Chapter 14

After Grandfather spoke with the Tostman Viscount family, it is said that a more polite letter of apology from the Tostman Viscount arrived at Father's place.

Thinking that things would finally calm down – it was only for two days.

"Alicia, it's been a while."

In front of me at the counter of the library where I work, Felix Tostman was grinning. This is the Royal Library, a place where anyone, regardless of noble or commoner status, can enjoy books. So it's not strange for Master Felix to be here...

"It's been a while, Master Tostman."

I bowed my head from inside the counter. Stay calm, stay calm.

"You're so formal. I wish you would call me Felix like before."

"That would be inappropriate and disrespectful."

My forced smile must be quite stiff.

Wendy, who works at the counter with me, looks worried as she glances over.

"I see... Alicia, can I talk to you for a bit?"

Not really.

But he won't back down now.

Looking at my watch, it was almost lunchtime. A bit early, but I'll take a break.

"Wendy, can you take your break early? I'll be back soon."

"Of course."

Wendy sends me off with a smile, whispering, "Be careful." I nod slightly, put on the large shawl I had draped over the back of my chair, and step out from behind the counter.

Master Felix opens the front door for me.

Come to think of it, how long has it been since someone has been so considerate? Usually, I just follow after Master Felix, and he never holds the door for me.

But now, he opens the door and gestures for me to go first, with a beautiful smile.

That's right, it's been a while since I've been smiled at like this.

But even this smile and this consideration seem to have ulterior motives, which makes me feel uneasy.

The back of the library is a small square.

There's a fountain in the center, but it feels desolate now because the water is turned off for the winter.

There are four two-seater benches surrounding the fountain.

People are enjoying their lunch, napping with a cat on their lap, and spending peaceful moments there.

Master Felix and I decided to talk by a tree that has lost its leaves. Sunlight filters through the branches, illuminating the remaining water droplets on the twigs. Even though it's warmer than usual today, it's still winter. To protect myself from the occasional cold wind, I tightly fastened my shawl.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"Um... I wanted to apologize. For hurting you."

"I've already received your apology."

"But I wanted to apologize directly, from my own mouth."

It felt like I was seeing the Felix from when we first met.

His gentle manner of speaking and kind smile. Back then, I thought we could be a happy couple.

"I accepted your apology. You don't need to worry about it anymore."

"Thank you... You've always been there to support me and keep me calm."

Master Felix takes my hand, which is gripping the shawl. The shawl opens, and the cold winter wind rushes in, making me very cold.

"Thank you for supporting me and being there for me. I realized that you are the one I truly need. Please, can we start over?"

"I'm sorry."

My response was surprisingly quick.

Master Felix seems surprised too, his blue eyes wide. But he doesn't seem upset, and he starts to chuckle.

"You're quick. I understand that I've lost your trust. But I want to make it up to you. I won't hurt you again. I've realized that I love you."

"...What about Kiera Fritsché?"

"I've broken up with her."

True love?

Either he doesn't notice or doesn't care about my skeptical look. Master Felix lets out a dramatic sigh, his expression full of sorrow, like a stage actor.

"She... only cared about my face and my wealth. She always asked for expensive gifts, and if I refused, she would pout and sulk. 'Master Felix doesn't love me. If you loved me, you would buy this for me,' she would say... I guess any man who could satisfy her material desires would do."

No, no, are you the one to say that?

It seems my heart is quite bitter, thinking that you just want a connection with the Bloom Trading Company.

"Even if I said I would cut ties with the Bloom Trading Company, would you still propose?"

"Of course. But I think it's important to value family."

Your true feelings are showing.

"I believe we can be a supportive couple. I'm truly sorry for hurting you. Alicia, I won't make you sad again. You are my only one."

His passionate words and heated gaze.

But still – my heart didn't move.

"I'm sorry. I think there was no fate between me and Master Tostman. Please consider me as if I don't exist and marry a noble lady. I sincerely wish for Master Tostman's happiness."

"Are you still sulking because I looked down on commoners? That was something I said under Kiera's influence. Your family is not just a commoner, they are different."

"No, there is no difference. The world we live in is different."

"...Alicia, stop sulking. I've already apologized for that, haven't I?"

"Yes, I accepted your apology. But I couldn't help but think it was true. Excuse me–"

I try to bow and leave, but Master Felix doesn't let go. In fact, he pulls me closer, making me stumble.

"...Let go of me."

"If you say you'll marry me, I will."

"I can't. It's attracting attention, please stop this."

"Why can't you understand? I love you so much."

Master Felix's eyes are intense.

The calm expression from earlier is gone, replaced by the familiar look of disdain. But he probably doesn't realize it.

"Miss Bloom."

A sudden voice makes Master Felix release my hand in a panic. I take a few steps back to create some distance.

Turning to the source of the voice, I see Captain Radine, the head of the knight's order. He is dressed in his knight's uniform, with a white shoulder mantle that signifies his rank. A small scar is visible under his brown eyes, but it doesn't mar his handsome face. The captain smiles gently, tucking his golden hair behind his ear as it is blown by the cold wind.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, um..."

I can only nod in response to his gentle question. But what should I say?

While I'm thinking, the captain steps between Master Felix and me.

"Sir Felix, it's not appropriate to grab a young lady's hand."

"..."

"Sir, if you are seen with Miss Bloom, there will be gossip. Be careful."

"..."

Master Felix, who has been reprimanded by Captain Radine, a member of a marquis family, leaves the scene with a sour expression. I let out a big sigh, realizing I had been holding my breath.

"Thank you. I really appreciate your help."

"No, no, it's nothing. I was asked by Miss Wendy to check on you when I came to borrow a book. If you want to thank someone, thank her."

"Oh, Wendy. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused..."

"It's nothing, really."

The captain winks and whistles as he leaves the scene.

Grateful for Wendy's concern, I decide to return to the library. I put my shawl back on, but my body is already cold, and I shiver.

After lunch, I'll have that lemon candy.

It seems like something troublesome is about to happen, and I sigh.

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