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Episode 74

If Cael felt like a god of darkness, Leonid was the opposite—like a god of light.

Their sharp, cold expressions contrasted with warm, gentle ones.

Of course, I'd come to realize that both were cold to the bone on the inside.

Regardless, whenever they stood side by side, their looks, outward behavior, attire—everything—was always starkly different. Even if you tried not to, your eyes would be drawn to them.

They were like two living paintings, each with their own distinct aura.

"This way."

Following Leonid's gentle lead, we arrived at a round dining table.

A crimson rose sat at the center of the white tablecloth.

Mana stone lights on either side, along with the surrounding illumination, created a beautiful atmosphere.

It felt like... a date?

"Haha."

Realizing how absurd that thought was, I laughed at myself.

At my sudden laughter, Leonid, who had been guiding me, turned his head.

"...?"

"Oh, no. Nothing."

I raised a hand to wave it off and gave an awkward excuse.

"Sit."

"Thank you."

He pulled out my chair, and I sat. He took the seat across from me.

"I heard you don't eat much for dinner, so I asked them to prepare mainly the things you like."

"Wow... I'll enjoy it."

Even though I didn't need to act like Jamila, I kept my transformation on just in case and expressed my admiration.

He'd sent someone to the mansion to inquire, and then gone to all this trouble.

Excited, I happily began my meal.

Leonid, watching me eat, also started slowly.

After we'd focused on the meal for a while and dessert arrived, just as we were finishing, Leonid spoke first.

"I'll spread word of today's events through a few maids and nobles. By tomorrow's banquet, it should have circulated somewhat. Just so you know."

"Ah! Understood."

After hearing that, I understood why he'd set up such a lavish scene.

I almost thought he was interested in me—I'll have to be more careful from now on.

"Do you have a plan for tomorrow?"

At Leonid's question, I thought carefully.

The banquet was said to last three days.

On the first day, before the evening, there would be the investiture ceremony for knights and nobles, and from that evening, the social debut banquet for the young noble ladies would begin.

"Hmm, but am I really allowed to attend?"

Since I didn't fully understand the rules of high society, I asked out of genuine concern.

"Actually, I want to provoke that Grand Duchess, but I don't want to get in the way of the other young ladies. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for them."

"That's true. Then how about entering after the debut ceremony ends? The first dance should be with that Grand Duchess... hmm, I think it would be a good way to provoke Godwin and his daughter."

"That makes sense. Then I'll wait on the side and enter at the right moment."

"Good. If you sense any danger, come straight to me."

"Yes."

"And be careful of the Grand Duchess—it's still early."

Leonid's eyes flashed as he gave the warning.

Through Oren's investigation, I'd learned roughly what kind of person Godwin was, and that Isabelle was far from pleasant.

In short, she was the queen-bee type, a scheming villainess who manipulated others to eliminate inconvenient obstacles without dirtying her own hands.

Even with the king's favor, this was still the first round—and because of class differences, even speaking to her could be a major issue.

So I responded to Leonid's warning as if it were a serious matter.

"Of course. I have no intention of getting close to her yet. Do you want me to go there and die? I'll just show off from a distance."

Yes—there are plenty of ways to draw attention without getting close.

I smirked confidently. Leonid tilted his head in curiosity.

"Show off?"

"Like flaunting your lover to a rival. 'Look, I've got the man you're interested in—all to myself.'"

I gestured broadly, striking a boastful pose as if I were in a play.

"Pfft!"

Leonid, who had been listening, covered his mouth with the back of his hand and barely managed to stop himself from spitting out his wine.

"Ahem. Is that so?"

"That's right. So please follow my lead carefully."

"I... I'll try to keep up."

Seeing Leonid wipe his lips with a napkin and clear his throat, I chuckled.

"Let's show them some sweet affection. Actually, for Jamila, more adult-like physical affection would be better, don't you think?"

My eyes sparkled as I pictured various poses.

Having lived in an age overflowing with information, countless ideas swirled in my head—model-like lover poses, or the more risqué couple scenes I'd seen in dramas.

Of course, the image of sitting on Cael's lap flashed through my mind, and I had to shake it off violently.

Leonid looked slightly flustered at my words, then cautiously asked, as if curious.

"Sweet affection? Adult-like physical affection?"

"Ah, sweet affection is like light touching and playful gestures. Adult-like affection is... hmm, more intense than the usual couple touches—the kind of actions that carry deeper meaning?"

"......"

"You know what I mean? When lovers hold hands, there's a difference between just clasping hands and interlocking fingers. I've heard that interlocking fingers can send a more intimate signal... huh?"

I stopped mid-sentence, my own hands interlaced on the table as I'd been explaining enthusiastically.

Leonid, across from me, was covering his mouth with one hand, letting out a small sound as if holding something back.

I watched him closely.

It didn't look like he was holding back laughter. I wondered if my words had embarrassed him.

I tilted my head, looking at my interlocked fingers.

Maybe interlocking fingers and subtly stroking the palm was crossing the line?

Wait, is that really that suggestive?

Worried I'd overstepped, I cautiously lowered my hands.

Even when my hands were under the table, Leonid remained still, without any change.

Feeling awkward, I spoke up.

"Well, um... that's the gist of it."

"Hmm... I see."

"...I'm sorry?"

As I apologized again, Leonid, who had been covering half his face with his hand, lowered it and looked up at me.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he gave me a bright smile.

"No, I'll keep that in mind. It's a good idea."

"Ah, yes."

"I'll try to match your... adult-like actions. It'll be more effective if I respond rather than you doing it alone—it'll shock the nobles more."

"That's even better. It'll show that we're both smitten with each other."

"You really are..."

He looked at me intently, as if weighing his words, but then rose and walked over to me.

"I should be getting up now. Time flew by while I was focusing on our conversation."

"Ah, yes."

At his consideration, I took his hand and stood up.

He led me along the same path as before.

As we descended the steps, we walked and chatted together.

When we reached my door, Leonid smiled pleasantly at me.

"Sweet dreams."

"You too, Lord Leonid."

Swish—

"?"

He took my hand and lifted it.

Smack—

"!"

His lips briefly touched the back of my bare hand.

Startled, I almost gasped, but I forced myself to remain calm.

Since entering from the garden, there had been guards and maids waiting near the entrance—half of whom I didn't recognize.

They were probably the ones Leonid mentioned, placed there to spread rumors.

"Your Majesty."

I stepped closer and linked my arm through his.

At my action, I heard the maids behind me gasp and whisper in surprise.

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