your compensation with my own terms, so in this case, we will continue our late-night friendship.”
“Why are you so…”
“I told you. I like Mr. Lynn.”
At Rena’s clear answer, Lynn couldn’t speak any longer.
The moonlight fell over the quiet garden. Was it because she was wearing white? Rena seemed to shine alone in the dark.
Lynn looked at her with a complicated mind.
Does this lady know what kind of person he is? How dangerous and precarious the situation she’s in, does she know even just a little bit? Would she be able to say this kind of thing once she knows?
Lynn laughed at himself for hesitating. He then realized that he had no way to escape and surrendered.
“That makes me look so cowardly.”
“There is no such thing.”
“Umm…”
“It’s okay even if you’re a little cowardly, Mr. Lynn is still pretty.”
Lynn sighed deeply at the word that came out every now and then that he was ‘pretty’. It looked like he had resigned himself. Rena added frankly.
“I said it like a joke, but I am being sincere. I like Mr. Lynn, and I don’t want to leave you behind for trivial reasons.”
Lynn’s expression hardened at the last words. But Rena pretended not to know and smiled. At the same time, she was internally suspicious. Such a naive reaction, did he do this on purpose?
Rena pondered over each word that Lynn had said when drawing a line between them.
—Have to act like a prick to you.
—It will hurt you too.
—The Southerners might suspect you.
—It’s too dangerous.
Each word was filled with worries towards Rena. How unfortunate that you will be in danger because of me.
Thanks to that, Rena was curious. Was he saying this because he was really worried, or was he just using his responsibility as a reason to drive her away in a noble way?
If it’s the latter, then he’s really mean and filthy. But what if it’s the former?
‘How cute.’
Lovely, cheeky, and cute.
Rena looked at Lynn, thinking which one it was.
Actually it doesn’t matter either way. He could be filthy, he could be cute, he could be this or that, it didn’t really matter.
What was important to Rena was not to be abandoned anymore. Whether the target is a friend of the father or a man, whatever.
The moment she thought of that, her heart ached as if it had been cut, but Rena laughed like it wasn’t a problem.
“So, we’re fine now? We will get along until one of us dies.”
“The premise is too extreme…”
“Then, what about until we stab each other?”
Rena made a light correction and reached out to the promenade. Lynn smiled weakly and tried to follow her, but just before he reached her, he suddenly stopped.
When Rena looked at him curiously, Lynn thought to himself and said seriously.
“I have one more condition.”
“What is this?”
“Don’t like me too much.”
Rena’s eyes widened at the sudden condition.
Rena stared at Lynn and slowly moved her gaze around. Then she asked very carefully.
“Shall I look somewhere else for a second? You seem very embarrassed right now.”
Lynn put his hands on his forehead and nodded hard. His face was blushing red enough to be able to be seen in the dark.
Rena shifted her gaze to the distant sky for the demure young man, while Lynn covered his face with his hands and became more ashamed.
He said it out of nowhere. He had been quite surprised when Rena first said that she liked him, so he said it the same way without realizing it. Without any context, and without a proper explanation.
“It’s okay, it was a novel experience.”
Rena said while looking away. That made Lynn even more in pain.
Rena swallowed a laugh as she heard him sobbing.
“By the way, what should I do? I already like Mr. Lynn quite a lot.”
“…It’s okay if you ‘like’ a lot.”
“Then what would be wrong?”
“Se…”
“Se?”
“…Love feelings.”
Lynn said in a choked voice. He seemed to be trying to say something else, but Rena thought he’d cry if she dared to ask, so she pretended not to know.
[For your info, Lynn was about to say ‘sexual feelings’ which is ‘성적 감정’, but stopped at the last second and changed it to ‘love feelings’ which is ‘연애 감정’. What a cute boy XD]
Meanwhile, Lynn managed to calm his ashamed heart and spoke again in a calm voice.
“If you ever feel love… Please tell me.”
It was still ridiculous, but Lynn’s voice was serious. He was being sincere.
So Rena blinked in wonder.
‘Is he afraid that I’ll hang onto him? I don’t think he has a princely disease. Could it be that he has hidden wives and children?’
[princely disease: as in acting snob like a prince. Thinking oneself is a great and popular person.]
She thought about saying these, but in the end, Rena didn’t ask anymore.
“It’s fine. I don’t really have any intention of dating either.”
Instead, she said in the same seriousness.
“It’s burdensome to be exclusive to each other. It is enough to be someone’s dancing partner for a while.”
Rena’s voice was light, but not so light that it felt it would crumble at any moment.
Lynn instinctively realized what emotions were in Rena’s voice. But Rena immediately brightened her voice, giving him no room to engage.
“Lynn, are you good at dancing?”
“No…”
“Good for you. After all, I’m going to play my partner’s share as well.”
Rena said something incomprehensible and smiled cheerfully. Then she plucked a flower from the garden, and kissed the petal.
“So don’t worry and have fun. While time permits.”
Rena said so while holding out the blooming flowers in early spring innocently.
Lynn hesitated and took the flower, and Rena finally smiled brightly at the person who accepted her.
At the time the ball was disrupted by sudden commotion, Lynn was alone by the lakeside in the garden.
‘What’s going on?’
He felt a vibration. It was an unusual shock and reverberation, which could only come from the power of Gracia.
Lynn recognized the source of the vibration at once and looked over the garden with eyes filled with anxiety.
There’s no way Eura or Clavis would do such a stupid thing as using their powers in other places aside from the battlefield, especially not the Imperial Palace.
That leaves only one person.
‘Is it that fool’s doing?’
That bloke, the Northern Duke’s younger brother, Rubid Plenus.
Lynn was skeptical and worried, but he was pretty certain. Should I head there and check the situation? But he was not willing to take a step. Because Rena might come while he was away.
Lynn endured his anxiety and waited for Rena. He waited, and waited, and waited without certainty that she would come.
Then his waiting bore results.
“You’re also here today.”
Lynn raised his head at the soft voice.
“Good evening, Mr. Lynn.”
Like the moon appearing from behind the clouds, Rena walked through the bushes. Today, she was wearing a shirt and pants, not pajamas. She didn’t have time to change clothes, so she took off her uniform robe and came out just like this, however, Lynn was not aware of these things.
“Were you waiting for me?”
When Rena asked the quiet Lynn in a playful manner, he reluctantly nodded in response.
“That’s right.”
“Eh, really?”
“I was waiting for you. …Lady.”
“Lady?”
Calling her ‘lady’ means there are other people present.
“Is there anyone else around here?”
So Rena deliberately looked around the dark garden. Then she smirked and muttered.
“I don’t think there’s anyone around.”
“I heard you’re a guest from the South.”
“So, that’s why you called me ‘lady’?”
“I think we should say our farewells.”
Rena’s eyes widened at the meaningful words.
It felt weird. Rena smirked at his effort to keep his distance, while Lynn said quietly.
“I won’t be going out for a night stroll from now on. Let’s pretend that you have never met me here.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I don’t hide it on purpose.”
“I know, you’re a good person.”
Rena was startled and made an excuse, but in turn she was embarrassed by his answer.
Lynn averted his eyes with remorse and continued.
“My position is different from that…”
“What’s different?”
“My position…”
Lynn hesitated and muttered helplessly.
“Makes me have to act like a prick to you.”
Rena’s eyes widened at the unexpected harsh expression.
It was a face that wanted an explanation, but Lynn didn’t bother to elaborate. As long as Rena stays with the Southern Duke, soon she would see what kind of prick he is anyway.
“I don’t get along well with the other dukes. They don’t get along very well with each other, but it’s even worse with me.”
Lynn is not a pure Gracia. He was not even a citizen of the Empire, let alone an aristocrat. He was a mongrel from the colonies that the Empire considered bugs.
He became the master of the eastern region through a strange fate, but he is still branded as an outsider. Therefore, he rarely maintains his dignity and barks like a dog in front of everyone.
“I don’t think he would call you for no reason at this time of year. The Southern Duke is a strategist.”
Lynn recalled Rena’s skills and said.
“We are enemies.”
Lynn’s voice was quiet, like a wounded child’s.
.
.
.
The emperor issued a decree to the dukes a few months ago.
To celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Empire, they are planning to expand the territory of the Empire, so select and bring the bravest knights along.
Since the emperor’s orders are absolute, the dukes, even the Southern Duke, who just finished the war, prepared for conquest.
However, no one ever thought that the East, South, and North would work together amicably. The emperor was one who forced sacrifices, demanding for the impossible to be done.
It was not yet known what would unfold, but Lynn thought that the North and the South would probably use him as they needed. He must be willing to step over them if he was going to survive.
Now that he found out that Rena was a guest from the South, Lynn couldn’t treat Rena like before.
“… Mr. Lynn, were you waiting for me to talk about this?”
Rena, who was quietly pondering about Lynn’s words, asked softly. Lynn nodded in silence.
He should not get close to either the daughter of the Northern Marquis or the Southern Duke’s special guest. It wouldn’t be good to walk amicably with her in the open yard where they might have to trap each other.
As Lynn drew the line, Rena frowned but soon smiled. Then she muttered something unexpected.
“No way, Mr. Lynn. Acting like this is just bullying me.”
Lynn doubted his ears. As he blinked in surprise, Rena crossed her arms and muttered.
“Is this the characteristic of the men in the Imperial Palace? The Northern Prince was also quite savvy. Are you two friends?”
“Absolutely not.”
“So why would you?”
“What do you mean why…”
Lynn strongly denied the statement, and Rena quickly countered him. Thanks to that, Lynn’s eyes looked pitiful.
Rena noticed and smiled broadly. Not because she was happy, but only to hide her fatigue.
Rena was very tired right now, she was just not showing it.
She had dressed up all day preparing for the ball, but when she arrived at the ball, she still needed to spend her energy trying to get rid of Rubid. She was almost exhausted thanks to this, but she still got out in a hurry, because she thought that Lynn might be waiting.
Then as soon as she saw his face, he said something like this.
“Mr. Lynn is right. I’m here as a representative of the southern region. But that’s not necessarily a reason to be enemies Mr. Lynn. I don’t even want to.”
“It’s not something that can be avoided.”
“And why is that?”
When Rena asked what was too obvious, Lynn sighed.
Rena asked again.
“Then why did you help us when we first met? I had clearly identified myself as the daughter of the Northern Marquis.”
“That’s different.”
“It’s no different.”
Rena flatly denied it.
“It’s the same. It was better to ignore me back then, just like now, instead, you helped me.”
Rena was persistent and felt desperate somehow.
Lynn was perplexed because of this. If Rena calmly thought about her position, she should agree with him because she’s a smart person. But Rena said that she’d never let him go, which Lynn couldn’t comprehend.
“It will hurt you too.”
“I’ll take care of that myself.”
“The Southerners might suspect you.”
“That is also something that I’ll have to figure out myself.”
“Do you really need to take such a risk?”
“What risk? I like Mr. Lynn.”
Lynn’s eyes widened at the sudden confession.
When Lynn stared at her stupidly, Rena returned his gaze with an innocent one, making Lynn sighed again and relaxed his tense mind.
“It’s too dangerous. You’ll regret it.”
“So, you still want to talk about this after waiting for me for so long?”
Rena asked in frustration, and Lynn nodded reluctantly.
“If you really want to be rid of me, don’t be so demure.”
Rena smiled as she spoke these words. Lynn became somewhat embarrassed by her deep smile.
But Rena couldn’t help but laugh. According to public opinion, the southern region’s Lignan Aetherner is the youngest, most ambitious, and most ruthless duke of all time. However, the young man in front of her was far from ambitious or impolite.
A person like that wouldn’t wait only to say goodbye to a girl he’d only seen a few times.
But to wait properly and explain kindly like this, made Rena laugh for a long time because it was both strange and embarrassing.
“I see.”
Then she answered, pretending she couldn’t win.
“Do you find talking face-to-face with someone who might stab you embarrassing?”
“When you say it like that…”
“No need to deny it, I understand.
Rena whispered sadly. Then she changed her tone and said before Lynn had the time to make excuses.
“Then just consider this as a compensation.”
“A compensation?”
“Don’t you remember? Mr. Lynn, you still owe me something.”
At Rena’s cheerful question, Lynn blinked and remembered.
His debt. The altar that Rena had taken from the gangsters in a city outside the capital.
Rena was going to give the altar to Lynn as a token of her gratitude, but Lynn said he couldn’t take it just like that and that he would pay her back in any way.
“I will only accept your compensation with my own terms, so in this case, we will continue our late-night friendship.”
“Why are you so…”
“I told you. I like Mr. Lynn.”
At Rena’s clear answer, Lynn couldn’t speak any longer.
The moonlight fell over the quiet garden. Was it because she was wearing white? Rena seemed to shine alone in the dark.
Lynn looked at her with a complicated mind.
Does this lady know what kind of person he is? How dangerous and precarious the situation she’s in, does she know even just a little bit? Would she be able to say this kind of thing once she knows?
Lynn laughed at himself for hesitating. He then realized that he had no way to escape and surrendered.
“That makes me look so cowardly.”
“There is no such thing.”
“Umm…”
“It’s okay even if you’re a little cowardly, Mr. Lynn is still pretty.”
Lynn sighed deeply at the word that came out every now and then that he was ‘pretty’. It looked like he had resigned himself. Rena added frankly.
“I said it like a joke, but I am being sincere. I like Mr. Lynn, and I don’t want to leave you behind for trivial reasons.”
Lynn’s expression hardened at the last words. But Rena pretended not to know and smiled. At the same time, she was internally suspicious. Such a naive reaction, did he do this on purpose?
Rena pondered over each word that Lynn had said when drawing a line between them.
—Have to act like a prick to you.
—It will hurt you too.
—The Southerners might suspect you.
—It’s too dangerous.
Each word was filled with worries towards Rena. How unfortunate that you will be in danger because of me.
Thanks to that, Rena was curious. Was he saying this because he was really worried, or was he just using his responsibility as a reason to drive her away in a noble way?
If it’s the latter, then he’s really mean and filthy. But what if it’s the former?
‘How cute.’
Lovely, cheeky, and cute.
Rena looked at Lynn, thinking which one it was.
Actually it doesn’t matter either way. He could be filthy, he could be cute, he could be this or that, it didn’t really matter.
What was important to Rena was not to be abandoned anymore. Whether the target is a friend of the father or a man, whatever.
The moment she thought of that, her heart ached as if it had been cut, but Rena laughed like it wasn’t a problem.
“So, we’re fine now? We will get along until one of us dies.”
“The premise is too extreme…”
“Then, what about until we stab each other?”
Rena made a light correction and reached out to the promenade. Lynn smiled weakly and tried to follow her, but just before he reached her, he suddenly stopped.
When Rena looked at him curiously, Lynn thought to himself and said seriously.
“I have one more condition.”
“What is this?”
“Don’t like me too much.”
Rena’s eyes widened at the sudden condition.
Rena stared at Lynn and slowly moved her gaze around. Then she asked very carefully.
“Shall I look somewhere else for a second? You seem very embarrassed right now.”
Lynn put his hands on his forehead and nodded hard. His face was blushing red enough to be able to be seen in the dark.
Rena shifted her gaze to the distant sky for the demure young man, while Lynn covered his face with his hands and became more ashamed.
He said it out of nowhere. He had been quite surprised when Rena first said that she liked him, so he said it the same way without realizing it. Without any context, and without a proper explanation.
“It’s okay, it was a novel experience.”
Rena said while looking away. That made Lynn even more in pain.
Rena swallowed a laugh as she heard him sobbing.
“By the way, what should I do? I already like Mr. Lynn quite a lot.”
“…It’s okay if you ‘like’ a lot.”
“Then what would be wrong?”
“Se…”
“Se?”
“…Love feelings.”
Lynn said in a choked voice. He seemed to be trying to say something else, but Rena thought he’d cry if she dared to ask, so she pretended not to know.
[For your info, Lynn was about to say ‘sexual feelings’ which is ‘성적 감정’, but stopped at the last second and changed it to ‘love feelings’ which is ‘연애 감정’. What a cute boy XD]
Meanwhile, Lynn managed to calm his ashamed heart and spoke again in a calm voice.
“If you ever feel love… Please tell me.”
It was still ridiculous, but Lynn’s voice was serious. He was being sincere.
So Rena blinked in wonder.
‘Is he afraid that I’ll hang onto him? I don’t think he has a princely disease. Could it be that he has hidden wives and children?’
[princely disease: as in acting snob like a prince. Thinking oneself is a great and popular person.]
She thought about saying these, but in the end, Rena didn’t ask anymore.
“It’s fine. I don’t really have any intention of dating either.”
Instead, she said in the same seriousness.
“It’s burdensome to be exclusive to each other. It is enough to be someone’s dancing partner for a while.”
Rena’s voice was light, but not so light that it felt it would crumble at any moment.
Lynn instinctively realized what emotions were in Rena’s voice. But Rena immediately brightened her voice, giving him no room to engage.
“Lynn, are you good at dancing?”
“No…”
“Good for you. After all, I’m going to play my partner’s share as well.”
Rena said something incomprehensible and smiled cheerfully. Then she plucked a flower from the garden, and kissed the petal.
“So don’t worry and have fun. While time permits.”
Rena said so while holding out the blooming flowers in early spring innocently.
Lynn hesitated and took the flower, and Rena finally smiled brightly at the person who accepted her.
